If you’re into sim racing and you’ve been thinking about upgrading from paddle shifters, the PXN A7 shifter might be exactly what you’re looking for. In this post, I’m breaking down how it works, how it feels in real use, and whether it’s worth your money compared to more expensive alternatives.

First Impressions of the PXN A7 Shifter

Right out of the box, the PXN A7 keeps things simple — and that’s a good thing. This is a 6-speed shifter with reverse, and it comes as one solid unit. No complicated assembly, no extra parts, no confusion.

Everything you need is already built in. You just clamp it down, tighten it up, and you’re good to go.

Gear Layout & Reverse Explained

On the gear knob, you’ll see the standard markings:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 — and R off to the side.

Now here’s the important part:
Reverse isn’t exactly where the diagram suggests.

To engage reverse:

• Push the shifter down

• Move it into the 6th gear position

• Pull it back to engage reverse

• Lift it back up to return to normal gears

Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it feels natural — and honestly, it’s a lot better than trying to click endlessly through gears using paddles.

The Best Part: That Clicky Mechanical Feel

One of the standout features of the PXN A7 is the sound and feel when shifting gears.

Each shift gives you a solid, mechanical click, similar to a proper gated manual shifter. It sounds good, it feels good, and it adds a whole new level of immersion — especially if you enjoy slower, more controlled driving.

Sometimes, changing gears is half the fun.

Build Quality & Stability

For a budget-friendly shifter, the build quality is impressive.

• Very sturdy once clamped down

• No wobble or unwanted movement

• Feels solid in the hand

• The finish looks clean and more premium than expected

Once it’s mounted, it stays put — even during aggressive driving or quick shifts.

Setup & Compatibility

The PXN A7 connects via USB, making setup straightforward. In my case, it was paired with:

• A Thrustmaster T150

• Used in a rally setting

• Tested with a Mini Cooper on track

The shifter was recognised instantly, and gear changes were reflected in-game without any drama.

Real Driving Experience (Why This Shifter Shines)

If you’ve ever tried switching from 6th gear straight into reverse using paddle shifters, you already know how annoying that can be — especially after a crash or spin.

With this shifter:

• You can instantly select any gear

• Reverse is immediate and intuitive

• No more frantic clicking

That alone makes a huge difference.

It’s also why I enjoy driving lower-powered cars now. You get to work through every gear, enjoy the process, and really feel connected to the drive.

Price vs Competition

Here’s where the PXN A7 really shines.

• PXN A7: ~£59.99 (around $70)

• Thrustmaster TH8A: £160–£180

That’s a massive price difference.

Do they both change gears?
Yes.

Do you really need to spend triple the price for that?
For most people — no.

Unless you’re chasing absolute premium hardware, the PXN A7 delivers everything you actually need.

Final Verdict: Is the PXN A7 Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you’re:

• New to sim racing

• Upgrading from paddle shifters

• On a budget

• Or just want more immersion

The PXN A7 shifter is a no-brainer. It looks good, feels great, doesn’t break the bank, and massively improves the driving experience.

Honestly, my only regret is not buying it sooner.