Random Callsign Releases Budget Sim Racing Buyer's Guide


For those looking to buy their first or their next piece of sim racing hardware, RaceDepartment member random callsign has created a buyer’s guide.

Sim racing can be an expensive venture when considering the associated hardware purchases. Purchasing a new wheel, pedals or cockpit is something we hope to do only once, or at least something that meets our needs for sim racing for years to come. RaceDepartment member randomcallsign has created an excellent buyer’s guide for sim racing hardware.

Rather than focus on gear that’s unattainable for most of us, the focus of random callsign’s video are more budget-friendly wheels, pedals and cockpits. Starting with gear below the £100 mark, moving through the mid-tier or sub-£500 price point.

The used market is the first topic the video addresses. While this is a common entry point for sim racers into the sim hardware market, there are things to look for, and things to look out for. RC helps us here by highlighting where deals can be found, and how to better identify those deals.

RC moves on to then cover the new market for wheels, pedals and cockpits. There are numerous hardware options across various budget levels, and the video showcases multiple manufacturer options at each level. This should help sim racers find the right piece of equipment for their needs and budget level.

The video was inspired by the late William Marsh, known on YouTube as Sim Racing Paddock. Sadly, William passed away recently, but his legacy in the sim community lives on through his videos. His own buyer’s guide from last year has garnered over 2,000,000 views.

Be sure to check out the random callsign’s excellent buyer’s guide, and leave a comment below on your own recommendations or wish list at your price point.
About author
Mike Smith
I have been obsessed with sim racing and racing games since the 1980's. My first taste of live auto racing was in 1988, and I couldn't get enough ever since. Lead writer for RaceDepartment, and owner of SimRacing604 and its YouTube channel. Favourite sims include Assetto Corsa Competizione, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, Automobilista 2, DiRT Rally 2 - On Twitter as @simracing604

Comments

Premium
Great advice. Although I just got a CSL DD, and I'm enjoying the heck out of it, I had a wheelbase that Random Callsign said to avoid on the used market. I had the Fanatec CSR, and while its not the prettiest thing, or offers the best experience, it was perfectly suitable for my needs over the 9 years I've owned it. It may not be the best thing ever, but it is serviceable, if you can get an operational model.
 
If you want a good value rig that'll last you and deliver a good experience then my recommendation would be:

Playseat Challenge - don't laugh, I bought one for shits and giggles at the start of 2020, thinking I'd upgrade in a month - I'm still using it. In fact don't even bother with anything else unless you're prepared to spend at least 3 times the amount the Playseat challenge costs.

Thrustmaster T300 - not as much torque as the higher end Thrustmaster models but much smoother and far less cogging, which IMO is more important as you'll feel a bit more. I use a TS-PC because I prefer a higher torque, but I do miss the low level detail from the T300.

T3PA pedal set with included brake mod - After my experiences with Logitech pedals going south after about 6 months of use, at least those supplied with the G29, I swore I'd never recommend potentiometer pedal again, but the T3PA set that I'm using have gone well over 18 months without any spiking, and they've had way more use per month than the logitech pedals I've had. Plus the supplied brake mod feels more like a real brake pedal than cheaper load cell solutions

IMO this is all you'll ever need for a good sim racing experience. DDs, load cell pedals (I'm not a fan of them personally), and expensive cockpits are just the icing on the cake - not necessary.
Well i have been considering upgrading from my T150 to T300. But since i've already got the T3PA, i still haven't actually decided whether i should just get the servo base with a wheel or the whole thing.
Also, i guess the Playseat is a good departure from just using a spare dining room chair.
 

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