I have this (this new model). the wobble is legitimately not an issue. You don't notice it when racing. Is it not as sturdy as an 8020 rig? yes. Is it still totally usable and better than a desk? 100% yes. its a compromise, but a pretty good one tbh.
Dead comment, but im getting a wheel rn (moza r9 + cs v2p + fanatec elite v2) and im gonna use it with my desk rn to save money, as well as i dont have enough space for a proper rig. Just wanted to ask if youd still reccomend a foldable rig? And comment: i feel like the wobbling would just add to the realism hahahah
I have this paired with my 8nm Fanatec GT DD Pro and this thing does everything I need it to do and with no noticeable wobble or twist. Love how light and foldable it is and very comfortable without breaking the bank or taking up a dedicated spot.
@@reviewforthetube6485 it flexes, but you don't really feel it, and it doesn't flex sideways which is the most important aspect, since the wheelbases make side to side forces, not forward and backward.
I had the GT lite in the past. THIS IS A PEFRECTLY DONE UPGRADE! They added the straps from base to pedals and added a better seat. As someone who had the GT-lite this seat will be worth every penny! Unless you have room for a permanent rig setup this will be your go-to rig trust me!
About the flex. I dont have space for a fixed rig, so I’m using a play seat challenge and 3 monitors that double as my normal everyday monitors (and of those 2 I already had and used anyway). 3x ultra wide actually. They are on my desk, the middle one on it’s own stand, while the side ones are mounted on arms. So whenever I want to race I fold the side ones in position, move my normal gaming chair out of the way and move the playseat challenge in. The playseat has at least as much flex as this one or maybe more, but only the forward movement of the wheelbase is distracting, however since I have a desk in front of me, I can push it up against it and the forward-backwards flex is gone. what remains is tactile feedback in the whole rig without having to use bass shakers 😊 crashes that cause sudden jerky movements in the wheel I can actually feel in my back just as if I was jerked around in the cockpit by G forces :D so it works out quite nicely, there are some upsides to a flexing rig besides the obvious downsides. of course it would be better to have a fixed rig, but this was a lot a cheaper, I still have more than 180 degrees horizontal fov and I only had to buy 1 more monitor with an arm and the playseat challenge and it barely takes up any space at all, so I’m quite happy with this setup after all. Really the only problem is my laziness as sometimes I just don’t feel like setting everything up for a quick race. 😅
Thanks for the review! I ended up trying it myself with a Logi pro and I must be honest, I didn't notice nearly as much wobble as you did, even with the left foot pedal strap removed (easier to get in that way). I also didn't have any issues mounting, with the mounting plate in the forward position. If the mounting issue you described is true, that'll probably be a huge deal breaker for people.
We definitely made sure everything was tightened, etc. The video shows the flex for what it is and then I talked about what I actually perceive while driving.
These folding rigs are getting better and better. But I'm still happy with my setup which is their wheel stand and some locking casters for my office chair. I notice the wheel flex a lot more than a chair moving left or right.
Why did they go with a rounded tube, instead of a squared tube for the wheelbase mount? Sure it could still wobble, but a flat surface would at least help
I’ve been at the new Indianapolis location and they have a lot of sim stuff! They even had Simucube Active Pedals! Really a great place for sim racers.
I have this seat. I don't have to move it, so an easy massive improvement I made is to cut two lengths of 1" x 0.5" wood, and cut circular profiles into the end to approx match the gauge of the metal tubing. The length is to match the gap between the top bar that supports the wheel mount, and the bar on the floor below it. Wedge the pieces of wood in either side of the cockpit so you still have plenty of space for your legs, and then on each side get a ratchet strap and wrap it around the bars, top to bottom, with the wooden strut clamped in between. Tighten the ratchet straps and bingo. 99% of the flexibility and movement on the wheel platform is gone. Hassle, I know, but an easy DIY fix if you have this seat, and like me are annoyed by the wheel movement
Thanks for the review on this. I'd like to upgrade to a DD wheel but I don't have the space for a full rig. I'd love to see some more reviews on products that try to bridge this gap. If you could do a video on NLR's Wheel Stand DD I'd love to see it.
@@scottkocienda4057 I have the same setup with the fanatec clubsport pedals v3, moza R9 and a secret lab chair and it is solid as a rock. not like a mounted chair but close enough. and it can be folded really low profile.
As someone with a GT-Lite and a Thrustmaster TMX hard-mounted to it (Ricmotec's got a great adapter plate), I have no idea how NLR thinks this can handle a DD base with 13 Nm. It's a great product for entry level equipment (belt driven wheelbases in the 2-4 Nm range) but I can see it being any good for DD's over 5-6 Nm.
I actually asked NLR on their Insta about a possible upgrade kit for the GT-Lite and getting the pedal plate connectors and the forward straps, and they said they have no plans to offer anything. 🤷♂️ I *like* the product for what it is, but the price doesn't really reflect it, this as well. It's a smart idea but you can get a wheel stand for less and it'll be better for you. I'm going to jury-rig some straps on mine soon and see if that improves some of the flex (as I'm arguing with myself if I want a profile rig or will just stay with what I have, I'm going DD but not more than the CSL DD or R9). I may just sell the setup with my TMX and go with a profile rig, but I wouldn't buy one of these again. There's lots more options out there now.
Totally agree. Had this for a T300 and it was way more flex than on my desk, so much FF detail was lost. I can't believe they trick people into buying this for a 13nm DD
I got one of these just to test the waters as I'm completely new to Sim racing. Sure it has it's compromises but did the job well enough to know that I'm ready to go down the rabbit hole. I did make a diy change that made a huge difference in the rigidity. I used a ratchet strap instead of the included Velcro one which allowed me to really torque down on the strap and tightened the whole setup up. I also measured from the front of the wheel Deck to to the floor and cut a 2x2 and placed it between my legs once I was seated and completely got rid of any flex as I found I would pull on the wheel versus push on it. Easy workaround to address the only issues I had or even read about. Like I said it wasn't a permanent solution but an affordable way to get into the hobby and is something I can give to my kids once I get a more permanent setup.
I have been using the GT-Lite non pro with My R9 and CRP pedals. You can see the flex but never bothered me. I am 6'4 280lbs. A desk/Chair usually is almost always at the wrong position to be comfortable to race for long periods of time.
