I've spent 8 years reviewing simracing equipment - Here's what I've learned

This is what Ive learned after some 8 years of reviewing equipment, from low-end equipment to quite expensive and high end stuff. In this video I want to talk about some of of my conclsuions

Ive started doing reviews for the channel from around 2016, first from stuff Ive bought, then as the channel grew, jesus christ its still not 100 thousand subs, some companies decided to send their stuff to be reviewed. As more and more equipment came through, you start to get a better and better understanding of where the state of the industry is in terms of equipment. But first a word from our sponsor. 

So heres what Ive learned:

The vast majority of equipment is by and large very good.

Sim racing hardware has reached a point where almost everything on the market is well-built, functional, and highly capable. In the past, where budget-friendly options had lots of sacrifices, often meant dealing with weak force feedback, poor pedal feel, or unreliable components, today’s gear is remarkably solid across all price points. Whether you’re spending $300 or $3,000, the chances of getting a genuinely bad product are incredibly low. I think we got to this point around 2020 to 2022 where the affordable load cells became the norm and direct drives the standard.

Even at the entry level, sim racing gear is far more refined than it was a decade ago. A Logitech G923 or a Thrustmaster T248 provides a pretty good experience that can satisfy most casual racers, with force feedback strong enough to communicate what the car is doing and pedals that allow for decent control. Move up to mid-range equipment, and the experience gets even better, with direct drive wheels, load-cell pedals, and improved ergonomics. Yet, what’s interesting is that the gap between budget, mid-tier, and high-end setups has shrunk significantly. The difference is no longer about fundamental quality but rather about features, flexibility, refinement and personal preference.

Today, diminishing returns kick in quickly. A solid mid-range setup will feel incredibly immersive and responsive, to the point that many sim racers could continue using the same equipment for years without any real need to upgrade. Spending more money still brings improvements—stronger force feedback, better materials, or more adjustability—but for most users, the difference will be in preference.

A great example is with the pedals Ive reviewed across the years. A lot of the differences between pedals are definitely about quality of construction and such, but functionally, they will offer much of the same and performance wise, its highly unlikely youll see massive leaps unless what you had before had important shortcomings. 

Because of that I say Value is king 

In my opinion value is everything While high-end setups have supercool technology and premium materials, the real sweet spot lies in products that offer the best balance of performance, features and cost. A well-priced direct drive wheel, a reliable load-cell pedal set, or a solid cockpit can provide an experience that rivals the most expensive gear without draining your wallet. Smart purchasing decisions are what truly define a great setup, not just the price tag.

One of the biggest misconceptions in sim racing is that spending more always leads to a significantly better experience. A well-tuned mid-range setup can feel just as immersive and competitive as a system costing thousands more. Well, even a deskbound g29 can. Instead of chasing the most expensive options, the best approach is to find hardware that delivers the features you need at the price you can afford.

Ultimately, the best sim racing gear is the one that fits your needs without excess spending. A $500 setup that delivers great force feedback, smooth braking feel, and a comfortable driving position will always be a better investment than a $3,000 setup that only offers minor improvements. The industry has reached a point where even budget-conscious racers can enjoy a really good experience.

The constant wave of new sim racing stuff can make it tempting to upgrade at every opportunity, but the truth is, most improvements are incremental and to be fair at certain points non existant. In reality, unless your current setup is genuinely holding you back, upgrading just for the sake of having the latest gear is rarely worth it. The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives people to spend thousands chasing the newest shiniest thing, when in reality, the hardware they already own is more than capable.

Holding onto your gear and making the most of it is often the smarter move. Instead of spending time and money constantly upgrading, focus on improving your driving skills, dialing in your settings, and getting the most out of what you already have. The best sim racing experience doesn’t come from owning the latest hardware—it comes from mastery. So, screw FOMO. If your setup works well, enjoy it and race on.

But When buying sim racing hardware,pay attention. Always Watch Multiple Reviews  it’s easy to be swayed by a single review, but no single opinion tells the whole story.. So, by watching multiple reviews, you get a better understanding of a product’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on what actually matters to you. 

Simracing hardware reviews are basically two parts. One that is objective, matter of fact, with numbers, details about the products, talking about the features and the equipment as an object. Then theres the other part which is on the more subjective side. Every reviewer has their own biases, preferences, and experiences that shape their perspective. I dont know everything, im unable to test everything in every single way and I have my own way of thinking. Some products just gel better with my rig or experience, others not so much, but that doesnt mean those are bad.

Different reviewers also focus on different aspects of a product. Some prioritize performance and feel, while others look at build quality, software support, or long-term durability. Cross-referencing multiple sources helps you filter out bias and see common themes—if multiple reviewers highlight the same issue, it’s likely something to take seriously.My point of view is based out of value and what the product is for. Others might have other points of view, so by watching multiple reviews and input from real buyers youll have a much better idea of whats going on. 

Essentially all of this to say reviewing equipment changed my point of view. The more equipment Ive tried the more I got to the conclusion that “better” very rarely exists. This is a point I keep talking about. Yes, better exists in absolute terms, where bigger number is better because internet points. Better in the real world is not about absolute terms, but about defining use cases, whats needed from equipment and definitely budget. Mid range equipment is as valid and fast as super high end. Yes, the shinier thing maybe be better, but is it thousands of dollars better? Thats the real question.

Also the more I reviewed, the more cynical I got, as I became more aware that the similarities between equipment levels were far bigger than it’s differences where it actually mattered.

Thanks for watching my ted talk