QUICK TIPS - How to set up Correct Seating Position in a Driving Simulator Cockpit
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- The position you sit in when driving a simulator (or a real car) is vitally important. Get it right, and you'll not only be a lot more comfortable but also faster! How can it make you faster? The correct seating position allows you to reach and operate the controls you need efficiently and by using the correct muscles. So today take a look at how to correctly set up your seating position in simulator cockpit!
Different designs will have different levels of adjustability, but if you use the basic concepts shown, you should be on your way to more enjoyable, comfortable and faster sim racing!
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#simracing #cockpit #drivingposition
A quick note for those of you who I'm sure are wondering why the seat is moving around. It's sitting on a seat moving motion platform which has some lash in the servos when not turned on. :)
Boosted Media I was about to comment that I thought there was crazy flex in the seat until I remembered the motion platform. Great content. Keep it up.
What pedals are those please, I cant do another day with the Logitech pedals
I guess you missed 1 very important point!
How far should your monitor/TV be from your eyes.
I mean I have a 40" LED TV and its too big when I initially set it up. Now I have moved it 4 feet away and it looks fine as I am able to see the full screen now.
I think there is some standard on the viewing distance for different screen sizes.
@@Level16Clasher i think fanatec
I’ve just changed my setup after watching this video and man does it make a difference to have a comfortable better driving position. Everything feels so much better.
Thank you for making the video
Well done. Concise and informative. Nobody wants to watch a video that's 30+ minutes long when it could be under 10. Bravo mate.
This couldn't have been timed any better. Was messing around with my wheel stand to get it to a comfy position, so gonna try to apply this tips as best as i possibly can. Thanks Will!
Mine is set up for GT/Road Cars so I have already set my seating position just as you have shown. I find that it's a lot better for reducing fatigue when you aren't always outstretched and allow for relaxed arm and leg positions. With the natural and comfortable seating position allows for hours of racing with minimal fatigue. Nice explanation! Cheers
Thank you, this is so important. I actually hurt both my leg and my ulnar nerve in my left arm due to bad posture and a terrible seat. Luckily I'm on the mend but won't be able to get back into simracing for a while yet. Please don't repeat my rookie mistakes!
I have mine setup with the the wheel closer and almost vertical. I also have my seat tilted back more and my pedals higher than you. My heels are level with my backside. Heusinkveld have an excellent diagram on their website showing seating positions of current racing cars. GT3 and GTE cars have adopted an almost formula seating position these days. Your position seems to lean more towards a stock seating position.
Can you help point out where the diagram is on the Heusinkveld website? I was unable to find it.
@@chrisd3510 It;s in the manual for the pedals which you can find on the website, linked here: heusinkveld.com/wp-content/uploads/seating_positions.jpg
Whatever you do in the end it's about that you find your position and not mimic a real car seating position because there is one thing that we don't have in our living rooms, g-forces, breaking, accelerating, and lateral forces. Nothing will harm you when you have an accident. When my seat is lean back too much I get problems with my neck. Find your position
One YT video I saw helped me determine the optimal steering wheel distance and positioning, and that was...how easily I was able to turn the steering wheel 180 degrees. (while my hands were both on the wheel and at at 3 and 9 oclock)
Just find a position that's comfortable to you. Everybody has a preference for what they like in real racing cars or bike's. Same would be on sim racing. When I raced motorcycles I couldn't just jump on somebody else's bike and go as fast without setting bup the levers and handlebar position to my liking.
Brought my g29 today. And you are posting this!
Thank you. What a difference it's made in my comfort and driving tech. Started with a basic chair and table. My back would be killing me after a couple of stages. Now I can really get after it in complete comfort.
Just got a 8020 rig and your video has helped out heaps for my set up, cheers mate.
Great vid! Took me quite a while to get comfy and set right but when you do it really helps with long stints and concentration.