The f-gt lite looks studier, that's what I used with the R9 for a few months. The base feels like the heaviest you would want to put in the bar weight wise but in gt position it was solid
I have the original Lite....I got it for my old Thrustmaster T-300 wheelbase. It works ok, but it's not perfect by any means. I just got a new CSL DD and switched over to a simpler but much more rigid steel framed wheelbase with an add on seat adapter. This setup was much cheaper than the Lite (only $150US) and it allowed me to use my existing gaming chair easily by simply dropping one or two of the wheels into an adjustable steel box which stops your chair from moving forward or back, a really nice setup IMHO. Combined with the stiff steel stand it's nearly three times as rigid as the Lite overall. The CSL DD doesn't move much if at all using it (it's the 8Nm version, btw). At the end of the day the wheel box folds up to allow for the whole setup to take up only around 3 more inches total floor space over the Lite. This was just an example of the choices you get now, you don't need to get all funky with a fully foldable unit like these anymore thanks to the seat box option now available that comes with quite a few different cheap steel wheelbases available on Amazon. For the record, the one I'm using is called the Marada Steering Wheel Stand with the seat adapter (there are a few options, just look for the one with the seat adapter). Why spend more than you need to? Great review as always Wil!
I have the GT light non-pro version and it's pretty decent for what it is. I have attached an eBay handbrake ,6-speed h pattern and a micro keyboard being held by a car style tablet holder all on the right side. I built my own set of button boxes that I put on either side of the wheel. I bought a surround sound system and mounted it directly to the cockpit with the subwoofer underneath the seating area. If you're a taller 6 ft 1 it might be a little bit to small for you
I can’t believe how much it wobbles. Wonder if it wobbles this much with a G29 or something more entry level. I feel like I’d prefer a desk over this but you’d be a good judge of it
The more effort you’re exerting to fight the FFB the more it wobbles. But it was still noticeable even with a g923 or R5. I said in the video that if you have a desk and some kind of setup where your pedals and chair won’t move, thats probably preferable.
As a VR simmer, folding seats are ideal for me. Doesn't need to "Look" the part in VR. I use a modified playseat challenge, so this would probably be an upgrade. My question is if it can be conformed to a formula seating style, or if they're planning another separate product for it
I have the GT Lite and at the time of buying it I was contemplating the formula style version. It seemed to end up going end of line since it never came back in stock.
f-gt lite can go formula position, but the pedals will lift, it will ruin your back, and be too much burden to get in and out. i had one but i sold em out because i prefered desk setup over that crap.
Very useful video thanks a lot. First time sim rig user here I just bought this with the fanatec csl dd 8nm and WRC wheel and normal cheap CSL pedals before even seeing this video so this will be extremely helpful for when i set it all up tomorrow. I didnt have a desk so chose this over buying a desk and office chair combo hopefully its good enough
@@brextondesormeaux518 Yeah im very happy with it, seat is very comfy. You definitely lose a tiny bit of fidelity with how flimsy the rig is compared to a non foldable one but if youre just casual gamer like me you wont care that much. Saying that i was able to tighten mine more than the guy in this video did mine moves a lot less, just make sure to tighten the 3 straps pretty solid and youre good to go. You will need to buy some nuts and bolts to fit the pedals they arent included.
It would be nice if NextLevelRacing made that seat as a low priced option for sim rigs. FWIU the low cost seats are pretty much whats offered in this kit, just with more padding and race car looks. NLR should sell the seat and have seat slider mounts for it.
I want to get more serious about sim racing. Going to start with a PS5, then Xbox and then PC. Space and funds are going to be tight, so after all the reviews (yours being the most thorough) I will get this cockpit. My question is, is Fanatec the only solution for all three platforms? Thanks!
Yes, Fanatec is the only product that is console and pc compatible. If your budget is tight I would get the "Ready 2 Race" bundle at 8nm that is PS5/Xbox/PC compatible.
Thanks for the review, been tosing up between this andthe wheel stand 2.0 .. Would love a review of the Wheel stand 2.0 a little worried about the ajustability of it.
As someone that is limited with space I was really hoping this would be less flexible but I think I need to explore finding a way to secure my peddles under my desk. They're jammed so they can't move away from me but they rotate away from me when I'm braking.
The loading straps that you see being used during the folding up can (and should) also be used when it's unfolded to tighten other parts of the rig, so it will be less wobbly than in the video
Im in the same boat. What i did was put a heavy rubber mat under the pedals, then stacked some weights ontop of the pedals wherever they fit. My pedals dont move at all anymore
Another great review, think I will pass on this one though, seemed to wobble like a blancmange! I do need something like though as I have to take my wheel down each time and put it away. I currently have a very old Wheel Stand Pro and its showing it's age with a CSL-DD 8nm and CS V3 pedals, although I think it has quite a bit less flex than this! I've been looking at the Coffee Racer as it looks a lot more sturdy and folds away into a nice box which will please the wife! So I will be interested to hear what you think of it.
I have that ring for my ps5. Its perfect for a g29 up to tgt2. Over that the rig will move with the force. But with my wheel its perfect and easy to move around
Yeah, I just watched the first 30 seconds of the video and it is already apparent it flexes too much. Does anyone make a properly rigid cockpit that isn't silly expensive and isn't stupid heavy/cumbersome.
if you are using belt drive or gear, i would suggest playseta challenge, otherwise you are looking at gt omera art or if you find your own seat a slim alu profie such as PSR3, o
I think the video makes it worse than it is. I run an R9 and CRP pedals on my Non Pro and have been. It wobbles but when you're racing you hardly even notice it and I play A LOT of BeamNG.
Hi, have had the gt-lite for 2-3 years, with csl elite and dith ddpro now, for me is a great solution as i dont have place for a fixed cockpit. So this cockpit + VR allows me to simrace, othereide would not be posible, for the ddpro i have not complains, the only thing I would improve is the adjustability of the position of the wheel, as its too high for me. If you need something foldable is a good product, said that i would move to a fixed setup if i would have the space to do it. Another point, for me is better than use a table clamp, the feeling and experience is mote enjoyable for me and the feeling to be in a race car too. Thanks
Thanks man. Just subscribed. New to these cockpits and you saved me a ton of time because of this review- I returned this to get the GT Racer instead. Loving the GT Racer! I play Forza 4 and 5, and GT7. Which racing game do you recommend to get serious? iRacing?
