F1 Gaming Simulators – An In Depth Look

F1 gaming simulators are becoming more and more prevalent with the rise of F1 Esports and sim racing becoming an extremely competitive field.

Sim racing can still be performed with the standard gaming set up of chair, control pad and tv. However there is a distinct naked as well as old school feeling about this. Fortunately with the vast amount of options available. You can now have the incredible experience with your own F1 gaming Simulator from the comfort of your home.

With that being said there are some factors you will want to consider before making your purchase. For instance this may include budget, comfort, size ect. Here I will be giving you the Ultimate Guide For F1 Gaming Simulators. This guide will help in your search for the ultimate machinery.

Not only will be the envy of your friends. You will also have incredible enjoyment and the ability to optimise your competitive nature.

What is an F1 Gaming Simulator? Why are they Also known as rigs or cockpits?

An F1 gaming simulator form the foundational structure which supports the sim racer along with their accessories. This all helps to aid performance as well as enhancing the experience.F1 gaming simulators can commonly be known in the sim racing community as rigs or cockpits.

To be distinct cockpits can come in the shape and form of a half F1 monocoque (Shell construction) as if in a real F1 car. however these are super expensive, unless you have a mansion or enough room to spare they are not the most ideal.Sim racers often use a simulation rig where the structure is normally built from metal material.

The body of the structure then forms the shape of a cockpit which may include a seat, wheel, pedals and a number of accessories that can be mounted or attached.

A sim rig can come in various forms, shapes and sizes dependent on user preference. In addition the particular class of racing you wish to perform in. For instance F1 racing seats usually has a more steep and curved shape to the seating. Whereas in GT or similar classes of racing the seat is more upright, as if you were driving a standard road car. (no 30mph zones round here please).

What you will need to consider for an F1 Simulator Set up

As previously stated the shape of the rig will be an important consideration. This will be dependant on which category of racing you wish to participate in. The F1 racing category is usually known as the single seater or open wheel form of racing. This is primarily down to the wheels exposure being away from the car.

The seating is often low and angled normally at 45 degrees. However many sim rigs along with seats are versatile, adjustable and can adapt to your preference of comfortability. Sim racing is an open gateway for all gamers and racers. This means that individuals of all shapes and sizes are able to compete, thankfully manufacturers have taken this into consideration.

So dependant on how tall you are manufacturers have attempted to cater to a wide demographic. As well as for those a bit closer to the centre of gravity. You will need to do your own diligence and check the measurements which are usually provided on the product description. In some instances there are manufacturers who can custom build sim rigs. 

So comfort is an extremely important factor when considering your sim rig setup. You want to feel at a good distance to both steering wheel and pedals along with having a comfortable seat that locks you in. Just like real F1 drivers you want to feel as one with your machinery as possible. So that you can be setting those purple sectors ablaze.

In addition you may want to consider the accessories and devices that you will be attaching to the mount.Hardware such as the wheels, wheel base, pedals usually require mounting. The studier the rig the better it will be able to handle the more powerful and weightier units.

Why purchase an F1 Gaming Simulator?

As a sim racer you can still compete and be at a good enough level for sim racing. Having an F1 gaming simulator is much about the immersive feel that you will experience. It will give you a feeling of being cushioned into the sea the feedback as you clench the steering wheel the shifting through the paddle gears, along with the alternating dance of your feet tapping on the pedals provides an exhilarating thrill. 

An standard gaming desk basic chair and a simple TV screen still do the trick. No doubt there are still some very good sim racers out there competing at a top level without a non fancy set up.However in comparison it does feel like a limited experience. And unlikely to give you the absolute pleasure and profound interactive experience of feeling like a pro racer.  

Why purchase an F1 gaming simulator and are they worth it?

There is no denying that an F1 sim rig does come at a rather pricey cost. This normally comes down to a few variables in particular the quality of the build.

There are varying factors you might have to consider when cost comes to mind. This could be from the quality of the materials and fabrics used, along with the mounts available to hold various devices and accessories.

Also factoring in the adjustability the adaptiveness and how sturdy the sim rig may be.  The cost of an F1 gaming simulator can range from as little as £150, on the lower end of the spectrum up to £1000 + for a more advanced sim rig, the old saying goes you get what you pay for.

However depending on your skill level there is nothing wrong in putting a few hundred down on a sim rig to advance as you go along, in addition to stashing some cash away for a future purchase of a greater build. 

At the very high end you will also find motion simulator cockpits, which give a truly amazing experience. However you will probably need to have around £15,000 lying somewhere under a mattress. Many leading Sim Racers that have a Youtube channel are more than likely to have a racing simulator.

Man racers often give us the customary MTV cribs style “my set up” vlog. This insight provides the viewer with the racers level of dedication to their passion. So if you are ever thinking about going down the YouTube streaming route, this is also something you might want to factor in. 

Conclusion 

Only driving the real thing comes close and those opportunities are rare and distant, so whilst your girlfriend watches reruns of the latest reality tv show, head to your man cave and dive into where the real entertainment is, your very own F1 gaming simulator!

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