Over the last decade, we have been reviewing many products on these pages. We have evolved from local manufacturers to global enterprises, whose expertise and know-how have been valuable in enhancing our competitiveness and prices. We have lost some quality and passion along the way, but in every case, we, the users, have come out ahead in the exchange.
I advocate always starting from scratch. You can purchase outstanding items on the used market at very good prices and get something truly valuable for a fraction of the cost. There is no need to suffer with a belt-driven wheelbase or stay attached to non-load-cell pedals. You can even get entire cockpits with seats for half the original cost.
Having all these variables in mind, if you have money to spend and want to get a very strong impression from your first simracing rig, you should aim for a minimum level of what the market offers. This first impression is vital for the majority of users, who could be deceived and disappointed if this first contact is not awesome enough.
My choice would be something powerful but affordable, with an aluminium profile cockpit. Let’s summarize what you can get today.
Wheelbase
Of course, there are several choices here. As in any other category, you will find a wide range of alternatives, brands, and prices. My choices are:
- Asetek La Prima Direct Drive
- Moza Racing R21 Ultra
- Moza Racing R12
- Thrustmaster T818 Black Edition
- Fanatec ClubSport DD
Steering Wheel
With your first contact in mind, you should choose something versatile. A round steering wheel from 30 to 33 cm would be the right choice.
- Moza Racing CS Pro Steering Wheel
- Asetek Forte GT Button Box (Black Alu)
- Asetek La Prima GT Button Box (Black)
- Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT
Pedals
A load cell unit with hall sensors should be the standard these days. Nothing less than that, with several brands and options to choose from.
- Asetek La Prima
- Fanatec CS V3
Cockpit
Probably the most underrated piece of hardware, and one of the most vital in your simrig. You need to stay as stable and comfortable as possible. Combine it with a serious seat and you have the biggest part of the work done.
Seat
New textiles and fabrics are gaining prominence. More comfortable, more versatile, even ventilated and possibly FIA-approved.
PC
The most problematic piece of hardware and the main center of your simulation experience. It needs to be powerful and able to cope with future patches and titles. It is going to be expensive; there is no need to lie about this.
Screens
I would go directly for a 49-inch screen or a 57-inch screen. Forget about triple-screen compatibility issues and configuration headaches. We have no time to waste on those; we want to sit and drive. These screens are wide, easy to configure, and clear enough to cover every situation.
VR Headset
For me, this is an essential device that makes the simulation worth every penny. A VR headset puts you at the center of the action. You are on track, literally, and not just staring at a flat or curved panel. Of course, it consumes a lot of resources and is not as comfortable as a monitor setup. But you are there, and that is everything you were aiming for.
- Pimax Crystal Light
- Pimax Crystal Super
Others
I must confess that the haptic pad (HF8 Pro) from Next Level Racing seems a very worthy device for its price. These devices, both old and new, deliver a range of extra sensations you are not supposed to feel through wheelbase FFB effects. And remember, as professional drivers say, you drive with a true “seat-of-the-pants” feeling.
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