I’m a sim racer with a passion for Motorsport, good racecraft and the tech side of sim racing. I made SIMRACINGCOCKPIT.GG as a place to share my experiences. I hold an International Class C race licence and write for sim racing store G-Performance and Motorsport resource Driver61.com
Featured image: My cockpit (right) and my son’s Overpower kids rig (left)
Sim racing rigs (or “sim racing cockpits” – the chassis upon which you mount all of your racing simulator gear) come in many shapes and sizes, with a huge variety of choices in terms of build quality, strength, rigidity, material and of course, price.
It is possible to buy a sim racing rig as a separate unit or as part of a cockpit bundle package with a seat, and plenty of other accessories too.
Today, I’m looking at which are the best cockpits to consider for your next upgrade.
If you’ve just come for a quick recommendation, I’d always say check out my preferred starter rig, the Sim Lab GT1 Evo, and/or the pro sim racer’s choice, the P1-X.
Sim-Lab now offers the Sim-Lab X1 Pro, their flagship racing cockpit; and (as I understand it) it’s by far the easiest to assemble (there’s one headed this way – I’ll be getting to a review soon!)
For the lowest-priced, but good quality cockpits, I’m always impressed with the rigs coming from RacingCockpits.com.
Here are the cockpits I’ve featured in this guide – scroll down to the reviews or keep reading to learn more about features that make for a good sim racing cockpit.
Sim Racing Cockpits Buyer’s Guide: Featured Products:
- Sim Lab GT1 Evo
- Trak Racer TR160
- RCP Cockpit Sport / PRO + Seat
- Sim-Lab P1X Pro
- Advanced Sim Racing ASR 4
- Advanced Sim RAcing ASR Pro
- Pro Sim Rigs PSR3
- Rock Solid Rigs RSR-21
- Alpine Racing TRX by Trak Racer
- OverPower OP Golden Rig Bundle
What features make a good sim rig?
When you pick your seat and frame, keep in mind the available space you have, how powerful your equipment is, and how much you want to spend.
Above all other things, rigidity is crucial. Higher-end sim racing wheelbases and pedals tend to create far higher forces (in some cases up to 30nm torque on the steering wheel and between 25 to 120kgs on the pedals). This can create what we all refer to as flex, the unintended movement of the rig itself under duress.
If you’re not sure what flex looks like, check out this video I made while recording a how-to heel and toe article. Note the movement of the pedal base as I apply the brakes:
The flex of this pedal base (attached to an old RSEAT RS1 cockpit) is around 4 degrees at a 25kg brake force. The video demonstrates the problem; suffice it to say I upgraded my rig shortly after upgrading the pedals.
That’s because Sprint sim pedals can handle more load than the pedal base on this rig is designed for which, is why it’s flexing a little.
But if I were using Thrustmaster or Logitech pedals, there’d be no flex at all because the brake force would be perhaps a fifth of the brake forces required for the Sprints.
Without wanting to dwell too much on flex in sim racing cockpits, you do need to consider if you’re going to upgrade your pedals.
If the answer is yes, you need to decide if you’ll want to upgrade the rig at the same time, or just buy the stiffer rig now and save the hassle later on. You’ll need a stiffer pedal plate if you’re adding higher-end sim racing pedals to your setup. It’s an awful lot of work stripping down a fully built sim rig and it’s something I prefer to avoid.
Generally, the more expensive the seat and the cockpit, the sturdier they will be, allowing for more powerful wheels and pedals.
While I demonstrated the issues that high brake forces can create, it’s the same for your wheelbase mounting too.
If you’re considering using a direct drive wheelbase and your rig is not robust enough to handle the forces that will be exerted upon it by the wheelbase, the frame that supports the wheelbase will flex too.
Flex takes away the mechanical feeling of the equipment and the feedback you get in return. At worst, you can see it happening; perhaps more so on the pedal base, but a cheap “wheel frame” style rig would probably be folded up by the full force of a Simucube!
The cheapest material to prevent flex, and for extendibility, is extruded “8020” profile aluminium, a square, boxy-looking material.