I wish I would have considered all of this earlier. I woke up one day last week and could not put an ounce of weight on my right foot which was swollen up like a softball. Went to the ER and am now in a boot with severe tendonitis in my ankle. Out for a month at least. Sucks to get old too. Gotta get it right when I get back. Thanks for the tips.
Wtf does any of that have to do with sim Racing???
@@DavidGarcia-oi5nt Bad ergonomics in my cockpit coupled with long racing stints caused me to have some tendon issues. WTF is so hard to understand?
Thank you. I just bought an ASR 4 and needed some guidance
I pretty much do just dirt track, but I have my pedals as far away as possible, so I can really get up on the wheel. I’m real close to your seating position, just closer to the wheel, giving me more leverage.
Good tip re seat verticality hadn't thought of that. Just got my rig setup and getting some lower backache after not long at all. Will try some ergonomics tips here cheers
Would it be possible to do a Formula style setup video? I, for one, would really like to see that.
Chivokroy formula setup would be impossible in a gt rig , all he could do would be tilt the seat back more lift the pedals higher than the butt of the seat and tilt the wheel down more straight not rack . F1 are not comfy there design for low Center of gravity
@@jonbanaitis2992 F1 drivers talk about how comfy their seats are all the time. Some can even sleep between sessions
Why bother waiting for him to post a video? Just Google it?
@@jonbanaitis2992 I am using the Play Seat Challenge. If you open up the chair fully which comes with 1 (I dunno who uses this) to 5 (formula-style) different angles. So I usually use the third option which makes me sit like GT and allows me to hold the wheel at 45 degrees. But when I put it on the fifth option, I literally lie down and enjoy the formula sessions too! PS. I use the Logitech G29 box to elevate my pedals, which works amazing!!
What is this seat? If it possible to buy, I’ll do it immediately, want one very much!
Its not always about the reviews!!! Thanks as always :)
Me and my garden chair appreciate this video.
Wow big thanks finnaly i got my pedals to comfortable postion after copy it from ur
Thanks Will. Been struggling with this!
Now all of a sudden one realizes why an 80/20 rig is needed and yet I have a fixed tube chassis rig and wonder why I cant get it just right
I just bought a fixed tube chassis and even after this video, I can't get it 100% right 😭
That's why as soon as I have the money, I'm skipping all of the fixed rigs and getting an 80/20. I just want that peak adjustability and room to add things like keyboard trays, shifter mounts, etc.
@@ImThe5thKing what is an 80/20 rig?
@@EnduroTrailRiding 80/20 is aluminum profile and the rig in the video is an 80/20 rig
@Charles Hosea I planned to buy a Fixed tube chassis rig but after some research I discovered it had flex in the pedalplate but no flex on wheelbase. But I skipped it because of the pedal flex.
I bought a Simlab P1X cockpit with DD side mounts and also with Simlab bucket seat Speed 1 XL.
I mounted my pedals and Fanatec Podium DD2 and I can tell you 1 thing: this cockpit is one bad boy meaning that there is ZERO flex on pedals and wheelbase. I took 25NM full power and drove couple laps and crashed it hard and not 1 movement or flex in the rig and pushed the loadcell brake pedals very hard also no flex. I knew that it was strong but this strong I didn’t expect. Very glad with the purchase and it’s not even expensive.
I come from Playseat and it’s just a toy compared to Simlab products. I’m 1m92 and 95-100KG but still perfect fit for seat and adjustability of the cockpit.
My pedals gas brake are comfort position, wheel comfort position, legs comfortable, seat also comfortable but I only added a LUMBAR SUPPORT PILLOW, now if I brake hard my lower back is supported which is good for lower backpain especially for endurance races.
🏁🏁🏁
Thank u for that video m8. I did these steps. It feels so much more comfy 🤟🏻
Thanks! Really good video! I love the instruments in the background ;)
For anybody looking at a 80/20 profile rig like Wills Sim Lab Mazda 3 seats are super easy to install as the rails are flat and a perfect square, astina version is super comfy for longer stints and electric is easy to set up with a 12 volt power supply, I picked up a 18 month drivers seat for $175 aud
The thumbnail is gold
Great video, will help a noobie like myself set things up when I get the Sim Labs P1-X in.
