Well the cats not wrong... the Playseat's buttocks region and lower back area looks more comfortable just from what I see. The other chair is probably good though too but who knows.
@@andrewteves496 With the f-gt light if you're sit in it for more than 2 hours your ass will fall asleep, I'm not kidding I sat in it for 6 hours my ass fell asleep
Good review but frankly as a "slightly larger" person the F-GT Lite wastes most of the opportunity it has to be more comfortable. While the seat and chair frame is wider and the seat back height is higher, etc, the tube for the wheel mount does not match that width and is in fact mounted (left and right) on the INSIDE of the seat frame width. That means my legs are squeezed more tightly together and my "boys" get crunched up almost every time I sit in it. (I haven't tried the challenge but honestly it looks about the same width to me. Can't imagine it's much less.) So they've wasted a huge opportunity there. They've made it huge and have a 330lb weight rating but you won't fit if you're large, let alone actually anywhere near 330lbs. Frankly, a good number of opportunities missed/wasted with this implementation. Like maybe it hits 60 or 65% of it's potential and could have gone the rest of the way for probably the same or VERY little extra manufacturing cost.
Exactly the video I was looking for. Very surprised on how small the challenge is. I'm 6'4 180lbs so I F-GT is the winner as my desk is about 3ft off the ground
For the F-GT Lite: Set it up in your favourite position and draw a line with a sharpie across the joints. Easier setup for next time! (can take different color for GT and Formula postition)
I don’t have the room for a full cockpit, so I therefore use a Playseat Challange! Now come the surprise... I have a Fanatec DD1 sat on the wheel bed using the Fanatec triangle mount for screws, the base plate is moved away toward the monitor and a slight adjustment made to the mount for the third screw to mount the wheel. My problem is with the mounting of the V3 pedals, but a mounted plate on the pedal deck was a good solution. My seat does not lift when force is applied to the pedals, this is due to the weight of the DD1 holding the front of the seat down. The wheel is set up using the Fanatec recommended settings for each game and I get good 20Nm feedback without problems with very little loss of fidelity. Thought that might help some of your viewers.
I'd like to thank you for your honest reviews of each seat. I currently have a Playseat Challenge and am looking for a bigger seat as I am a bit of a bigger guy, but I'm still looking for one that can be stored away as space isn't something I have in abundance in my house. I love your open attitude towards both and how there is no sales pitch like other videos I've watched. This was extremely informative and helpful! Thank you once again!
Not sure if you're joking, but it's pretty easy to pop off the wheel deck and unscrew the pedals and then you've got the best-looking folding chair that anybody brought to the race track!
I'm new to the simracing world and I keep finding myself watching your vids. I genuinely appreciate the content you make, man. Thanks and keep doing what you're doing! You're really very good at it
Yes ive been around long enough to see the channel grow exponentially mate! Keep going! Like i said in the beginning, you are obviously filling a demand in the market for real world, smaller budget equip. 😊👍
I have the playseat challenge setup with a G29. I don’t have any issues with it lifting on maximum braking. There was the slightest bit of up and down play in the wheel mount which I could feel was mainly due to play in the arm that slots into the chair (the hinged joint that rotates when you lift the wheel deck up to get in) I quickly fixed this by wrapping some electrical tape around the tubing to make it snug when slotted back into the chair. I’m no spring chicken and was getting some lower back pain after long sessions so I bought a car seat lumbar support cushion. Now it’s perfect.
Don’t know if you react to year old video comments, but I really appreciate the time you took for this. EXACTLY what i was hoping to find as I am folding like lawn chair back and forth trying to decide. :). Thanks Karl, +1 sub
For reference, I am 6ft/250lbs and I fit comfortably in the Playseat Challenge - even for longer stints. I use the Fanatec CSL Elite loadcell pedals mounted to the pedal arms with a couple of thin aluminum bars under the arms drilled to match the pedal mounts. The lifting isn't really a problem. Pretty solid platform, although I don't think I'd want to put a DD wheel on it.
@Richard Kistner interesting! So in essence the lumbar support is non. You could try a lumbar cushion? Ist that what you mean, the lower back above your butt? Or more the region nearer to the shoulders? Or everything?
@Richard Kistner thanks very much! And what happens when you alter the velcro straps to make the whole chair more upright? Does it get too small for 6'4"? E.g. the space too small, the wheel too narrow?
Just bought the Playseat Challenge based on this info, It's the fold away that did it for me. My fiance and I are in a small apartment and I definitely don't have the space or need for a full sim rig but I need something better than a computer chair and desk for my fanatec stuff. This with my oculus Q2 and I'll have a pretty sick mobile sim rig with a stupid small footprint.
I’ve just ordered the playseat with a g920, my first sim setup! So glad I found this channel as the cockpit I nearly bought, you said was the worst one you’ve ever seen hahaha! Thank you for these videos and showing us where is best to spend our money
I've used the playseat challenge for a few years now. It's for storage purposes as I live in a small mews house with very little storage space,(until my daughter gets her own place). I have fanatec pedals with very stiff load cell brake and I've attached 4 heavy-duty zip ties around tubing that pedals join to main rig and its changed things for the better. I seen Shaun coles video about a year ago at a show in the states and really followed the next levels progress over the last year, only to be disappointed in the end result being massive and when folded seems way too wide. I can fold the playseat up/down in less than 1 minute.
Thank you for your comment! I'm trying to decide between these two chairs and everything mentioned about the Playseat Challenge works better for me, except that I am potentially getting a Fanatec CSL Elite wheel/pedals with load cell, and that was a bummer to hear him say the problem about the chair tipping/pedal area moving the opposite way. So, the heavy duty zip ties did the trick then? This problem became moot for you? Everything about the Playseat seems great for my needs/wants except for that bit about the heavy braking. Hope to hear back, thanks!
@@JoMaMaz Yeah that works for me. I use HP Reverb so when in VR the playseat could be any top-end rig. I bought the heavy-duty zip ties and they have worked great since I fitted them.
