The starting point to quicker lap times, your sim racing cockpit is the base where everything else comes together.
In this blog, we’ll navigate through the top sim racing cockpits of 2024, highlighting their standout features, design innovations, and the unparalleled realism they bring. From state-of-the-art materials and ergonomic designs to cutting-edge compatibility and customisation options, our comprehensive review will help you make an informed decision tailored to your racing needs and preferences.
Whether you’ve been racing for years and looking to upgrade your setup or a newcomer eager to dive into the immersive world of virtual motorsports, finding the perfect sim racing cockpit is crucial for an authentic experience.
If you’re serious about sim racing and want to improve your game, a purpose built setup is the first step to do just this.
When we say ‘cockpit’ we mean the chassis where everything that makes your sim racing rig, from the seat to the steering wheel and even screens.
If you’re in the market for a cockpit, it’s best not to rush into it, there are some key questions we often get asked which could help you and 5 key considerations you should think about first.
Frequently asked questions about Sim Racing Cockpits
Do you need a sim cockpit?
If you want to have a realistic experience, yes. Fixing a wheel to your desk just doesn’t cut it.
A sim racing cockpit offers a stable and immersive environment that replicates the feel of being in a real race car. Here’s why you might consider investing in one:
- Enhanced Stability: Sim racing cockpits provide a solid and secure frame for your racing wheel, pedals, and seat. This eliminates unwanted movement and wobbling, allowing for precise control and a more immersive experience.
- Realistic Positioning: Cockpits are designed to mimic the seating position and control layout of actual race cars. This helps in developing your overall driving technique, making the transition between virtual and real-world racing smoother. (If you planned to take your skills outside).
- Comfort and Ergonomics: Long racing sessions can be taxing on your body if you’re not in a comfortable position. A dedicated cockpit offers adjustable seating and pedal positions, ensuring you can race for hours without discomfort.
- Advanced Features: Many modern sim racing cockpits come with advanced features like motion platforms, tactile feedback systems, and high-quality materials that enhance realism and immersion.
- Customisability: A sim racing cockpit can be tailored to your specific needs and budget, with options to upgrade and add components as you progress in your sim racing journey. This includes adding features like gear shifters, handbrakes, and multiple monitor mounts for an ultra-wide field of view.
Investing in a sim racing cockpit not only elevates your racing experience but also provides a dedicated space for your hobby, making each racing session more enjoyable and realistic. Whether you’re a casual racer or aiming for eSports competition, a cockpit is a worthwhile addition to your setup.
Will a lower end cockpit handle a direct drive system?
As a general rule of thumb, no. A cheaper cockpit will not be constructed in the same way or with the same materials as premium cockpits.
If you have a good direct drive wheel base it can deliver upwards of 30 newton metres of torque (in other words, you’ll feel it!) As well as this, a good set of pedals can handle anywhere between 25 to 120 kgs of force. This means a less than capable cockpit will flex, bend and just fall apart as soon as soon as you start smashing the curbs…
You might have experienced it before, ‘flex’ of the cockpit is when it actually moves around or ‘flexes’ when in use because of the forces being put through it. You might think you can deal with this for a while, but your poor cockpit will think otherwise.
Wheelbase and pedal compatibility
We get a lot of customers asking in our showroom or on our website, “what equipment will fit/work with the options I have available”.
To simplify the answer, all profiled rigs offer lots of adjustment over tubular frame rigs.
Profiled rigs are designed with modularity in mind, allowing for a high degree of customisation and compatibility with various components. This means you can easily adjust the positions of your wheel, pedals, and seat to match your specific preferences and body dimensions. Additionally, profiled rigs often feature standardised mounting points, making it straightforward to integrate different brands and models of racing peripherals.
On the other hand, tubular frame rigs, while often more affordable and simpler to set up, tend to have fewer adjustment options. They can still provide a stable platform for your racing gear, but you might find it more challenging to achieve the perfect ergonomic setup. Tubed frame rigs usually have fixed mounting points, which can limit the range of motion and customisation options compared to their profiled counterparts.
