New 3D Printed Shifters for SIM Racing Looking Good Right Out of the Starting Gate

For SIM racing, the shifter is your central focus in many ways, and it’s important due to the repetition involved to have one that is extremely durable and reliable. It’s even more fun to have the shifter of your dreams made with innovative new technology and different features continually on the horizon due to the ease afforded by digital design.

The idea of being able to customize the shifter just the way you want is definitely a unique new feature coming to us from the 3D printing community, by way of two shifters: the SHH Shifter and the DSD 2015 D Pro Sequential Shifter.

The SHH Shifter is extremely affordable at $75. Touted as ‘easy peasy,’ it boasts a list of interesting and innovative features. In a review by William Marsh, he recommended it not only for its affordability but also for its durability which he thought showed promise for holding up to the daily use and repetition.

According to Marsh, there are a lot of benefits to the shifter gates designed in the 3D printed SHH Shifter as well in that they are a bit smaller and that may be a good thing. Compared to others, that puts them in the medium zone. The shifter gates also lend themselves to possible customizing, in that it appears possible to make alternate gates. Another benefit mentioned is the ‘flip of the switch’ system to toggle between H and Sequential shifting but it may be questionable in terms of causing each form of shifting to become weaker.

With the DSD 2015 D Pro Sequential Shifter, Marsh’s review seems to have even more enthusiasm, although this 3D printed item is not actually out yet. Pointing out that Derek Speare Designs has some of the best designs available, he has high hopes for the 3D printed DSD 2015 D Pro right out of the gate. Smaller than some of their popular and more expensive designs, it was originally called ‘The Funstick Junior.’

Again, this is a 3D printed shifter that exhibits durability often found in 3D printed projects, and hopefully the affordability that normally follows as well. Marsh had faith that the DSD 2015 D Pro would withstand the repetition of constant use with ease also. It features all CNC construction and must be mounted as firmly as possible. It’s also very quiet, and recommended, in good humor, to be ‘sleeping spouse friendly.’

Offering some of Derek Speare Designs’ trademark features like a short throw coupled with good resistance, a sturdy mounting system, and a very attractive small footprint, the price — not yet announced — is expected to be lower than $700. Pre-orders open at the end of February, so more precise information on pricing and more will be available then.

Will you be ordering either of these shifters? Have you used a 3D printed shifter previously, and if so, what were the features you enjoyed or wished were different? Tell us your thoughts in the New 3D Printed Shifters for SIM Racing forum over at 3DPB.com. Check out videos previewing both shifters below.