With a little DIY, I managed to add a shifter mount and 4 corners of tactile transducers to the play seat. Still folds up to store away. Great product.
I use Simhub software. The software reads the road surface, tire slip, engine vibration etc. Then the transducer shake accordingly. Works very well. I also run VR so it is very immersive with the vibration
@@Yanmak13 I used Dayton Audio TT25-16 PUCK Tactile Transducer Mini Bass Shaker 16 Ohm from Part Express. I mounted 4 under the pedals (2 per side) with wood and screws etc . I also mounted 4 at the rear of the seat. 2 each side about mid way up the back of the chair with Motor cycle mirror clamps from amazon. I Mounted into wood, I cut the wood into like a fin shape and then I cut holes for the transducer to sit in. Stained the wood so it looks pretty cool. This system work great. I get breaking, wheel slip, bumps, curbs, motor shack, RPM shake. Once you have an active cockpit with VR it is VERY immersive. Total cost was about 200 Canadian dollars. Remember you need little amps to drive the transductors. I bought something similar to this ..Lepy LP-2020A Class-D Hi-Fi Audio Mini Amplifier , you will need 2 amps, one for the front, one for the back.
Regarding re-setup of the F-GT. I imagine once it’s where you like it, you could put a residue free sticker, like painters tape, across the joint and cut the tape between the two sides. Next time you set it up just make sure the tape lines up. Should make finding your preferred “presets” painless.
I have the Playseat Challenge with loadcell pedals on it. One thing I've done to help mitigate the 'rig" leaning back is I place a cheap Amazon under desk foot rest under my pedal tray, this adds a bit of rake to the pedal angles and helps keep the opposing forces from your braking going straight back towards the back of the chair.
I have the playseat challenge, and with the brake issue it's all about how low you get it. I have it at the 5th stripe (last one) because I like that position. When i apply 100% brake pressure on the logitech I have no issues whatsoever. And I'm a very light guy (70kg).
@Max van Orsouw, i couldn't agree more. I had it in its default 3 stripe position and the seat did move a bit under heavy braking. Dropped it to 5 stripes and problem solves. Did try 5 ½, to get the seat lower still, but my arms were too straight. I considered putting the wheel housing back towards me on the last bolt mounts, but from the videos I've seen, it's more susceptible to bounce then. Definitely better to leave it in the middle, so the centre of the wheel housing is over the bar.
@@MX0412 After 3 months of using the playseat, i still love it, but i am getting a little lift under the hardest braking. I also added some wood blocks to angle the pedal deck upwards, as i found it too flat
I feel like Playseat really hit something special with the design of the Challenge. I wish they would make a 2.0 or more sturdy Pro version around the same philosophy.
I've the X Rocker Circuit Racing Seat. Not tried a Playseat or Next Level Racing so cannot compare. I'm 5'9" and 14st. It works for me. Compared to my old setup it's definitely more comfortable and can do longer sessions without fatigue. In a more upright setting it is definitely too snug for me, so I have it in a more low down setup and it's great. Not as part as F1 Worth the £90. Playseat is ~£160 and Next Level is £260. My main concern is the long velcro strap holding it in position. I've added a couple of food packaging clips to put a little bit of extra pressure on the velcro. The side straps come loose very easily so I don't rely on them. With the 2 clips on the long strap it's solid. I expect it's not as robust, but it's compact and I can fold it away with the wheel and pedals attached (G29)
Hahaha the last 30 seconds were the best 😂😂 the last 30 seconds were the best. 😂😂 thank you for the detailed comparison. I’m on the market for a sim seat but don’t have the funds for a full one. I have the v frame for my wheel pedals and shifter/handbrake and I strap my chair to the bottom legs on the frame to have a “rig” but it’s time for an upgrade.
Glad to see our man has a proper sim racing cat. I'm building a PT-Actuator 6DOF motion platform that had a special custom made Sparco branded motion tuffet so my cats can sim race with me.
Just discovered you Karl. This is an excellent common sense, thorough consumer presentation, far better than most coverage of this 'bigger boy/girl' area of our hobby. An easy sub.
This Video was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks mate, really appreciate your effort. I am probably going for the Playseat because of size. And then attach the DiY Shifter mount you talked about.
Fantastic comparison I was unsure which one to get and seeing them side by side I now know the playseat is not for me and the information you give on each was brilliant. Thanks.
Great comparison. I have very nearly finished my racing set up. It is a DIY setup that I built out of scrap wood and a piece of mdf. I am really happy how it is turning out. The only issue I have is pushing the seat back under breaking (G920)
I haven’t noticed the Challenge lifting with my loadcell Fanatecs, but I have slightly calibrated the brake force and the heavier CSL Elite wheelbase probably helps push down.
Half way through the video you gave the deciding factor for me, the shifter bracket. I'm new to this sim racing thing, the closest I been to it has been the Fast And Furious arcades. Haha So I was really looking for a setup that has the option of shifter mount. The F-GT seems sturdier and in a better y position. Thank you for your video!
Great review Karl. I've been researching rigs for a while now to go with my TX and after watching quite a few of your reviews, i've decided to go with the GT Omega ART.......and use your excellent mods for the rigidity problem. I know this isn't one of your most recent videos, but they're all still very handy in helping rookies like me make informed decisions. Cheers from Australia mate. 👍👍👍
I found that a lot of the flex from hard braking in the playseat can be minimised by lifting the end. I have short legs (a little too short for the playseat? I'm 167cm tall) so lifted the pedals for necessity but found it a lot more stable as a bonus. Probably because the force being applied is pointing a little more downwards? Love my playseat challenge. edit: looks like u got the left screw missing from the playseat pedal board! lol
Thanks for these videos ! I picked up playseat challenge and love it compared to my old stand with office chair lol . Its safe to say cats seem like playseat more haha. Btw like your gaming shirts in your videos !