If you have some equipment already, you might want to consider the following factors to help make your decision:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the rig you choose is compatible with your existing equipment or any new gear you plan to purchase. Profiled rigs generally offer greater flexibility in this regard.
- Comfort: Look for rigs that allow for easy adjustment of wheel, pedal, and seat positions. This will help you find the most comfortable and realistic driving position.
- Upgrade Potential: Consider future-proofing your setup by choosing a rig that can accommodate upgrades, such as motion platforms, additional monitors, or advanced feedback systems.
By focusing on these aspects, you can select a sim racing cockpit that not only fits your current needs but also provides room for growth and enhancement as your sim racing journey progresses. Whether you choose a highly adjustable profiled rig or a simpler tubed frame rig, the key is to find the right balance between compatibility, adjustability, and overall quality to maximise your racing experience.
Which sim racing cockpit is for me?
Assess your requirements and the type of racing you plan to do. A sim racing cockpit can be quite a significant investment, so I’m sure you’ll want to make the right decision from the get-go.
To make the best decision possible, we’ve outlined the 5 key areas you should be considering when making your purchase.
Top 5 things to consider
Quality
Quality is crucial for a sim racing cockpit because it directly impacts the stability and realism of your racing experience. A high-quality cockpit minimises vibration and shaking, ensuring that your wheel and pedals remain firmly in place during intense racing sessions. Rigidity is essential, particularly for the wheelbase and pedals, to provide consistent and accurate feedback. A sturdy, well-built cockpit enhances control, precision, and immersion, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions or discomfort. Investing in a quality cockpit ultimately leads to a more enjoyable and authentic sim racing experience.
Adjustability
Adjustability is essential for a sim racing cockpit because it allows you to tailor the seat, wheel and pedal positions to your specific needs, enhancing comfort and control. This is vital for accommodating different racing styles and seating positions, such as formula, GT, rally, or kart. Being able to adjust your cockpit ensures that you can achieve the most ergonomic and realistic driving posture, improving your overall performance and immersion in the game. Ultimately, a highly adjustable cockpit enhances your racing experience by providing the perfect fit for any type of racing simulation.
Features / Compatibility
Features and compatibility are critical for a sim racing cockpit to ensure a seamless and versatile setup. Having an included seat and options for cockpit-mounted or freestanding monitors enhances convenience and immersion. Compatibility with motion platforms and the ability to add shifter and handbrake mounts are essential for customisation, with some rigs being easier to modify than others. Ensuring the cockpit fits all direct drive systems and accommodates various seat types is vital for a comprehensive and adaptable racing experience. A well-featured and compatible cockpit maximises functionality, comfort, and immersion in your sim racing setup.
Space Requirement
Considering space requirements is crucial when choosing a sim racing cockpit. The size of the rig determines how well it fits in your available space, and whether it can be accommodated in a dedicated area or needs to be moved frequently. Foldable rigs offer the advantage of easy storage and portability, making them ideal for smaller spaces or shared living areas. By assessing the space requirements, you can ensure that your sim racing cockpit fits comfortably within your environment without causing inconvenience or clutter.
Price
Finally, price. An obvious consideration but one which can massively make the difference. Opting for a more affordable option limits the quality and features and can increase the potential issues which may arise. Higher-priced models like Sabelt Sim Racing offer exceptional build quality and aesthetics, ensuring your experience is premium experience. In contrast, more affordable options may compromise on materials and durability. By evaluating the price, you can make an informed decision that balances your budget with the desired level of quality and performance, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
What is the best sim racing cockpit?
With so many choices out there we have narrowed them down to our top 5 for this year, focusing on the top 5 considerations which we highlighted in this guide. So you know how each stacks up in all areas.