I am going to pick this up today & hopefully I can build some parts with my 3D Printer to make it sturdier. I just don’t have the space for anything larger.
The convenience of being able to fold it away isn’t always convenient lol it’s still kind of a hassle to put it away and set it up, I had the GT lite and I almost never folded it anyways since I played daily and the times I would fold it to make extra space I would go weeks without playing cause I didn’t wanna set everything up with all the wires and stuff. I ended up just getting a small aluminum unmarked rig off eBay that wasn’t to expensive and isn’t very big but it’s still solid. I set that up in a corner where it takes up the least amount of space, wall mounted a curved monitor and it sits perfectly in front of the rig. Not only does it look better overall it’s definitely a conversation starter whenever people see you have a whole corner that looks like an arcade lol.
Had a similar experience. Returned the NLR GT Lite and got a Sim-Lab WS-Pro with a seat add-on, so basically a very light aluminium profile that is way more rigid than the NLR thing and still fits into a corner and is easy to put into place.
@@Scotlandfromthesky yeah honestly it’s kind of a hassle to put away and put back up especially if you find a sweet spot where your sitting just right and the wheel is the right distance, the pedals aren’t to far or too close. Once you fold it up and put it away you’ll have to spend a good amount of time setting things up just the way you like it, unless you don’t care and just want something to sit in then it’s not that bad but it still takes like 10 minutes to setup even longer if you take off the wheel base and stuff to make it fold more compactly. The main thing I absolutely hated about these types of rigs tho is the support bar or brace that runs underneath your legs it use to kill my legs if I tried playing longer than an hour lol. Getting an aluminum rig and an actual car chair is by far the most comfortable way to race but again that’s only if you’re really into the hobby. If you’re a more casual player you know maybe do like 1 or 2 races a day or something then it’s tolerable but if you plan on playing longer than an hour save yourself the pain and just get an aluminum rig with a chair.
@@dbzcollector9963 I'll need to have a think about it. Will be set up in my daughter's play room once she's in bed so it has to be able to fit in a cupboard 🤣 means the difference of not getting into sim racing.. unless we buy a bigger house lol. Thanks for the feedback bro, appreciate it!
I currently run a desk mounted G920, however, am looking into upgrading in the near future to DD. Do you think I should go with something like the NLR Wheel Stand 2.0 instead of this foldable cockpits for a better DD experience? My desk already wobbles quite a bit with the G920 so I don't think it could handle a DD wheel.
I've got the GTLite, now I'm thinking about upgrading to this one since I plan on getting a DD wheel shortly and I don't think the regular GTLite can handle that. Also, it is pretty uncomfortable and this one looks way more comfortable.
Thanks for the review Will. I'm looking for its dimensions when folded with a wheel mounted. I know this would vary, but if you happen to have some dimensions I can work with, it would be much appreciated.
Instead of straps, why cound't NLR use telescopic tubes with a locking pin? That could easily react to both tension and compression forces. For the price point NLR is asking, seems like there are few fundamental issues with the design choices.
This looks almost ideal for a low cost of entry option that I'm looking for. My only concern is that the bottom of my 65" inch TV is about 32 inches from the ground. I wonder if that'll be a bit too high for how low this cockpit sits to the ground. I might need to think about getting an adjustable TV stand.
Great review, however I firmly believe that most buyers of this type of seat do not intend to use it with high-end pedal and steering wheel combos. Perhaps the feeling of lack of firmness is less noticeable with a mid-range steering wheel like the T248 or G923?? I would like some opinions on this....
This was discussed in the video. Running at lower torque levels does reduce the movement proportionally but the wheel deck still moves around excessively IMO. It’s not a bad product. It just could have been better.
Agreed! Considering it's only a few months old, it'll probably be a while before you see a sale. I just got lucky and snagged one up on facebook marketplace that was barely a month old and already put together for $180 so I didn't even have to bother with that part. So yea I'd check marketplace, and who knows you might get lucky like I did.
I've had this one for a while, and even if it is better than sitting in an office chair, it's really not great. Folding it up is such a chore that you will have it unfolded anyway if you race regularly. It's wobbly af and quite honestly, just get a rig. I ended up doing that after a big move and it's night and day.
Would be nice to see an upgrade kit for the regular gt lite, at least for the seat. Endurance racing starts to hurt after about 4 hours with the normal version 😂
Been waiting for you guys to do a video of this once since release last week. I don't have a cockpit and have been swithering on playseat challenge or f-gt-lite/gt-lite as I have little space and need to fold away. Was hoping this option would be much better than those two. I think despite its issues and obvious flex, it flexes a lot less than the other two and will be what I end up having to get. I think if you'd used the packing straps aswell it might have been a little better, from what I've seen in other videos.
As an owner of a GT-Lite, I'd recommend going with a folding wheel stand with a desk chair you probably already own. If you can't afford a profile rig, save your money for other equipment in your setup. I've been using mine regularly for over a year now, and while it's comfortable and works for my TMX, I don't see it working well with DD's stronger than 5Nm. Even with the extra straps.
It's a bit pricey but the Playseat Trophy is VERY sturdy, comfortable and you can stand it up against a wall when not in use. I tried my DD1 on it at 20nm and no flex at all, same with my loadcells
I have the f-gt lite with 8nm csl dd, it doesn't flex as much as you think, if at all. When you're in it and using it. You don't really notice it at all and DEFINITELY NOT affecting your gameplay. Anyone that says otherwise is full of shit
All the folding cockpits are a compromise I personally have a playseat challenge which I heavily modified to get some rigidity out of and to fix the horrible pedal box system but I love it now and I can pack it away into a very small space
@@S4N1T03T3R i made a brace for the wheel base mount, I made a new pedal support from aluminum profile, and I machined a h pattern shifter mount. Maybe I will post a video about the mods I made some time soon
Are there any more stable options out there that stow away decently well for a VR setup? Thinking of something that could tilted up easily for storage, but does not need to fully fold away and would have a fixed seat (i.e. avoiding the options that attach a swiveling office chair).
@@hby7768 Thanks for the tip. This idea is heading in the right direction. I would rather avoid the karting oriented seat and position. I'm in the US and this company's products don't appear to be available here anyway.
In two minds now after seeing this review. I'll be a casual user with a moza R3. But absolutely has to be folded away. How much of a pain would it be folding away every night?