I never fully watch reviews nowadays but I didn’t not skip one second of this. Your energy and presentation skills are amazing. Very informative and descriptive review as well! Thanks for taking the time to make this!
@@KarlGosling I wanted to ask you.... in your opinion, is the F1 floor position THAT much better and realistic? Is it worth getting the larger one just for that F1 position? or will the smaller compact one suffice? I love that it folds up and you are done... but if you think the experience is THAT much better on the F1 position then I'd spend the extra loot and go for that one. Here in NY the price difference is $85 USD... not crazy. Its more the time to set up and put away. I'd love to hear your thoughts mate.
ay! thanks for this man. Ive been trying to find the difference but Im still a bit stuck because the f-gt is a bit chunky but I can go a but lower on it
Mate, thank you for making this video. It would have been great if you actually sat in both seats just for us to get a good comparison between the two, and at the end of the video when you no longer needed them, it would have been great to see you fold them away and see what they look like next to each other in the folded position
I just got my first wheel the G29 for my PS4 Pro, and your videos are very helpful so i subscribed straight away. I couldn’t decide between this two, read many reviews, watched your video and ended up getting the Playseat, which comes tomorrow, so excited to try, as right now i use and old desk to race which is with Dirt 2 is pretty hard moves around like crazy lol...your videos are great and helps a lot about sim racing. Well done mate 👍🏼
I think key point in your re-iteration is that you don't do it too much. You do it just the fine amount. There is such thing as too much, obviously, but I think you do a good job to avoid that. Keep it up, loving the content. Your vids have helped me decide to pull the trigger on a playseat as i don't have a gear shifter, space is an issue, and knowing myself taking 5 min to set and pack would probably make me drive way less than if i could do it in 20s!
Been trying to decide between these two as I really need something that folds up and then I just saw that Gamestop had the F-GT Lite for $171 after discounts and tax, thanks for the great comparison of the two. I think for the price I am gonna go ahead and grab the F-GT Lite!
Dude, I was scouring google for a solution to what I deemed a "design flaw" with the F-GT Lite (where the two bars connecting the pedal mount's chassis and the seat's chassis lift up under braking in formula mode), and I couldn't find a single fucking thing related to it at all, anywhere. I was about ready to box this thing back up(I just got it last night and spent all night assembling and testing it) and send it back, until I decided, as a last ditch effort, to search for a review on RUclips. Your video just saved me from a shitload of disappointment and hassle. Thank you for being so thorough. That shit was a huge, HUGE deal breaker for me. By the way, the Playseat Challenge is absolute shit compared to this cockpit. The damn thing is nothing more than a glorified lawn chair marked up a few hundred dollars. You're right, I could definitely race for hours in it, because I've raced for a minimum of 2000 hours in a computer chair with a pillow and two old shoes shoved under the wheels to prevent rolling, and was just fine. You don't buy a cockpit for comfort. You buy it for realism/immersion. The Playseat Challenge does sit like a lawn chair. It's not physically accurate to GT racing. Is it better than a lawn chair? Well yes, because it's made from better materials. However, if it looks like a lawn chair, feels like a lawn chair, and sits like a lawn chair, then it's a lawn chair.
I watched your video about the Challenge and wanted to buy one immediately but due to lockdown they were expensive new and used. I actually got the XRocker from Argos really cheap. It's obviously not the best quality in the world but for me, 17st 6ft, with no frame of reference, it's been alright. I can sit comfortably for hours and have done. Long term I'm thinking of something else but for now it's absolutely fine.
The F-GT can be a pain in the arse to set up each time. However if you grab yourself a paint marker and mark the joints prior to collapsing, you can achieve your previous setups every time. Mark one colour for F1 and another for GT and another for whatever you want etc etc. Also FYI the newer model does not have the mesh in the seat but only in the backrest.
FastMike75 on ebay makes an excellent shifter mount for playseat for about $25. I've used it for 6 months and it's still solid as a rock. Also I'm 5'8" 230 pounds. Playseat has held up fine. It's a little snug at the thighs. A bit of pool noodle around the metal rings helps a lot. The points on the rings dig in to my thighs otherwise. it's an over hours and days in the same spot thing, not you sit down and are in pain thing. The pool noodles basically eliminate it. I have a 40 pound dumbbell under the pedals just for the angle and a hose clamp around the pedal to chair connection. I can make the chair lift, but it doesn't happen while driving. I have a fanatec CSL Elite with the load cell pedals with hard bushings and the SQ1 or whatever fanatec shifter. It all folds up and stands up in a 2 foot gap between a bookcase and a wall, sideways with the wall and bookcase holding it together. It's not a big lump of crap on the ground, taking up the space of a recliner. Great review, even though you're one of those weird Karl with a "K" types. :)
Thank you for the great review pal.i eyed the larger one up and was going to get it then found your review of the playseat challenge so decided to get that.then I thought I wonder is there a review of the other and you've done a side by side one Haha cheers 😀
Got the Playseat. I have Fanatec V3 pedals with the damper on the brake and I don't have lift when braking. I will install the brake performance kit soon so might have lift with that, we will see. Nice review, I subbed.
Thanks for the comparison. I’ve been thinking about trying sim racing out. Always enjoyed them immensely when the first GT on PS came out. Wish there was some where i could try one or rent a setup for a month then make a call. At the same time, everything is on sale right now. Hrm. 🤔
I have both now. I like the FGT, but it's a ballache for folding away and even worse for putting away. The Playseat isn't quite as comfortable, but it's easier to store away and is perfectly good enough. It also only takes 30 seconds to get it out and plugged into my PC. The FGT now lives in the loft, and if im honest probably wont come out again until I ever move house, whilst the Playseat lives in my computer room, tucked away neatly behind the door when not in use.
Hi Karl, enjoyed watching, nice review. I think Playseat Challenge brilliant seat, I had one then bought the omega art rig so sold it, a year on i needed room so sold art and bought another Challenge.
