Buying a racing seat can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Whether you are an avid gamer or just looking for comfortable seating options while racing in your sim racing cockpit, finding the perfect racing seat requires some research and insight. In this article, we will guide you through the process of buying a racing seat, what to look out for and how to make the right choice! We will also give you a top 5 list of best sim racing seats to choose from right now!
Why a racing chair?
Before we dig deeper into what to look out for when buying a racing chair, let's first understand why these chairs have become so popular in recent times. Racing chairs, originally designed for gamers, offer ergonomic benefits that go far beyond aesthetics. These chairs are designed to provide long-term comfort, which is essential for sim racers who want to get the most out of themselves and their performance on the track.
Ergonomics and comfort
One of the main reasons to buy a racing chair is the level of ergonomics they offer. These chairs are equipped with adjustable backrests, armrests and headrests, so you can adjust them to suit your own posture and needs. This helps to improve your posture and reduces the risk of back pain and other discomforts that can result from sitting for long periods of time.
Materials and sustainability
When buying a racing chair, it is also vital to pay attention to the materials used and the overall durability of the chair. Opt for chairs made of high-quality materials such as PU leather or breathable fabrics. These materials not only provide comfort, but also contribute to the chair's long-term durability.
Adjustability and functionality
Racing seats are designed with adaptability in mind. They often come with features such as tilt mechanisms, height adjustment and even built-in massage functions in some cases. Before buying a racing chair, consider which adjustable features are important to you and whether the chair offers them.
Style and aesthetics
Of course, you also want your racing chair to look good, especially if you plan to put it in your game room or sim rig. Fortunately, racing chairs come in a variety of styles and colours, so you can choose one that matches the aesthetics of your space. The main decision and consideration you need to make is whether you opt for a formula-style seat, where you lean back more like in a Formula car, or whether you prefer a GT or Rally position.
Price Range and Budget
When buying a racing chair, it is essential to keep your budget in mind. These chairs can vary in price depending on the features, materials and brand. It is advisable to set a budget before shopping so that you can narrow down your choices to chairs that fall within your financial range.
This Is Our Racing Chair Top 5 (2023)
Racing chair #1: Sim-Lab Speed 1
The Sim-Lab Speed 1 Bucket Seat racing seat is a perfect blend of comfort, performance and a very competitive price-performance ratio. This is why the Speed 1 is the number one chair in this list with a bullet. With a streamlined design and high-quality materials, this chair offers excellent ergonomics for casual gamers and professionals alike. The chair features a robust base for good stability. The combination of colour gives a sporty look that fits into a variety of environments. The Speed 1 is therefore a true eye-catcher in your sim racing cockpit. You can choose from two sizes: Speed 1 L or Speed 1 XXL.
Available in different colours
Not only is the Sim-Lab Speed 1 Bucket Seat all about performance, but also about style. This seat is available in different fabric colours and various shell colour options. You can choose from blue, black and red. This gives you the freedom to fully customise the look of your sim racing cockpit to your personal preferences.
Ultimate Comfort and Ergonomics: The Speed 1 Sim Racing Chair
The Sim-Lab Speed 1 sim racing chair from Sim-Lab's Speeds series offers an ergonomically shaped fixed shell that is abundantly filled with high-quality memory foam. This careful construction ensures ultimate comfort during your racing experience. Moreover, the chair is prepared to be fitted with a 5-point or 4-point harness to add, allowing you to further increase immersion and safety, as well as adding that little extra experience to your rig.
Stay Cool During Prolonged Racing Sessions: Breathable 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric
For those who plunge into endurance racing, the Sim-Lab Speed 1 chair offers an innovative solution: the 3D spacer mesh fabric. This unique fabric has the remarkable ability to provide extra cooling, even during the longest racing sessions. With the ability to ventilate the surface, you will stay comfortable and focused, no matter how long your race lasts.
Always Within Reach: Handy Mobile Phone Storage Compartment
Details make all the difference, and the Sim-Lab Speed 1 chair understands that. With a clever storage compartment on the right side of the seat, you can conveniently store your mobile phone while you are racing. This small but clever feature adds a touch of functionality to your racing experience.
Price and segment
Priced at €399, the Speed 1 is competitive value for money and the Sim-Lab Speed 1 Bucket Seat belongs in the mid-range segment.
