BDH S1 Dynamic Inertia Sequential Shifter

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$1,499.00
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$1,499.00
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Vendor : BDH

Product Type : Sequential Shifter

Sku : S1-1

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BDH · S1 · Dedicated Mechanical Sequential Shifter

BDH S1 Dynamic Inertia Sequential Shifter
A sequential that kicks back, because something inside it moves.

Nearly every sequential shifter on the market is a lever fighting a spring. The S1 is not. Inside its twin cylinders is a weighted assembly of ball bearings, compression springs and dampers that BDH call the Dynamic Inertia Mechanism, and it turns each pull into a genuine transfer of momentum. You get the inertial pulse of a real dog-box selector rather than a spring returning to rest. It is rally-tuned, with a long shaft and a hard, deliberate action, machined from billet aluminium and hand-built to order in the UK. Supplied in Australia by Player1 Sim Gear, an authorised BDH reseller.

BDH S1 sequential shifter, front view of the twin inertia cylinders and tall slotted shift arm
Inertianot spring tension
2-stageengagement
Billetaerospace aluminium
Tunablethumb wheel, no tools
Rallylong-shaft action
Lifetimewarranty

Built to order

Every S1 is hand-built in the UK, so lead times apply

BDH assemble and hand-tune each unit individually rather than pulling one off a shelf, which is why the inertia and engagement feel consistent from unit to unit. Call us before you order and we will confirm the current build queue and delivery estimate for your address. Australian GST is included in the price you see, and warranty claims are handled here in Queensland rather than sent back to the UK by you.

The first sequential where the physics do the work.

Dynamic Inertia Mechanism

A weighted cylindrical system translates lever motion into real momentum transfer. Ball bearings, compression springs and internal dampers produce a momentary inertial pulse on every shift, which is the energy kick a real selector gives you and a spring never can.

Dual-stage engagement

Each shift has a shape to it: initial resistance and preload, then a defined engagement point you can feel arrive, then a natural return. That progression is what a dog-box does, and it is why the S1 feels deliberate rather than springy.

Mechanical, with nothing to configure

No electronics generate the feel, no telemetry feeds it and no software tunes it. The response comes from mass and damping, so it is identical in every sim and it cannot desync, lag or need a driver update.

Tunable without leaving the seat

An integrated tension thumb wheel dials the mechanical resistance from light and rapid to heavy and deliberate. No tools, no disassembly. Match it to the car, the stage or your own preference between sessions.

Rally-tuned, deliberately

The S1 runs a longer shaft and a high-impact, aggressive action, which is the rally end of the spectrum. If you want a shorter, smoother sprint-style sequential, that is the H2SQ's sequential mode rather than this.

Machined entirely from metal

CNC-machined from solid aerospace-grade billet aluminium and hard black anodised. There is no plastic housing carrying load, which is what lets BDH put a lifetime warranty behind it.

Where the kick comes from.

BDH S1 top-down view of the machined centre bracket spanning both Dynamic Inertia cylinders

Dynamic Inertia Mechanism

Mass moving, not a spring compressing

A conventional sequential resists you and then lets go. The S1's weighted cylindrical system does something different: as the lever moves, an internal assembly of ball bearings, compression springs and dampers is set in motion, and the momentum of that mass arrives back through the lever as a distinct pulse. It is the same reason a real selector mechanism kicks. This is an industry first in sim racing hardware, and it is the single thing that separates the S1 from every spring-based sequential you have used.

  • Weighted cylindrical assembly generating genuine momentum transfer
  • Ball bearings, compression springs and dampers working together
  • An inertial pulse per shift, not a spring return

Dual-stage engagement

Resistance, then the click, then the return

Every pull and push moves through three phases. First there is initial resistance as the preload builds, which is the part that tells your hand the box is loaded. Then a defined engagement point arrives with physical feedback, unmistakable even mid-corner with your eyes elsewhere. Then the lever returns naturally under its own mechanism. That progression is what makes a real dog-box readable through your hand, and it is what the S1 reproduces.

  • Initial resistance and preload as the mechanism loads
  • Defined engagement point with physical feedback
  • Natural return motion under mechanical control
BDH S1 sequential shifter side profile showing lever height and the compact cylinder footprint
BDH S1 close-up of the pivot assembly and knurled tension thumb wheel used to set shift resistance

Tuning

A thumb wheel, and no tools

No two drivers shift the same way, so the S1's tension thumb wheel lets you set mechanical resistance across the range, from light and rapid engagement to heavy and deliberate. It adjusts without tools, without disassembly and without getting out of the cockpit, which is the difference between a setting you actually experiment with and one you set once and never touch. Match it to the nimble flick of a single-seater or the weighted authority of a GT box.