Thanks, this video really helped when putting my rig together.
I discovered that I've had my old skool Playseat set up correctly this whole time. The seat slider is the bomb. Once you have it, you can't live without it. Especially if you have a big ol' butt (oh yeah!). I don't, but still....
Thanks! Now I know why my legs always feel like the blood circulation is cut off. :)
Just the information I was looking for. About where should the pedal pads be striking the feet? I can't really tell by the video. Thanks for the great video.
1:47 thats 90 degrees
Yep I didn’t make myself very clear. 45 degrees from vertical.
thanks, this helped me a lot
I'm quite restricted though, but I did manage to make some adjustments. Alas I can't sit as upright as I want, but I did some own padding with cloth lying around and it kinda works, quite comfy.
Looks perfect. Mine is almost exactly the same, I do have the pedals higher up though, think the pedal plate is maybe one or two inches below my seat cushion. Just more comfortable for me personally.
Great tips Will! Thanks!
I prefer a DTM/GT Position. Bit closer and higher. For Max power transfer through the elbows.
I'm at my wits end. Over the last few months of sim racing i've developed sciatica and nothing I do seems to relieve pressure when I am sim racing. Honestly thinking about just giving the hobby up..
I really hope you can find a solution.
Useful advice, thanks, dude ✌🏼
Thanks for the advice
Measured my exiting car dimensions sitting to wheel/pedals/shifter matching up to your recommendations body position .. thanks
Great video!! Very helpful! Thank you!
Super jealous on the setup..great job hope to have something that good someday...
You've helped me a ton getting my rig setup...sub'd!!!!
Video was far more helpful than I thought it would be lol. Cut my seating position time in half or more I bet.
Man that seat flexes a lot.
The sitting position is best when the chin is at the same height as the top of the steering wheel, that is my opinion of course thanks info
Thanks a lot for this! Very good explanation!!
I wonder if you could adjust this rig into a formula position with maybe additional profiles at the pedal mounting area and tilting the seat
It would definitely be possible. If I didnt have the motion platform which adds 115mm to the height of the seat I could do it without any additional hardware.
Boosted Media looks like there’s no limits for these profiles then. But wouldn’t it be complicated and expensive to add four or so pedal mounting profiles? I remember sim lab selling formula upgrade kits for gt2 chassis but for some reason, they stopped it...
Damn, I was hoping to see more about pedal placement, both the angle and particularly the placement relative to the centre of the rig. I was shocked when I looked and saw the pedals on a real car are so far off centre to the right
That’s a right angle at your elbow which is 90 degrees. I have also found one source on the internet which references a 45 degree angle and believe it to be wrong. It should be 90 in my opinion.
Good point to clarify. I agree. 45deg from straight up and down or 90 degree right angle if you measure the angle of the elbow itself.Ultimately the angle of your elbows when driving will be determined by the height of the wheel and the position set when you do the wrist adjsutment. The wheel position shouldn't be adjusted based on elbow angle alone.
Make a diy sfx-100 setup! And then a tutorial and review on it!
I have no idea what mine is like! Probably arse backwards. I think I could adjust my wheel distance/arm length. But generally I'm comfortable.
Love the channel mate.... From when you started doing sim racing content to now... You have come along way.... Love your content..
Do you find it hard to get in and out of your rig?
I've only been in and out of it a few times so far (only built it yesterday) and it's not all set up with the monitors yet so I'll reserve judgment on that, but I don't see it being an issue. Obviously, I'll be climbing in from the side that's against the wall in this video. :)
Brother and I have identical gear but with different seating position and monitor placement.
I can set WR times on mine yet I am all at sea on his. Weird.
