Next Level Racing F-GT Pro Review: A Tubular Cockpit That Delivers More Than You'd Expect
Sarah Nocchi
If you’re in the market for a sim racing chassis that offers premium build quality, versatility, and rock-solid performance—without blowing past the $1,200 mark—the Next Level Racing F-GT Pro might just be your next upgrade.
In this hands-on review, I dive into everything from the unboxing and build process to the driving experience and final verdict after putting the F-GT Pro through its paces. Whether you’re upgrading from a starter rig or looking to downsize from a full aluminum setup, this review covers exactly what sim racers need to know.
First Impressions: Evolving the Tubular Rig Concept
Right out of the box, the F-GT Pro presents itself as an evolution of the beloved Monkey Driver cockpit—a fan favorite among those who appreciated minimalist tubular designs. It's also very possible that you never heard of the Monkey Driver at all, though. Part of the reason was the lack of distribution and marketing capabilities from its Italy-based manufacturer. Now, the inventor of Monkey Driver has given the rights of the design to Next Level Racing, with the goal of distributing this new evolution of it to the world. With a sleeker, more premium approach and some smart upgrades, Next Level Racing is clearly aiming to set a new bar in this category.
The first standout feature? That metallic gray powder-coated finish. It’s sharp, modern, and a visual departure from the usual gloss or matte black options (though black is still available). For racers who want their cockpit to look as good as it performs, the Pro checks that box immediately.
Tubular rigs often get criticized for lacking the rigidity of aluminum profile chassis, but the F-GT Pro is built with a 50mm steel frame, and Next Level Racing promises high levels of stiffness and durability. Spoiler alert: It delivers on that promise.
The Build Process: From Unboxing to Built in One Hour
Everything comes in one large box, well protected with bubble wrap and foam padding. Inside, you’ll find three major pieces (main frame, seat and backrest), a pedal plate, a wheelbase mount, and all the hardware you’ll need—clearly labeled and organized.
With just 16 steps in the manual and a handy QR code for a video tutorial, assembly was straightforward. Not counting the installation of additional (optional) accessories like the shifter/handbrake arm and monitor mount, the total setup time clocked in at under 60 minutes. Adding those accessories to the clock, you can expect to spend an additional 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: The seat assembly does require some effort to align and bolt into place. It’s a tight fit—literally—and may take a little muscle. But once it's secured, the rigidity feels spot on. I built this rig entirely by myself with no assistance - and you can too. But, like with everything, having a helping hand will make things a little easier.
Adjustability and Ergonomics: Formula to GT in Minutes
One of the F-GT Pro’s biggest strengths is its ability to shift between Formula-style, GT, and hybrid seating positions without swapping parts. By loosening a few shoulder knobs, you’ve got an entirely new driving posture.
Pedal and Wheelbase Mounts
Both the pedal plate and wheelbase mount use aluminum extrusions for mounting, allowing front-to-back and angle adjustments via shoulder knobs. For those running high-end hardware (I tested with a Fanatec DD1 and MOZA CRP pedals), everything bolted in securely and without flex.
The Seat
The integrated seat is comfortable, well-cushioned, and adjustable. A new feature for the Pro is the ability to adjust the seatback angle, which adds an extra layer of tuning to your driving position. However, note that fore/aft movement of the seat base isn’t available—a minor trade-off for most.
Compact Yet Sturdy: A Surprising Comparison
Next to my aluminum 160LE rig, the F-GT Pro is noticeably narrower and lighter. That might seem like a downside at first—until you start repositioning it. This thing is a breeze to move around, making it perfect for smaller rooms, shared office spaces, or setups where mobility is important.
Even with a high-torque direct drive wheel, the Pro showed virtually no flex during my driving sessions in iRacing. That’s a big deal for a tubular chassis and speaks volumes about the design improvements over its predecessor.
Monitor Mount Considerations
The integrated monitor mount is functional, offering tilt and height adjustments. However, due to the limitations of chassis-mounted displays, I found that even at the closest setting, the monitor was too far away to offer optimal FOV—especially in Formula position.
Recommendation: Go with a freestanding monitor mount if you want full control over FOV, placement, and stability—especially with heavier ultrawide or triple monitor setups.
The Real Test: On Track with a 20nm Fanatec DD1
I put the F-GT Pro through its paces using a Fanatec DD1 direct drive wheel, MOZA CRP pedals, and a 34-inch curved Acer monitor while racing the Super Formula car in iRacing at Monza. This combo delivers heavy torque and high pedal pressure—making it a great stress test for any cockpit.
Performance Impressions
- No noticeable flex in the frame, wheel plate, or pedal deck
- Adjustment knobs held position even under stress
- Comfort remained high during long stints
- Formula seating position felt immersive (but tight for shorter drivers)
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Fast, easy setup (under 1 hour)
- Great adjustability across seat, pedals, and wheel mounts
- Lightweight and compact design
- Premium powder-coated finish
- Excellent rigidity for a tubular chassis
- Competitive price ($1,199 with seat)
❌ Cons:
- Monitor mount is limiting (freestanding recommended)
- Formula position may not work for shorter drivers without modification
- Seat doesn’t slide forward/back
Final Verdict: Is the F-GT Pro Worth It?
If you’re looking for the best tubular rig under $1,200, the Next Level Racing F-GT Pro delivers huge value. It nails the sweet spot between adjustability, compact design, and rigidity, making it ideal for sim racers who want a sleek and space-conscious rig that still handles serious hardware.
Who It's For:
- Sim racers who want fast setup and high adjustability
- Gamers with limited space or who want to move their rig easily
- Drivers looking for a comfortable, versatile cockpit without sacrificing stiffness
- Racers on a $1,000–$1,200 budget
Where to Buy
The F-GT Pro is available directly from Next Level Racing and authorized resellers. If you're ready to elevate your racing setup without overcomplicating it, this rig is absolutely worth a look.
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