With the F-GT Lite's problem with setting it up, couldn't you get a permanent marker or something and mark where your ideal driving position is on each clamp?
Nice COMPARISON vid 😉. Helped me reinforce my opinion. I am a 98kg 6’ 3” man with a decent sized house but a wife who hates having our main PC hooked up to a sim rig all the time. Hence my playseat challenge for last couple of years. I use VR (vive) and modded AC1 mainly, and am happy with that. Folds away into cupboard no problem. I use Thrustmaster T3pa pro pedals with cone mod, cable zipper to frame as per another viewer comment- and TX base, using ram mount for shifter. Drives fine for me (although friend braked very hard and managed to lift in middle as you say). Even have a buttkicker mounted to tubing ok, feels plenty rigid, although little bit of play after 2 years use as you might expect. I liken to deck chair, but it’s more robust than it looks!! I had a bike rack once with the CAM adjusters on the Next Level rig. It was also a ball-ache. Ended up marking with tipex to get same adjustment each time. No thanks 😉 anyway, thank you for time to make vid. 👍🏻
Lol You see that other "review" comment! 😆 Sounds like you have a great setup mate, the Playseat is very flexible it's amazing what you can do with it really 😃
About the lifting of the Playseat challenge. Mine only lifts when I would really stomp on my Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals with 2x red springs at 95 brake strength configured, so it's not that bad. I did semi hard mount it with P-clips though so don't know if that would make a difference.
I am new to sim race, just bought a T150. As I am a bigger fella I would go for the GT Lite but being I do have the room for a stationary rig would it be worth spending a little more for that or would the GT Lite be serviceable for a while? Also do you recommend any economically friendly stationary rigs if I was to go that route instead? Thanks for the review, very informative.
If you can go static then I would, a good starting point would be a GT Omega ART for example, see my review if you're interested and here's a discounted link should you want want! :) www.gtomega.com/discount/GTO5?rfsn=4405211.88b36&Karl
Karl: Proper review that highlights pros and cons of both seats.
Cat: The Playseat Challange wins 10/10.
Decision made 🤣
Well the cats not wrong... the Playseat's buttocks region and lower back area looks more comfortable just from what I see. The other chair is probably good though too but who knows.
@@andrewteves496 With the f-gt light if you're sit in it for more than 2 hours your ass will fall asleep, I'm not kidding I sat in it for 6 hours my ass fell asleep
Now this is a review people want to see 👍🏻
For sure! :)
It really is because I don’t know which one to get lol. Bout to watch now
Brewskie27 yassssssss
Good review but frankly as a "slightly larger" person the F-GT Lite wastes most of the opportunity it has to be more comfortable. While the seat and chair frame is wider and the seat back height is higher, etc, the tube for the wheel mount does not match that width and is in fact mounted (left and right) on the INSIDE of the seat frame width. That means my legs are squeezed more tightly together and my "boys" get crunched up almost every time I sit in it. (I haven't tried the challenge but honestly it looks about the same width to me. Can't imagine it's much less.)
So they've wasted a huge opportunity there. They've made it huge and have a 330lb weight rating but you won't fit if you're large, let alone actually anywhere near 330lbs.
Frankly, a good number of opportunities missed/wasted with this implementation. Like maybe it hits 60 or 65% of it's potential and could have gone the rest of the way for probably the same or VERY little extra manufacturing cost.
Exactly the video I was looking for. Very surprised on how small the challenge is. I'm 6'4 180lbs so I F-GT is the winner as my desk is about 3ft off the ground
For the F-GT Lite: Set it up in your favourite position and draw a line with a sharpie across the joints. Easier setup for next time! (can take different color for GT and Formula postition)
Genius
Thank you so much, I just got mine and set up has been annoying. This will help so much.
So obvious and yet so cleaver :) Thanks !
Glad to see this comment, as I was thinking the exact same thing, good to know it works for people.
@@ianwitt4284 Only just seen this review and thought the exact same, he also said marking up the playseat so why not just do the same on GT
I don’t have the room for a full cockpit, so I therefore use a Playseat Challange! Now come the surprise...
I have a Fanatec DD1 sat on the wheel bed using the Fanatec triangle mount for screws, the base plate is moved away toward the monitor and a slight adjustment made to the mount for the third screw to mount the wheel. My problem is with the mounting of the V3 pedals, but a mounted plate on the pedal deck was a good solution. My seat does not lift when force is applied to the pedals, this is due to the weight of the DD1 holding the front of the seat down. The wheel is set up using the Fanatec recommended settings for each game and I get good 20Nm feedback without problems with very little loss of fidelity.
Thought that might help some of your viewers.
Best comment ever thank you!
imgur.com/gallery/iyAtrmQ?nc=1
Here is the link to my home made pedal deck photos. Hope this helps someone.
kev harris does this change the adjustability of the foot plate mount?
@@riverkash Neat! I drilled through the pipes to hard mount my T-LCM pedals on mine.
@@Fitforacting I’ve not tried, as I had adjusted my pedals to my liking before mounting.
TIP! Marking the position of the collars on the FG-T Lite with a pen will speed up returning to your favourite positions.
I was wondering if that would be a good idea. Thanks for the follow up!
was gonna suggest that ;)
or you can use tape if you dont want a permanent marking
Didn’t see this before I replied above with the tape suggestion. That works too! Lol.
I'd like to thank you for your honest reviews of each seat. I currently have a Playseat Challenge and am looking for a bigger seat as I am a bit of a bigger guy, but I'm still looking for one that can be stored away as space isn't something I have in abundance in my house. I love your open attitude towards both and how there is no sales pitch like other videos I've watched. This was extremely informative and helpful! Thank you once again!
No problem!
Actually, you can use playseat as fishing chair after you finished with racing :)
Not sure if you're joking, but it's pretty easy to pop off the wheel deck and unscrew the pedals and then you've got the best-looking folding chair that anybody brought to the race track!