Makes a big difference.
Muscle memory probably has a part to play in that.
Good video. Thank you.
Pretty much the same as a normal car and race car, unfortunately so many get this so wrong. Good video will hope all is well
A bit of a stressful time!
Really enjoy your videos informative and down to earth unlike some channesl that are too high tech/ showy BUT
Just one point the top of your steering wheel is nowhere near your eye level - it is in line with your chin!
Secondly, one quick question as I am setting up my first rig right now, you don't mention height of screen. Is the height simply so that you can see all of the monitor screen over your physical steering wheel or is there more than that to it?? Thanks!
This was very helpful Will. Much appreciated. I'm new to Sim Racing and was considering making a rig for my setup. Now I know the factors to consider for my measurements.
Glad it helped :)
You got the pedal angle right! Most people tilt it towards them and most rigs are setup that way. Pedals shouldn't be at a 90 angle. Pedals should be tilted back a little bit like yours.
After the 3rd time watching this, I realized he gets more motion from the flex on his rig at 2:42 than his buttkicker. So much for 8020 being flex free lol
Great video Will. I’ll test out this tonight. Can you do a quick video on monitor height. I presume the top of your head to top of the monitor?
Yep will do
Your eyes should be level with the center of the monitor
From my motor racing background the only thing i see that you see on just about ever sim rig is the gear shift is to low and maybe to far away from the wheel. It’s hard to say from that view. The height of your hand brake is we’re just about every touring car would be.
Yeah, people who are using their handbrake regularly for drifting and such would probably want it a touch lower than I have it and a bit closer to the wheel.
I don't understand why a big brand such as Heusinkveld offers a pedal inclination only forward, when we see the discomfort it causes...
Thanks a lot by this tips!
So I just found this video, thanks. Im wondering, how is your alignment wheel to pedals?. You seem to have both legs basically straight out in front of you, and the clutch out out to your left. do you postition the pedals so that the wheel column is between the accelerator and brake pedal? Otherwise I sit fairly close to what you portrayed, although I am only driving GT7 and sat on a gaming chair that will move if I brake too hard LOL. Thanks for your time 😀
Nice video! These tips will come in handy to whoever wins the giveaway for the F-gt lite
Great tutorial, helped the fine tuning on mine. Kudos for the five-tens, do you drive in them?
Nah I use racing boots for driving.
Thanks Will
Thx,so helpfull!
Thank you!
Hi Will, just out of interest, why do you favour a more upright position compared to say a GT3 position which is more laid back? In the GT3 position, the weight seems to be more evenly distributed across the whole back rather than just the backside and maybe more tolerable in longer stints. Just wondered really....
Having your neck vertical reduces the strain on your back
I've been researching about racing sim setup, I found everything expect the seat I didn't know what it's call but I know it's a seat and it doesn't look like a car seat more like bucket seat I need help finding a cheap seat
The first time I used loadcell pedals I was happy and did a 7h session, using my right foot to accelerate and brake with socks... now I have achilles heel tendonitis
and don't know if I should sell everything or not... My position wasn't correct most likely.
Go the 5/10s! What MTB do you have Will? Specialized Enduro Comp here.
Ay mate.. you got yor shifter and handbrake on the wrong side...
Thanks!
excellent!
do this with a generic desk setup because most people dont have rigs they can adjust however they want
Thanks for the advice
actually i have this position without a proper rig, just my chair and my wheel mounted to the desk. the only thing i can't do is having my pedals at the same height as my seat.
My wheel is so far from me since im setup at my desk and the pedals are mad close to me
What seat is that? Looks great
Hi, I have enjoyed your videos as I am getting started in sim racing since I haven't been able to race for real. My biggest question is your recommendation for a cockpit. I watched this, what cockpit is in this video? And FANATEC CSL ELITE First Drive Impressions video where you suggest that cockpit isn't strong enough for the Fanatec wheel and pedals. That's the stuff I think will work best for me. Do you have a cheap, less than $1000 usd cockpit to recommend and do you have a video about such? What do you think about the Nextlevelracing F=GT cockpit?
