BDH Active Force Feedback H-Pattern & Sequential Shifter

Regular price
$3,859.00
Regular price
Sale price
$3,859.00
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Vendor : BDH

Product Type : Force Feedback H-Pattern & Sequential Shifter

Sku : AC-1-BLK

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BDH · Active · Servo Force Feedback Shifter

BDH Active Force Feedback H-Pattern & Sequential Shifter
The gearbox pushes back, because the car told it to.

Every other shifter feels the same on every lap of every car. The Active does not. A high-torque servo sits inside the same billet aluminium chassis as the BDH H1 "Bazooka" and reads live telemetry from SimHub, turning it into gate weight, engine vibration, torque retention and gear grind. Shift without the clutch and the lever fights you. Load the drivetrain and it holds firm. None of it is a canned effect: it is the sim's own physics arriving in your right hand. Underneath, it is still a mechanical shifter, which is the point. Hand-built to order in the UK and supplied in Australia by Player1 Sim Gear, an authorised BDH reseller.

BDH Active force feedback shifter, full side view with the servo housing, control module and mounting base
Servodriven resistance
SimHubnative telemetry
4-6speed gate layouts
OLEDonboard control
BilletH1 chassis
2 yearwarranty

Built to order

Each Active is individually built, tuned and programmed during production

The Active is not assembled from a shelf of finished parts. Every unit is built, mechanically tuned and programmed as an individual during production, which is why there is a build queue rather than a dispatch time. Call us on 0488 385 870 before you order and we will confirm the current lead time for your address. Australian GST is included in the price you see, and warranty is handled here in Queensland.

Five things a servo does that a spring cannot.

Resistance that tracks the drivetrain

The servo does not just resist movement, it responds to what the drivetrain is doing. Under hard acceleration the lever holds firm, replicating torque retention, then releases as the load comes off. That is a thing no mechanical shifter can do at all.

Gear grind and kickback

Miss the clutch and you feel it. The Active reproduces the vibration and kickback of a botched change through the lever itself, which turns a mistake you would otherwise only hear into one your hand learns not to repeat.

Clutch lock-out

Clutch engagement modulates the resistance, and the gate can lock against you when the car says a change should not be possible. It is dynamic gate locking, and it prevents the mis-shifts that a passive gate happily lets you make under load.

Native SimHub, no plugin chain

The Active reads SimHub telemetry directly, without third-party plugins or middleware to keep updated. Engine RPM becomes haptic vibration, drivetrain load becomes gate retention, and it all arrives with no perceptible latency.

Reconfigure mid-session

An onboard OLED screen and rotary encoder let you change gate pattern, haptic intensity and feedback levels without leaving the car. Go from a six-speed GT layout to a four-speed touring car in seconds, at the shifter, not in a menu.

Still a mechanical shifter underneath

This is the part people miss. The Active is built on the H1 "Bazooka" chassis and its fundamental shift mechanism is mechanical. The servo enhances the feel with drivetrain and engine feedback, it does not replace the metal-on-metal engagement BDH are known for.

How telemetry becomes something you can feel.

BDH Active shifter close-up of the finned high-torque servo housing that drives the force feedback

The servo

A high-torque motor, doing more than resisting

The finned housing at the end of the unit holds a high-torque servo with a zero-latency response. It is not there to add weight to the throw; it is there to change what the throw does from moment to moment. Under acceleration it holds the lever, replicating the torque a loaded gearbox puts through a selector. On a missed clutch it delivers grind and kickback. As load comes off it lets go. The intensity is adjustable, so a vintage touring car and a modern GT do not have to feel the same.

  • Servo-driven resistance replicating real drivetrain loading
  • Dynamic gate locking that prevents mis-shifts under load
  • Adjustable haptic intensity per vehicle type

SimHub integration

The sim drives the feel, not a preset

This is the distinction that matters. Canned effects play a recorded sensation when a trigger fires. The Active reads live telemetry from SimHub and derives the sensation from the data, so engine RPM becomes haptic vibration, clutch engagement modulates resistance, and changing drivetrain load changes gate retention continuously rather than in steps. The integration is native, with no plugins or middleware in between, and once connected it configures automatically for supported titles. SimHub is required for the full feature set to work.

