CONSPIT CHS vs SIMAGIC DS-8X: which dual-mode shifter for rally?
CONSPIT CHS
7 gears + R · mode selector · adjustable force from 3–10 kg
PRE-ORDER · SHIPPING DATE NOT CONFIRMED
€369.99
€358.89 with SIMUGAL
SIMAGIC DS-8X
8 gears + R · dual mode · USB connection to PC
IN STOCK WHEN CHECKED
€359.99
€349.19 with SIMUGAL
If you need eight H-pattern gears, the SIMAGIC DS-8X has a specific advantage. If the CONSPIT CHS’s asymmetric sequential travel and adjustable resistance interest you, it is worth considering. Both combine H-pattern and sequential shifting in one unit. Start with the cars you drive, your cockpit space and the mounting requirements.
This comparison combines official documentation with JaSoiLRace’s public CHS test, published on 29 September 2026. It is not a side-by-side hands-on test of both shifters: no winner is assigned for precision, noise or reliability.
Differences that matter when buying
| Feature | CONSPIT CHS | SIMAGIC DS-8X |
|---|---|---|
| H-pattern gears | 7 + reverse | 8 + reverse |
| Mode change | Sliding selector | Button |
| Protected gears | Seventh and reverse via trigger | Seventh, eighth and reverse via removable lock |
| Resistance | Advertised range of 3–10 kg | Adjustable; no comparable numerical range verified |
| Simufy price · 28 October 2026 | €369.99 · SKU CP138 | €359.99 · SKU SMG-SFT-8X |
For rally: what the CHS offers
CONSPIT describes two dedicated mechanical paths, one for each mode. For sequential mode, its documentation lists 15.2 mm of forward travel and 17.4 mm rearward. These are manufacturer figures, not SimuGal measurements.
In the video, Adrián demonstrates the difference in travel from 2:24. He also shows the Allen-key adjustment from 3:27 and prefers resistance below the maximum. The practical benefit is adapting the action to your driving position and mount; higher force does not demonstrate faster lap times or greater precision.
For cars with sequential gearboxes, check that the simulator lets you bind upshifts and downshifts to the device. If you only drive cars with paddle shifters, an external shifter may add little to your setup.
For manual cars: seven or eight gears
The DS-8X has eight forward gears plus reverse. Its lock protects seventh, eighth and reverse. The CHS has seven gears and reverse, with a trigger for the protected positions. If your cars need an eighth gear, that difference determines which product fits.
If you usually drive five- or six-speed gearboxes, the eighth gear alone is not a reason to spend more or replace your equipment. Finding the gates without looking and keeping the lever securely positioned matter more. We have not measured the mis-shift rate of either product here.
Compatibility and mounting: more than the wheelbase
Both are designed for PC. The CHS connects directly by USB, and the DS-8X also supports USB connection to a computer. You can keep a different brand’s wheelbase on a PC setup if the game recognises the devices and allows the inputs to be assigned. This does not demonstrate console compatibility: neither is recommended here as a PlayStation or Xbox purchase.
Before choosing, check the mounting plate, knob height, space beside your handbrake and your arm’s reach. Electrical connection and physical mounting are separate checks.
The CHS listing gives a footprint of 95 × 165 mm and includes adapter plates. The DS-8X manual covers bottom and side mounting; its L-bracket is sold separately. Do not assume that a plate drilled for one fits the other. Compare their templates and mounting hardware with your cockpit.
Cost and availability: a €10 difference
Prices checked at Simufy on 28 October 2026: CHS, €369.99; DS-8X, €359.99, including Spanish VAT. The difference is €10. The calculated prices with SIMUGAL are €358.89 and €349.19, respectively, provided the code is accepted at checkout.
The CHS was on pre-order with no confirmed shipping date; the checked DS-8X reference was in stock. Shipping and any mounting bracket are additional costs. Final prices, taxes and delivery costs depend on the destination.
Which one suits your use?
- Consider the DS-8X if you need eight H-pattern gears and want the lower product price of these two.
- Consider the CHS if you switch between rally and manual cars and want the adjustments and travel shown in the hands-on test. Check that you can wait for the pre-order and mount it properly.
- Keep your current shifter if it already supports both modes and your main problem is mounting position or flex. This comparison does not show that replacing it will improve your results.
You can hear the CHS in its video, but we do not have a comparable acoustic measurement for the DS-8X. Nor do we have a long-term wear test of both: claims of lower noise or superior durability are not used to justify the purchase.
Hands-on CONSPIT CHS test
Product information, setup and sources
For more details, consult the CONSPIT CHS review and the SIMAGIC DS-8X listing. If you are budgeting for a complete setup, use the sim rig builder by budget and leave room for mounting hardware.
View CHS at Simufy · View DS-8X at Simufy
Disclosure: these are affiliate links; SimuGal may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. CONSPIT collaborates with the channel. Recommendations distinguish documented information from hands-on observations.
Sources: CONSPIT CHS product documentation, official SIMAGIC DS-8X V1.1 manual, the linked Simufy pages and our own review. The original source list records a commercial consultation on 3 October 2026; the price blocks were updated following the 28 October 2026 check.