Artisans of Speed C1 vs C1-XL vs C2: Which Cold Fusion Seat Fits Your Body and Rig?

QUICK ANSWER: The Artisans of Speed Cold Fusion range has three models. The C1 is a standard touring-car shell for most body types. The C1-XL is the same seat with 30 mm added at the hips. The C2 is a taller GT shell with wrap-around head and shoulder wings. All three are built to order in Europe with a 5 to 7 week lead time.

Why Getting the Right Seat Model Matters Before You Order

The Cold Fusion range is built to order. Each seat is made in Europe after your payment is confirmed, with a 5 to 7 week lead time. There is no quick swap if the model does not suit you. Getting the fit right before ordering saves you the return process and the wait for a replacement build.

The three models share the same shell material, the same cooling system, the same harness slots and the same mounting points. What differs is the shell shape and dimensions. That difference determines whether the seat holds your body correctly through a full session or whether it works against your driving position.

What All Three Cold Fusion Models Have in Common

Before comparing the differences, these features are identical across C1, C1-XL and C2:

Glass fibre reinforced polyester shell. Four built-in cooling fans - three in the backrest and one under the base. Floating fan mounts that retreat under load so you feel padding, not hardware. A 3D airflow mesh layer under the cushion for even heat distribution. A rotary dial to adjust fan speed mid-session. Four harness slots for 4, 5 and 6-point belts. Removable leg supports. Side-mount fixing points for standard brackets and sliders. Black velvet upholstery.

The decision between models is purely about shell shape and size. Not quality. Not materials. Not cooling performance.

Artisans of Speed C1 Cold Fusion - Who Is It For?

The C1 is the standard model in the Cold Fusion range. The shell profile follows a touring-car seat shape: open at the shoulders, moderate side bolsters, and a seat base that positions your hips in a consistent driving position without a high degree of lateral wrap.

Starting price: from €949 at Apex300.

C1 Dimensions

Who Fits the C1 Best?

The C1 suits most drivers with a standard build. If you have sat in a touring car or a mid-range bucket seat before and it felt comfortable without being too tight, the C1 is the correct starting point.

It is also the right choice if you are unsure between models and have not been measured against the Cold Fusion shell. Most drivers who order without prior fitting experience choose the C1 and find it correct.

Artisans of Speed C1-XL Cold Fusion - Who Is It For?

The C1-XL is the C1 with one change: 30 mm added at the hips and the seat base. Every other dimension, every spec, every feature is identical to the standard C1.

Starting price: from €989 at Apex300. The price difference between C1 and C1-XL is €40.

C1-XL Dimensions

Who Fits the C1-XL Best?

Drivers who find that standard bucket seats feel tight across the hips or the upper thighs. If you have sat in a touring car-style seat and the bolsters pushed in at your hips rather than holding them from the sides, the XL corrects that.

The 30 mm difference sounds small. In a fixed shell seat it is significant. If there is any uncertainty about which model fits, choose the XL. The €40 difference is worth the certainty.

Artisans of Speed C2 Cold Fusion - Who Is It For?

The C2 is a different shell entirely, not just a wider or taller C1. The profile is based on a GT racing seat with halo-style wings that wrap around your head and shoulders. You sit inside the C2 rather than against it.

Starting price: from €1,129 at Artisans of Speed sim racing seats at Apex300.

C2 Dimensions

The C2 is 60 mm taller than the C1 and C1-XL. That is the most important dimension to check against your rig before ordering.

Who Fits the C2 Best?

Drivers who want the enclosed GT seating position specifically. The head and shoulder wings hold you in place under lateral cornering load, which means you stop bracing your neck and arms to stay planted. For 45-minute or longer stints this reduces fatigue in your upper body and keeps your steering inputs cleaner later in a session.

The C2 is also the right choice for drivers who have already used the C1 and want more lateral support at the head and shoulder area. It is not an upgrade in quality terms - it is a different seating position.

Because the C2 shell is more enclosed, the four cooling fans matter more here than in the C1. Heat management in a deeper shell is a real consideration for long sessions. The floating fan mounts and 3D mesh layer address this, but the fans themselves are doing more work in the C2 than in the more open C1 shell.

Side-by-Side Comparison: C1 vs C1-XL vs C2

Rig Compatibility - What to Check Before You Order

All three Cold Fusion models use the same side-mount fixing points and the same bracket and slider system. The mounting hardware is not the variable. What matters is the physical size of the seat relative to your cockpit.