While profile might not look as pretty to the untrained eye, the experienced sim racer will immediately go for a rig like the Sim Labs and so on (all featured below). If you’re serious about sim racing and you’d like to progress over a long period of time an extruded 8020 aluminium rig is the way to go.
Aluminium isn’t the only material to build a sim rig, it’s just the most popular. There are now rigs made from plywood that demonstrate less flex than profile rigs; which we’ll also be looking at in this buyer’s guide.
As a point of reference, when I use the term “rig” in this article it will refer to the cockpit frame assembly and seat – the “rig”.
When you’re buying, some choices are sold as a seat and rig combo, while others require that you purchase the seat separately, and thus the seat is not included in the listed price. The other thing to take into account is the wheel deck and what, if any, monitor stands you’d like included.
Wheel deck options take into account how you’re planning to mount your wheelbase. The CSL-DD (for example) is side mounting, whereas MiGE-based wheelbases (such as the Simucube) are front mounting.
Finally, my recommendations are the three offerings from Sim-Lab and the very impressive offering from RCP. For lower budgets, it’s still better to go with an 8020-style extruded Aluminum chassis if you possibly can.
At a higher price, Advanced Sim Racing’s rigs are all very special indeed – with customisable paint jobs, they look pretty nice.
Sim Racing Cockpits: Price and Feature Comparision
| Product Name | Useful Details for Buyers | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sim Lab GT1 Evo | Sturdy and versatile rig; popular among beginners and enthusiasts. | $449.00 | £347.00 |
| Trak Racer TR160 | High-quality construction; adjustable pedal plate and wheel mount. | $958.00 | £768.00 |
| RCP Cockpit Sport/PRO | Compact design; suitable for limited space; compatible with various accessories. | $806.55 | £639.00 |
| Sim-Lab X1 Pro | Flagship racing cockpit; easy assembly; excellent rigidity. | $849.00 | £578.00 |
| ASR 4 | Affordable option with good quality; ideal for budget-conscious buyers. | $799.99 | £N/A |
| ASR Pro | Enhanced features for intermediate racers; customizable. | $1,649.99 | £N/A |
| PSR3 | Mid-range rig with solid build; suitable for serious sim racers. | $541.44 | £429.00 |
| Rock Solid Rigs RSR-21 | Durable and reliable; great value for the price. | $744.46 | £590 |
| Alpine Racing TRX | Sleek design by Trak Racer; comfortable and functional. | $999.00 | £999.00 |
| OP Golden Rig Bundle | Comprehensive package with seat and accessories; suitable for all skill levels. | $N/A | €N/A |
Sim Lab GT1 Evo
This is one of my favourites: replicating a GT car driving position, the less expensive sibling of the P1-X, the GT1 Evo is a very popular, stiff aluminium profile hybrid sim chassis.
I recommend this rig if you’re building a “high-end” rig on a tight budget:
The wheelbase mount is compatible with any base-mounted wheel including Thrustmaster, Logitec, and Fanatec devices.
The glossy, black powder-coated finish looks the part and the pre-drilled pedal base will easily accommodate all known pedal manufacturers, Heusinkveld, Logitech, Thrustmaster, SimTrecs or Fanatec pedals.
This is a brilliant starter rig on a very reasonable budget and is one of my top recommendations as a solid base to forge a promising sim racing career. That’s mostly because you probably won’t need to replace it with higher-torque equipment!
If you want to mount a Simucube 2 Pro or other front-mounting direct drive wheels, the attachments are available via Simlab. There’s also an upgrade kit available to turn the GT1 into a P1-X.
Trak Racer TR160
The TR160 MK4 Racing Simulator Cockpit, produced by Trak Racer, is a motion-ready racing cockpit designed for high-end simulation enthusiasts.
As an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Trak Racer TR160, the TR160 MK4 stands out with its rigid structure, thanks to its thicker-walled aluminium profile and sturdy brackets.
Additionally, the rig “ecosystem” is versatile, offering over 30 add-on accessories to customise your experience. Notably, the base structure is constructed from a high-quality 160 × 40mm aluminium T-Slot extruded profile, ensuring durability. The cockpit also supports the most popular steering wheels, pedals, and shifters.