I'm new to the simracing world and I keep finding myself watching your vids. I genuinely appreciate the content you make, man. Thanks and keep doing what you're doing! You're really very good at it
Welcome aboard and thank you mate! :)
Yes ive been around long enough to see the channel grow exponentially mate! Keep going! Like i said in the beginning, you are obviously filling a demand in the market for real world, smaller budget equip. 😊👍
Thanks as always Stephen! :)
Very detailed video as always Karl. Well done! Keep them coming mate
Thanks 👍
I have the playseat challenge setup with a G29. I don’t have any issues with it lifting on maximum braking.
There was the slightest bit of up and down play in the wheel mount which I could feel was mainly due to play in the arm that slots into the chair (the hinged joint that rotates when you lift the wheel deck up to get in) I quickly fixed this by wrapping some electrical tape around the tubing to make it snug when slotted back into the chair.
I’m no spring chicken and was getting some lower back pain after long sessions so I bought a car seat lumbar support cushion. Now it’s perfect.
One year later and this has helped me decide
Already ordered the fgt lite
Nice! :)
Im gonna def buy the f-gt lite because i love to have a playseat in f1 position but not expensive.
Don’t know if you react to year old video comments, but I really appreciate the time you took for this.
EXACTLY what i was hoping to find as I am folding like lawn chair back and forth trying to decide. :). Thanks Karl, +1 sub
I try to read all comments mate, thank you! :)
This guy is a legend I swear. In terms of reviews the best channel I've ever found
Thanks David.
The more minutes passed the more interesting it became. INSANE REVIEW! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
For reference, I am 6ft/250lbs and I fit comfortably in the Playseat Challenge - even for longer stints. I use the Fanatec CSL Elite loadcell pedals mounted to the pedal arms with a couple of thin aluminum bars under the arms drilled to match the pedal mounts. The lifting isn't really a problem. Pretty solid platform, although I don't think I'd want to put a DD wheel on it.
Thanks for this reference. I am about as big as you - after reading this I am going for Playseat.
@Richard Kistner update?I'm 6'3" and I need a height reference 😅
@Richard Kistner interesting! So in essence the lumbar support is non. You could try a lumbar cushion? Ist that what you mean, the lower back above your butt? Or more the region nearer to the shoulders? Or everything?
@Richard Kistner thanks very much! And what happens when you alter the velcro straps to make the whole chair more upright? Does it get too small for 6'4"? E.g. the space too small, the wheel too narrow?
@Richard Kistner would you mind sharing the model and supplier of these alternative straps?
well we know which one the cat prefers
The cat knows best I suspect. The NLR build quality is turd! :(
The cat ia wrong.
Just bought the Playseat Challenge based on this info, It's the fold away that did it for me. My fiance and I are in a small apartment and I definitely don't have the space or need for a full sim rig but I need something better than a computer chair and desk for my fanatec stuff. This with my oculus Q2 and I'll have a pretty sick mobile sim rig with a stupid small footprint.
I've been watching your channel for some time now. I like the fact that you reiterate. Your reviews are very thorough. Thank you.
I appreciate that!
I’ve just ordered the playseat with a g920, my first sim setup!
So glad I found this channel as the cockpit I nearly bought, you said was the worst one you’ve ever seen hahaha!
Thank you for these videos and showing us where is best to spend our money
No problem mate!
just order my playseat, going to be a long 2 weeks.....That you for all the input Karl
Just bought the playseat! You will not regret it!
Mine arrived today its ebix
I've used the playseat challenge for a few years now. It's for storage purposes as I live in a small mews house with very little storage space,(until my daughter gets her own place). I have fanatec pedals with very stiff load cell brake and I've attached 4 heavy-duty zip ties around tubing that pedals join to main rig and its changed things for the better. I seen Shaun coles video about a year ago at a show in the states and really followed the next levels progress over the last year, only to be disappointed in the end result being massive and when folded seems way too wide. I can fold the playseat up/down in less than 1 minute.
Thank you for your comment!
I'm trying to decide between these two chairs and everything mentioned about the Playseat Challenge works better for me, except that I am potentially getting a Fanatec CSL Elite wheel/pedals with load cell, and that was a bummer to hear him say the problem about the chair tipping/pedal area moving the opposite way. So, the heavy duty zip ties did the trick then? This problem became moot for you? Everything about the Playseat seems great for my needs/wants except for that bit about the heavy braking. Hope to hear back, thanks!
@@JoMaMaz Yeah that works for me. I use HP Reverb so when in VR the playseat could be any top-end rig. I bought the heavy-duty zip ties and they have worked great since I fitted them.
As a person who is rather new to sim racing, this video was very helpful! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
With a little DIY, I managed to add a shifter mount and 4 corners of tactile transducers to the play seat. Still folds up to store away. Great product.
did u add these 4 corner transducers for a particular reason ?
I use Simhub software. The software reads the road surface, tire slip, engine vibration etc. Then the transducer shake accordingly. Works very well. I also run VR so it is very immersive with the vibration
Can you share more details on the transducers? Thanks!
@@Yanmak13 I used Dayton Audio TT25-16 PUCK Tactile Transducer Mini Bass Shaker 16 Ohm from Part Express. I mounted 4 under the pedals (2 per side) with wood and screws etc . I also mounted 4 at the rear of the seat. 2 each side about mid way up the back of the chair with Motor cycle mirror clamps from amazon. I Mounted into wood, I cut the wood into like a fin shape and then I cut holes for the transducer to sit in. Stained the wood so it looks pretty cool. This system work great. I get breaking, wheel slip, bumps, curbs, motor shack, RPM shake. Once you have an active cockpit with VR it is VERY immersive. Total cost was about 200 Canadian dollars. Remember you need little amps to drive the transductors. I bought something similar to this ..Lepy LP-2020A Class-D Hi-Fi Audio Mini Amplifier , you will need 2 amps, one for the front, one for the back.
