If you’re ready to jump into sim racing or upgrade your current rig, this guide is for you. One of the most common questions sim racers ask is, "What’s the best sim racing setup?" The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer: the perfect rig depends on your goals, budget, and available space. This guide walks you through the key gear considerations and introduces a powerful tool that can make your rig-building process a breeze.

Two Sim Racing Myths, Debunked

1. The "Perfect Setup" Doesn’t Exist

The best rig for you might not work for someone else. Pro esports drivers need different gear than casual weekend racers. Your ideal setup is personal and based on your own use case.

2. Better Gear Doesn’t Always Mean Faster Laps

While premium gear can improve consistency and feel, it won’t magically drop seconds off your lap time. Practice is what matters most. High-end gear can support skill development, but it can’t replace it.

---

7 Key Questions to Ask Before Buying

1. What’s Your Budget?

Sim rigs range from $1,000 to $20,000+. Set your budget first, then decide if this is a starting point or a long-term setup. Entry-level builds can be powerful when planned well.

2. How Often Will You Race?

If you’re a casual racer, you might want to prioritize comfort and ease of use. For daily or competitive racers, go for durable, high-performance gear designed for frequent use.

3. Who Will Use the Rig?

Shared rigs (e.g. with kids or partners) benefit from adjustability. If it’s just for you, focus on rigidity and ergonomics that fit your body.

4. What Cars or Series Do You Drive?

Formula racers usually prefer laid-back seating positions. GT and touring drivers might opt for traditional upright seating. Drifting? You’ll need a sturdy rig that can support a handbrake and shifter.

5. Do You Prioritize Performance or Immersion?

Performance-focused racers may care more about precision. Immersion-seekers may want triple monitors, VR, motion platforms, and more advanced gear.

6. What Platform Will You Use?

PC gives you the most flexibility in terms of gear compatibility and sim titles. Consoles are more plug-and-play but limit your gear options.

7. How Much Space Do You Have?

If you’re working with limited space, foldable or compact rigs make sense. If you’ve got a dedicated room, the sky’s the limit - triple screens, motion, and more.

---

What to Prioritize in Your Sim Racing Setup

The Chassis and Seat

Your chassis is the foundation of your setup. Aluminum profile rigs (like the Track Racer TR160S or Sim-Lab GT1 Evo) offer maximum rigidity and long-term durability. Tubular rigs like the Track Racer TRX are stylish and offer great adjustability.

The Wheelbase

Look for at least a 12Nm direct drive base. Brands like Fanatec offer strong cross-platform support. Make sure the wheelbase is compatible with the wheels you want to use, as not all ecosystems are flexible.

The Steering Wheel

Choose a wheel that fits your preferred driving style (GT, F1, drifting). Check for quick-release compatibility and third-party support if you want to swap wheels easily.

The Pedals

Pedals are critical for driving consistency. Entry-level spring-based pedals are fine for casual users. Load cell pedals (like Thrustmaster T-LCM or Fanatec ClubSport) are ideal for most serious racers. Hydraulic and active pedals offer top-tier realism at premium prices.

Monitor Setup

A single ultrawide (34”+) is a great starting point. Triple monitors offer excellent immersion but require space and GPU power. VR provides deep immersion but may cause discomfort for some users. Use freestanding mounts if possible to avoid monitor wobble.

PC vs Console

PC is the most flexible platform with the widest gear compatibility. Console builds are cheaper and easier to manage but offer limited sim title and gear options. Choose based on the level of immersion and performance you want.

How Ready Set Sim Makes It All Easier

Ready Set Sim is like PC Part Picker, but for sim rigs. You can build a rig component by component, check compatibility instantly, compare gear, and track your budget in real time.

• Sim Rig Builder: Choose parts manually and check if they’re compatible (e.g. steering wheels + wheelbases).
• Sim Figurator: Get a full rig recommendation based on your goals, budget, and experience.

Each product includes scores based on value, performance, and quality, with community reviews and YouTube links built in. It saves you from cross-referencing dozens of websites just to see if a wheel works with your base.

Quick Buyer’s Tips

• On a budget? Prioritize a strong rig and load cell pedals.
• Want immersion? Spend on your wheelbase and display setup.
• Love variety? Go modular and choose open-ecosystem gear.

With the help of tools like Ready Set Sim, it’s never been easier to build a sim rig that truly fits your needs. Whether you’re chasing immersion, performance, or both. The perfect setup is the one that’s right for you.

Need Help Picking Your Rig?

Have questions? Drop them in the comments or visit Ready Set Sim to explore builds and compare gear. And if you're looking for reviews on the latest sim racing products, check out our other posts on Raceful’s blog.