Options for this Trak Racer rig include varying wheel mounts, pedal mounting kits, and seat brackets, accommodating both racing-style bucket seats and standard office chairs.
Additionally, users can opt for a Trak Racer seat, designed for long-duration comfort, and integrate a monitor stand for enhanced immersion. The simulator’s pedal mounts are specially designed for flexibility, allowing for adjustments in position, height, and angle.
Each purchase of the TR160 MK4 comes with a selection of essential components, including a wheel mount, pedal mount, universal Gen 2 shifter mount, and an oversized shifter support.
Additional items provided are rubber feet for floor protection, cable ties, coloured strips, and all necessary mounting screws, brackets, and fixtures.
An assembly tool kit and premium seat slider rails are also part of the package. The main chassis and steering wheel uprights are constructed from 8-slot 160 x 40mm profiles, underscoring the simulator’s robust build.
Trak Racer had very public and early teething problems – particularly with fulfilment. Things seem to have calmed down, I’m seeing very little chatter about Trak Racer in the Forums, so I decided to re-include their gear (we removed them for almost two years).
As it happens I also own the universal triple monitor mount from Trak Racer, which is covered on my monitor mounts page.
RCP Cockpit Sport + Racing Seat
If you want to start on a very low budget, but get the stiffness you’ve read about, and have scope for upgrades, the RCP Cockpit Sport from newcomers Racing Cockpits is a solid choice.
It’s a sturdy, 8020 extruded aluminium profile rig with Fanatec compatible pedal base, wheelbase mount, and shifter rails. The RCP Cockpit Sport is priced at around $674.00 included with your choice of seat.
For a beginner setup, I think this is a very good deal.
RCP also offers a series of upgrades for this rig. You could grab a stiffer Fanatec DD2 side mount or if you’re a Simucube owner there’s a Simucube front mount bracket available too. They also have a range of monitor mounts for single or triple monitor setups.
Also on offer from RCP, the Cockpit Pro is a nice option. If you’re looking for something at a slightly more professional level than the RCP Sport, we think for a sale price of $795.00, this 8020 profile rig is a really good deal.
P1X Pro Sim Racing Cockpit
Sim-Lab’s P1X PRO Cockpit is one of the finest full-option sim racing rigs on the market and sets a new standard for podium-style digital motorsport chassis.
The really cool aspect to Sim_lab’s latest chassis is the ease of assembly, thanks to custom-made 8020 threaded profile and some very nice bracket machining.
With its highly ergonomic design features and ultra-strong alloy aluminium base, the P1X-Pro Cockpit guarantees solid immersion and allows you to unlock the full potential of your sim racing hardware.
The cockpit is spacious and sits on raised legs, improving comfort, stability, and usability, while the rigid 40×120 mm aluminium profiles ensure you can attach the strongest direct drive wheelbases and the stiffest load cell pedal sets without worrying the cockpit flexing in the slightest.
The standard wheel mounting solution on the P1X-PRO Cockpit is forward-facing (a Front Mount for Simucube style direct drive wheelbase); however, with the optional P1X-PRO, you can firmly attach any bottom-mounted wheelbase, which makes it Fanatec compatible too. There are several monitor mount options, both supplied with my favourite Vario VESA mount.
All peripherals added to the P1X Pro Cockpit can be adjusted and positioned to your preference, allowing you to find the most suitable driving position possible. There is an option to supply the rig with a seat including a Speed 1 Black, Sparco Circuit 11or a Sparco Grid.
It’s important to note that the seat brackets and Sparco seat slider is included with the seat option and won’t come with the “barebones” cockpit.
For a complete list of compatible sim racing hardware, check here.
Advanced Sim Racing ASR 4
The ASR 4 is a high-end aluminium sim racing cockpit that ensures maximum rigidity for your powerful sim racing hardware.
The rig is manufactured by Advanced Sim Racing, North America’s fastest-growing racing simulation chassis manufacturer and digital motorsport equipment retailer. They serve the US, Canada and do global shipping on most items except seats.
