Best Sim Racing Cockpits of Early 2023
Sim racing is a growing hobby that allows people to experience the thrill of racing without ever leaving their homes. To get the most out of sim racing, you need a good cockpit. A cockpit provides a stable platform for your racing wheel, pedals, and monitor, and it also helps you to feel more immersed in the racing experience.
There are many different sim racing cockpits on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will review the best sim racing cockpits on the market and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Sim Racing Cockpit
There are a number of factors to consider when buying a sim racing cockpit. These include:
- Type of racing: The type of racing you want to do will determine the type of cockpit you need. If you only want to do Formula 1 racing, then you can get away with a less adjustable cockpit. However, if you want to do a variety of racing, then you will need a more adjustable cockpit. You should also consider if you want to play flight sim or space sim games, and choose more modular options if you do.
- Features: The features you need will also determine the type of cockpit you need. If you need a cockpit with a built-in monitor stand, then you will need a different type of cockpit than if you don't need a built-in monitor stand.
- Budget: Your budget will also determine the type of cockpit you can afford. Sim racing cockpits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you do not overspend.
- Comfort: A comfortable cockpit is essential for long gaming sessions. Look for a cockpit with a good seat and adjustable features so that you can find the perfect driving position.
- Stability: A stable cockpit is important for preventing your racing wheel from moving around during intense racing sessions. Look for a cockpit that is made from sturdy materials and has a wide base. This is especially important if you have a wheel with stronger force feedback.
- Aesthetics: Sure, you probably don't care all that much how it looks, but your wife definitely does.
- Available Space: The space you have available to you can limit your choice in cockpit. Do you need something collapsable for your living room, or do you have a man cave? The answer to these questions can drastically change the type of cockpit you look for
Types of Sim Racing Cockpits
There are three main types of sim racing cockpits:
- Fixed-position cockpits: These cockpits are designed for a specific type of racing. For example, a fixed-position cockpit for Formula 1 racing will have a very different layout than a fixed-position cockpit for GT racing.
- Adjustable cockpits: These cockpits can be adjusted to fit a variety of body types and driving positions. This makes them a good choice for people who want to do a variety of racing.
- Foldable cockpits: These cockpits can be folded up and stored away when not in use. This makes them a good choice for people who have limited space.
Budget Sim Racing Cockpits
The GT Omega Apex Racing Wheel & Pedal Stand is an extreme budget option for sim racing. It only includes a stand for your wheel and pedals, with no option or place for your seat. If you decide to go this route make sure you have a seat that is mostly stationary (or you have chocks for), and don't expect little wheel flex.
The Playseat challenge is an extreme budget option for sim racing. It is a fully foldable cockpit for those who need to save space. As with the other budget options, don't expect this to be a particularly sturdy option.
The F-GT Lite and GT Lite Sim Cockpits from Next Level Racing are two budget foldable Sim Racing Cockpits. They are both budget options that are fully collapsable. This cockpit is surprisingly sturdy for it's looks, able to handle decent strength force feedback wheels without an excessive amount of flex. The F-GT option also allows for multiple seating modes (Formula or GT). Obviously there will be some limits of such a light setup. It has a fair amount of adjustability, although it may be tough for taller people.
Pros
- Affordable: The F-GT and GT-Lite are extremely affordable entry points into Sim Racing.
- Compact: Both models are designed to be foldable, which can be ideal if you have a limited amount of space.
Cons
- Ergonomics & Comfort: The seat design is somewhat limited for ergonomic flexibility. If you're a very tall or very short person you may not be able to find a comfortable setup.
- Support & Flex: It should be no surprise that a system like this is going to have a lot of wheel and pedal flex. You will feel the frame move around a lot as you drive. This can be somewhat mitigated with weaker steering wheels, but you will feel the flex even with lighter wheel options. If you're planning on buying a direct drive wheel, load cell pedals, or anything with strong force feedback, you may want to consider a more sturdy option.
In conclusion, the F-GT Lite and the GT Lite are excellent beginner options, or options for people with very little space. Its price point is once where you won't break the bank if you are just getting started with sim racing. It is an excellent option, so long as you acknowledge that you will likely need to replace it if you get more serious about sim racing.
The Playseat Evolution Alcantra is one of the higher cost budget options. At this point we're reaching mid-range, and although you might expect this option to be higher quality than some of the other budget options, the reality is a bit more grim. The wheel mount is not set up for strong support, meaning you are going to get a significant amount of wheel flex. Additionally, the pedal mount is not particularly strong, or in a great position. It does come with a seat, at a quality level that you might expect. At this price point you are probably better off spending a little bit more and going with one of the mid-range options, or going with one of the true budget options.
Mid Range Sim Racing Cockpits
The Next Level Racing F-GT Sim cockpit is a dual-position adjustable racing cockpit that allows you to race in either a formula or GT position. It is made of high-quality materials and is built to last, although the frame is less sturdy than other options. It is compatible with all major racing wheels and pedals, although you may need to purchase adapters if you ever switch wheels. You can also purchase add on mounts for gear shifters, flight simulator gear, or keyboards. The cockpit is also compatible with the Buttkicker Gamer 2, so you can add haptic feedback to your racing experience, with no additional purchase required. The latest models of the F-GT come with additional support beams, to reduce flex with stronger wheels. It comes with a seat, which may be difficult to replace, if you don't find it comfortable.
Pros
- Versatile: The F-GT can be converted from a Formula 1 style cockpit to a GT style cockpit, so you can use it for a variety of racing games. You can also purchase add-ons to support flight sim gear. It is worth noting that the conversion process can be somewhat difficult, and it is not quickly modular.
- Affordable: The F-GT is a great value for the price, considering its features and quality.