@@rtimmins7212 wow! Thank you for the detailed info!
This was such a nice, comprehensive review. You deserve so many more subscribers :)
Thank you so much!
Regarding re-setup of the F-GT. I imagine once it’s where you like it, you could put a residue free sticker, like painters tape, across the joint and cut the tape between the two sides. Next time you set it up just make sure the tape lines up. Should make finding your preferred “presets” painless.
Yup sure could! :)
Thanks for putting them side by side! The size difference is striking! Thanks, I was really in doubt in between those two models!
Glad I could help!
with how close the prices are in most places, then the adjustability and normal seating position of the F-GT wins me over
Excellent and needed comparison. Thank you for taking the time to make this!
Glad it was helpful!
I have the Playseat Challenge with loadcell pedals on it. One thing I've done to help mitigate the 'rig" leaning back is I place a cheap Amazon under desk foot rest under my pedal tray, this adds a bit of rake to the pedal angles and helps keep the opposing forces from your braking going straight back towards the back of the chair.
Could you link the foot rest you use. I also have load cell pedals and looking for a solution.
Thanks for your review Karl, just ordered a playseat challenge as first venture into sim racing, great advice so much appreciated
No problem 👍
I have the playseat challenge, and with the brake issue it's all about how low you get it. I have it at the 5th stripe (last one) because I like that position. When i apply 100% brake pressure on the logitech I have no issues whatsoever. And I'm a very light guy (70kg).
So when im 62kg it will be alright?
@Max van Orsouw, i couldn't agree more. I had it in its default 3 stripe position and the seat did move a bit under heavy braking. Dropped it to 5 stripes and problem solves. Did try 5 ½, to get the seat lower still, but my arms were too straight. I considered putting the wheel housing back towards me on the last bolt mounts, but from the videos I've seen, it's more susceptible to bounce then. Definitely better to leave it in the middle, so the centre of the wheel housing is over the bar.
Steve Scissorhands Guppy thanks! I was wondering if this playseat would still be stable with the newest T LCM
@@divine6401 kinda late answer, but I would assume so. Can't say for sure tho.
@@MX0412 After 3 months of using the playseat, i still love it, but i am getting a little lift under the hardest braking. I also added some wood blocks to angle the pedal deck upwards, as i found it too flat
I feel like Playseat really hit something special with the design of the Challenge. I wish they would make a 2.0 or more sturdy Pro version around the same philosophy.
Loved this really well detailed video. Helped me pick the chair since I was debating between both of them
I've the X Rocker Circuit Racing Seat. Not tried a Playseat or Next Level Racing so cannot compare. I'm 5'9" and 14st. It works for me. Compared to my old setup it's definitely more comfortable and can do longer sessions without fatigue. In a more upright setting it is definitely too snug for me, so I have it in a more low down setup and it's great. Not as part as F1
Worth the £90. Playseat is ~£160 and Next Level is £260.
My main concern is the long velcro strap holding it in position. I've added a couple of food packaging clips to put a little bit of extra pressure on the velcro. The side straps come loose very easily so I don't rely on them. With the 2 clips on the long strap it's solid.
I expect it's not as robust, but it's compact and I can fold it away with the wheel and pedals attached (G29)
Hahaha the last 30 seconds were the best 😂😂 the last 30 seconds were the best. 😂😂 thank you for the detailed comparison. I’m on the market for a sim seat but don’t have the funds for a full one. I have the v frame for my wheel pedals and shifter/handbrake and I strap my chair to the bottom legs on the frame to have a “rig” but it’s time for an upgrade.
Glad to see our man has a proper sim racing cat. I'm building a PT-Actuator 6DOF motion platform that had a special custom made Sparco branded motion tuffet so my cats can sim race with me.
Man, this content is so easy to digest, great casual style of reviewing. Love the consideration given to pros and cons, keep it up brotha
Much appreciated!
Just discovered you Karl. This is an excellent common sense, thorough consumer presentation, far better than most coverage of this 'bigger boy/girl' area of our hobby. An easy sub.
Thanks very much mate! :)
Exactly the video I was looking for. I’d be interested in a new video comparing the F-GT Lite to the Challenge Logitech version.
This Video was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks mate, really appreciate your effort. I am probably going for the Playseat because of size. And then attach the DiY Shifter mount you talked about.
Perfect!
Hi there is there a link for the shifter mount for play seat that you described thanks
@@LB-wx1xc I just looked at Karl's channel and searched for sister mount I think. Found it real quick.
@@AgeD33 ok brother appreciated
Awesome review. Just wanted to say thank you and I appreciate it very much! Going to buy a Playseat Challenge in the near future :)
Glad I could help!
“A girthy cockpit” lmfaooo
I'm so glad I found this video, I was trying to decide between these two chairs, and didn't realize they were so different. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic comparison I was unsure which one to get and seeing them side by side I now know the playseat is not for me and the information you give on each was brilliant. Thanks.
6.3 and 230 pounds , I think I know what to buy . Thanks for the video 👍
Loved the review! Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Great comparison. I have very nearly finished my racing set up. It is a DIY setup that I built out of scrap wood and a piece of mdf. I am really happy how it is turning out. The only issue I have is pushing the seat back under breaking (G920)
Check out my video on "Properly setting up the G920 brake pedal" to stop that mate :)
@@KarlGosling thank you mate. I will look that one up.
I haven’t noticed the Challenge lifting with my loadcell Fanatecs, but I have slightly calibrated the brake force and the heavier CSL Elite wheelbase probably helps push down.
Excellent as always! Loving your room set up!
Thank you! Cheers!
Half way through the video you gave the deciding factor for me, the shifter bracket. I'm new to this sim racing thing, the closest I been to it has been the Fast And Furious arcades. Haha
So I was really looking for a setup that has the option of shifter mount. The F-GT seems sturdier and in a better y position.