Thanks to its top-grade 4.5″ alloy aluminium base and reinforced steering column, the ASR 4 has no weak points in its design, meaning it provides optimal performance with zero flex, even when using the most potent steering wheels and pedal sets on the market.
And look at that finish! I really like thatdeep lustre – this will look awesome with some RGB lighting to compliment your sim racing setup!
The ASR 4’s various adjustability options allow for several wheel and pedal mounting variations. As for steering wheels, you can select between a standard (bottom mounting) deck, side mounting, or front mounting, while you can choose between a steel plate or aluminium deck and heel rest for your pedals. You can check hardware compatibility with the ASR 4 here.
The compatibility list includes Simucube 2 Sport, Pro and Ultimate in the front mount option. The pedal plate is compatible with the Asetek and Heusinkveld Sprint and Ultimate+ pedals, the Simtrecs ProPedal GT, and more.
It’s easier just to list what the rig isn’t currently compatible with: the Logitech G29 pedal set or the Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3. Fair enough.
This cockpit is available in classic anodized silver or optional powder-coated infinite black, which improves scratch protection and adds a layer of luxury to the already head-turning design. Nice work, Advanced Sim Racing!
Advanced Sim Racing ASR Pro
The ASR PRO Sim Racing Rig is designed for stability, rigidity, and adjustability. Ideal for enthusiasts who demand a zero-flex experience, the rig is compatible with DD wheelbases with over 30nm of torque and industry-leading hydraulic pedals. It features an easily adjustable wheel deck and can accommodate a shift from a D-Shaped GT-style racing wheel to a 15″ NASCAR deep dish wheel in mere seconds.
The rig is constructed with high-grade aluminium profile for excellent stability and thick steel plates for extra rigidity. Its innovative design allows a quick switch from a sim racing wheelbase to a flight sim yoke, so if you’re into flight simulation too; this is becoming a temptation harder and harder to ignore!
The ASR PRO also provides a pedal tray and heel rest allowing racers to find their optimal pedal position swiftly. The 6″ aluminium base and seat mounting enables seat adjustments, making it comfortable for both short and long sim racing sessions. The chassis is suitable for users up to 6’6″ (1.98m).
The specifications of the rig are comprehensive, with the base length measuring 50″, and the maximum length of the chassis being 56″. The full product width, including support feet, is 29″. Other dimensions detail the heights at different parts of the rig.
The ASR PRO kit comes with multiple aluminium profiles, front and back plates, corner gussets and plastic caps, an assortment of screws and T-nuts, end caps, pushpins, and rubber feet. You can choose between various wheel deck and pedal support options depending on your preference.
In terms of compatibility, the ASR PRO supports an extensive range of products from manufacturers such as Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec, Simagic, AccuForce, and many more. Pedal compatibility is also impressive, working with pedal sets from Heusinkveld, Simtrecs, Sim Coaches, and RaceWerks, among others. However, it is not compatible with the Logitech G29 pedal set or the Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3.
Pro Sim Rig: PSR3
The PSR3 by PRO SIMRIG is a remarkable feat in a nice low-budget sim rig design.
At first glance, it’s evident that this is no ordinary setup. It has bags of rigidity, making it upgrade-friendly. This is not just any budget rig; it’s crafted with ultra-heavy-duty profiles, boasting significantly thicker side walls than many of its peers.
This ensures that the rig not only looks sturdy but also performs with unmatched stability. We like it, and it comes via UK supplier RaceAnywhere.
In its design, there’s an evident emphasis on quality and functionality. The steering section, with its overlapping uprights, ensures that the wheel deck remains firmly anchored.
Furthermore, the pedal section is a testament to precision engineering. Recognizing that many sim racers prefer a robust brake setup, the PSR3 pedal design is designed with the material thickness to provide unparalleled stiffness, something often compromised in other rigs. You mount directly to the aluminium profile, which I’ve been doing for years – it’s easier and far less complicated than accommodating a pedal plate.
An added advantage to the PSR3 is the inclusion of a braced side mount as standard, reinforcing the idea that “overlap equals strength”. This design reduces any lateral movement, especially when additional accessories like shifters or handbrakes are in use. To ensure that every user finds their sweet spot, there’s a generous 80mm range of adjustment for the side mount, adjustable in minute 1mm increments.