  • Native SimHub telemetry, no third-party plugin chain
  • Engine RPM to haptic vibration, continuously
  • Automatic configuration for supported games
BDH Active shifter on a sim rig under green and magenta studio lighting
BDH Active shifter onboard OLED screen and rotary encoder used to change gate and feedback settings mid-session

Onboard control

Configure everything without leaving the car

The control module on top of the unit carries an OLED screen and a rotary encoder, and it is genuinely useful rather than a novelty. Gate patterns, haptic intensity and feedback levels are all reachable at the shifter, mid-session. Switch from a six-speed GT layout to a four-speed touring car configuration in seconds, or calibrate the clutch bite point for heel-and-toe, without alt-tabbing out of the sim to a settings window.

  • Integrated rotary encoder and OLED display
  • 4-speed to 6-speed gate layouts, switchable in seconds
  • Clutch bite point calibration for heel-and-toe work

The chassis

The H1 "Bazooka" foundation, now with intelligence

The Active did not start from a blank sheet. It is built on the same mechanical foundation as the BDH H1 "Bazooka", the shifter that made BDH's name, and it inherits that machined billet aluminium chassis, its tolerances and its structural decisions intact. The servo-driven intelligence was fused into that chassis rather than bolted onto a new one, so nothing was given up on rigidity or durability to make room for it. Proven engineering first, active feedback second.

  • Aerospace-grade billet aluminium with an anodised finish
  • Shared mechanical DNA with the H1 Bazooka
  • Orientation-switchable for left or right-hand mounting
BDH Active shifter three-quarter view showing the ACTIVE branded end cap and shift lever

About BDH Race Sim Hardware

A small UK builder that makes shifters and nothing else.

BDH Race Sim Hardware design and manufacture in the United Kingdom, and their entire catalogue is gear shifters. No wheelbases, no pedals, no rigs to divide the engineering effort, which is how a company this size ends up building the first genuinely telemetry-driven shifter in sim racing. Their hardware is used by Motorsport UK for driver development, and by sim centres and rally schools. Player1 Sim Gear is listed by BDH as an authorised reseller for Australia.

Made in the UK

Machined, assembled, tuned and individually programmed in Britain, with each Active built as a one-off during production.

Shifters only

One product category, five years of iteration, and mechanisms that do not exist anywhere else in sim racing.

Supported locally

Bought from Player1 Sim Gear in Queensland, with Australian GST included and warranty handled here.

What you need to run it

Requirement BDH Active
Platform PC (Windows). Not a console device.
SimHub Required for the force feedback features to work
Connection USB to your PC
Drivers Plug and play once connected, with automatic configuration for supported games
Wheel base brand Independent of your base. Works alongside Simagic, MOZA, Fanatec, Simucube, Asetek, Cammus and any other
Sim titles Any title SimHub supports telemetry for, including iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Competizione, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, RaceRoom, Le Mans Ultimate and the EA WRC and Dirt titles
Clutch pedal Recommended. Clutch lock-out and bite point calibration are built around having one
Rig type Aluminium profile rigs, via the BDH mounting plate. Wheel stands and desks need a shifter mount
Upgrade path No upgrade path from an existing BDH shifter. The Active uses a new internal mechanism and control system

SimHub is free, widely used sim racing telemetry software and many owners already run it for dashboards or bass shakers. If you do not run SimHub and do not intend to, the force feedback features are the entire reason to buy an Active, and one of the mechanical BDH shifters will serve you better. Call us and we will talk it through honestly.

