Do you like racing games, and would you like to benefit from a more immersive atmosphere? Then look no further than racing simulator chairs. Thanks to this simple tool, you will be able to both taste professional driving by doing like the pros, and increase your gaming pleasure tenfold by living a most immersive experience!
Comparison of the best racing simulator chairs
What to know before purchasing
- there are different types of armchair installation depending on your preferences
- racing simulator chairs are used with a Playstation, Xbox or simply computer console
- racing simulator chairs are both used for racing professionals to train, but also make this universe available to as many people as possible, also offering an immersive gaming experience
1. Playseat F1: ideal for fans of F1 games
Features and Reviews
This product from the Playseat brand is sold at €1,165.36, the most expensive racing simulation chair available on the market. A result of high-end and quality manufacturing, its design derives from that of a Formula 1, offering a comfortable seat to the user. The seat frame is covered in imitation leather giving it a taste of luxury and a fairly sober appearance.
Featuring a height-adjustable steering wheel and pedal support that mimics an aircraft style. The structure of this F1 seat is suitable for almost all sizes of people measuring between 120 to 220 cm with a weight between 20 to 122Kg. The optimal seat height is 88 cm.
With wide compatibility, this Playseat F1 model is suitable for Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech accessories (steering wheels and pedals), etc. It can be connected with all types of game consoles, but rather ideal with a PS3. A well-known brand in the creation of accessories for racing simulation, Playseat F1 is designed from the appearance of the cockpit of Formula 1 cars. It is the ideal chair especially if you are a fan of simulation games. racing and especially if you want to experience a real sensation of F1.
2. Next Level Racing GT Ultimate V2: a racing chair for professionals
Features and Reviews
Manufactured by the Next Level Racing brand, this GT Ultimate V2 racing simulator chair is intended for your racing simulation games at home. A product used by racing professionals, this bucket seat is sold at €802.73.
With incomparable manufacturing quality, this seat differentiates itself from other models with its modern and ergonomic design, this armchair is patented and can be separated into 2 or folded for storage without taking up a lot of space in your home. On the practical side, the positions of the steering wheel, gearbox and pedals are adjustable according to your size and shape.
To offer you optimal comfort and better negotiate turns, this GT Ultimate V2 racing simulator chair is equipped with a seat slide, a lumbar cushion and a racing harness. Custom designed, it can support a user's weight up to 150Kg and enjoy their running session. To have your configurations and play with pleasure, the structure of this seat is compatible with Logitech or Thrustmaster accessories.
3. Z ZELUS: a high-quality racing simulation seat
Features and Reviews
Designed by the Z ZELUS brand, this racing simulation seat is made of synthetic leather, padded with injection molded foam to offer you optimal comfort during your gaming sessions. It will give you a more realistic feeling with the graphics.
The dimensions of the seat are 78 x 60 x 29 cm for a weight of 16 kg, while those of the support are 74 x 56.9 x 20 cm for 17 kg. This Z ZELUS armchair is made of carbon steel and PVC which are very resistant, allowing it to support a load of 150Kg.
So that you can be comfortable, this seat is fully adjustable, it can slide forwards and backwards, the backrest is tiltable. Depending on your height, the pedal support can be adjusted from 10 to 40 degrees. For a price of €199.99, this seat is a good deal for simulation game enthusiasts. Combining quality, comfort and robustness, you will not be disappointed with your choice. In terms of compatibility, this chair is suitable for most steering wheels and pedal boards for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Logitech and Thrustmaster.
4. Playseat Revolution: the best for reaching a better level of play
Features and Reviews
For a price of €339.00, treat yourself to this Playseat Revolution racing simulation chair. With a seat frame made from sturdy steel, the design mimics that of a bucket car seat, unique and very attractive. Covered in leather with lining and a reinforced headrest, it will give you a better feeling of realism and comfort during your racing simulation games.
Equipped with a patented system, you can adjust it according to your comfort. The attachment of the pedals and steering wheel is also adjustable. You can easily reach the pinnacle of playing level with this chair combining quality and comfort. For dimensions of 98 x 50 x 132.1 cm (L x W x H), the Playseat Revolution brand offers two different sizes, and each can support a weight of 20 kg and 122 kg.