Lastly, the PSR3 is future-ready. It’s crafted keeping in mind the burgeoning popularity of medium-strength direct drive wheelbases (such, for example, our very recently reviewed Fanatec CSL DD which would suit this rig brilliantly). Not to be mistaken as a compromise, this rig can also support the heavier direct drive motors.
A friend, in fact has this rig with a Simucube 2 Pro. But for those seeking to push the limits with very high-torque settings, the PRO SIMRIG PSR1 might be a more suitable option. In terms of compatibility, whether it’s wheelbases or pedals, the PSR3 stands tall, accommodating a wide range of equipment. It’s truly a sim racer’s dream rig.
Rock Solid Rigs RSR-21
I mentioned flex earlier in this article. It comes up a lot – for the reasons I’ve already explained. But what if I told you that wood can be stiffer than Aluminium?
The rig is developed by an F1 composites engineer who has devised a layering method that creates (visibly thick, but very pleasing to the eye) very, very stiff wood.
What’s most striking about our newest addition to the list is the combination of “tool-free” adjustability with a wide range of compatibility (see above: Simucube 2 Pro mounted to the Wheeldeck, Heusinkveld Ultimate pedals mounted to the pedal plate).
I reviewed this rig only last month – and it really does keep its promises. I think RSR (Rock Solid Rigs) is a new manufacturer to keep an eye on – their environmental credentials and absolute commitment to building the measurably stiffest cockpit possible is extremely inspiring.
Alpine Racing TRX by Trak Racer
The Alpine Racing TRX is a commercial racing simulator co-developed by the Alpine F1 Team and Trak Racer. Engineered and designed in Australia, it has been crafted with input from F1 engineers to closely resemble a “real-life” racing experience.
Trak Racer has been a pioneer in creating racing cockpits since 2008 and has been recognized as the Official Simulator Supplier for both the Alpine F1 Team and Airbus Aircraft.
A key feature of the Alpine Racing TRX is its adaptability. Users can switch between Formula and GT-style seating positions. The simulator includes a seat slider, and seat brackets, and offers sliding adjustments on the wheel and pedal mounts.
The wheel assembly is versatile and compatible with various wheelbases including the Direct Drive Simucube 2, Fanatec, VRS, Logitech, and Thrustmaster. Moreover, the product comes with a Fanatec Side Mounting compatibility as standard.
Constructed with a 2″ round steel frame, the Alpine Racing TRX promises stability, especially during intense gaming sessions. It can bear up to 180kgs of braking force without flexing.
The pedal plate is pre-drilled, allowing for the mounting of various pedal sets. The product’s durability is backed by a 5-year frame warranty provided by Trak Racer, a nice confidence boost in their craftsmanship.
I think this unit addresses most of my concerns about flex in tube steel sim racing rigs; simply by tackling the problem by brute force. The gauge of the steel tube is significant, and, as you can see, there’s bracketry welded in all of the critical areas.
OP Golden White Bundle from Overpower.gg
The OP Golden White Bundle is another top-class sim racing cockpit package that boasts exceptional ergonomics, eye-catching looks, and enough stability to mount the world’s most powerful steering wheels and pedals. And yes – it’s made from plywood too.
OverPower, the Finnish manufacturer of The OP Golden White Bundle has combined its OP Formula Lite chassis with a monitor mount, a gaming platform tray, and an electric pedal adjuster, creating a premium, all-in-one sim racing rig.
The cockpit’s design elevates comfort when driving, even during endurance races. At 195 cm in length, 60 cm in width, and 130 cm in height to the top of the seat, it has a modest footprint and more than enough adjustability options to let you find the perfect driving position. The monitor mount supports screens up to 49” and features angle adjustment allowing you to set up the optimum viewing angle.
Compatibility-wise, the OP wheel deck supports all Thrustmaster, Logitech, and Fanatec base mounting wheels (such as the DD1/DD2, etc.) It also supports the Simucube 2 Sport.