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In an attempt to get the most out of my GT3 experience (and to try and help curb my rabid GT4 anticipation), I recently set about looking for a gaming "cockpit". There were more options than I expected. I though I'd post what I found in case anyone else was looking for a more immersive racing experience than one could get with a DS2 and a sofa...
First I checked out Ebay. There was a cool one-off seat from China , that sold before I could get in on the action. It went for just over $200 and did not include the wheel or pedals.
Next I began to search the net in earnest. The most inexpensive wheel/seat combo I found was the "Race Pac " from Gamester. For $100, you get a wheel, pedals, and a soft foldable seat that folds up into a surprisingly small portable package.
The second wheel/seat set I came across was the "Hyperdrive " from a company called with the same name. For $150 you get an adjustable tube-frame "chassis" that houses a comfortable (according to the reviews) semi-bucket style seat and a Saitek wheel and pedals. The wheel does feature dual-shock, but is not force-feedback.
The other systems I ran across consisted of seats and frames and did not include pedals or wheels, similar to the model previously sold on Ebay. (So, basically, anyone that gets one is gonna strap a Driving Force or Driving Force Pro to them.
)
First is the "Playseat ", the cockpit I eventually went with. At $300, It's RELATIVELY inexpensive, features a race replica seat with an elevated seating position, is fully adjustable, and looks really nice in my opinion.
Next up was the "Gameracer " which has 3 models, the "club", "sport", and "pro" which range in price from $400 - $500. The only real difference between the models is the seat that they come with, the Pro features a genuine Corbeau racing seat. This rig is very similar to the playseat, except it sits a little lower and the steering column protrudes up between the drivers legs, which, I assume, would make it more stable...
Another interesting find was the "Racebase ". These models range in price from $55 to just over $600. Of all that I came across, this particular seat is the most like a "cockpit". It has interesting styling and the top of the line model is painted with automotive paint from Lamborghini, Subaru, and Audi. You can also have your racebase custom painted.
The final two racing cockpits I came across are more or less simulators and were waaaay out of my price range, but...
The "Virtual Racer X " starts out at just under $1000, and looks to be worth it, while the "Virtual Roadster " starts at $2000 and allows you to choose your own actual automobile seat.
Whew. That was long. I hope this helps some of my fellow racers out there. Oh, and if anyone has any experience with any of these, please voice your experiences...
First I checked out Ebay. There was a cool one-off seat from China , that sold before I could get in on the action. It went for just over $200 and did not include the wheel or pedals.
Next I began to search the net in earnest. The most inexpensive wheel/seat combo I found was the "Race Pac " from Gamester. For $100, you get a wheel, pedals, and a soft foldable seat that folds up into a surprisingly small portable package.
The second wheel/seat set I came across was the "Hyperdrive " from a company called with the same name. For $150 you get an adjustable tube-frame "chassis" that houses a comfortable (according to the reviews) semi-bucket style seat and a Saitek wheel and pedals. The wheel does feature dual-shock, but is not force-feedback.
The other systems I ran across consisted of seats and frames and did not include pedals or wheels, similar to the model previously sold on Ebay. (So, basically, anyone that gets one is gonna strap a Driving Force or Driving Force Pro to them.
)First is the "Playseat ", the cockpit I eventually went with. At $300, It's RELATIVELY inexpensive, features a race replica seat with an elevated seating position, is fully adjustable, and looks really nice in my opinion.
Next up was the "Gameracer " which has 3 models, the "club", "sport", and "pro" which range in price from $400 - $500. The only real difference between the models is the seat that they come with, the Pro features a genuine Corbeau racing seat. This rig is very similar to the playseat, except it sits a little lower and the steering column protrudes up between the drivers legs, which, I assume, would make it more stable...
Another interesting find was the "Racebase ". These models range in price from $55 to just over $600. Of all that I came across, this particular seat is the most like a "cockpit". It has interesting styling and the top of the line model is painted with automotive paint from Lamborghini, Subaru, and Audi. You can also have your racebase custom painted.
The final two racing cockpits I came across are more or less simulators and were waaaay out of my price range, but...
The "Virtual Racer X " starts out at just under $1000, and looks to be worth it, while the "Virtual Roadster " starts at $2000 and allows you to choose your own actual automobile seat.
Whew. That was long. I hope this helps some of my fellow racers out there. Oh, and if anyone has any experience with any of these, please voice your experiences...