BDH Active, in full

Essentials
Product typeServo force feedback shifter
Shifting modesH-pattern and sequential
Gate layoutsConfigurable, 4-speed to 6-speed
ChassisBDH H1 "Bazooka" billet aluminium platform
Force feedback
ActuatorHigh-torque servo motor, zero-latency response
EffectsGear grind, kickback, clutch lock-out, torque retention
Gate lockingDynamic, prevents mis-shifts under load
IntensityAdjustable haptic feedback per vehicle type
Telemetry sourceNative SimHub integration, no third-party plugins
Onboard control
DisplayIntegrated OLED screen
InputRotary encoder interface
In-session adjustmentGate pattern, haptic intensity, feedback levels, clutch bite point
Materials and construction
Chassis materialAerospace-grade billet aluminium
FinishAnodised
Base mechanismMechanical, inherited from the H1 platform
Connectivity and mounting
PlatformPC (Windows)
ConnectionUSB
SoftwareSimHub required for full functionality
OrientationSwitchable for left or right-hand mounting
Plate systemBDH standard mounting plate, shared across the range
Warranty and support
Warranty2 years
After warrantyBDH return-for-repair support
SupportHandled in Queensland by Player1 Sim Gear

What arrives

  • BDH Active force feedback shifter, fully assembled
  • Gear knob, fitted
  • Onboard OLED control module with rotary encoder
  • BDH standard mounting plate
  • USB cable
  • Mounting hardware for aluminium profile
  • Setup guide covering SimHub configuration

Which BDH shifter is right for you?

Model H-pattern Sequential Force feedback Best for
BDH H1 Classic mechanical H-pattern with solid detents, for drivers who only shift H
BDH H2SQ Both modes in one unit, dual-rail, smoother and more refined. Sprint-style sequential
BDH S1 Rally-focused sequential with a longer shaft and a hard, high-impact inertial kick
BDH Active (this one) Servo-driven feedback from live SimHub telemetry: gear grind, clutch lock-out, torque retention

All four use the same mounting plate design and can be top-, side- or reverse-mounted, so a mount bought for one BDH shifter carries over to another. Note that the Active is the only one requiring software: the other three are purely mechanical. See the whole range on our BDH shifters page.

Frequently asked questions

The Active specifically

What is the BDH Active Shifter?
It is BDH's force feedback shifter: a mechanical shifter built on the H1 "Bazooka" chassis with a high-torque servo added, driven by live telemetry from SimHub. Where a conventional shifter has one fixed feel, the Active changes its resistance, vibration and gate behaviour according to what your car is actually doing. BDH specify it for both H-pattern and sequential operation.
What does the force feedback actually do?
Four things you can feel distinctly. Torque retention: under hard acceleration the lever holds firm the way a loaded selector does. Gear grind and kickback: miss the clutch and you get the vibration and the shove back through the lever. Clutch lock-out: clutch engagement modulates the resistance and the gate can lock when a change should not be possible. Engine vibration: RPM is translated into haptic feedback continuously. All of it is derived from telemetry rather than played back from a recording.
Is this just canned effects, like a rumble motor?
No, and it is the difference worth understanding. Canned effects play a stored sensation when a trigger fires, so they feel the same every time regardless of context. The Active derives its output from live telemetry, so drivetrain load changes gate retention continuously and engine RPM maps to vibration in real time. Two shifts in different cars at different loads genuinely feel different.
Does the servo replace the mechanical shift action?
No, and BDH are emphatic about this. The Active is first and foremost a mechanical shifter. It uses active motors to enhance the feel, but the fundamental shift mechanism remains mechanical, exactly like the rest of the range. The active system adds engine and gearbox feedback on top of the metal-on-metal engagement rather than replacing it.
Do I need SimHub, and is it plug and play?
SimHub is required for full functionality: it is the telemetry source the whole feature set is built on. Once SimHub is running, the Active operates as a plug-and-play device with automatic configuration for supported games, so there is no plugin chain or middleware to maintain. SimHub is free and very widely used in sim racing, and many owners already run it for dashboards or bass shakers. If you have no intention of running SimHub, one of BDH's mechanical shifters is the better buy.
Can I change the gate pattern without leaving the sim?
Yes, and this is one of the nicest things about it in practice. The integrated rotary encoder and OLED screen let you adjust gate patterns, haptic intensity and feedback levels mid-session, so you can go from a six-speed GT layout to a four-speed touring car configuration in seconds and calibrate the clutch bite point for heel-and-toe, all without alt-tabbing to a settings window.
Can I upgrade my existing BDH shifter to an Active?
No. There is no upgrade path from any existing BDH model. The Active uses a completely new internal mechanism and control system, and each unit is individually built, tuned and programmed during production, so it is not something that can be retrofitted to an H1, H2SQ or S1.
How does the Active compare to the H1 and H2SQ in H-pattern feel?
The H1 gives you a classic mechanical H-pattern with solid, unchanging detents. The H2SQ is smoother and more refined thanks to its dual-rail architecture. The Active uses active resistance technology to simulate real gearbox feedback, which makes it the most lifelike of the three, because the feel changes with the car and the load instead of staying constant. All three share the same underlying mechanical philosophy.

