Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners

Starting Your Sim Racing Journey in South Africa

Ever watched a Formula 1 race and thought, "I could do that... if I had the gear?" You’re not alone. South African gamers are diving head-first into sim racing—and for good reason. With realistic physics, pro-grade visuals, and heart-racing competition, it’s the ultimate blend of motorsport and tech. But what’s the best sim racing setup for beginners without overspending or overcomplicating it? Let’s steer you in the right direction. 🏁

What Makes a Good Beginner Sim Racing Setup?

The goal? Balance. You want responsive hardware, solid comfort, and reliable compatibility—without paying premium prices meant for esports pros.

A basic beginner sim racing setup should include:

• A racing wheel with force feedback
• Pedals with adjustable resistance
• A sturdy mount or stand
• Optional: A comfy racing seat and gear shifter

Look for starter bundles like the Logitech G29, which remains a top choice thanks to its plug-and-play setup, support for PC and consoles, and robust force feedback for its price point. You’ll find several affordable entry-level kits here starting under R6,000.

Thrustmaster Leather 28 GT Wheel Add-On / 11" Detachable Racing Wheel / Hand-Stitched Leather Wrapped / Two Wheel-Mounted Paddle Shifters / Six Easy-Access Action Buttons / TM4060057

R3499.00In Stock

Thrustmaster Ferrari GTE Wheel Ferrari 458 Add-On / Complete Racing Controls / 2 Sequential Paddle Sifters / Reinforced Rubber Texture / Ultra-realistic Inertia / TM4060047

R2699.00In Stock

Thrustmaster TM Racing Clamp / PC, PS4, XBOX One, PlayStation 4 / Rock-solid Table Clamp / Robust Secure And Firm Attachment System / Adjustable For Many Different Setups / Designed For Desks/Tables / TM4060094

R1899.00In Stock

Playseat Trophy - Logitech G Edition / High-Carbon Steel Frame / Actifit Material / Ultimate Flexibility / G00320

R14599.00In Stock

Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On / Detachable Racing Wheel / Rubber-Textured for Comfortable Grip / Genuine F1-Style "Push & Pull" Shifters / Rotary Knobs, Switches & Action Buttons / TM4160571

R4299.00In Stock

Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer Ferrari 488 Challenge Edition Racing Wheel / Motor Cooling Embedded System / Realistic Competition Wheel Design / Powerful Brushless Servomotor Force / 25 Programmable Functions / TM2960798

R9999.00In Stock

Where to Spend (and Where to Save)

💸 Splurge on: the wheel and pedals. These shape your entire racing feel. Cheap wheels often lack force feedback or break easily under pressure.

💡 Save on: mounting gear. Unless you're buying a full rig, a solid desk or wheel stand can get you racing quickly.

If your budget allows, there are fantastic mid-range sim racing setups that unlock better pedal feel, higher rotation degrees, and metal construction—all worth it if you plan to race regularly.

Do You Need a Sim Racing Seat?

Not at first. A dining chair, office chair, or even a recliner will do if it's stable. But for longer races and deeper immersion, a proper seat setup with bolstering makes a noticeable difference.

If you're already hooked or plan to race competitively, explore the full range of racing gear options—from full cockpits to gear shifters and monitor mounts. You’ll find something that matches your pace and budget.

How to Optimise Your First Racing Setup ⚙️

Here’s how to maximise performance and enjoyment:

• Calibrate your wheel for each game (Assetto Corsa vs F1 24 feel very different).
• Use software like Logitech G Hub or Thrustmaster Control Panel to fine-tune force feedback.
• Turn off traction control to challenge yourself once you’re comfortable.
• Tweak graphics settings for smooth FPS—input lag kills lap times.