  • Integrated tension thumb wheel on the unit itself
  • Light-and-fast to heavy-and-mechanical, across the range
  • Adjust between sessions without leaving your seat

Mounting

Top-mount, and side-mount to save the space

The S1 uses BDH's standard mounting plate system, the same one across their range, and clamps to aluminium profile rigs without third-party brackets. Like the rest of the range it can be side-mounted and reverse-mounted as well as top-mounted, which is how most owners run it: a rally sequential needs to sit where your hand naturally falls, and beside the seat is usually closer to right than on top of the rig. If you are on a wheel stand or a desk you will need a mount arm.

  • BDH standard mounting plate, shared across the range
  • Top, side or reverse mount on aluminium profile
  • No adapter plates or third-party brackets needed on a profile rig
BDH S1 sequential shifter three-quarter angle on its base plate, ready for aluminium profile mounting

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 inventing something like the Dynamic Inertia Mechanism. 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 and hand-tuned in Britain, in small batches, with each unit checked before it ships.

Shifters only

One product category, five years of iteration, and mechanisms you will not find 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 S1
Platform PC (Windows). Not a console device.
Shifting mode Sequential only. No H-pattern mode.
Power supply None needed, USB powered
Drivers or software None. It enumerates as a standard game controller
Telemetry Not required. The feel is entirely mechanical
Wheel base brand Independent of your base. Works alongside Simagic, MOZA, Fanatec, Simucube, Asetek, Cammus and any other
Sim titles Richard Burns Rally, Dirt Rally 2.0, EA WRC, iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Competizione, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, RaceRoom, Le Mans Ultimate
Rig type Aluminium profile rigs, via the BDH mounting plate. Wheel stands and desks need a shifter mount

The S1 is sequential only and has no H-pattern mode. If you drive cars with a manual gate as well, look at the H2SQ, which carries both mechanisms in one unit, or run an S1 alongside a dedicated H1.

BDH S1, in full

Essentials
Product typeDedicated sequential shifter
Shifting modeSequential only
MechanismDynamic Inertia Mechanism
EngagementDual-stage mechanical
CharacterRally-focused, long shaft, high-impact action
Mechanism and tuning
Inertia assemblyWeighted cylindrical system, internally damped
InternalsBall bearings, compression springs, internal dampers
Resistance adjustmentIntegrated tension thumb wheel, no tools required
Feedback sourcePurely mechanical, no electronics or canned effects
Materials and construction
ChassisCNC-machined aerospace-grade billet aluminium
FinishHard black anodised
ConstructionMachined entirely from metal, no load-bearing plastic
Connectivity
PlatformPC (Windows)
ConnectionUSB, plug and play as a standard game controller
PowerUSB powered, no external PSU
SoftwareNone required
Mounting
Plate systemBDH standard mounting plate, shared across the range
OrientationTop, side or reverse mount
Rig typeDesigned for aluminium profile sim racing rigs
Warranty and support
WarrantyLifetime against manufacturing defects
SupportHandled in Queensland by Player1 Sim Gear

What arrives

  • BDH S1 sequential shifter, fully assembled
  • Shift lever with grip, fitted
  • BDH standard mounting plate
  • USB cable
  • Mounting hardware for aluminium profile
  • Setup and adjustment guide

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 (this one) Rally-focused sequential with a longer shaft and a hard, high-impact inertial kick
BDH Active 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. See the whole range on our BDH shifters page.