Setup and compatibility

Does it work on PlayStation or Xbox?
No. The Active is a PC device and it depends on SimHub, which is Windows software. Consoles only accept licensed peripherals and BDH shifters are not console licensed, so it will not work on a PlayStation or Xbox, including through an adapter.
Will it work with my Simagic, MOZA, Fanatec or Simucube wheel base?
Yes, with any of them. The Active connects to your PC directly rather than to the wheel base, so it is entirely independent of what brand your base, wheel or pedals are. SimHub reads telemetry from the game, not from your wheel base, so the brand of your other hardware makes no difference to how the Active behaves.
Which sims does it work with?
Any title SimHub can read telemetry from, which covers essentially all the major PC sims: iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, RaceRoom, Le Mans Ultimate, and the EA Sports WRC and Dirt titles. Titles SimHub does not support telemetry for will still see the shifter as a controller for gear inputs, but without the active feedback.
Do I need a clutch pedal?
Strongly recommended. Clutch lock-out and the clutch bite point calibration are built around having a clutch, and gear grind on a missed clutch is one of the Active's signature effects, so without one you are leaving a large part of what you paid for on the table. Any three-pedal set works, since the shifter is read separately. See our sim racing pedals range.
How do I mount it, and can I have it on the left?
It uses BDH's standard mounting plate, the same one across the range, and clamps to aluminium profile rigs without third-party brackets. The unit is orientation-switchable for left or right-hand mounting, so either side of the seat works. On a wheel stand or a desk you will need a mount arm from our shifter and handbrake mounts range.
Are the BDH mounting plates the same across the range?
Yes. All BDH shifters use the same mounting plate design, so if you already run an H1, H2SQ or S1 and add an Active, the mount carries straight over. Each can be side-, top- or reverse-mounted to suit your rig layout.

Buying, delivery and warranty

How long will my Active take to arrive?
Each Active is individually built, tuned and programmed during production, so delivery depends on BDH's build scheduling at the time you order rather than on stock. Call us on 0488 385 870 before ordering and we will give you the current estimate for your address rather than a generic figure.
What warranty does the Active have?
The Active carries a 2-year warranty. That is shorter than the lifetime cover on BDH's purely mechanical shifters, which reflects the servo and control electronics inside it. After the warranty period BDH continue to offer support under their return-for-repair policy. Because you bought through Player1 Sim Gear, claims are handled by us here in Queensland, and your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply on top of the manufacturer's warranty.
Is the price in Australian dollars and does it include GST?
Yes. Every price on our site is in Australian dollars with GST included, and there is nothing further to pay on delivery. On a purchase at this level, buying locally rather than importing direct from the UK matters: no separate import duty, no GST collected at the border and no customs brokerage fee for you to sort out yourself.
Is Player1 Sim Gear an authorised BDH seller?
Yes. Player1 Sim Gear is listed by BDH Race Sim Hardware as an authorised reseller for Australia. You are buying genuine, current-specification hardware with local support and local warranty handling, not a grey import.
If I send it back for repair later, do I pay tax twice?
You should not. BDH handle returns under the return-for-repair customs classification, which exists so VAT or import tax is not paid a second time on an international repair. The unit must be declared correctly as a return for repair when it is posted, and your local courier or customs service may still charge a small handling fee. Talk to us first and we will coordinate it so it is declared properly.
Should I buy the Active or spend less on an H2SQ?
Be honest with yourself about SimHub. If you already run it, or you are the kind of person who will, the Active gives you something no other shifter does: feedback that changes with the car. If you do not run SimHub and will not start, the H2SQ gives you both H-pattern and sequential in a purely mechanical unit with a lifetime warranty, for considerably less. We would rather sell you the right one, so call us on 0488 385 870.

