SIM racing games have come a long way. This is a journey that has spanned a little over four decades and has experienced many milestones.
For example, the possibility of playing with the thrill of 2.5D graphics was the talk of the town as of the year 1985. It was also the year when playing racing games with motorcycles became possible. The fact remains that SIM racing games have come a long way. For more insight into its evolution, you can watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_Y8ukcmsxQ.
As things stand, racing simulator & driving simulator setups only make things better. This is considering how they make the gaming experience more realistic. However, the right choice must be made when considering these setups.
This ensures that the objective for their purchase is achieved and that value is gotten for money spent. To this end, this article discusses some important tips that should influence your choice.
Considerations When Selecting Racing Simulator & Driving Simulator Setups
Quite a lot needs to be taken into consideration when considering racing simulator & driving simulator setups. These considerations are also supposed to inform comparisons between various options in the market. Some of the considerations should include:
Budget
The amount of money you are willing to spend largely determines the kind of racing simulator & driving simulator setup that you end up with. So, you would do well to familiarize yourself with the various options open to you, especially based on your budget. Broadly speaking, anything that you end up with will fall into one of three categories, as seen below:
Entry Level
These would at least have basic pedal and wheel setups. Furthermore, it should come with a simple frame and an average force feedback. The point is that it offers the basics and probably nothing more.
Mid-Range
The quality of pedals, wheels, and frames is the major distinction between this category and the aforementioned one. For example, it is not unusual for its pedals to come with load cells, offering a better gaming experience. Furthermore, there is the possibility of having a motion system, but a basic one at that.
High-End
Options in this category are considered professional-grade. By the way, motorsport professionals even practice (off-track) with products in this category. Some of its features (at the very least) include full-motioned rigs, sophisticated force feedback, and predominantly top-quality materials. On the whole, the racing experiences are usually more realistic with them.
However, the rule of thumb is that the more you get, the more you should be willing to offer for purchase. So, ensure you understand how much you will spend vis-à-vis the features considered must-have.
It will help if you have access to a platform that exposes you to a wide range of products from all of these categories. You can check Gamer Gear Direct’s range of driving simulator packagesfor more insights. The goal is to make an informed choice if/when the need to purchase simulator & driving simulator setups arises.
Component Assessment
Even entry-level products would have certain components that high-end options would have. Compare products of the same category in this regard and assess their quality/functionality. Some of the components to pay serious attention to in this regard are:
Pedals
For starters, you want to be sure that it offers the right feel. However, this should not come at the expense of durability.
Furthermore, assess the brake technology but be realistic with your expectations based on your chosen category. Additionally, make comparisons based on adjustability. For example, check if the pedals can be readjusted to suit various users.
Wheel & Wheelbase
The experience is usually better with wheels that have a very extensive rotation range. We are talking about something that offers 900 degrees, at the very least.
The build materials also need to be seriously considered, as always. The reason is that the longevity of your purchase seriously depends on it. However, the need to get something that offers durability should not compromise the feel that made you get the product in the first place. By the way, options made with leather or even metal are often prioritized over options made with plastic for this reason.
Additionally, your assessment of the wheel and wheelbase would not be complete without assessing what it offers in terms of force feedback. The goal is to end up with something with a reasonable amount of quality and strength.
Rig/Frame
The feeling during the experience can get intense. As a result, intense rapid movements are not unusual, which is why the product’s frame needs to be sturdy enough. This would help safeguard users, especially when they are driving intensely during the racing process.
Secondly, convenience has to be considered while users are seated. This is especially important because of the effects of prolonged sitting in inconvenient frames. You can read this article for more information on this.
Furthermore, pay attention to adjustability with the seat, pedals, and wheels. You have to be certain that whatever you choose allows you to race in a suitable driving position.
Conclusion
Two major considerations when comparing racing simulator & driving simulator setups have been suggested in this article. However, it takes more than these two to make the right choice. Regardless, these are some of the most important considerations. So, take them seriously when making your choice.