Sim-Lab Speed 1 Bucket Seat
- Available in different colours
- 3D Ventilating Mesh Fabric
- Storage compartment for your mobile phone
- Durable materials for ultimate comfort
Racing seat #2: Sparco Grid Q
The Sparco Grid Q racing chair is a favourite among many sim racers because of its distinctive design and ergonomic features. With a focus on comfort and performance, this chair has an adjustable backrest, removable cushions and adjustable armrests. Its eye-catching design makes it an eye-catcher in any setting.
Innovative QRT technology
The Sparco Grid Q was designed and developed in Italy by Sparco. The QRT technology aims to generate the world's lightest fibreglass frames and define the characteristics of future sports seats. With this technology, Sparco sets new standards for seat performance, reducing unit weight by 30% compared to previous seats. This enables unprecedented mechanical strength-to-weight ratios in fibreglass sports seats. This has significantly reduced the weight of the seat by up to 2.5 kg compared to the previous model. The Grid Q now weighs just 6.5 kg.
Modular Cushions for Extra Comfort
The removable 'modular' cushions provide a snug fit that is adaptable to individual needs. The raised lateral leg support and subtle leg cushion keep the driver's legs firmly within the size of the seat, promoting safety.
The Grid Q chair's modular cushions are secured with Velcro, allowing them to be effortlessly removed and reattached when needed. The fully removable cushion design also facilitates the use of a custom-made chair set.
Price Range and Segment
The Sparco Grid Q costs €449, putting it in the mid-range segment.
Sparco Grid Q
- Official FIA homologation
- Removable cushions for extra comfort
- 30% lighter thanks to Quick Resin Technology
- Durable materials for ultimate comfort
Racing seat #3: LTEC PRO Bucket Seat
The LTEC Pro Bucket Seat is not just another chair; it is a statement of power, speed and unparalleled performance. It is synonymous with racing performance. Designed with attention to detail and passion for racing, this racing chair embodies the essence of speed and control. And all at a very attractive price. The LTEC Pro is therefore good for spot 3 in our list.
A New Era of Driving Comfort
The LTEC PRO Bucket Seat represents a new era of riding comfort. With its ergonomic design and carefully placed contours, this seat offers unparalleled support and comfort. Whether you are tackling intense corners or conquering straights at high speed, this seat provides an enhanced riding experience. The LTEC Pro is available in different colours: red, blue and black.
Built for Exceptional Performance
Every aspect of the LTEC PRO Bucket Seat has been designed with exceptional performance in mind. The seat hugs the driver, resulting in optimal positioning and control of the vehicle. For drivers seeking podium finishes and record times, this seat is the perfect companion.
Streamlined design and high-quality materials
Besides performance and safety, the LTEC PRO Bucket Seat also exudes style. The streamlined design and high-quality materials make this seat a visual statement of speed and class. Add a touch of elegance and excitement to any racing environment.
Price Range and Segment
The LTEC Pro Bucket Seat is very attractively priced and positioned in a market where competition is huge. At just €249, the LTEC Pro is in the lower price segment, although it doesn't do much for this in terms of quality. This makes the LTEC Pro Bucket Seat a very interesting choice for the novice or casual sim racer.
Racing seat #4: Sparco Circuit II QRT
The Sparco Circuit II QRT racing chair is designed for those looking for serious performance and comfort. With a sturdy frame and high-quality upholstery, this chair offers a professional look and durability. Its ergonomic features and support make it an excellent choice for long sessions.
The innovative QRT technology of the Sparco Circuit II
With new QRT technology, the Circuit remains one of the most widely used seats in Touring and Rally car racing. QRT (Quick Resin Technology) is an advanced manufacturing process developed by Sparco to create the lightest and most durable fibreglass bucket seats on the market. Seats manufactured using QRT technology offer an impressive weight reduction of 30% compared to traditionally manufactured fibreglass seats, without any compromise on safety or quality.
Innovative features of the Sparco Circuit II
The Sparco Circuit II seat comes with a range of innovative features that improve both comfort and performance. The seat features an integrated DTC system, non-slip fabric to keep the shoulders and seat in place, a new cushion divided into two parts and new stitching. The Circuit II's official FIA homologation (FIA 8855-1999) makes it suitable for use in real racing cars, but it is also a high-quality racing seat for sim racing setups.
