Active H-shifters: where we've been and where we are going

[Emery]

First up is Frex H-shifter with SimSynchro. It is a hardware-only solution developed circa 2010 or earlier that requires pressing the clutch to shift via a cable, therefore only suitable for simulating synchromesh transmissions. Price is acceptable, likely no more than $400 after import duties from Japan. There are some reliability problems as noted in this video.

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If you're a flightsim plus simracer and only want one thing attached to your simrig, then the Moza AB9 active joystick is probably a good deal. 12 nM motor provides FFB and they have software to turn it into a shifter. Works as an H-shifter and a sequential shifter. $588 minimum, more if you get flight simulator handles. In theory could lock out the gears if you're not pressing the clutch, but that's not in the software at the time of review. Has a mushy feel (if you can turn a 12 nM steering wheel, then you can push through any resistance this joystick provides), especially as your chosen shift pattern adds more gates. 5.5kg plus shifter shaft. At least 328mm high. 1 year warranty (in the USA).

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The Pro Sim H-shifter came out circa 2015. There was supposed to be a hydraulic upgrade that would make it lock out gears if you mis-shifted, however they never released that add-on. About $1,500. Generally a noisy unit. 254mm height, 2.07kg. 5 year warranty. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NyaFot16chU [curses... YouTube shorts can't be embedded!]

The Pro Sim H-shifter set the world on fire 8 years ago as we all lusted for it's capabilities and robust construction.

[had to break this into two posts due to limit on amount of embedded media is limited to 5]

 

[Emery]

A few years ago, a young man named Lebois figured he could 3d print the parts to make an H-shifter and it kept evolving into the Lebois SRT V10 model which includes gear lockout if you don't press the clutch (again, only suitable for simulating synchromesh, not dogbox). It's only offered as a DIY kit (or you can download the files & print your own) for a reasonably modest price ($300-400). There's a review video included at this link: https://lebois-racing.com/srt-gearbox-v10-documentation/
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The MVH Bash Pro active shifter started as a DIY project in 2020 (or earlier)

Was released onto the market in 2023 for $1479 in small production batches of 50 as I recall. Offers programmable shift patterns & lockout delays via SimHub, providing dogbox, synchromesh, and sequential modes. One year warranty for international customers. Is moderately noisy in operation, kind of tinny sounding. 2.3kg, 232mm high.

The Bash Pro is out of production and will be replaced by the better looking Bash HSX for $1194, presumably having the same features as the Bash Pro, but no details are available as of October 28, 2025. https://mvhstudios.co.uk/collections/accessories/products/bash-hsx
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And now we've got the the active shifter version of the BDH shifter (the famous bazooka) coming in March 2026, with the latest prototype having been shown at the Dortmund simracing expo. Design work has been ongoing since early 2024. Moderately noisy, has a click/snick sound. 4.0kg (maybe more for this version?), 275mm high when flat-mounted, 235mm high when side-mounted. Lifetime warranty.

Programming for synchromesh appears complete, BDH is now working on the dogbox programming, and the sequential shift feature ran into a snag of potentially breaking expensive parts so might not make it into the first release (or ever, but BDH will keep trying). BDH makes small production runs, but batches are as large as 250. Yes, they plan to offer upgrades to existing BDH shifters. Spendy, at 1700 pounds sterling for the preorder (works out to at least $2400 plus tariff here in the USA) and 1850 pounds afterwards, but there are several features I appreciate: the gear pattern is fully selectable on the shifter, there is a tension adjuster knob, and it has a lifetime warranty!

 

[Emery]

Another review of the Moza AB9 that demonstrates why you probably won't like it for simracing.