As experienced sim racers know, it is almost always possible to get a new accessory for your sim racing rig – the question is which one? With such a wide variety of Sim Racing Accessories out there. It can be tricky to decide which items to purchase to enhance your sim racing setup.
In this article, we will look at five best Sim Racing Accessories that no serious driver should be without.
1: VR Headset
Using a VR headset in your sim racing sessions provides several advantages. One of these is a deeper immersion experience. The landscape whizzing by and the roar of the engine from the comfort of your own home.
Greater depth perception is also an advantage, giving you the upper hand as you take on a hairpin turn, plus you’ll be able to keep an eye out for opponents more easily, as an ultra-wide field of view allows you to use side mirrors to good effect.
Be warned, however, that buying and setting up a VR headset isn’t the most inexpensive of projects. Mid-range headsets typically cost between $300 and $600, while more expensive high-end ones often exceed $1000. You’ll also need a gaming PC with adequate power to handle VR.
Motion sickness is an issue that many players have faced with VR headsets. So take regular breaks and position a fan in front of yourself when you’re playing for a little extra relief. It’s worth the extra effort, though – there’s nothing quite like virtual reality in sim racing.
2: Sim Racing Rig
The best way to get the most out of your sim racing experience is by purchasing a sim racing rig. A sim racing rig acts like a stand that you can mount both your wheel and your racing seat on, meaning you will be able to have full control over the game.
With no sliding around on the seat when pushing on the pedals and no unexpected movements of your wheel when taking a sharp corner. Racing rigs vary in cost, starting from as little as $75, to well over $1,500 depending on the material it’s made of and it’s quality. Cheaper models are usually made of plastic, whereas higher-end models are made of strong metals.
Make sure you pick a rig that best suits the type of racing you like doing, as different races require different styles of rigs. Endurance racing rigs usually tend to be more upright, while open-wheel rigs tend to be more reclined and lower to the ground.
A lot of rigs are adjustable with the option of being able to move the seat backward and forwards, making it much more comfortable for longer periods of gaming.
3: Racing Seat
Acquiring a specialized sim racing seat is the perfect accompaniment to enhance your sim racing experience. But most importantly it provides needed back support to your body. Three primary types of seats can be used for this activity – Fixed Back seats, Formula seats, and Reclining seats.
Fixed Back seats resemble traditional race seats, featuring stable and secure back support. Formula seats replicate single-seater racing and contain a sloping, cradle-like structure that works particularly well with Formula 1-style games.
Lastly, Reclining seats feature an inward curving shape and the ability to recline back, very similar to that of an average car seat. Sim racing seats are normally built with steel structures and finished off with a durable, leather or fabric-like cover that helps to prevent it from wearing down over time.
For added comfort, most models will include a cushion and adjustable lumbar support as well. Make sure to research all the options available before investing in a seat for sim racing!
4: Sim Racing Shoes
Sim racing is not complete until you have the perfect pair of racing shoes. Not only do they help to provide an extra layer of immersion when playing a racing game, but they also offer performance benefits.
The sole of racing shoes is designed to grip the pedals firmly, allowing for smooth transitions during turns and for foot extensions to be effective. Furthermore, racing shoes are designed with extra attention paid to the heel area to stop blisters or pain from forming during extended sessions.
On top of that, racing shoes are much more breathable than a regular pair of shoes, keeping your feet from overheating or developing an unpleasant odor.
It won’t be hard on your wallet either, as racing shoes typically range in price from $40-$70. Which makes them well worth it when considering all the benefits they bring. With a pair of sim racing shoes, you can take your performance to the next level, without putting in any extra effort.
5: Sim Racing Gloves
For your sim racing setup, you won’t want to ignore sim racing gloves. It may be easy to overlook them, but this would be unwise when you consider the performance, comfort, and hygiene benefits they offer.
To begin with, they can prevent your sweat from affecting your wheel’s grip. Sweat not only causes ugly marks but also makes you more likely to make errors while driving. Furthermore, they also prevent blisters or rashes after longer gaming sessions.
When choosing sim racing gloves. You need to be sure to buy a pair specifically made for sim racing, as the materials and grip in the right places will be different than for a normal pair of gloves.
These gloves are not very expensive, costing only around $30-$60. You won’t want to overlook them if you want a successful and enjoyable sim racing experience.
Conclusion
To enjoy the ultimate sim-racing experience, it’s essential to have the right equipment. VR headsets allow for greater immersion and improved perception. Racing rigs are essential for precision and comfort, while a good seat can provide the necessary back support.
Specialized sim racing shoes provide the grip and breathability to perform at your best. Finally, sim racing gloves can help to prevent marks and blisters, as well as sweat interfering with grip. Investing in these 5 Sim Racing Accessories is sure to help you on your way to becoming a masterful sim racer!