The flex is a small price to pay to NOT USE A DESK. Desk is ok if it is your only choice, but there is not conventional way to use the petals with any desk chair comfortably. I just got the Non-pro version of this chair and it is a game changer. I play my racing sims almost daily now and I can just fold up the chair in a couple of minutes.
Cool to see the upgraded version hit the market. Was thinking of buying the regular lite version about a year ago, but ended up going up with a bigger modular rig from NLR :) Really happy with the setup currently.
@@Vector_x NLR GT Ultimate seat add-on and NLR Wheelstand 2.0. Solid combo, a mix of old and new. The GT Ultimate seat is on the nearing the end of product cycle so you might be able to find a deal on it like I did a year ago. Originally I was looking for these foldable seats, but decided against it in the end.
I have the GT Lite with a Logitech G29 and its ok. My butt tends to fall asleep after about 20-30 minutes. Does the GT Lite Pro have the same issue? Is the GT Lite Pro worth upgrading over the GT Lite?
Wow, blows my mind that they added a pair of useless straps instead of adding a metal detachable shaft to connect the underside of the wheel base to the front legs of the chair. Even mounted on the side instead of between the legs it fixes all of the flex.
Same here, I can comfortably sit in mine for about 10 minutes, then it hurts like hell to sit in. I'd advise everyone to stay well away from these hammock style seats, and get a proper bucket seat, with better support for the butt and spine.
So even with the 4-bolt pattern available in the GT Lite Pro, you only still use the 2 bolts on the front? That's actually important for me, because then I don't need to worry about upgrading from my good ol' F-GT Lite and just do that and have minimal flex. Thanks for experimenting this for us. I can keep using it, at least until I get myself a profile rig. ^^
remember u can always buy some steel pipe and weld support for the base plate and weld it to the chassie... boom u prolly added about 10-15nm xtra support and there will be next to no flex
Great video. My question is, to anyone that can help, my only experience of wheel setup was Logitech G920 (I think that was the model number)… anyway I didn’t last long with it cos my shoulder is not 100% and I got aches pretty bad even with the settings for force feedback low. Would a more expensive DD wheel, dialled down on the force feedback which would help my shoulder, actually feel more enjoyable than the logitech wheel and would it be a case of this DD wheel feels real life compared to the Logitech?
If the Logitech was too much for I don't think a DD would be a good idea. You could probably make it even softer to use than the Logitech but then you're really not getting what you paid for
@@loukas371 yeah you're right, it does somewhat defeat the object, was just hoping for a way to play with wheel again and a sense of realism. Dialling down the force feedback kills that.
I have this (this new model). the wobble is legitimately not an issue. You don't notice it when racing. Is it not as sturdy as an 8020 rig? yes. Is it still totally usable and better than a desk? 100% yes. its a compromise, but a pretty good one tbh.
Dead comment, but im getting a wheel rn (moza r9 + cs v2p + fanatec elite v2) and im gonna use it with my desk rn to save money, as well as i dont have enough space for a proper rig. Just wanted to ask if youd still reccomend a foldable rig? And comment: i feel like the wobbling would just add to the realism hahahah
I have this paired with my 8nm Fanatec GT DD Pro and this thing does everything I need it to do and with no noticeable wobble or twist. Love how light and foldable it is and very comfortable without breaking the bank or taking up a dedicated spot.
You can see it twisting and wobbling in the video. All that extra detail in the direct drive wheel is wasted without a stiff rig
can it handle load cell pedals?
@@kirtperez8048 yup. I have them on mine also. Works great. If I upgrade to a 15nm I'd go more beefy rig.
@@reviewforthetube6485 you cant tell that to a basement warrior or an elitist, who think he knows better than anyone..
@@reviewforthetube6485 it flexes, but you don't really feel it, and it doesn't flex sideways which is the most important aspect, since the wheelbases make side to side forces, not forward and backward.
I had the GT lite in the past. THIS IS A PEFRECTLY DONE UPGRADE! They added the straps from base to pedals and added a better seat. As someone who had the GT-lite this seat will be worth every penny! Unless you have room for a permanent rig setup this will be your go-to rig trust me!
Did you upgrade your GT Lite to this GT Lite Pro?
FAX!!!
Question, Can I replace the shifter mount for a bigger one so I can fit both my handbrake and shifter?
@@DrR1pper no... Got GT track
Wow never seen someone else in comments with a similar name
I LOVE THOSE SHOES BRO, glad to see a non skater rock some classic skate shoes!!!!!!!! Beautiful!
About the flex. I dont have space for a fixed rig, so I’m using a play seat challenge and 3 monitors that double as my normal everyday monitors (and of those 2 I already had and used anyway). 3x ultra wide actually. They are on my desk, the middle one on it’s own stand, while the side ones are mounted on arms. So whenever I want to race I fold the side ones in position, move my normal gaming chair out of the way and move the playseat challenge in. The playseat has at least as much flex as this one or maybe more, but only the forward movement of the wheelbase is distracting, however since I have a desk in front of me, I can push it up against it and the forward-backwards flex is gone. what remains is tactile feedback in the whole rig without having to use bass shakers 😊 crashes that cause sudden jerky movements in the wheel I can actually feel in my back just as if I was jerked around in the cockpit by G forces :D so it works out quite nicely, there are some upsides to a flexing rig besides the obvious downsides. of course it would be better to have a fixed rig, but this was a lot a cheaper, I still have more than 180 degrees horizontal fov and I only had to buy 1 more monitor with an arm and the playseat challenge and it barely takes up any space at all, so I’m quite happy with this setup after all. Really the only problem is my laziness as sometimes I just don’t feel like setting everything up for a quick race. 😅
Thanks for the review! I ended up trying it myself with a Logi pro and I must be honest, I didn't notice nearly as much wobble as you did, even with the left foot pedal strap removed (easier to get in that way). I also didn't have any issues mounting, with the mounting plate in the forward position. If the mounting issue you described is true, that'll probably be a huge deal breaker for people.
We definitely made sure everything was tightened, etc.
The video shows the flex for what it is and then I talked about what I actually perceive while driving.
These folding rigs are getting better and better. But I'm still happy with my setup which is their wheel stand and some locking casters for my office chair. I notice the wheel flex a lot more than a chair moving left or right.
Why did they go with a rounded tube, instead of a squared tube for the wheelbase mount?
