‍1. Gaming Chair - GT Omega PRO Series Gen 2.0

£189.95 / €209.95

You don’t need a full cockpit or ‘rig’ to enjoy, or be quick, at sim racing - if your steering wheel can be mounted to a table or desk (most entry-level devices are designed with this in mind) then all you need is a matching chair.

A general gaming chair will suffice, and many are available. We’re recommending a GT Omega chair here, as the brand is well known in racing circles and also creates a range of cockpits.

This type of design will help you stay in position, and as it’s designed with desk use in mind, and long stints, it makes for an ideal starter setup.

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2. Wheel Stand - Next Level Racing Wheel Stand Lite 2.0

£129 / $129

If you don’t have a suitable desk to mount a steering wheel, then a wheel stand is your best entry-level option. Essentially a foldable metal frame that is built to mount both steering wheels and pedals to.

This Next Level Racing device can withstand entry-level load cell pedals and direct drive wheel bases by all major peripheral manufacturers. Initial setup will require the use of included bolts and Allen keys, but once up and running, this will remain in situ or even be folded to stow.

Ideal to use with the aforementioned gaming seat, too.

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3. Foldable Cockpit - Playseat Challenge

£199 / $229

This is an all-in-one product, which combines a seat, a wheel stand and a pedal stand into a single unit.

Consequently, the seat is more of padded fabric than a chair, you’re in a reclined position and it isn’t the most sturdy setup.

But the Playseat Challenge is a start, affordable and once setup, can be folded away. This is ideal for those racing in a living room environment in front of a large TV, with devices such as entry-level devices by Logitech and Thrustmaster.

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4. Foldable Cockpit - Next Level Racing GTlite Pro or Formula Lite Pro

£279 / $299

Similar to the Playseat mentioned above in terms of design and concept, these slightly more expensive Next Level Racing units have something akin to a ‘proper seat’ instead of fabric stretched over a frame.

It will make for comfier sessions and greater adjustment - but a little less practicality when it comes to stowage. Still, if you can afford the extra outlay compared to the Playseat, they are worth it. You can choose between a laid-back formula style, or also a more upright ‘GT’ version. Both are the same price.

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5. Permanent Cockpit - GT Omega PRIME Lite-R

£239.95 Lite-R / $399.95 Lite

The next step on the ladder is a solid sim racing cockpit, which requires assembly and a permanent space.

But if you do have an area for one, the benefits are the ability to support stronger steering wheels and also mount gear shifters, handbrakes and monitors for a more realistic experience.

There are hundreds of providers, but the PRIME Lite-R by GT Omega offers a decent mix between price and aluminium profile adaptability and solidarity - the pricing excludes a seat, and this is a slippery (if fun) slope into expending your sim racing hobby. Fair warning!

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Written by the teams at trophi.ai and Traxion.GG.