How to Choose Sim Racing Gear for Your First Proper Setup

Quick Answer: A first sim racing setup needs three things done right, a direct drive wheelbase, a wheel that matches what you race, and pedals with a load cell brake. Get those three correct and everything else can wait. At Apex300 we stock each part from brands we trust, with VAT included and tracked delivery across the EU in 3 to 7 days.

Buying sim racing gear for the first time usually goes one of two ways. Either you spend weeks comparing torque figures you do not understand yet, or you buy a cheap bundle and replace half of it within a year. There is a third way: understand what each part does, then spend your budget in the right order.

What Does a First Setup Actually Need?

Three parts decide how driving feels, the wheelbase, the wheel and the pedals. Everything else, from cockpits to monitor mounts, supports those three. A setup is a chain, and the weakest of these links sets the ceiling for the rest.

Force feedback is the reason this order exists. The wheelbase generates the signal, the wheel transmits it to your hands, and the pedals close the loop with your feet. Screens, seats and frames only shape how cleanly that signal reaches you, which is why they come second. One more thing before you spend anything, most hardware in this class is built for PC, so console racers should check compatibility first, because it narrows the list quickly.

Still not sure how everything fits together? Read our step-by-step guide to building a complete sim racing setup in 2026 for a simple walkthrough of choosing the right components and building your first setup.

The wheelbase and the wheel

The wheelbase is the motor that creates force feedback: kerb texture, weight transfer, the moment grip runs out. Direct drive bases connect the wheel straight to the motor shaft, so none of that detail is lost on the way to your hands. Older belt and gear systems smoothed the signal and blurred it at the same time, which is why direct drive has become the standard.

Torque is the figure beginners overthink. 9 Nm is genuinely enough for most drivers, which is why the Simagic Alpha EVO Sport 9Nm is usually our first recommendation. Pick the wheel by what you race: round rims for rally and drifting, GT shapes for circuit racing.

The pedals

Braking is where lap time hides. Entry pedals measure how far you press; better pedals measure how hard you press, and pressure is what your muscle memory is built on. The Simagic P700 two-pedal set is the entry point in our range, and a better brake is the one upgrade that makes almost everyone faster. Travel-based pedals are fine for casual driving; the moment you chase consistent lap times, pressure sensing stops being a luxury.

Where to Start with Sim Racing Gear at Apex300

We are a curated store, not a catalogue. Our wheel bases come from Simagic and Simucube, two ecosystems we know well enough to support properly. Steering wheels run from honest first rims to handbuilt options from Cube Controls and Pokornyi Engineering.

For braking, the sim racing pedals at Apex300 cover Simagic options, from first pressure-based sets to motorsport-grade hardware. For this setup direction, we recommend the Simagic P1000 pedals as a strong next-step option for drivers looking for better braking feel and consistency. 

When you outgrow the desk, the Trak Racer FS3 wheel stand and full cockpits from Sabelt and Trak Racer cover the next stage. You can browse the full sim racing equipment range in one place.

Who Should Buy What, and When?

Starting out

The best sim racing setup for beginners is usually a bundle, because compatibility is already solved. Our pre-built sim racing bundles pair a base, wheel and pedals that work together, and the Bundle Builder takes 5 percent off any combination you build yourself.

Upgrading later

Plan roughly 800 to 1,000 EUR for a first setup you will not outgrow in six months. Cheaper paths exist, but direct drive and a proper brake are the two things worth waiting for. When you upgrade, pedals come first, then the cockpit. Buy once, buy right.

Buying from Apex300

Every price includes VAT, so the checkout number matches the shelf number. Orders dispatch in 1 to 3 business days and arrive across the EU in 3 to 7 days with tracking, with 14-day returns. Klarna, iDEAL, Bancontact and all major cards are supported, and real people answer questions within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a cockpit to start?

No. A sturdy desk and a solid mount handle 9 Nm comfortably. Move to a wheel stand or cockpit from Trak Racer or Sabelt when you upgrade torque or pedals.

Why do load cell pedals matter?

They measure braking pressure rather than pedal travel. Pressure is what muscle memory is built on, so your braking becomes consistent lap after lap. It is the most effective single upgrade.

Are bundles cheaper than separate parts?

Yes. Pre-built bundles carry package pricing, and any combination you create in the Bundle Builder gets an automatic 5 percent discount, with compatibility already checked before you order.

How fast is EU delivery?

Orders dispatch within 1 to 3 business days and arrive in 3 to 7 business days across the EU with tracking. VAT is already included in every price.