Thank you for your video!
Very helpful video. Cheers from Chicago!
Glad it was helpful!
Great review Karl. I've been researching rigs for a while now to go with my TX and after watching quite a few of your reviews, i've decided to go with the GT Omega ART.......and use your excellent mods for the rigidity problem. I know this isn't one of your most recent videos, but they're all still very handy in helping rookies like me make informed decisions. Cheers from Australia mate. 👍👍👍
Glad to help mate! :)
Thanks for the Review. The Playseat fits all of "My" needs.💪
I found that a lot of the flex from hard braking in the playseat can be minimised by lifting the end. I have short legs (a little too short for the playseat? I'm 167cm tall) so lifted the pedals for necessity but found it a lot more stable as a bonus. Probably because the force being applied is pointing a little more downwards? Love my playseat challenge.
edit: looks like u got the left screw missing from the playseat pedal board! lol
just bought the next level f-gt. thx for the review
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for these videos ! I picked up playseat challenge and love it compared to my old stand with office chair lol . Its safe to say cats seem like playseat more haha. Btw like your gaming shirts in your videos !
Thanks mate!
I never fully watch reviews nowadays but I didn’t not skip one second of this. Your energy and presentation skills are amazing. Very informative and descriptive review as well! Thanks for taking the time to make this!
I appreciate it mate thanks!
This review is actually perfect for me since I have a playseat challenge at the moment and (possibly) am getting a next level racing F-GT Lite 👍
Glad I could help!
I'm in the exact same boat
Perfect review man. Helped me a lot in making my decision. Keep them coming.
Awesome, thank you!
@@KarlGosling I wanted to ask you.... in your opinion, is the F1 floor position THAT much better and realistic? Is it worth getting the larger one just for that F1 position? or will the smaller compact one suffice? I love that it folds up and you are done... but if you think the experience is THAT much better on the F1 position then I'd spend the extra loot and go for that one. Here in NY the price difference is $85 USD... not crazy. Its more the time to set up and put away. I'd love to hear your thoughts mate.
ay! thanks for this man. Ive been trying to find the difference but Im still a bit stuck because the f-gt is a bit chunky but I can go a but lower on it
Mate, thank you for making this video. It would have been great if you actually sat in both seats just for us to get a good comparison between the two, and at the end of the video when you no longer needed them, it would have been great to see you fold them away and see what they look like next to each other in the folded position
I do have individual reviews of each product if you want more detail mate, bit you're right those two extra things would have been helpful!
I just got my first wheel the G29 for my PS4 Pro, and your videos are very helpful so i subscribed straight away. I couldn’t decide between this two, read many reviews, watched your video and ended up getting the Playseat, which comes tomorrow, so excited to try, as right now i use and old desk to race which is with Dirt 2 is pretty hard moves around like crazy lol...your videos are great and helps a lot about sim racing. Well done mate 👍🏼
I'm glad you find them helpful mate! :)
I think key point in your re-iteration is that you don't do it too much. You do it just the fine amount. There is such thing as too much, obviously, but I think you do a good job to avoid that. Keep it up, loving the content. Your vids have helped me decide to pull the trigger on a playseat as i don't have a gear shifter, space is an issue, and knowing myself taking 5 min to set and pack would probably make me drive way less than if i could do it in 20s!
Thanks for that mate! :)
My cats love curling up for naps on my rig also 😂
Been trying to decide between these two as I really need something that folds up and then I just saw that Gamestop had the F-GT Lite for $171 after discounts and tax, thanks for the great comparison of the two. I think for the price I am gonna go ahead and grab the F-GT Lite!
did you get it/do you like It?
The Challenge looks like a baby bouncer comapred to the F-GT Lite
Love your cat. I think she/he already tell which one is more comfy lol
She's a little beauty mate thanks! :)
Dude, I was scouring google for a solution to what I deemed a "design flaw" with the F-GT Lite (where the two bars connecting the pedal mount's chassis and the seat's chassis lift up under braking in formula mode), and I couldn't find a single fucking thing related to it at all, anywhere. I was about ready to box this thing back up(I just got it last night and spent all night assembling and testing it) and send it back, until I decided, as a last ditch effort, to search for a review on RUclips. Your video just saved me from a shitload of disappointment and hassle. Thank you for being so thorough. That shit was a huge, HUGE deal breaker for me. By the way, the Playseat Challenge is absolute shit compared to this cockpit. The damn thing is nothing more than a glorified lawn chair marked up a few hundred dollars. You're right, I could definitely race for hours in it, because I've raced for a minimum of 2000 hours in a computer chair with a pillow and two old shoes shoved under the wheels to prevent rolling, and was just fine. You don't buy a cockpit for comfort. You buy it for realism/immersion. The Playseat Challenge does sit like a lawn chair. It's not physically accurate to GT racing. Is it better than a lawn chair? Well yes, because it's made from better materials. However, if it looks like a lawn chair, feels like a lawn chair, and sits like a lawn chair, then it's a lawn chair.
I watched your video about the Challenge and wanted to buy one immediately but due to lockdown they were expensive new and used. I actually got the XRocker from Argos really cheap. It's obviously not the best quality in the world but for me, 17st 6ft, with no frame of reference, it's been alright. I can sit comfortably for hours and have done. Long term I'm thinking of something else but for now it's absolutely fine.
Thats good to hear mate!
The F-GT can be a pain in the arse to set up each time. However if you grab yourself a paint marker and mark the joints prior to collapsing, you can achieve your previous setups every time. Mark one colour for F1 and another for GT and another for whatever you want etc etc. Also FYI the newer model does not have the mesh in the seat but only in the backrest.