Frequently asked questions

The S1 specifically

What is the Dynamic Inertia Mechanism?
It is BDH's weighted inertia system, and it is the reason the S1 feels different from every other sequential shifter. Instead of relying purely on spring tension, a proprietary weighted cylindrical assembly translates lever motion into momentum transfer. As you shift, internal ball bearings, compression springs and dampers are set moving, and that moving mass produces a momentary inertial pulse through the lever. It reproduces the energy kick of a real racing transmission selector rather than approximating it.
How is that different from a normal spring-based sequential?
A spring-based sequential resists your input and then returns to rest, so the feel is essentially one-dimensional: more spring or less spring. The S1 adds mass in motion, so the lever gives something back at the moment of engagement instead of simply pushing against you the whole way. In practice it means the shift has a definite event in the middle of it, which is what makes a real dog-box readable through your hand.
What does dual-stage engagement mean in practice?
Each shift moves through a deliberate sequence rather than a single motion. There is initial resistance as the preload builds, then a defined engagement point with physical feedback, then a natural return. That progression mirrors how a true motorsport sequential transmission behaves, and it is what makes every shift feel intentional rather than springy.
Can I adjust how heavy the S1 feels?
Yes, and easily. An integrated tension thumb wheel sets the mechanical resistance anywhere from light and rapid to heavy and deliberate. It needs no tools, no disassembly and no getting out of your cockpit, so you can match it to the car, the circuit or your own preference between sessions. That range covers the nimble flick of a single-seater through to the weighted authority of a GT transmission.
Does the S1 do H-pattern shifting as well?
No. The S1 is a dedicated sequential shifter with no H-pattern mode and no way to add one. If you drive gated manual cars too, either add a BDH H1 alongside it, or choose the H2SQ, which carries independent H-pattern and sequential mechanisms in a single unit.
What is the difference between the S1 and the H2SQ's sequential mode?
They are tuned for different disciplines. The S1 is rally-focused, with a longer shaft and a high-impact, aggressive feel driven by the Dynamic Inertia Mechanism. The H2SQ's sequential is sprint-style, with a shorter shaft and smoother engagement, which suits circuit and touring car driving. Both use BDH's precision mechanical architecture and both side-mount to make the most of your rig space. If you mostly drive rally, the S1 is the more characterful choice.
Does it need SimHub or any telemetry?
No. The S1 is entirely mechanical, so nothing feeds it and nothing tunes it. The feel comes from mass and damping inside the unit, which means it behaves identically in every sim, cannot desynchronise from the game, and will never need a firmware or plugin update to keep working. That is a genuine advantage over telemetry-driven hardware if you want something that simply works.

Setup and compatibility

What do I need to run the BDH S1?
A Windows PC and a spare USB port. It connects by USB, draws its power over that connection and needs no external power supply. There are no drivers and no BDH software to install: it enumerates as a standard game controller, so you bind the up and down shifts in your sim the same way you would bind any other control.
Does it work on PlayStation or Xbox?
No. The S1 is a PC device. Consoles only accept licensed peripherals and BDH shifters are not console licensed, so it will not be recognised 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 S1 plugs into your PC directly rather than into the wheel base, so it is completely independent of what brand your base, wheel or pedals are. It works alongside Simagic, MOZA, Fanatec, Simucube, Asetek, Cammus, Logitech or Thrustmaster hardware without any special configuration.
Which sims suit the S1 best?
Anything with a sequential box, but the rally titles are where its character really lands: Richard Burns Rally, Dirt Rally 2.0 and EA Sports WRC. It works equally well in iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, RaceRoom and Le Mans Ultimate, since it presents as a generic controller and you simply bind up and down shift.
How do I mount it to my rig?
The S1 uses BDH's standard mounting plate system, which clamps to aluminium profile rigs without needing third-party brackets or adapters. Like the rest of the BDH range it can be top-mounted, side-mounted or reverse-mounted, and side-mounting is the usual choice because a rally sequential wants to sit where your hand naturally falls. On a wheel stand or a desk you will need a mount arm from our shifter and handbrake mounts range.
Can I mount the S1 on the left for a right-hand-drive layout?
Yes. BDH design for universal mounting compatibility with left or right-hand configurations, so you can put the S1 on whichever side of the seat suits your layout. The mounting plate is the same either way.
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 Active and add an S1, the mount carries straight over. Each can be side-, top- or reverse-mounted to suit your rig layout.
Do I need a clutch pedal with a sequential shifter?
No. Sequential boxes in most sims are driven clutchless once you are moving, which is part of why a sequential suits rally driving. A clutch is only needed for launches in some titles. If you also drive H-pattern cars you will want one, in which case have a look at our sim racing pedals range.

Buying, delivery and warranty

How long will my S1 take to arrive?
BDH hand-build each shifter to order rather than shipping from stock, so there is a build lead time before it leaves the UK, and that queue length moves with demand. Call us on 0488 385 870 before ordering and we will give you the current estimate for your address rather than a generic figure.
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. Buying locally rather than importing direct from the UK means no separate import duty, no GST collected at the border and no customs brokerage fee for you to handle.
What warranty does the S1 have?
BDH cover their standard mechanical shifters, the S1 included, with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Because you bought through Player1 Sim Gear, warranty claims are handled by us here in Queensland, and your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply on top of the manufacturer's warranty.
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.
Can it be serviced or repaired later?
Yes. The S1 is built from metal throughout and designed for consistent performance under heavy use, with components that can be serviced rather than the whole unit being scrapped. Beyond the warranty period BDH continue to offer support under their return-for-repair policy. Talk to us first and we will coordinate it so the unit is handled correctly and you are not paying tax twice on an international return.

What pairs well with the S1

Rally sequential, or the dual-mode H2SQ?

The S1 is the harder, more characterful sequential. If you also drive gated cars there may be a better answer. Tell us what you drive and we will point you at the right one.

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.