What pairs well with the Active

Talk to us before you spend this much.

The Active is the most expensive shifter we sell and it is not right for everyone. Tell us what you drive and whether you run SimHub, and we will tell you honestly whether it is worth it over an H2SQ.

Call 0488 385 870

Send us a message

Questions about fitment, lead time or which BDH shifter suits your rig? Send us a note and we will get back to you.

Thanks, your message is on its way. We will be in touch shortly.

Australia-Wide Shipping

We ship all over Australia and want you to get your new gear as fast as possible, so we always aim to ship on the same day we receive your order, using the fastest and most reliable couriers in Australia. Of course, it may not always be possible to process your order on the same day, so please allow 1-2 business days for processing. If we encounter any delays we will let you know via email.

To  maximise efficiency, Player1 Sim Gear ships all products in their original packaging straight from our warehouses or directly from our suppliers and manufacturers. Orders may be shipped in part or in full, and different courier companies may be used for different parts of your order. Please allow 2-8 business days for delivery.  Please advise your phone number at checkout so we can get in touch with you if there is any problem. If you should receive a product that has been damaged while in transit please contact us immediately.

Please make sure someone will be available to receive your order, otherwise, your package may be diverted to your local post office or to your local shipping depot. We recommend all deliveries are sent to a business address to avoid any re-delivery charges.  Note: Player1 Sim Gear will only ship to confirmed addresses, we cannot ship to PO Boxes sorry.

There may be times when the product you have ordered turns out to be out-of-stock with us or our suppliers. We will contact you to arrange a refund or alternate product if an item you have ordered is out-of-stock or unavailable for immediate shipment. You may cancel your order at any time prior to shipping.

International Orders: Apologies at the moment we don't ship internationally as standard. However if you outside Australia and there is something you'd like to purchase please do message us at sales@p1simgear.com.au, we will be happy to see what we can do.

Note re Larger cockpits and remote locations:  We do our very best to ensure accurate shipping rates, however for larger cockpits and heavier items, rarely our shipping pricing may not be correct. In the event that the actual shipping costs for a large item should be exceed those quoted in your order, we will call you to discuss before we dispatch. You will have the option then to amend or cancel your order at no cost.

Returns Policy

We hope we can provide as much information and guidance as possible about each item so that you will love whatever you buy. We do understand though that the unforeseen happens. So in the unlikely event you wish to raise a return, please contact us and we shall discuss options and how we will proceed with the return request.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.  You may return your item(s) for an exchange/refund, so long as it is in the same condition that you received it, unopened, with tags and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To request a return, you must first send an email to support@p1simgear.com.au with your Order number as the email subject and Reason for Return in the email body/message. We will reply to your email with your relevant return information. We will not accept any returned items if we have not had an email from you requesting a return, so you must request a return first, before sending anything back. 

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.

All returns are subject to the following conditions:
  • You, the buyer, are are fully responsible for paying all charges necessary to return the item to us. A restocking fee of up to 20% of the returned product's value may apply.

  • Items must be returned sealed and unused in their original packaging and in a fully resalable condition. All items are supplied to you, the customer, in brand new condition unless explicitly stated otherwise in the product title. For such items supplied in Brand New condition, if any seals have been broken, the item cannot subsequently be sold as new after the return, therefore the return will be declined or a restocking fee will be levied and partial refund given.

  • If the item is deemed DOA or faulty once opened, we shall troubleshoot and assess the nature of the fault and repair the item or replace like-for-like, should the fault be deemed a legitimate fault.