FastMike75 on ebay makes an excellent shifter mount for playseat for about $25. I've used it for 6 months and it's still solid as a rock. Also I'm 5'8" 230 pounds. Playseat has held up fine. It's a little snug at the thighs. A bit of pool noodle around the metal rings helps a lot. The points on the rings dig in to my thighs otherwise. it's an over hours and days in the same spot thing, not you sit down and are in pain thing. The pool noodles basically eliminate it. I have a 40 pound dumbbell under the pedals just for the angle and a hose clamp around the pedal to chair connection. I can make the chair lift, but it doesn't happen while driving. I have a fanatec CSL Elite with the load cell pedals with hard bushings and the SQ1 or whatever fanatec shifter. It all folds up and stands up in a 2 foot gap between a bookcase and a wall, sideways with the wall and bookcase holding it together. It's not a big lump of crap on the ground, taking up the space of a recliner. Great review, even though you're one of those weird Karl with a "K" types. :)
Wish I would I have seen this earlier my play seat is a bit tight on the thigh due to the straps but don't really notice til I'm done racing
Great reviews on racing gear, mate. Thank You!
My pleasure!
Thank you for the great review pal.i eyed the larger one up and was going to get it then found your review of the playseat challenge so decided to get that.then I thought I wonder is there a review of the other and you've done a side by side one Haha cheers 😀
lol Perfect! :)
@@KarlGosling yeah defo was for me cheers buddy.....😀
I was waiting for this since the launch of the fgt lite
Got the Playseat. I have Fanatec V3 pedals with the damper on the brake and I don't have lift when braking. I will install the brake performance kit soon so might have lift with that, we will see.
Nice review, I subbed.
It also massively depends on what angle you have the seat at.
But thanks for the sub mate! :)
Great review! Would an 8Nm Fanatec DD (the PS5 Gran Turismo wheel with a boost kit) work fine on the Playseat or is not rigid enough?
I have a video testing this out on my channel mate!
Found it, thanks!
Xrocker xr circuit racing chair is same as Playseat more or less good little cockpit still got mine so stands the test of time too
Nice job! Thanks for the great videos! So far the only one to do a side by side of these two!
Glad you like them!
Clear, concise, pleasure to watch. Great video. Thank you.
Thanks for the comparison. I’ve been thinking about trying sim racing out. Always enjoyed them immensely when the first GT on PS came out. Wish there was some where i could try one or rent a setup for a month then make a call. At the same time, everything is on sale right now. Hrm. 🤔
Playseat... Due to how compact it folds. I do like the adjustments of thre other
thanks Karl for your detailed review. made my purchase based on your back to back comparison review. Super Thumbs Up for You. :)
Glad it was helpful!
I have both now. I like the FGT, but it's a ballache for folding away and even worse for putting away. The Playseat isn't quite as comfortable, but it's easier to store away and is perfectly good enough. It also only takes 30 seconds to get it out and plugged into my PC. The FGT now lives in the loft, and if im honest probably wont come out again until I ever move house, whilst the Playseat lives in my computer room, tucked away neatly behind the door when not in use.
Really helpful dude... Just bought the playseat and glad you've confirmed my thoughts and choice.
Glad I could help!
That was really informative
You could use a silver sharpie to mark the knobs with a line across them so you know exactly where to line it back up for yourself
Hi Karl, enjoyed watching, nice review. I think Playseat Challenge brilliant seat, I had one then bought the omega art rig so sold it, a year on i needed room so sold art and bought another Challenge.
Nice review, im going to the GT lite thx
Enjoy it
With the F-GT Lite's problem with setting it up, couldn't you get a permanent marker or something and mark where your ideal driving position is on each clamp?
You certainly can yes! 😃
Nice COMPARISON vid 😉.
Helped me reinforce my opinion.
I am a 98kg 6’ 3” man with a decent sized house but a wife who hates having our main PC hooked up to a sim rig all the time. Hence my playseat challenge for last couple of years. I use VR (vive) and modded AC1 mainly, and am happy with that. Folds away into cupboard no problem. I use Thrustmaster T3pa pro pedals with cone mod, cable zipper to frame as per another viewer comment- and TX base, using ram mount for shifter. Drives fine for me (although friend braked very hard and managed to lift in middle as you say). Even have a buttkicker mounted to tubing ok, feels plenty rigid, although little bit of play after 2 years use as you might expect. I liken to deck chair, but it’s more robust than it looks!!
I had a bike rack once with the CAM adjusters on the Next Level rig. It was also a ball-ache. Ended up marking with tipex to get same adjustment each time. No thanks 😉 anyway, thank you for time to make vid. 👍🏻
Lol You see that other "review" comment! 😆
Sounds like you have a great setup mate, the Playseat is very flexible it's amazing what you can do with it really 😃
Great review! Thanks alot man! 💪✌️
No problem 👍
Playseat seems like it sits in between GT and formula position.
I just wish it had the hard mount option for pedals
And just like that...My order for the Next Level F/GT lite is backordered. 🤦♂️FML. So now I live my sim life through yours for now...🤷♂️
20:47 you can now finally show us how you fit in each chair, and how they fold 🤣. Otherwise a lovely unbiased and very enjoyable review to watch 👊
Thank you for the great comparison helped so much!
You are welcome!
About the lifting of the Playseat challenge. Mine only lifts when I would really stomp on my Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals with 2x red springs at 95 brake strength configured, so it's not that bad. I did semi hard mount it with P-clips though so don't know if that would make a difference.
Seating position makes a big difference too, further you are back the more leverage.
True, I'm only a small guy at 5'9 ish and 74kg but I'd reckon some extra weight on the front bar as to say with maybe some sandbags can help
I am new to sim race, just bought a T150. As I am a bigger fella I would go for the GT Lite but being I do have the room for a stationary rig would it be worth spending a little more for that or would the GT Lite be serviceable for a while? Also do you recommend any economically friendly stationary rigs if I was to go that route instead? Thanks for the review, very informative.
If you can go static then I would, a good starting point would be a GT Omega ART for example, see my review if you're interested and here's a discounted link should you want want! :)
www.gtomega.com/discount/GTO5?rfsn=4405211.88b36&Karl