I’ve just started building my sim rig. It’s not complete yet as I still need the right computer and pedal set up. I have my monitor (44 inch super wide) and rig set up (Trakmaster) with a rally seat. Doing a 2 pedal set up with paddles. I’ve watched a ton of vids with people that have this set up. I’m noticing they are driving with 2 feet on the pedals even though there’s no clutch. Is there some type of advantage to that ?
I had a playseat and i had setup my pedal angle thing in the wrong way and when i adjusted it for it to be correct i found half a second expecially under braking
I'm here after injuring my back and pelvis 3 months in a row because of bad seating position. 🤣🤣It was fine for my first 6 months but when i upgraded to loadcells the bad seating position left me unable to stand or walk for a fortnight.
theres no way to fasten my pedals to the stand i bought what would you recommend to stop the pedals from sliding away from me?
Hey Will. Would you recommend your Luso Motors seat? Is the padding comfortable enough for long stints?
That must be awkward having the pedals like that. You need a heel rest. Not being able to adjust the pedal angle in rest position seems a pretty big disadvantage of the Heusinkveld pedals.
Hi, and if the steering wheel is the Moza GS V2, how can you measure the arm distance?
Good video Will. Isn't the angel adjusteble on the ultimate pedel? So you dont have to angle the heelplate.
I tend to find myself arching my back, any ideas why this might be?
Okay I am on the fence between buying the BMW replica rim from fanatic and the GT rim with lime green accent the BMW has two vibrating Motors. the GT wheel does not do the two vibrating Motors make that much of a difference to not purchase the GT style Rim which I actually really want. Putting it on a dd1
When you say 45 degrees elbow angle, do you actually mean 90 degrees elbow angle?
Also, aren't those MTB shoes a bit too soft? I have some FiveTen shoes, but I never thought of using them for sim racing, because the sole is rather thick and soft.
45 degrees from vertical. I don’t drive with those shoes. :)
Hi there, do you have a link to get the cockpit through you, I only saw the one for the fanatec, regards Sam
Just go to boostedmedia.net and click on Trak racer :)
What frame and seat is that? I’m looking for a simple and specially slim solution as my apartment is pretty small. Thx man!
Simlab P1X and RCC seat
@@boostedmedia Many many thx :D
My seating position is really low and my wheel is too close to my legs.
Hi great video. Please can you let me know what mount you using to connect your accuforce too (the round thing in the middle)
It’s a Simucube 2 ultimate wheelbase and I’m using the Simlab front mount wheel bracket in this video.
All of these types of videos say 45 degree angle for your elbows and then all of them show a 90 degree angle for the elbows. What am I misunderstanding? Look at 1:45 in the video. Its clear as day it is a 90 degree angle in his elbow and he says 45 degrees. So is 45 degrees right and all of them are doing it wrong or is 90 degrees right and all of them are saying it wrong???
45 degrees from vertical
@@boostedmedia Thanks. Then it makes sense. Its 45 degrees from vertical.
i want pure formula seating position any ideas?
at 1:47 ... that 45 degree angle in your elbow LOL more like 90°
45 degrees from vertical.
@@boostedmedia the way you showed it and pointed your fingers at is confusing on this, you forearm/elbow/shoulder is 90°, your elbow/shoulder angle is 45° relative to the platform/car cockpit, I guess that is what you meant
how important is it to have your steering wheel perfectly center? I've built my 8020 rig and it's a few mm off center.. i cant feel it when driving but it really bugs me it's not perfect..
Alex Chow that would bug me too. I doubt it makes a difference if it’s only a few mm though. I spent an hour making my seat perfectly centred. Lol
@@boostedmedia it just bugs me so much.. but the effort to pull it apart and try make it center is putting me off haha