Say No to Logitech! Building Your First Sim Racing Rig - Here's Where You Can Cut Corners.

Are you thinking about building your first sim racing or sim drifting rig? Putting a sim setup together can be expensive so this video covers where it's worth spending the money and where you can cut corners. Some of the topics discussed include the best beginner wheelbase, whether to play on console or PC, and what kind of screen setup you should use. I've got almost a decade of experience in sim racing with wheels like the Logitech G29 and G920, Thrustmaster T300RS, Fanatec DD1, Simagic Alpha Mini and more. I've also been involved in various motorsports through the years, including transition over from sim drifting to real life.

If you've been on the fence about getting into sim or just need some advice about your setup, this video should help get you pointed in the right direction.

Topics in this video:
0:00 Intro
0:39 System - Console vs PC
1:46 Screen Setup - Screen vs VR
2:46 Wheel Stand - Compact vs Full
3:25 Wheelbase - Logitech vs Thrustmaster
5:16 Accessories - Pedals, Shifters, etc.
6:21 Closing thoughts

My Sim setup - Please note, using these links helps support my channel (Which is very much appreciated. Use code JankyDrift on Apex to get 5% off!) *********************

* HP Reverb G2 Headset: Discontinued, recommend the Quest 3...

My Story *********************

In 2022 I purchased a 2007 Nissan 350z to start attending my first drift events, and I've learned quite a bit along the way. The community has been great and I'd very much like to pay it forward and help anyone looking else looking to get into drifting for the first time. Any burning questions as someone wanting to learn how to drift? Send them my way and I'll either respond or cover in a future video.

Helpful Links and Places Where You Can Find me *********************

Find the Janky Discord here:

Looking for a car pack or track from my videos? Check here:

I also post content on Instagram:

Janky Merch:

Some of my IRL Gear - Purchases through these links help support my channel (Again, much appreciated) *********************

* 2007 Nissan 350z HR:

[Tolmalion]

Just a quick tip for those starting on a budget:
If you have some old joystick for flying sims lying around just use that as a handbrake. You ofc have to setup axis accordingly but its not difficult and you get lots of extra buttons as a bonus.

[Onionring]

I like how this video is straight to the point. No long boring introduction lol. Good job. I'm working on getting a wheel.

[beardedretroguy]

I bought myself a Logitech G29 and shifter as my first wheel and pedal set and I'm pleased as punch with it. In fact, I also built a Ricmotech RS-1 and bolted everything down. Bolted down wheel for stability, bolted on 6-speed shifter, inverted pedals also bolted on. Actual car seat from a junkyard. It's very nice. I've gotten plenty of compliments on it. Also replaced the brake pedal spring with a newer one like the G923 has. I've been playing PS3 and PC games with it. Gran Turismo 5/6, F1 2010, American Truck Simulator, Forza Horizon 4, and at some point, Assetto Corsa.

[talon]

Always owned a Logitech wheel. On a G Pro now. No regrets at all.

[SilverNightshade]

This is such a common topic BUT probably the best sim racing startup video I've seen in a long time if not ever. Bloody brilliantly done :)

[simpletools]

The way you explained the differences between thrustmaster and Logitech in terms of realism is amazing thank you

[RafaelBaptistaCarneiro]

Zero regrets on g27 and then g923. It's a pretty good start.

[rafox]

I totally agree with this, I have the logitech g29. And while it is obviously a great upgrade from a controller I am kind disappointed in it, it feels like an expensive kid's toy and I regret not spending a bit more for belt driven. I am happy that it comes with a clutch pedal though because many pedal sets don't, and the good ones with a clutch are quite expensive. I also got the logitech shifter and later on got a fanatec handbrake to make drifting a bit easier.

[NuttyTY]

Love the wheel stand + playseat combination. Never thought about combining them and turn them into the ultimate “compact sim rig”. Thanks for the tip man!

[theroyalgoat]

Couldn’t agree more with this video! The T300 is heads above the Logitech G29/G920. Had mine for a week before returning it and buying a T300 😁

[BobK]

I've been using a G920 attached to my computer desk for about three years. I play ACC and F1 2020 and it works well enough for me. It would be fun to have a sim rig but I can't justify the money and space it requires.

[MapMonster]

I have been using a Thrustmaster TMX Wheel for the last 3 Years now on PC and Xbox and I can say its great fun for casuals. It's a bit cheaper feeling but the compatibility with other Thrustmaster products works well. I now have the Shifter and better pedals and it's great. The wheel is around 200 now.

[defxed]

Number 1 thing I recommend to anyone who's getting into sim racing or have been in it for awhile. Transducers for chair, it adds engine, road, and tire feel in the chair, it's an absolute MUST have.

[lukoka]

While i mostly agree, if you want a setup with a shifter the thrustmaster is lot more expensive compared to Logitech.
A friend of mine tried both and went with the g29 because he didnt feel much diference.

[javajoe_gaming]

started with a 923 and shifter, it was a great decision. The price point also didnt scare my friends away from jumping in the game with me, i currently have a logitech g pro direct drive, you cant find a negative review about it online, logitech still hasnt let me down, however if money isnt a issue of course theres other options, but even with logitech only having 1 wheel ATM you know more are coming

[MrJokerb]

Wow!! This is by far THE most straight to the point video i watched about simracing! Every topic about sim race gear is explained in just the right depth.
Very well done my man!❤💪👍

[OrangeSunshine]

I decided to get t300rs but when i went to get one, it was more than double the price of g29. Hence I chose g29. My friend got a t128. We both are noobs and just play for fun together with our friends. Imo, honestly both the wheels are awesome. Just get any force feedback wheel that falls in your budget. For serious sim racing dd is the best i guess.

[zemstaig.]

your talking speed and directness makes my heart happy

[billyum]

I second everything you said in the video lol. I'm currently running a logitech g920 +shifter +keyboard ebrake that I've modded into feeling more """realistic""", such as increased brake and clutch resistors, resistor bands in the shifter and, after snapping the gear on my first g920, upgradging to a more sturdy gearset.

What I can tell people wanting to start off is to NOT BUY LOGITECH. It is almost a guarantee that you will run into issues with your setup and teach yourself bad habits along the way to compensate. To compound those issues, unless you're really tech savvy or know what a drift car is actually supposed to feel like then you likely won't even know that you're teaching yourself bad habits along the way.

On top of that, logitech software is notorious for bugging out and im currently experiencing centering issues with my logitech even after a complete PC/hardware wipe and LUT mapping my wheel.

All in all, seat time is king, even on a sim, but sub-par seat time isn't doing you any favors.

[SomKing]

Logitech us best for beginners with low budget. I have my G29 almost since release, no issues at all, still works great. I'm saving money now for G Pro or Moza setup.