- Compatibility: The F-GT has different extensions for all major racing wheels.
- Price: The F-GT is one of the cheaper options for a full sim cockpit, especially considering that it can meet the needs of most sim racers.
Cons
- Ergonomics & Comfort: The seat is not easy to swap, and is not particularly comfortable. It does come with a lower lumbar support, which is good for certain seating positions, but this does not do a lot for comfortability. Additionally the pedal setup can be quite uncomfortable without some modifications.
- Sturdiness: Earlier versions of the F-GT had issues with wheel base flex, and pedal flex. Later versions have added supports to ensure less flexing. These supports work great for lower force wheels, but higher force feedback wheels will have some flex, even with the supports. Load cell brake pedals also still have some flex, although it's much better than it used to be. Additionally, the added supports can make getting in or out more difficult.
- Customizability: The F-GT is not as customizable as some other cockpits on the market. You can purchase additional add ons for monitor mounts, a shifter, or flight sim gear like a throttle and joystick mount, but if you want to add your own add ons you are going to have a rough time compared to some of the more standard 80/20 style builds.
- Monitor Mount Limitations: The Purchasable Monitor Mounts don't have great support for customization, or larger screen sizes.
- Assmembly: The F-GT can be difficult to assemble and align correctly.
In conclusion, the F-GT is a solid lower budget option, although if you have a slightly higher budget you may want to consider other options.
The Sim Lab GT1 Evo is a straight forward Aluminum Profile. Like many other cockpits of this style it is sturdy, modular, and it supports every popular racing wheel out there.
The GT1 Evo is also very versatile and can be configured to suit a variety of different sim racing setups. It does not come with a seat, which means you will have to spend a bit more to get a fully running rig, but that means you can get the perfect seat for you.
The Trak Racer TR80 is a sim cockpit with modular support for multiple monitors, and every major sim racing rig out there. It is a their less bulky setup, and sells the monitor mounts and seats separately.
The Next Level Racing GTElite is similar to the F-GT Elite, except it has a less modular design. Unlike the F-GT Elite, which we'll explore below, this cockpit only supports the GT seating system. Other than that it is extremely similar to the F-GT Elite.
The GT Omega Prime is a full Aluminum Profile cockpit with support for every major wheel out there. It comes with your choice of racing seat design, or you can select no seat and buy your own. The seats are much sturdier, and are a mix between a gaming seat, and a racing seat.
High End Sim Racing Cockpits
The Next Level Racing F-GT Elite is a sturdier version of the F-GT. Like the F-GT it is a multi position adjustable cockpit, with additional support for truck and tank positions. It is built for quicker adjustment into each seating position, and is constructed of T-slot extruded aluminium, which makes it much more compatible with accessories from other cockpit manufacturers than its predecessor. Unlike it's predecessor it does not come with a seat, so make sure you consider this additional cost.
Pros
- iRacing: Some variants come with a free year long iRacing subscription.
- Sturdiness: The Extruded Aluminium is much stronger than the base F-GT, and wheel or pedal flex will not be an issue with this cockpit. The wheel mount can have some flex, but it should not be an issue. The new pedal setup is extremely sturdy, and there should be no issues even with a load cell pedal.
- Size: On the smaller side for a full sim rig.
- Choices: Side Mount or plate mounts available for different wheel bases. Also aluminium profile rigs are a wide range of support for custom add ons.
- Packaging: This rig comes with excellent packaging. Everything is sorted and labeled very well.
- Build Quality: The holes are drilled before finish is applied, and the rig looks excellent.
- Assembly: Excellent instructions, although like with most similar rigs you need to be cautious to ensure alignment is squared, or else your rig will end up crooked.
- Adjustability: The F-GT Elite supports 4 different positions, whether you want to drive a GT car, a Formula 1 car, a truck, or a tank.
Cons
- Seat: The F-GT Elite does not come with a seat, which adds more to an already somewhat expensive product.
- Price: The F-GT Elite is certainly on the pricier side, especially considering that you have to purchase a seat with the rig.
- Monitor Mounts: The F-GT Elite does not come with built in monitor mounts.
- Flight Pack: The F-GT Elite is a newer rig, so there are no purpose made flight packs... yet. Next Level Racing may come out with flight packs at some point in the future. Additionally, this type of rig has wide support for custom parts, so finding a supported HOTAS mount should not be difficult.
In conclusion the F-GT Elite is an extremely flexible cockpit with support for multiple driving positions while maintaining the sturdiness needed for some of the stronger force feedback wheels. The lack of an included seat could be seen as a benefit, especially if you're tall. It is on the pricier side, especially after adding monitor mounts and a seat.
The Sim Lab GT1 Evo is a straight forward Aluminum Profile. Like many other cockpits of this style it is sturdy, modular, and it supports every popular racing wheel out there.
The GT1 Evo is also very versatile and can be configured to suit a variety of different sim racing setups. It does not come with a seat, which means you will have to spend a bit more to get a fully running rig, but that means you can get the perfect seat for you.
The Trak Racer TR80 is a sim cockpit with modular support for multiple monitors, and every major sim racing rig out there. It is a the bulkier of their setups, and sells the monitor mounts and seats separately. Its design reduces overall flex.
Custom Built Sim Racing Cockpits, and Other
If none of these sim rigs suit your design, or you are just a stickler for a specific style, you can opt to design and build your own sim rig using 80/20. This will be a more expensive route to go, but the final product will be completely bespoke to your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing a sim racing cockpit can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as the type of racing you want to do, the features you need, and your budget. However, by taking the time to consider these factors, you can find the perfect cockpit for your needs.
We hope this article has helped you to learn more about sim racing cockpits and what to consider when buying one.