Sure it could still wobble, but a flat surface would at least help
I’ve been at the new Indianapolis location and they have a lot of sim stuff! They even had Simucube Active Pedals! Really a great place for sim racers.
I have this seat.
I don't have to move it, so an easy massive improvement I made is to cut two lengths of 1" x 0.5" wood, and cut circular profiles into the end to approx match the gauge of the metal tubing. The length is to match the gap between the top bar that supports the wheel mount, and the bar on the floor below it.
Wedge the pieces of wood in either side of the cockpit so you still have plenty of space for your legs, and then on each side get a ratchet strap and wrap it around the bars, top to bottom, with the wooden strut clamped in between. Tighten the ratchet straps and bingo. 99% of the flexibility and movement on the wheel platform is gone.
Hassle, I know, but an easy DIY fix if you have this seat, and like me are annoyed by the wheel movement
Looks much more comfortable than the Play Seat Challenge.
Thanks for the review on this. I'd like to upgrade to a DD wheel but I don't have the space for a full rig. I'd love to see some more reviews on products that try to bridge this gap. If you could do a video on NLR's Wheel Stand DD I'd love to see it.
I went with their wheel stand 2.0 for a foldable option that is still sturdy as a tank. Paired with a secretlab chair its amazing
Thats the config i'll be moving to as well. Is the wheel tray for the chair as helpful as it looks?
I'm thinking of going the same route, in your opinion is the wheel stand worth it?
@@scottkocienda4057 I have the same setup with the fanatec clubsport pedals v3, moza R9 and a secret lab chair and it is solid as a rock. not like a mounted chair but close enough. and it can be folded really low profile.
As someone with a GT-Lite and a Thrustmaster TMX hard-mounted to it (Ricmotec's got a great adapter plate), I have no idea how NLR thinks this can handle a DD base with 13 Nm.
It's a great product for entry level equipment (belt driven wheelbases in the 2-4 Nm range) but I can see it being any good for DD's over 5-6 Nm.
I actually asked NLR on their Insta about a possible upgrade kit for the GT-Lite and getting the pedal plate connectors and the forward straps, and they said they have no plans to offer anything. 🤷♂️
I *like* the product for what it is, but the price doesn't really reflect it, this as well. It's a smart idea but you can get a wheel stand for less and it'll be better for you.
I'm going to jury-rig some straps on mine soon and see if that improves some of the flex (as I'm arguing with myself if I want a profile rig or will just stay with what I have, I'm going DD but not more than the CSL DD or R9).
I may just sell the setup with my TMX and go with a profile rig, but I wouldn't buy one of these again. There's lots more options out there now.
Totally agree. Had this for a T300 and it was way more flex than on my desk, so much FF detail was lost. I can't believe they trick people into buying this for a 13nm DD
I got one of these just to test the waters as I'm completely new to Sim racing. Sure it has it's compromises but did the job well enough to know that I'm ready to go down the rabbit hole. I did make a diy change that made a huge difference in the rigidity. I used a ratchet strap instead of the included Velcro one which allowed me to really torque down on the strap and tightened the whole setup up. I also measured from the front of the wheel Deck to to the floor and cut a 2x2 and placed it between my legs once I was seated and completely got rid of any flex as I found I would pull on the wheel versus push on it. Easy workaround to address the only issues I had or even read about. Like I said it wasn't a permanent solution but an affordable way to get into the hobby and is something I can give to my kids once I get a more permanent setup.
I have been using the GT-Lite non pro with My R9 and CRP pedals. You can see the flex but never bothered me. I am 6'4 280lbs. A desk/Chair usually is almost always at the wrong position to be comfortable to race for long periods of time.
This is the comment I was looking for! I am about the same height and weight and have been wondering most on how this cockpit pit works with that.
First 5s told me all i need to know :P , that thing moves waaaay too much
He does address it at 19:10 and 22:20. It may not change your mind, but I thought it might be helpful anyway.
Built in tactile bass shaker, win! lol
Agreed , that is a setup for someone without room for bigger sturdier rig
@@blackacidevll5826tell iis you mean New Yorkers without telling us you mean New Yorkers😂.
The f-gt lite looks studier, that's what I used with the R9 for a few months. The base feels like the heaviest you would want to put in the bar weight wise but in gt position it was solid
I have the original Lite....I got it for my old Thrustmaster T-300 wheelbase. It works ok, but it's not perfect by any means. I just got a new CSL DD and switched over to a simpler but much more rigid steel framed wheelbase with an add on seat adapter. This setup was much cheaper than the Lite (only $150US) and it allowed me to use my existing gaming chair easily by simply dropping one or two of the wheels into an adjustable steel box which stops your chair from moving forward or back, a really nice setup IMHO. Combined with the stiff steel stand it's nearly three times as rigid as the Lite overall. The CSL DD doesn't move much if at all using it (it's the 8Nm version, btw). At the end of the day the wheel box folds up to allow for the whole setup to take up only around 3 more inches total floor space over the Lite.
This was just an example of the choices you get now, you don't need to get all funky with a fully foldable unit like these anymore thanks to the seat box option now available that comes with quite a few different cheap steel wheelbases available on Amazon. For the record, the one I'm using is called the Marada Steering Wheel Stand with the seat adapter (there are a few options, just look for the one with the seat adapter). Why spend more than you need to? Great review as always Wil!
I have the GT light non-pro version and it's pretty decent for what it is. I have attached an eBay handbrake ,6-speed h pattern and a micro keyboard being held by a car style tablet holder all on the right side. I built my own set of button boxes that I put on either side of the wheel. I bought a surround sound system and mounted it directly to the cockpit with the subwoofer underneath the seating area. If you're a taller 6 ft 1 it might be a little bit to small for you
Great vid as usual, can't wait for the Micro Center store to open up in Miami, that's such great news!
I can’t believe how much it wobbles. Wonder if it wobbles this much with a G29 or something more entry level. I feel like I’d prefer a desk over this but you’d be a good judge of it
The more effort you’re exerting to fight the FFB the more it wobbles. But it was still noticeable even with a g923 or R5.
