Short answer: Choose a cockpit that suits your driving position and is rigid enough for your wheelbase and pedals. If several people share the rig, sliders under both the seat and pedal deck make adjustment much easier.
The cockpit determines how you sit and how securely the wheel, pedals and seat are connected. Movement in the wheel mount or flex in the pedal deck is noticeable every time you steer or brake.
Which cockpit suits your driving?
| YOU MAINLY DRIVE | START WITH | WHY |
|---|---|---|
| GT, touring cars and road-going sports cars | GT cockpit | An upright position that works well for many car types and longer sessions. |
| Formula and single-seat prototypes | Formula cockpit | A low, reclined position with the pedals mounted higher. |
| Rally and drifting | Upright cockpit | Room for large steering inputs and a natural position for the shifter and handbrake. |
| Many different car types | Adjustable GT position | Easier to adapt than a dedicated Formula position. |
Want to learn more about GT and Formula positions and how to choose a suitable seat? Read our sim racing seat guide.
The wheel mount, pedal deck and seat must be rigid
Wheel mount
The wheel mount should not bend or twist under force feedback. A stronger wheelbase places greater demands on the mount.
Pedal deck
Flex is quickly noticeable with a firm load cell brake. If the deck bends, the pedal moves as you brake.
Seat
The seat and its mounts should hold your body in place. Play in the sliders or brackets makes consistent braking more difficult.
Frame
A rigid frame still needs to be assembled correctly. Check the bolts and joints after your first driving sessions.
A sturdy cockpit is especially important with high-force pedals. Lighter pedal decks can bend under hard braking. Read more in our sim racing pedal guide.
Steel frame or aluminium profile?
A well-designed steel cockpit can be both rigid and straightforward to assemble. It often arrives as a more complete solution, although you depend more on the mounts and adjustment built in by the manufacturer.
An aluminium-profile cockpit is easier to rebuild. You can move profiles, add mounts and change the seat, wheelbase or pedals without replacing the entire rig. More parts are often chosen separately, and assembly takes longer.
Choose for the way you will use the rig. Steel or aluminium alone does not determine rigidity. Look at the construction, the mounts and how your hardware is installed.
If several people share the rig
The wheelbase normally stays in the same position. The driver moves using the slider under the seat and, when needed, the pedals.
A slider under the pedal deck makes it easy to fine-tune the distance and quickly switch between drivers with different leg lengths. It is particularly useful when adults and children share the simulator.
Check this before buying
| CHECK | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | Does the bolt pattern fit, and does it require bottom, front or side mounting? |
| Pedals | Does the bolt pattern fit, and can the deck withstand the brake force you intend to use? |
| Seat | Are the seat, side mounts and sliders included, or sold separately? |
| Accessories | Are suitable mounts available for the shifter, handbrake and other controls? |
| Dimensions | Will the complete rig fit with the seat, wheel, pedals and monitor? |
Product images often show a complete simulator even when the cockpit frame, seat and mounts are sold separately. Check the list of included parts before comparing prices.
Integrated or freestanding monitor mount?
An integrated monitor mount takes up less space and moves with the cockpit. A freestanding stand lets you position the monitor independently and reduces the chance of wheelbase vibrations reaching the screen.
For an ultrawide or triple monitors, a freestanding stand is often easier to adjust. Always check the monitor weight and VESA pattern against the stand specifications.
Set the driving position
Start with the seat
Set the backrest and seat angle. You should sit securely without tensing your shoulders.
Set the pedals
Move them until you can press the brake firmly without fully straightening your leg. Set the pedal angle so the braking force pushes your body back into the backrest. If you slide upwards in the seat instead, adjust the pedal angle or height.
Position the wheel
With your back against the seat, you should reach the wheel with slightly bent arms. Check that your legs remain clear as you steer.
Drive a longer session before making the final adjustments. Pain in your knees, hips, back or shoulders means the position needs changing.
Not sure which cockpit suits you?
Contact us and tell us which wheelbase, pedals and seat you want to use. We will help you check that the parts fit together. You can also compare our sim racing cockpits.