Best sim racing cockpits 2024
Sabelt Sim Racing S-Series S99 GT/Rally Cockpit
The Sabelt Sim Racing S-Series S99 GT/Rally Cockpit is a top-tier racing simulator cockpit crafted in Italy, designed to provide the ultimate professional sim racing experience. Its innovative features and high-quality construction set a new standard in the field.
Quality
The S99 cockpit is made from advanced materials, featuring matt galaxy grey aluminium profiles with a sleek, sandblasted soft-touch finish, anodized using Zero-X technology. The robust 160×40 (base) and 120×40 (uprights) profiles ensure maximum rigidity and eliminate vibrations, delivering a smooth and realistic racing experience.
Adjustability
This cockpit is highly customisable, with three wheel mount options and two pedal mount options to suit various driving preferences. It allows for height, depth, and angle adjustments of the pedals, and independent adjustment of the wheel inclination, making it suitable for different racing styles, including GT, rally, and formula.
Features
The S99 includes distinctive 10mm thick CNC aluminium side plates, powder-coated in matt yellow with a stylish Sabelt print. It is compatible with direct drive systems from brands like Simucube, Fanatec, and Logitech, ensuring a wide range of usability. Additionally, it can be fitted with shifter and handbrake mounts, though some setups might require more effort to install.
Space Requirements
The dimensions of the S99 cockpit are approximately L1410 cm x W720 cm x H835 cm, requiring a dedicated space. It is not foldable, so it is best suited for a permanent setup in a dedicated racing area.
Price
The Sabelt S-Series S99 GT/Rally Cockpit is a high-end product with a premium price tag attached. The price can vary depending on the configuration and whether a seat is included. This investment reflects its premium build quality and extensive features, making it a worthwhile choice for serious sim racing enthusiasts.
Overall, the Sabelt Sim Racing S-Series S99 GT/Rally Cockpit is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality, highly adjustable, and feature-rich racing simulator setup.
Trak Racer TR160S Cockpit
The Trak Racer TR160S is a high-end sim racing cockpit designed for serious enthusiasts and professionals. Combining innovation and robustness, it features a unique wide-body design and a aluminium frame, offering exceptional rigidity and customisation options.
Quality
The TR160S is constructed from high-end 160mm x 40mm aluminium T-Slot extruded profiles. This construction provides great strength and durability, ensuring no flex even under high torque from direct drive wheels. The chassis is connected with heavy-duty brackets and laser-cut carbon steel plates, adding to its stability and precision during intense racing sessions.
Adjustability
One of the standout features of the TR160S is its extensive adjustability. It has the ‘TR One Wheel System’ which allows you to simply purchase a new mount to fit a new wheel base, meaning you don’t have to fork out for an entirely new cockpit. The adjustable pedal mount can be fine-tuned for different racing styles, including GT, formula, and rally, with options to adjust height, depth, and angle. The shifter mount and other peripheral mounts are also highly adjustable, allowing for a personalised setup that can be easily modified as needed.
Features
The TR160S cockpit supports a wide range of accessories, with a massive range of add-ons available, including speaker mounts, monitor stands, and keyboard mounts. It includes a dual-locking seat slider for quick adjustments, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic seating position. The cockpit is motion-ready, making it compatible with various motion systems for an enhanced immersive experience.
Space Requirements
The TR160S is fairly wide, and low to the ground, making it suitable for a dedicated racing area. It comes with floor-saving rubber protectors, ensuring it stays in place during use without damaging your floor. The modular design allows for future expansions and adjustments, making it a great long-term investment.
Price
The TR160S price positions it as a premium product in the sim racing market, which is reflected in its construction and features. Price can vary significantly depending on how you configure your choice for what you need and additional accessories chosen.
In summary, the Trak Racer TR160S is an excellent choice for those seeking a highly adjustable, robust, and feature-rich sim racing cockpit. It offers great value for its price, especially considering its compatibility with various racing peripherals and motion systems, making it a versatile and durable addition to any sim racing setup.
