If you're a serious racing fan, there's nothing quite like that authentic wheel and pedals experience when playing your favorite title. However, setting yourself up with a good wheel and seat can be very pricey, and it doesn't have to be. Here are some of our favorite products to help you build a great racing rig while keeping the budget in check.
The G920 is an exceptionally well-built product with built-in vibration motors, 900-degree rotation, a leather grip, and full 3-pedal setup. This means you can use the optional gearshift with it if you prefer those over the paddles, though it's not included. Logitech has a history of making great wheels and the G920 is just the latest in that lineup.
The Thrustmaster TMX looks great, is trimmed in leather, and has the all-important 900-degree rotation. The TMX Force Feedback system will make sure you feel the road beneath you, and while it doesn't look quite as fancy as the Logitech wheel, it's a fine alternative. It's also reasonably priced, so if you're not worried about an additional gearshift you can save a few bucks.
With the Playseat Challenge, you get a racing seat with an integrated wheel and pedal mounts that also folds down flat for easy storage. The seat is fabric and the frame is powder coated black for a classy, yet still hard-wearing finish. The neat trick is how the whole wheel mount opens up to allow you to get in, then you pop it down and you're inside your own little cockpit. It's compatible with most popular wheels and is one of the most affordable racing seats out there.
If you already have a good chair you're happy to use, you can save some additional funds by just getting a wheel stand instead of something like the Playseat. This stand from GT Omega Racing is about as good as it gets. It's compatible with a range of wheels and importantly, is adjustable enough that you'll be able to get comfortable in almost any type of chair.
A large display is a must for a great racing rig, and the TCL S517 is our favorite budget 4K HDR TV. Available in a range of sizes, it's a solid budget display to race with, with only its fairly high response time adding any downer. It's perfect to hook up to a console like the Xbox One X for some 4K racing fun.
If you want to set up a standalone rig away from the living room TV, you might consider investing in one of these. It's a simple stand that's designed to take displays from 22-inches up to 42-inches. This particular one also integrates directly with GT Omega's ART cockpit system if you feel like splashing the cash in the future and getting yourself an upgrade.
Having a stellar (virtual) racing experience doesn't have to be expensive, and with something like the Logitech G920 and the Playseat Challenge you're all set for a fraction of the cost of some of the more expensive rigs out there.