Vertical Clearance for the C2

The C2 is 960 mm tall. If your rig has a monitor arm that mounts from the cockpit frame, an overhead bar, or a low roof in a dedicated sim room, measure the vertical clearance before ordering the C2. A C1 or C1-XL at 900 mm may clear your setup where the C2 does not.

Width and Cockpit Frame Spacing

Check your cockpit's inner frame width against the seat base measurement you plan to order. The C1 base is 440 mm wide. The C1-XL and C2 base is 470 mm wide. If your frame is narrower than the base width, the seat will not mount correctly without spacers.

Most aluminium profile rigs from Sim-Lab, Trak Racer and Sabelt have inner widths wider than 470 mm. If you are unsure, send your rig model to Apex300 support before ordering. Real people respond within 24 hours and will confirm fitment before you commit.

Brackets and Slider - Do You Need Them?

Cold Fusion seats use side-mount fixing points. If your rig already has side-mount brackets with the correct bolt spacing, the seat bolts straight to what you have. If not, add the Artisans of Speed Universal Seat Brackets (€69) at checkout.

A slider (€79) is worth adding if you share the rig with a driver of a different height or if you want to adjust your pedal distance without moving the pedal plate. Both accessories are in the sim racing seat accessories collection at Apex300 and can be added directly at checkout with the seat order.

Which Model Should You Choose?

If you are buying your first Cold Fusion seat and you have a standard build with no prior fit issues in bucket seats: C1.

If you know from experience that standard bucket seats feel tight at the hips: C1-XL. The €40 difference buys certainty.

If you want a GT-style enclosed seating position with head and shoulder support, and your rig has the vertical clearance for a 960 mm seat: C2.

If you are not sure which fits your body and you cannot try one before ordering, contact Apex300 before placing the order. They will help you identify the right model based on your measurements and rig details.

For a broader comparison of seat types across all brands at Apex300, including Sabelt, Sparco and Trak Racer options at lower price points, read the guide on which sim racing seat you should buy before deciding on Cold Fusion specifically.

Buying an Artisans of Speed Seat at Apex300

All Cold Fusion seats are built to order in Europe. Current lead time is 5 to 7 weeks from order confirmation. Apex300 emails a build slot confirmation once the order is placed.

At checkout, choose your mounting configuration:

• Seat only
• Seat with brackets (+€69)
• Seat with brackets and slider (+€69 + €79)
• Optional lumbar cushion (+€65 on any configuration)

Custom cushion designs are available. Contact Apex300 for templates and pricing before ordering. Custom builds add 4 to 8 weeks from final design approval.

All prices include VAT. No extra charges at checkout. Orders ship to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Finland and 20 or more EU countries. Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery, unused, in original packaging. Refunds in 5 to 10 business days after return received.

Payment options: Klarna (pay in 3, pay in 30 days, 6 to 36 month financing), Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDEAL Wero, Bancontact.

Browse all seat models including other brands in the sim racing chair collection at Apex300.

FAQ

Q1. What is the difference between the Artisans of Speed C1, C1-XL and C2 Cold Fusion sim racing seats?

The C1 is a standard touring-car shell. The C1-XL is identical but 30 mm wider at the hips and base. The C2 is a taller GT shell with wrap-around head and shoulder wings. Shell material, cooling system and mounting are the same across all three models.

Q2. How do I know if the Artisans of Speed C1 or C1-XL fits me better?

If standard bucket seats feel comfortable and not tight at the hips, the C1 fits. If you notice pressure at the hips or upper thighs in standard shells, choose the C1-XL. The 30 mm hip width difference is the only change between the two models.

Q3. Will the Artisans of Speed C2 Cold Fusion fit my sim racing rig?

The C2 is 960 mm tall and 470 mm wide at the base. Check your cockpit's vertical clearance and inner frame width before ordering. If you run an overhead monitor arm or bar, measure the gap. Contact Apex300 with your rig details if you are unsure - they confirm fitment before you buy.

Q4. Do I need seat brackets when buying an Artisans of Speed sim racing seat?

Only if your cockpit does not already have compatible side-mount brackets. Most aluminium profile rigs from Sim-Lab, Trak Racer and Sabelt accept the Cold Fusion's side-mount points. Add the Artisans of Speed Universal Seat Brackets (€69) at checkout if your rig needs them.

Q5. Can I buy an Artisans of Speed Cold Fusion seat on a payment plan at Apex300?

Yes. Klarna pay in 3, pay in 30 days and 6 to 36 month financing are all available. All prices include EU VAT with no extra charges at checkout. The C1 starts from €949, C1-XL from €989 and C2 from €1,129.