Trak Racer TR8 Pro Cockpit
The Trak Racer TR8 Pro is an upgraded version of the popular TR8, designed to offer a robust and highly adjustable sim racing experience. Known for its sturdy construction and sleek design, the TR8 Pro is a solid choice for anyone.
Quality
The TR8 Pro is constructed from thick 2-inch tubular steel, powder-coated in black for a professional and durable finish. This design ensures minimal flex, even under the high torque of direct drive wheels. The rigidity of the main frame and its components makes it a reliable choice for intense racing sessions.
Adjustability
The TR8 Pro offers extensive adjustability to cater to different racing setups. The wheel mount features angle, height, and forward-backward adjustments, accommodating various wheel bases with pre-drilled mounting points. The pedal plate also provides up-down and forward-backward adjustments, ensuring you can get a comfortable and ergonomic driving position. The shifter and handbrake mount can be easily positioned on either side of the rig, adding to its versatility.
Features
This cockpit includes several useful features, such as integrated monitor mounts that support up to 70-inch displays, seat slider rails, and oversized seat brackets. The pedal plate is designed to withstand high braking forces without flexing. Additionally, the TR8 Pro is compatible with a wide range of racing peripherals and offers optional accessories like a keyboard tray, tablet holder, and more.
Space Requirements
The TR8 Pro has a compact footprint, making it suitable for smaller spaces while still offering a comprehensive racing setup. The absence of side supports facilitates easy entry and exit, enhancing convenience and usability in confined areas.
Price
The base model of the Trak Racer TR8 Pro is priced reasonably, this includes the frame, seat slider, seat mounts, wheel mounting plate, and shifter and handbrake mount. Additional options such as a monitor mount and a racing seat can increase the total cost considerably. This price reflects the extensive features offered by the TR8 Pro, making it a large investment.
If you’re after the latest price for the Trak Racer TR8 Pro, visit the Demon Tweeks website.
In summary, the Trak Racer TR8 Pro is a well-rounded sim racing cockpit that combines durability, adjustability, and a sleek design. Its robust construction and wide range of features make it a strong contender for those looking to enhance their sim racing experience.
Trak Racer TR80 Cockpit
The Trak Racer TR80 is a high-quality racing simulator cockpit designed to provide a robust and highly adjustable platform. It is crafted from 80mm x 40mm high-end aluminium T-Slot extruded profiles, anodized in black, offering excellent strength and durability.
Quality
The TR80 features a durable construction with thicker-walled aluminium profiles and heavy-duty brackets, ensuring minimal flex even under high loads. This rigidity is particularly beneficial when using powerful direct drive wheels, providing a stable and immersive racing experience.
Adjustability
The TR80 excels in adjustability, catering to various driving styles. The cockpit includes a hybrid pedal plate that allows for both GT and formula racing positions. The wheel mount, pedal mount, and seat sliders are all fully adjustable, enabling users to find their optimal driving position. The shifter mount is also adjustable and can be positioned to suit individual preferences.
Features
The TR80 comes with a range of features designed to enhance the racing experience. It includes a universal wheel mount compatible with most major brands, pre-drilled pedal plates, and a dual-lock seat slider kit. The cockpit is also compatible with numerous accessories, including monitor stands, keyboard trays, and speaker mounts, providing a customisable setup that can grow with your needs. The TR80 is motion-ready, supporting various motion systems for an even more immersive experience.
Space Requirements
The TR80 has a footprint of 660mm wide by 1,445mm long, making it suitable for a dedicated racing space. Its modular design and included rubber feet ensure it remains stable and does not damage flooring. Despite its sturdy build, the assembly is relatively straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions and included tools.
Price
The Trak Racer TR80 is competitively priced, offering excellent value for its quality and features. While additional accessories will increase the overall cost, the TR80’s robust build and extensive adjustability make it a worthwhile investment if you’re serious and looking to enhance your setup.
Demon Tweeks have the very latest price for the Trak Racer TR80.