Specifications of the Sparco Circuit II QRT
This seat has official homologation to FIA 8855-1999 standards, indicating that it meets strict safety requirements. Made of durable QRT material, this seat is ideal for both Touring and Rally racing, where performance and safety are essential. The seat is equipped with non-slip fabric that keeps the shoulders and seat firmly in place, even during the most demanding manoeuvres.
Comfort is further enhanced by a dividable leg rest and seat cushion, while the integrated HRS (Head Restraint System) provides additional protection. The chair is securely fastened with M8 lateral fasteners at a distance of 290 mm, ensuring stability and reliability. Weighing just 8.6 kg, this chair offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it a valuable addition for any driver.
Price range and segment
The Sparco Circuit II QRT costs €599, putting it in the higher segment.
Sparco Circuit II QRT
- Official FIA homologation
- Head Restraint System
- 30% lighter thanks to Quick Resin Technology
- Durable materials for ultimate comfort
Racing chair #5: Sabelt TAURUS
The Sabelt Taurus is a true eye-catcher in the field of bucket seats, specially designed to exceed the demands of rally and GT racers. The Taurus is a masterpiece of comfort, performance and style. This bucket seat represents the perfect balance between sophisticated design, unparalleled comfort and impressive track performance.
Unrivalled Comfort, Guaranteed Support
With its distinctive side supports and ergonomically rounded shell, developed in close cooperation with leading WRC teams, the Sabelt Taurus offers a level of comfort and support that takes your racing experience to new heights. Long racing sessions will no longer be a challenge, thanks to the careful attention to ergonomics.
A Fit for Every Driver
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate amateur, the Sabelt Taurus adapts to your body type. With a generous fit that embraces diversity, this bucket seat offers a customisable experience to suit your individual needs and comfort.
Top-class safety and quality
The Sabelt Taurus is proudly homologated to FIA 8855-1999 standards. This is testament to the high safety standards and unrivalled quality that this seat offers. During every race, you can sit in the Taurus with confidence, knowing that safety and protection are paramount.
Refinement in design
In addition to its performance features, the Taurus is also an aesthetic asset. Sleek black velour on the front and black gelcoat on the back of the fibreglass shell exude sophistication. Subtle white Sabelt logos and a single red stripe in the centre of the back cushions add a touch of style to this masterpiece.
Price Range and Segment
The Sabelt Taurus is one of the more expensive racing seats, but it is an investment in your driving experience. The price can vary depending on specific configurations and options. The price ranges between €700 and €750, putting it in the higher end. However, you get a lot of quality and comfort in return, as the Sabelt Tauris is a true masterpiece!
Sim Race Seat Accessories
Besides the sim racing seat itself, there are some additional accessories that are essential to make your experience complete. When setting up your sim cockpit it is necessary to take the seat mounting into account. This is where the Sparco Seat Slider and Bucket Seat Bracket Set come into play. These accessories are crucial for securing the racing seat securely and comfortably to your simulator.
Sparco Seat Slider
The Sparco Seat Slider is an indispensable tool that increases the flexibility of your setup. With the ability to slide the seat forwards and backwards, you can find the ideal position that suits you best. Not only does this promote comfort during your racing sessions, it also makes getting in and out easier, which is especially useful during intense gaming sessions.
Bucket Seat Bracket Set
In addition, the Bucket Seat Bracket Set a crucial role in safely securing the racing seat to your simulator. This mounting set provides a firm and stable base, allowing you to race with confidence without worrying about the seat wobbling or shifting during action-packed races. Combining the Sparco Seat Slider and Bucket Seat Bracket Set ensures a safe and comfortable racing experience. After all, you need to be confident that during a firm braking action, your seat won't slide forward or backwards.
Conclusion Racing Chair Buying
Buying a racing chair is an investment in comfort, ergonomics and style. Whether you have a starting sim racer, casual gamer or hardcore sim racer, a racing chair is a great choice. When buying a racing chair, pay attention to ergonomics, materials, adjustability and style to make the right decision.
Remember, trying out the chair in a physical shop is always a good idea to make sure it meets your expectations. With proper care, a high-quality racing chair can provide many years of comfort and enjoyment while sim racing. So choose consciously and deliberately and you will enjoy your racing chair for years to come!