  • Items returned that are not in their original condition may not be accepted, and the refund request declined.

  • Returned items must be complete with all packaging in good condition, ready for immediate resale. All components and items within packaging (e.g. polystyrene/bubble wrap) must be returned also. We reserve the right to levy a charge to replace product packaging which is damaged  / defaced / missing.

  • We cannot accept responsibility for returned parcels which are undelivered back to us (e.g. lost by the courier, delivered to incorrect address) or damaged in transit back to us. We strongly advise you send returned items using an insured & tracked service. Furthermore, we also strongly advise you to obtain and retain your proof of postage, as you may require it should you decide to make a claim against your carrier should they damage or lose your item whilst returning it to us.

For items which require assembly, we are not responsible for any charges (labour or otherwise) incurred during fitment/removal of allegedly faulty (or incorrectly supplied) parts.

Returns made outside of the 30-day return window, or with no valid reason, will be declined.

Pre-Order Cancellations
In the event a Pre-Order becomes unavailable or is cancelled by Player1 Sim Gear you, the buyer, are entitled to a full refund. In the event that you change your mind or choose to cancel your Pre-Order for any reason prior to shipment, cancellation fees may apply to offset any unrecoverable costs incurred by Player1 Sim Gear.

Warranty & Australian Support

Covered by BDH, handled locally in Australia

Buy from Player1 Sim Gear and you deal with us, not overseas

Every BDH shifter is backed by a BDH manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and build quality under normal use. Buying through Player1 Sim Gear means that warranty is handled right here in Australia from our Queensland base. If anything goes wrong, you talk to us and we sort it out, so you are never left arranging a claim with a supplier on the other side of the world.

Your purchase is also protected by the Australian Consumer Law, which provides statutory guarantee rights including repair, replacement or refund for a major failure. Beyond the standard warranty, BDH continues to offer repair support under their Return for Repair policy, and we will organise that with them on your behalf.

Mechanical shifters

Lifetime warranty

The H1, H2SQ, H1SQ and S1 mechanical shifters carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

BDH Active

2-year warranty

The Active adds a servo and electronics, so it carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty, then ongoing Return for Repair support.

Manuals & Downloads

Everything you need to get set up

Looking for something else? Browse the full BDH downloads page for the latest manuals and software.

Common questions

Warranty & support FAQ

How long is my BDH shifter covered for?

BDH's mechanical shifters, the H1, H2SQ, H1SQ and S1, carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. The Active, which adds a servo and electronics, carries a 2-year warranty. Both exclude normal wear and tear, accidental damage and misuse, and both are handled locally by us.

Who handles my warranty claim, and do I have to deal with the UK?

You deal with Player1 Sim Gear here in Australia. We handle your claim locally from our Queensland base and coordinate any repair with BDH for you, so you are never shipping things back and forth or negotiating with an overseas supplier yourself.

How do I log a support request?

The fastest way is to log a support ticket, which lets us track your request and keep everything in one place. You can also call us on 0488 385 870 or send us a message.

What does the warranty cover?

Manufacturing defects affecting materials, structural integrity and build quality under normal use. It does not cover normal wear and tear, cosmetic marks from use, accidental damage or modification. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law also apply on top of the manufacturer warranty.

What happens if it needs repair outside the warranty?

BDH continues to offer repair support under their Return for Repair policy, which is processed as a return for repair for customs so tax is not paid twice on the same unit. Contact us first and we will organise it with BDH rather than leaving you to arrange it yourself.

Where do I get the manual and software for my shifter?

Use the Manuals & Downloads list above to grab the product manual for your model. The Active also has a SimHub plugin to enable and configure its feedback; the mechanical shifters need no software. You can also browse the full BDH downloads page and instructional videos. If you get stuck, log a ticket and we will help.

Do I need to pay any import or customs charges on a warranty repair?

No. You are buying and dealing with an Australian retailer, so there is nothing to import at purchase. If a unit ever needs to go back for repair, it is handled under BDH's Return for Repair customs classification so tax is not charged twice, and we manage that process with you.