I said in the video that if you have a desk and some kind of setup where your pedals and chair won’t move, thats probably preferable.
ive had the GT Lite for 3 years, yeah it wobbles but good enough with the g29..
had it with a T300, the desk setup was way better, way more FF detail on my desk
As a VR simmer, folding seats are ideal for me. Doesn't need to "Look" the part in VR. I use a modified playseat challenge, so this would probably be an upgrade. My question is if it can be conformed to a formula seating style, or if they're planning another separate product for it
I have the GT Lite and at the time of buying it I was contemplating the formula style version.
It seemed to end up going end of line since it never came back in stock.
f-gt lite can go formula position, but the pedals will lift, it will ruin your back, and be too much burden to get in and out. i had one but i sold em out because i prefered desk setup over that crap.
Very useful video thanks a lot. First time sim rig user here I just bought this with the fanatec csl dd 8nm and WRC wheel and normal cheap CSL pedals before even seeing this video so this will be extremely helpful for when i set it all up tomorrow. I didnt have a desk so chose this over buying a desk and office chair combo hopefully its good enough
@Steezy93 , Was thinking about going the same route as you. How's it holding up? And would you recommend?
@@brextondesormeaux518 Yeah im very happy with it, seat is very comfy. You definitely lose a tiny bit of fidelity with how flimsy the rig is compared to a non foldable one but if youre just casual gamer like me you wont care that much. Saying that i was able to tighten mine more than the guy in this video did mine moves a lot less, just make sure to tighten the 3 straps pretty solid and youre good to go. You will need to buy some nuts and bolts to fit the pedals they arent included.
It would be nice if NextLevelRacing made that seat as a low priced option for sim rigs. FWIU the low cost seats are pretty much whats offered in this kit, just with more padding and race car looks. NLR should sell the seat and have seat slider mounts for it.
I managed to get one for £30 on a facebook sales group and it was the best £30 I've ever spent
Insane
I want to get more serious about sim racing. Going to start with a PS5, then Xbox and then PC. Space and funds are going to be tight, so after all the reviews (yours being the most thorough) I will get this cockpit. My question is, is Fanatec the only solution for all three platforms? Thanks!
Yes, Fanatec is the only product that is console and pc compatible. If your budget is tight I would get the "Ready 2 Race" bundle at 8nm that is PS5/Xbox/PC compatible.
@@SiCaRiI_DaGgEr Thank you
why would you start with a PS5, then move to Xbox and then to PC if you're budget is tight? I'm so confused here
@@drchtct I don’t have the money to get all three at the same time. So I will start with one, save to get the next, and then one after that.
Thank you for all your vids. You are awesome and always to the point on what your demoing. Thanks again!
Thanks for the review, been tosing up between this andthe wheel stand 2.0 .. Would love a review of the Wheel stand 2.0 a little worried about the ajustability of it.
As someone that is limited with space I was really hoping this would be less flexible but I think I need to explore finding a way to secure my peddles under my desk. They're jammed so they can't move away from me but they rotate away from me when I'm braking.
Really recommend the GT Omega Apex
It’s not as much flex as you think. I just went from desk to this setup with a DD w/ load cell pedals and it’s night and day.
The loading straps that you see being used during the folding up can (and should) also be used when it's unfolded to tighten other parts of the rig, so it will be less wobbly than in the video
Im in the same boat. What i did was put a heavy rubber mat under the pedals, then stacked some weights ontop of the pedals wherever they fit. My pedals dont move at all anymore
They can use the mounting holes as placement for more additions to assist in the rigidity
Another great review, think I will pass on this one though, seemed to wobble like a blancmange! I do need something like though as I have to take my wheel down each time and put it away. I currently have a very old Wheel Stand Pro and its showing it's age with a CSL-DD 8nm and CS V3 pedals, although I think it has quite a bit less flex than this!
I've been looking at the Coffee Racer as it looks a lot more sturdy and folds away into a nice box which will please the wife! So I will be interested to hear what you think of it.
Nice review, definitely gonna buy one after I bought my ready2race bundle at Fanatec. Exactly what I need, and the flexing of the unit is okay for me.
@24:57 Would have been helpful if you mentioned what some of those other options are.
I have that ring for my ps5. Its perfect for a g29 up to tgt2. Over that the rig will move with the force. But with my wheel its perfect and easy to move around
Did it come with bolts to mount the G29 , there’s non in the box the G29 came in .
The flex is kind off putting me of buying this. What other cockpits would you recommend instead of this at a similar price range?
I would like to know as well.
Yeah, I just watched the first 30 seconds of the video and it is already apparent it flexes too much.
Does anyone make a properly rigid cockpit that isn't silly expensive and isn't stupid heavy/cumbersome.
if you are using belt drive or gear, i would suggest playseta challenge, otherwise you are looking at gt omera art or if you find your own seat a slim alu profie such as PSR3, o
I think the video makes it worse than it is. I run an R9 and CRP pedals on my Non Pro and have been. It wobbles but when you're racing you hardly even notice it and I play A LOT of BeamNG.
Check out the newly released Simlab GT Pro
Thank goodness for Microcenter.
Hi, have had the gt-lite for 2-3 years, with csl elite and dith ddpro now, for me is a great solution as i dont have place for a fixed cockpit. So this cockpit + VR allows me to simrace, othereide would not be posible, for the ddpro i have not complains, the only thing I would improve is the adjustability of the position of the wheel, as its too high for me. If you need something foldable is a good product, said that i would move to a fixed setup if i would have the space to do it. Another point, for me is better than use a table clamp, the feeling and experience is mote enjoyable for me and the feeling to be in a race car too. Thanks
"Brake with your thigh" has helped my consistency on my table setup LoL
Thanks man. Just subscribed. New to these cockpits and you saved me a ton of time because of this review- I returned this to get the GT Racer instead. Loving the GT Racer! I play Forza 4 and 5, and GT7. Which racing game do you recommend to get serious? iRacing?
I was just looking for something like this right now !
It needs another brace across the front of the wheel base. It could be easily done and would probably solve the issue of wheel base flexing.
I am going to pick this up today & hopefully I can build some parts with my 3D Printer to make it sturdier. I just don’t have the space for anything larger.
You are fine. The motor in the wheelbase rotates side to side, not forward and backward, and it's not going to move from side to side.
@@R-py6uf Yea it's been fine, i've been enjoying it
Woooo! Can't wait for that Miami Micro Center! 😁 Those specs are just begging for the install of a Fanatec DD2 just to see what happens, lol.
flexes more than ocon's rear wing
Myself personally I have a Playseat Challenge for my steering wheel set up. However I have been very interested in upgrading to something like this!
