SimFab modular simpit vs NLR Flight Seat Pro

Hardware & Tech Questions
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The forthcoming FFB sticks that are about to hit the market have really caught my interest, but one thing that is very apparent is the bases are significantly larger than my current VirPil WarBRD base. Currently I use a MonsterTech clamp system for my HOTAS controllers and that has been a great solution, but I am not sure that it will work well with a large FFB base.

I would also like to get a chair that slides forward and back, but doesn’t spin. With all that in mind, it may be time to get into a simple sim-pit. I have looked at the Next Level Racing Flight Seat Pro, and also the SimFab DCS edition, both priced at about $600. Each have their pros and cons, and both should work well for mounting a FFB stick.

This might be a little superficial, but I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of the styling of the Fight Seat Pro which seems a little bit gimmicky. Being on lockable casters is a big plus though. The SimFab offering seems to be a no nonsense, no frills solution and I like the fact that you can securely mount your rudder pedals.

What do you guys think? Are there any other options I should be considering?

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I bit the bullet and went with the SimFab DCS Edition. I figure that it is the most modular, with options to expand it in the future if I want to. I’m going to sit on my hands with regard to the FFB stick. With three different FFB sticks soon to be on the market, it probably makes sense to wait and see which will be the best option.

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I was actually thinking yesterday how I need a chair that works for a center stick. Only thing about these chairs (all seem the same on this) is those protrusions about the top around shoulder level: seems they would get in the way in VR when turning to check my six - to watch the bandit going down in Flames of course :grinning:, not due to my poor BFM skils.

I like that DCS one. It may even fit in my man closet

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Hey @PaulRix , I’ve had the SimFab pit since March 2023. Love it. There were a few requirements which ultimately led me to choose SimFab over NLR and the other pits.

I needed a hybrid pit for flight and racing, specifically being able to attached my Virpil stick and WarBRD base between the legs (think DCS, helicopters…) Center mounted… NLR and other sim rig companies offer separate racing and flight pits with very limited options to convert to the other. The “problem” is their racing cockpit has only a side mounted flight stick add-on (i.e. F-16 style). NLR’s flight pit does not offer a driving conversion add-on. So yes, while NLR produces some very quality pits with all the fancy aesthetics and big name branding (Boeing), they didn’t offer what I needed. To each their own.

This is where SimFab comes in. While SimFab pits may not appear as clean and fancy as NLR, the vast modular options make up for that and in a very big way. This was the bottomline and I could really care less about looks. I can easily switch between flight and racing in a matter of minutes. The modular options fit all major hardware manufacturer mounts- Thrustmaster, Virpil, Logitech, Honeycomb, MFG, CH, etc

SimFab is based in Florida. As far as I know, all parts are manufactured and ship from Florida and it was relatively quick, like 2-3 days. It was usually via FedEx. The customer service has been great. I had been in contact with Dimitar from my initial pit order through my pit upgrades. He was very fast to respond to emails. Don’t know if he is still there. I ordered all of my SimFab parts from Amazon.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Racing example
You can see my Virpil stick and throttle covered. The stick is not in the way when I’m driving. Not even a hint of distracton. (I can detach the Virpil stick, but there is no need. It would just lead to wear and tear from constant detaching and re-attaching)

Ironically, the tray to the left (where my gloves and headset are) is Next Level’s free standing tray. The tray above that holding my audio mixer is from Amazon. Forget the name at the moment. It just clamps to the SimFab monitor post.

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Flight - DCS
Easy swap to the MFG rudder pedals by manipulating one bolt on the rig.

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Flight - GA… X-plane, MSFS, etc
It’s as easy as loosening the knobs on the side and swapping out these with my Virpil throttle and racing shifters.

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Thanks for the information Chaz! Sounds like I won’t be disappointed with my choice. It looks like our flight sim equipment is pretty much identical (CM3 throttle, WarBRD base, same grip and MFG Crosswind pedals), so it’s great to see it all installed. Like you, I purchased through Amazon. Hopefully I will get it this week at some point. Independence Day might throw a wrench in the works for that though… we will see.

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It does look like a great solution for stick and rudder flying.

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As a base shaker type a FFB stick (I’ve had a couple over the years) isn’t tickling my fancy so much - except the idea of how I think it will be a big benefit for cyclics; assuming they will hold a position as I understand it works IRL.

To your point, yes, I’m waiting too. And as someone :smirk: just planted the idea of a new cockpit rig in my head my wallet is looking elsewhere right now

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The main thing that a FFB stick gives you is a feel for the energy state of the airplane, and of course trim forces. I used to love that with my old MS Sidewinder FFB stick.

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Yeah, been so long since I used one I’ve lost that lovin feeling. But I’ll take any extra sensations for sure.

I’m addicted to G feedback and especially how i can feel, in the seat of pants literally, a stall with the bass shaker gizmo (and things sticking out into the airstream). Some modules(tomcat esp.) I get feedback when out of trim if the sensitivity is set high. Hard to describe, and this may not be authentic.

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FWIW, while scavenging around on this cyclic thing, came across this for Virgil warbird D base users. He calls it “dead stick”-the gear, at time 7:50

No FFB of course but I’m impressed with this thing. The issue would seem the few minutes it might take to go from fixed wing to cyclic setup.

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JESUS, BAD BAD BAD PAUL RIX!

I feel the need in my blood now… DAMMIT.
Ryan Reynolds Movie GIF

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Sorry to be such a bad influence but I am what I am… :rofl:

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It shipped! Should be with me on Friday. :sunglasses:

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14

just few fridays back I was checking NextLevel webpage.

but agree that SimFab looks better to me also. didnt here about them before.

thinking if I can diy something simple. I have two spare car seats in the garage ( car is not parked in the garage for anyone wondering :wink: )

but philosophizing (what a neat english word) if work less, diy more or rather work more, buy more :slight_smile:

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In my case I have zero talent when it comes to DIY projects. Unfortunately that gene is missing in my genetic makeup :rofl: .

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I have the same dilemma.
No garage or car seats (yet).
But once the roof insulation in the attic and the window+frame replacements are all done, I should have quite some space in my room.

DIY with some wood beams and multiplex might be doable (no idea of wood types and prices yet, will need some help from the group here) but aluminium frames a la SimBox NG are quite expensive. At that point, the SimFab becomes a very interesting option. I’m not sure if just buying a good car seat and aluminium frames is a lot cheaper.

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I’ve got an old Ricmotech RS-1 built by Inside Sim Racing (IYKYK) that has been my pit for now. Planning on Frankensteining it a bit by adding additional extruded aluminum as needed to dual purpose. Finally put some seat sliders and Momo brackets on, which made a huge improvement for comfort along with a NLR HF8 for some subtle immersion. Working on some ideas to help quick change it between driving and flying but the recent news of the FFB bases from MOZA and WinWing have thrown a bit of a wrench in my thinking. Still think I can make things for a little longer but we shall see.

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18

Well, today was supposed to be delivery day, but UPS let me down and pushed it to Monday. :face_with_diagonal_mouth:.

1st world problems I guess.

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Well, it’s here. I just finished setting everything up.

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I am not drooling.

Ok maybe a bit…

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