To avoid taking up space in your home if you are not using it, it has an easy folding and storage system. Its unique and very attractive shape offers wide compatibility with almost all accessories useful for a simulation game, including steering wheels and pedals.
5. SRC 900: treat yourself to a bucket seat for your racing games
Features and Reviews
Designed with an ergonomic, stylish and original design, this bucket seat for racing simulation games is the result of a high quality finish. The seat frame is made of metal, giving it strength and great stability. The chair itself is covered in faux leather and ultra-comfortable foam, making it very attractive.
If you are a fan of racing games and want to have maximum fun, prepare a budget of €494.30 for this SRC 900 chair. To provide you with optimal comfort, the seat can slide forward or backward depending on your height, the backrest also reclines.
The steering wheel support and that of the pedals are adjustable in height and depth and according to the desired inclination and adapt to all body shapes of the user. You can play at your ease and have a certain realism.
Featuring great compatibility, this racing simulation chair is compatible with almost all steering wheels for PS4, Xbox One, Switch; Thrustmaster, Logitech… The size of this seat is intermediate, suitable for young and old. Easy to clean, it has non-slip pads to protect the floor from scratches.
Racing simulator chairs: Frequently asked questions
What is a racing simulator?
Racing simulators and virtual reality racing are much more than just a video game. Unlike driving video games, which are designed for novice drivers, racing simulators use advanced physics that replicate the experience of professional race driving to near perfection.
Racing simulators are also much more challenging and rewarding than a simple video game. The cutting-edge technology of racing simulators requires the driver to behave like a racing professional. You will get the full race car experience and will have to take into account factors such as fuel consumption levels, tire wear, exterior damage, suspension settings and other crucial variables on the track that affect performance and ultimately the outcome of the race.
What games for a racing simulator chair?
Of course, all this hardware won't do you any good until you have a game? F1, Touring Car, Rally… whatever type of racing you plan to do, there is sure to be a game to match it, many of which focus on multiple types of racing. Let's see what types of games compatible with racing chairs are available.
First, we have the GT/Sports part. These are the games that only feature asphalt racing and cars designed for them. They may feature tracks with dirt sections, but the game doesn't focus on off-road at all.
Then we have the rally/off-road part. Off-road circuits are used to push your Jeep's suspension to its limits! But sometimes off-road circuits are well-maintained and monitored spaces for setting the best times in vehicles almost completely modified with hardcore racing in mind.
And finally, we have the mixed part. These are games that feature off-road racing, but generally focus on the road and don't really let you do rally or rally-cross in many cases. For off-road races, they of course offer dedicated off-road vehicles.
In summary, there is a rich variety of choices when it comes to armchair racing games. Chances are you won't buy just one racing game, because they're all different. Instead, you may want to buy several types for variety!
Here is a short list of games compatible with the racing simulator chair: Assetto Corsa, Driveclub, F1, Forza Motorsport, Grid, Live for Speed, Project Cars, rFactor, RaceRoom, Stock Car Extreme, Dirt, WRC, Automobilista, Gran Turismo, iRacing.
Which platform to use with a racing simulator chair?
So far, we've covered everything you need to simulate a racing experience, except the most important thing: the platform! Even if you bought a ton of accessories, they will be unusable if you don't have the right platform.
You need a platform with a system powerful enough to reproduce all the components of a virtual race, including the details of the circuit, the car and the crowd of spectators. So, you can imagine that you will not be able to use your racing simulator chair with your Nintendo 3DS or Switch!
You will need at least a PC or Mac for this. And on the console side, you will find what you are looking for with the PS3 and versions above, as well as the Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
Which is better for a racing simulator chair: a computer or a console?
As we have seen, the use of a racing simulator chair is compatible with both an Xbox or Playstation type console, but also with a computer.
Is one variant superior to the other?
Most people assume that the computer is much more capable and have preconceived ideas about consoles. We often hear that the number of frames per second is very limited on consoles, for example. But not all of these ideas are always true. On the other hand, it must be recognized that the computer has some advantages.
First, it allows you to use multiple screens, which is impossible on console.