In summary, the Trak Racer TR80 is a highly versatile and durable sim racing cockpit, providing excellent adjustability, strong build quality, and extensive compatibility with various racing peripherals and accessories. It is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced sim racers looking to take another step and enhance their racing experience.
Sparco Evolve Pro Sim Racing Kart Cockpit
The Sparco Evolve Pro Sim Racing Kart Cockpit is designed specifically for kart racing enthusiasts. Crafted by the renowned Italian motorsports manufacturer Sparco, this cockpit is built to deliver an authentic kart racing experience with high-quality materials and meticulous design.
Quality
The Evolve Pro features a robust 40mm tubular steel chassis, providing a solid and stable platform for sim racing. The frame is designed to minimise flex and ensure durability during intense racing sessions. Sparco leverages its motorsport expertise, incorporating high-quality materials into the seat design for added strength and comfort.
Adjustability
This cockpit offers extensive adjustability to suit various driver preferences and sizes. The pedal plate, seat, and steering wheel mount are all adjustable, allowing for precise customisation of the driving position. The seat sliders enable easy forward and backward adjustments, while the pedal plate can be tilted to achieve the optimal angle for different pedals.
Features
The Sparco Evolve Pro includes several noteworthy features:
- Choice of Seats: Available with options for an adult seat, endurance seat, or junior seat, catering to different needs and preferences.
- Adjustable Components: The cockpit allows for adjustment of the seat, pedal plate, and steering wheel mount to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic setup.
- High-Quality Seat: The seats are derived from real kart racing seats, featuring deep bolsters and cushioning for comfort and support, so you can go for longer.
Space Requirements
Like real karts (compared to race cars) the Sparco Evolve Pro Kart Cockpit has a relatively compact footprint, making it suitable for home use. Its design allows it to be easily integrated into a dedicated gaming space without taking up excessive room.
Price
The Sparco Evolve Pro is positioned as a high-end sim racing cockpit, with prices including the seat. While it is more expensive than some other sim racing cockpits, there are not many other kart specific cockpits on the market and it comes from a company with a pedigree in motorsport, so you know you can trust it.
In summary, the Sparco Evolve Pro Sim Racing Kart Cockpit is a top-tier choice for serious sim racers seeking an authentic and adjustable kart racing experience. Its robust construction, high-quality materials, and extensive adjustability make it a valuable addition to any sim racing setup.
Want to see more about it? We have all the details, including the latest price for the Sparco Evolve Pro Sim Racing Kart Cockpit on the website.
How to build a sim racing cockpit / rig
Now you know what to look for and which we consider to be the best sim racing cockpits on the market today, you’ll want to know how to put your sim racing cockpit together and what other peripherals you’ll need to put you ahead of the other drivers.. We have a blog on that…
Conclusion
In 2024, the sim racing cockpit market is teeming with innovative options that cater to both professionals and hobbyists. High-end cockpits like the Sabelt Sim Racing S-Series S99 offer top-tier quality, stability, and customisation, ideal for serious racers who prioritise a premium experience.
For those balancing cost and performance, the Trak Racer TR160S and TR8 Pro are excellent choices, combining durability with extensive adjustability. The TR160S features a robust wide-body design, while the TR8 Pro boasts a sleek tubular frame with integrated monitor stands.
The Trak Racer TR80 stands out for its versatility and robust build, making it perfect for sim racers seeking a customizable setup. Meanwhile, if you race karts but want to get practice when not at the track, the Sparco Evolve Pro kart cockpit is for you, designed to replicate an authentic kart racing experience with high-quality materials and extensive adjustability.
Choosing the right cockpit depends on your specific needs, budget, and space. Whether opting for the premium Sabelt, the versatile Trak Racer models, or the specialised Sparco Evolve Pro Kart Cockpit, investing in a quality cockpit will significantly enhance your immersion and performance in sim racing. For any more information or help in deciding, get in touch with us. Happy racing!
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