The convenience of being able to fold it away isn’t always convenient lol it’s still kind of a hassle to put it away and set it up, I had the GT lite and I almost never folded it anyways since I played daily and the times I would fold it to make extra space I would go weeks without playing cause I didn’t wanna set everything up with all the wires and stuff. I ended up just getting a small aluminum unmarked rig off eBay that wasn’t to expensive and isn’t very big but it’s still solid. I set that up in a corner where it takes up the least amount of space, wall mounted a curved monitor and it sits perfectly in front of the rig. Not only does it look better overall it’s definitely a conversation starter whenever people see you have a whole corner that looks like an arcade lol.
Had a similar experience. Returned the NLR GT Lite and got a Sim-Lab WS-Pro with a seat add-on, so basically a very light aluminium profile that is way more rigid than the NLR thing and still fits into a corner and is easy to put into place.
Not the comment I wanted to see. I would need to fold away every night 😭
@@Scotlandfromthesky yeah honestly it’s kind of a hassle to put away and put back up especially if you find a sweet spot where your sitting just right and the wheel is the right distance, the pedals aren’t to far or too close. Once you fold it up and put it away you’ll have to spend a good amount of time setting things up just the way you like it, unless you don’t care and just want something to sit in then it’s not that bad but it still takes like 10 minutes to setup even longer if you take off the wheel base and stuff to make it fold more compactly. The main thing I absolutely hated about these types of rigs tho is the support bar or brace that runs underneath your legs it use to kill my legs if I tried playing longer than an hour lol. Getting an aluminum rig and an actual car chair is by far the most comfortable way to race but again that’s only if you’re really into the hobby. If you’re a more casual player you know maybe do like 1 or 2 races a day or something then it’s tolerable but if you plan on playing longer than an hour save yourself the pain and just get an aluminum rig with a chair.
@@dbzcollector9963 I'll need to have a think about it. Will be set up in my daughter's play room once she's in bed so it has to be able to fit in a cupboard 🤣 means the difference of not getting into sim racing.. unless we buy a bigger house lol. Thanks for the feedback bro, appreciate it!
I currently run a desk mounted G920, however, am looking into upgrading in the near future to DD. Do you think I should go with something like the NLR Wheel Stand 2.0 instead of this foldable cockpits for a better DD experience? My desk already wobbles quite a bit with the G920 so I don't think it could handle a DD wheel.
Did you try mounting the wheel base plate backwards? It works on the non-pro version for Fanatec CSL DD bases.
I've got the GTLite, now I'm thinking about upgrading to this one since I plan on getting a DD wheel shortly and I don't think the regular GTLite can handle that. Also, it is pretty uncomfortable and this one looks way more comfortable.
A fold up rig that's transportable would be handy to have, it might make me want to leave the house again lol.
Thanks for the review Will. I'm looking for its dimensions when folded with a wheel mounted. I know this would vary, but if you happen to have some dimensions I can work with, it would be much appreciated.
Has there been any follow up from Next Level in regards to the mounting issue/possible solution? That flex is quite alarming!
Instead of straps, why cound't NLR use telescopic tubes with a locking pin? That could easily react to both tension and compression forces. For the price point NLR is asking, seems like there are few fundamental issues with the design choices.
This looks almost ideal for a low cost of entry option that I'm looking for. My only concern is that the bottom of my 65" inch TV is about 32 inches from the ground. I wonder if that'll be a bit too high for how low this cockpit sits to the ground. I might need to think about getting an adjustable TV stand.
Great review, however I firmly believe that most buyers of this type of seat do not intend to use it with high-end pedal and steering wheel combos. Perhaps the feeling of lack of firmness is less noticeable with a mid-range steering wheel like the T248 or G923?? I would like some opinions on this....
This was discussed in the video. Running at lower torque levels does reduce the movement proportionally but the wheel deck still moves around excessively IMO.
It’s not a bad product. It just could have been better.
This needs to go on sale. 200$ I'm sold
Agreed! Considering it's only a few months old, it'll probably be a while before you see a sale. I just got lucky and snagged one up on facebook marketplace that was barely a month old and already put together for $180 so I didn't even have to bother with that part. So yea I'd check marketplace, and who knows you might get lucky like I did.
Great video Will👍🏻One question, what do you think of the wheel stand 2.0. Is it better than the wheel stand DD? Thanks 😀
Haven’t tried the 2.0. Sorry.
Could this be used for a flight sim as well?
I've had this one for a while, and even if it is better than sitting in an office chair, it's really not great. Folding it up is such a chore that you will have it unfolded anyway if you race regularly. It's wobbly af and quite honestly, just get a rig. I ended up doing that after a big move and it's night and day.
pretty sure when this video released the embargo for the product was lifted so whatever you have it isnt this.
@@J03130 its essentially the same thing, but yeah
But not everyone has enough free space for a full permanent rig.
Looking for a foldaway to replace my playseat challenge due to wheelbase flex on CSL DD, this looks just as bad in the first 5 seconds
I have gt lite and GT DD Pro. i made small wooden stand that connects to wheel stand and it doesn't move any more
Add a little fun to your video. What does the 30nm base look like on this rig
Just bought one Waiting on order arrival ill see what it is like...
Would be nice to see an upgrade kit for the regular gt lite, at least for the seat. Endurance racing starts to hurt after about 4 hours with the normal version 😂
4 hours in any car hurts me! 😂
FLORIDA'S GETTING A MICROCENTER? MIAMI IS 3 HOURS AWAY FROM ME BUT HELL YEAH
This concept should be made for flight sim to it is so smart!
I had the original and with a T300 it was great as an entry level low cost rig. Only reason i upgraded was that i outgrew it with my sim hardware.
I'm so torn on this. I don't have the space in my apt for a full rig, but I don't think I'll be able to stand that flex for this rig. Any suggestions?
is the steering wheel plate sturdy enough for a 5nm fanatec wheel?
What an absolutely necessary video to make.
Been waiting for you guys to do a video of this once since release last week. I don't have a cockpit and have been swithering on playseat challenge or f-gt-lite/gt-lite as I have little space and need to fold away. Was hoping this option would be much better than those two. I think despite its issues and obvious flex, it flexes a lot less than the other two and will be what I end up having to get. I think if you'd used the packing straps aswell it might have been a little better, from what I've seen in other videos.