We also notice differences in the support for augmented reality. Computers offer a much wider choice than consoles at this level. In short, the gap between computers and consoles is actually much narrower than you might think. Remember that the important thing is the racing simulator chair: not the platform!
Racing simulation chair: what performance for a computer?
Do you want to use your racing simulation chair with a computer?
So you absolutely must have the right configuration. Let's take a look at the characteristics you must have. Desktop or Laptops: Unlike consoles, with personal computers you can customize the hardware of your machine. For example, you can play on multiple screens and mix internal components. Consoles are still good budget options, but computers give you some options that consoles don't.
On the other hand, you can't choose any computer and play a racing simulation on it. Even if you're on a supported platform, you need to make sure the specs are high enough to run the games.
In terms of processor, it is advisable to opt for a dual-core or quad-core of 2 GHz or more. The memory must be at least 8 GB. Regarding the GPU, you need at least 1 TFLOP, 900MHz or more or 1GB VRAM or more. Minimum storage: 240 GB.
Windows is the most supported operating system. It can be installed on just about any machine, allowing the user to choose their hardware. In addition to this, there is a wide range of choices for more advanced racing simulation hardware that is exclusively compatible with Windows such as steering wheel or VR.
Next we have Macs.
The choice of hardware for this operating system is much more limited. On top of that, macOS is not natively supported by the majority of PC games, especially larger titles. This is why Macs are generally not used for gaming.
But contrary to popular belief, not only can they be used for a good level of native gaming, but they have the right characteristics to try your hand at sim racing. Additionally, tools like Wineskin and PlayOnMac make it possible to play Windows exclusive games on macOS (although you can also use Bootcamp to use Windows on a Mac system, which requires a Windows license).
Even so, it's not recommended to buy a Mac just for gaming, so this option is really aimed at those who already own one, or plan to get one anyway. In this case, aim for a Macbook Pro, iMac or Mac Pro compatible with macOS 10.12 minimum.
What are the advantages of having racing simulator chairs?
Experience close to reality
The obvious advantage of racing simulator chairs is that they allow you to reproduce a real race without the problems that come with it. We can thus cite the various costs and the risks of damage and injuries for both the driver and the vehicle.
Accessibility
With the racing simulator chair, anyone can have a racing simulation experience, even minors or those who cannot participate in a real race.
Gaming fun
And finally, the realistic side of the simulation makes any racing game much more enjoyable. You don't just have a screen and a controller, you have the complete arsenal of the perfect pilot! Suffice to say that the immersion is real.
Better driving
Racing simulators are also an ideal way to improve driving skills in everyday life and can be used with this in mind.
What are the disadvantages of having racing simulator chairs?
Place and installation
The biggest problem with racing simulator chairs is that they take up space! You need to reserve a space in your home that is large enough to accommodate your chair, but also your console and your screen. This can be particularly complicated because an armchair cannot simply be folded or stored away. We need to find a permanent place for him.
Bad habits
This is a rare risk that must nevertheless be highlighted. By getting used to playing with a racing simulator chair, you can develop habits that will be reproduced in real conditions. Be careful, therefore, not to take the road as a playground: do not confuse simulation and reality!
Do racing simulators improve driving skills?
Yes, in fact these racing simulators are sometimes used by professional racing drivers for training. However, there is one thing to be wary of: while sim racing is a serious exercise, knowing that it is only a simulation means that you can feel a little more relaxed and adopt a free approach to this unique activity.
So, even if you feel like you're off-piste on the professional circuit, you're not being harmed. The result: an experience that is both challenging and fun.
Racing simulator chairs, yes or no?
Racing simulator chairs are an incredible tool to increase your gaming pleasure and have an experience close to the reality of racing. This point can be seen as positive and negative at the same time. Positive, because you get real racing experience, like the professionals. Negative, because knowing that we are in a simulation makes us take the experience lightly.
There is also the risk that we conflate the game with real life by transposing our habits from simulation to real driving.
There are many types of racing games, each with its own specificities. You can decide to do classic races or you could decide to test your suspensions off-road. Regarding the hardware, it's simple: all you need is a Playstation or Xbox type console to play your favorite games! The main thing is to have enough space in your home to install the chair and the equipment.
