Sim Rig Seat Options

F1Aussie · Feb 3, 2019

Hi gang, I am narrowing down my choices of seat for my new sim rig and am after your thoughts. Iam keen on one of the two I have pictured. Does anyone have the Sparco R333? If so what is it like and is it suitable for large dudes?
The other one is a fixed back, for those of you that have them are they easy to get in and out of as they have raised sides. Any downsides to them? I like to spread out a bit when not simming, can you do that with these? For example move your legs to the side?
Cheers

Hiro Abe · Feb 3, 2019

Can't provide particular feedback on your two choices but I can say this... it is MUCH easier getting in and out of a seat without high sides like most fixed back seats have. Now, this may not be much of an issue for you but for us older dudes... Also, the flexibility of adjusting the seat back is very helpful imo. I personally went with one that had infinite adjust-ability since my prior seat I kept wishing for an in between notch when I was trying to find juuuuuust the right angle. If you're not that picky, then I wouldn't make it part of your decision making. If you are particular in getting the right feel then I would say, stick with the adjustable seat back.

You mentioned about spreading about when not sim racing. Again, low sides is much easier. I can, say, tuck a foot under me and have my knee hanging out over the edge when I'm just surfing the 'net or watching some YT. When I had my fixed back, I could drape a leg over the side but was not nearly as comfortable.

For the record, I went from an adjustable back to a fixed back then returned to an adjustable. The fixed back is kind of cool but it just wasn't practical for me since I do much more than sim racing in my rig.

F1Aussie · Feb 4, 2019

Thanks for the insight, that is really helpful, I use mine for more than just racing too so thought it might be a pita to be constantly trying to slide in and out of a fixed back seat. I ain't that young either anymore.

Mascot · Feb 4, 2019

I've got an R333 on my P1 and it's a little narrow in the shoulders (I'm 6'1" and 'normal' build) but maybe that's deliberate to hug the driver. I don't notice the narrow feeling when driving though, and am glad of the hug with motion active. My previous Recaro (from an Escort RS Turbo) was certainly more generous. The R333 is a quality build though, and is wearing really well. Still looks like new!

I'm also glad I went for a seat with adjustable rake rather than a fixed back one - adjusting the angle can be of great benefit for overall comfort, or depending what kind of car you're driving. Also for a more relaxed position for non-sim gaming (I do all my gaming in the sim rig).

F1Aussie · Feb 5, 2019

Mascot said:
I've got an R333 on my P1 and it's a little narrow in the shoulders (I'm 6'1" and 'normal' build) but maybe that's deliberate to hug the driver. I don't notice the narrow feeling when driving though, and am glad of the hug with motion active. My previous Recaro (from an Escort RS Turbo) was certainly more generous. The R333 is a quality build though, and is wearing really well. Still looks like new!

I'm also glad I went for a seat with adjustable rake rather than a fixed back one - adjusting the angle can be of great benefit for overall comfort, or depending what kind of car you're driving. Also for a more relaxed position for non-sim gaming (I do all my gaming in the sim rig).

I was told by a distributor today that the r333 would be too small for me, I am also 6,1. But very broad, probably from my swimming days. He also said it would be too narrow. Might have a look at some saas seats, they seem to be a bit bigger. Any other good brands anyone can recommend?

Mascot · Feb 5, 2019

F1Aussie said:
I was told by a distributor today that the r333 would be too small for me, I am also 6,1. But very broad, probably from my swimming days. He also said it would be too narrow. Might have a look at some saas seats, they seem to be a bit bigger. Any other good brands anyone can recommend?

Try them out before buying if you can, and make sure there's good lumbar support. My back spasms even now when I just think of my old Playseat with zero lumbar support. Yeah, you can add lumbar cushions but they aren't cheap and why not get a seat with proper support built in?
The R333 (and the Recaro prior) both have good lumbar support, but not all seats do.
Good luck with the search.

F1Aussie · Feb 5, 2019

Mascot said:
Try them out before buying if you can, and make sure there's good lumbar support. My back spasms even now when I just think of my old Playseat with zero lumbar support. Yeah, you can add lumbar cushions but they aren't cheap and why not get a seat with proper support built in?
The R333 (and the Recaro prior) both have good lumbar support, but not all seats do.
Good luck with the search.

Thanks Mascot, unfortunately the nearest city where I could try any out is 550km away, makes it difficult to try before I buy. I didnt think it would be so hard to find something that would suit size wise, will keep on trawling the net.