As an owner of a GT-Lite, I'd recommend going with a folding wheel stand with a desk chair you probably already own.
If you can't afford a profile rig, save your money for other equipment in your setup.
I've been using mine regularly for over a year now, and while it's comfortable and works for my TMX, I don't see it working well with DD's stronger than 5Nm. Even with the extra straps.
i like my playseat challenge, i run it with 8nm CSL DD
It's a bit pricey but the Playseat Trophy is VERY sturdy, comfortable and you can stand it up against a wall when not in use. I tried my DD1 on it at 20nm and no flex at all, same with my loadcells
I have the f-gt lite with 8nm csl dd, it doesn't flex as much as you think, if at all. When you're in it and using it. You don't really notice it at all and DEFINITELY NOT affecting your gameplay. Anyone that says otherwise is full of shit
@@dill6078what do you use for a shifter and handbrake mount?
All the folding cockpits are a compromise I personally have a playseat challenge which I heavily modified to get some rigidity out of and to fix the horrible pedal box system but I love it now and I can pack it away into a very small space
What mods did you end up getting?
@@S4N1T03T3R i made a brace for the wheel base mount, I made a new pedal support from aluminum profile, and I machined a h pattern shifter mount. Maybe I will post a video about the mods I made some time soon
@@petercirincione5710 Yes that would be nice!
I have a question 🙋🏾♂️ would the csl elite racing wheel fit on the base of this rig?
Are there any more stable options out there that stow away decently well for a VR setup? Thinking of something that could tilted up easily for storage, but does not need to fully fold away and would have a fixed seat (i.e. avoiding the options that attach a swiveling office chair).
oplite nitrokart, you can hang it on the wall.
@@hby7768 Thanks for the tip. This idea is heading in the right direction. I would rather avoid the karting oriented seat and position. I'm in the US and this company's products don't appear to be available here anyway.
@@Tiger1016. i got it ship to california from Europe for $70
Does it not have an F1 position like the Old Next Level cockpit was able to get to??
In two minds now after seeing this review. I'll be a casual user with a moza R3. But absolutely has to be folded away. How much of a pain would it be folding away every night?
Hey, mind sharing the stiffer alternatives that are the same price?
looks great, thanks for the video, how tall are you? the fit seems well for your size
I’m 190cm and 95kg
The flex is a small price to pay to NOT USE A DESK. Desk is ok if it is your only choice, but there is not conventional way to use the petals with any desk chair comfortably. I just got the Non-pro version of this chair and it is a game changer. I play my racing sims almost daily now and I can just fold up the chair in a couple of minutes.
Cool to see the upgraded version hit the market. Was thinking of buying the regular lite version about a year ago, but ended up going up with a bigger modular rig from NLR :) Really happy with the setup currently.
Which one did you get?
@@Vector_x NLR GT Ultimate seat add-on and NLR Wheelstand 2.0. Solid combo, a mix of old and new. The GT Ultimate seat is on the nearing the end of product cycle so you might be able to find a deal on it like I did a year ago. Originally I was looking for these foldable seats, but decided against it in the end.
Is this cockpit compatible with Thrustmaster
T248 and TSS handbrake sparco mod +?
How does this compare to the play seat challenge?
I have the GT Lite with a Logitech G29 and its ok. My butt tends to fall asleep after about 20-30 minutes. Does the GT Lite Pro have the same issue? Is the GT Lite Pro worth upgrading over the GT Lite?
Could you tell me which cockpit not too expensive to buy for a compatibility with the motion v3 i could buy later please?
Well what sould you get if you want something that doesnt move as much for the same money
Wow, blows my mind that they added a pair of useless straps instead of adding a metal detachable shaft to connect the underside of the wheel base to the front legs of the chair. Even mounted on the side instead of between the legs it fixes all of the flex.
No replacement for my fully modded Playseat - thanks for the review!!!
Did you purchase a kit or mod yourself?
@@jeffspruiel6686 both actually. DIY inspired by the web like seat belts or purchased 3D printed add-ons to mount or stiffening up wheel mount etc.
On all web cite is show with the whils padels and shifte but is not sold with it?
I got one of these and the seat is uncomfortable and the whole frame moves. Id give it a 4 out of 10
Same here, I can comfortably sit in mine for about 10 minutes, then it hurts like hell to sit in.
I'd advise everyone to stay well away from these hammock style seats, and get a proper bucket seat, with better support for the butt and spine.
So even with the 4-bolt pattern available in the GT Lite Pro, you only still use the 2 bolts on the front? That's actually important for me, because then I don't need to worry about upgrading from my good ol' F-GT Lite and just do that and have minimal flex. Thanks for experimenting this for us. I can keep using it, at least until I get myself a profile rig. ^^
Is this the only fold away option?
what do you think of the FK playseat monaco ?
I would totally see the same design but in super strong carbon structure (like bikes). I would pay as much as a bike frame (~2k to ~7k).
Will this work for a 6’ 7” person?
do you need mozas 45$ mount with this chair for the direct drive base? or can you just screw it into the plate?
Screws on directly as it uses the same hole pattern as fanatec.
Possible to mount inverted pedals ?
remember u can always buy some steel pipe and weld support for the base plate and weld it to the chassie... boom u prolly added about 10-15nm xtra support and there will be next to no flex
Yep that’s what I was thinking. Once you have your angle how you like it, welding time
@@boostedmedia Welder icluded*
Quick question what would you say is probably the best wheel base in terms of smoothness and force feedback that’s compatible with Xbox?
ts-xw
I have a Wheel Stand 2.0 and its rock solid, very heavy though lol
Great video. My question is, to anyone that can help, my only experience of wheel setup was Logitech G920 (I think that was the model number)… anyway I didn’t last long with it cos my shoulder is not 100% and I got aches pretty bad even with the settings for force feedback low.
Would a more expensive DD wheel, dialled down on the force feedback which would help my shoulder, actually feel more enjoyable than the logitech wheel and would it be a case of this DD wheel feels real life compared to the Logitech?
If the Logitech was too much for I don't think a DD would be a good idea. You could probably make it even softer to use than the Logitech but then you're really not getting what you paid for
@@loukas371 yeah you're right, it does somewhat defeat the object, was just hoping for a way to play with wheel again and a sense of realism. Dialling down the force feedback kills that.