Esports – What equipment to get started? Introduction

Foreword: we have deliberately left out the gearboxes, handbrakes and other accessories that can be added.

Before even going into the details of the configurations, know that simracing is practiced either on PC (generally big players) or on consoles (PS4, Xbox One). All games are available on PC except GT Sport which is a PlayStation exclusive. If you want to get started on PC, you still need a big bike because the simulations are generally quite demanding.

To put it simply, opt for a so-called “gaming” PC. On console, no problem, you plug it in and it runs. Regarding peripherals: steering wheels, pedals, gearboxes, hand brakes, etc., there are three so-called “general public” manufacturers: Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec. As in the world of motorsport, there are plenty of other manufacturers of racing equipment, but they are aimed more at very knowledgeable players.

Part 1: Low budget

Part 2: Average budget

Part 3: High Budget

Part 4: XXL budget

The passenger compartment

First of all, know that it is better to invest in a force feedback steering wheel (Force Feedback or FFB), otherwise there is no point! This means that you feel the grip of the car, the changes in grip and the vibrations on your steering wheel. It is also important to remember that even an entry-level steering wheel does the job perfectly (without any comparison with a controller). Another important point, the pedal board. Here again, there are all kinds, we will guide you as best as possible.

Among the three manufacturers mentioned above, two (Thrustmaster and Fanatec) offer what we call an “ecosystem”. This means that you can buy a wheel base, different steering wheels and pedals depending on your budget. Everything will work perfectly together. For example, if you want to make car, you can choose a 2-pedal crankset and a 27 cm wheel that you attach to the base. If you want to get started rally, opt for an extra wheel, usually between 32 and 33 cm and simply replace the wheel F1. You can also change the crankset with the same configuration and add a gearbox, brake and other accessories.

The frames

Of course, it is possible to attach your steering wheel to a desk and place the pedals underneath, well placed against the wall. However, if you opt for a steering wheel with a large FFB (Force Feedback) type Direct Drive (we will come back to this), equipped with a pedal set that can withstand up to 100 kg of pressure on the brake (yes, you read correctly! ), you are going to run into some problems. At worst, the desk will cross the room at the first robbery, at best it will move in all directions! In addition to comfort and immersion, this is also why the frames exist because the fundamental thing is the rigidity of the whole.

The problem now is clutter. It takes an average of 1,20 meters in length and 70 cm in width. Among the chassis, there are two philosophies: tubular (Type PlaySeat or rSeat) or aluminum profiles (Type JCL Simracing). We will rather move towards the second solution because with a chassis made of aluminum profiles, all configurations are possible (Single-seater, GT, Rally). Finally, your chassis will need to be adapted to your steering wheel. A basic chassis with a high-performance crankset will very quickly bend because the forces exerted are too great!

The occasion

It is important to know that many players sell their equipment to upgrade to something more efficient. Yes, once you have tasted the “steering wheel/pedals”, it is difficult to go back to the controller. You will therefore easily find used equipment in perfect working order on exchange sites. There are also promotions to scrutinize closely... especially at this time of confinement and economic slowdown when warehouses have to be emptied...

Setups

Here are some possible configurations depending on your level and your budget. Prices are given as an indication as they may vary depending on the time and location of the purchase. In addition, there are many possible configurations, especially for the chassis, so we have made a selection. We have also ignored dynamic chassis in this article.

Nb: We have tested all the material presented.