Why bucket seats are the wrong choice for sim racing

Bucket seats look like they come from a real race car but are they really the best choice for your sim racing setup? The honest answer: no. And we'll explain why.

The problem with bucket seats

Bucket seats are standard in real motorsports. They offer maximum lateral support and undoubtedly look impressive. But there is one crucial difference between real racing and sim racing:

In real racing, the seat is adjusted to the driver—not the other way around.

Professional racing drivers get their seats custom-made. Foam inserts are individually manufactured, and the position is adjusted to the driver's height and proportions with millimeter precision. The result: perfect ergonomics despite a rigid seat shell.

Why this doesn't work in sim racing

As a sim racer, you don't have this option. You buy a bucket seat and have to make do with it. This leads to real problems:

• No adjustment possible: The angle of the backrest is fixed—if it doesn't suit your body type, you're out of luck.
• Different body sizes: What's perfect for someone who is 1,75cm is torture for someone who is 1,90cm.
• Long sessions: In a real race, you sit for a maximum of 2-3 hours. In the simulator, it's often longer.
• Back problems: A non-adjustable position leads to tension and pain.

The solution: Adjustable backrest

With the Speedmaster PRO, we deliberately opted for an adjustable backrest. This means:

• Stepless tilt adjustment: Find the perfect angle for your body
• Different body sizes: From 1.60 m to 2.00 m – the seat adapts
• Changing riders: Do you share your setup? Everyone can adjust their position
• Longer sessions: Still comfortable even after 4+ hours

But doesn't that look less “racing”?

We understand. Bucket seats have that authentic look. But take a look at the Speedmaster PRO with its carbon look, Nürburgring license, and embroidered Nordschleife, it looks just as impressive.

The difference: it also works for longer sessions.

What real sim racers say

"The seat is very attractive and aesthetically pleasing, and can be easily adjusted. Fully meets my expectations.."

– Alain, verified buyer

"Very well built, looks great too, would recommend it to any racer looking for a high-quality setup.."

– Zanywoop, verified buyer

The direct comparison

Characteristic	Bucket Seat	Speedmaster PRO
Adjustable backrest	❌ No	✅ adjusted continuously
For different body sizes	❌ limited	✅ 1,60m - 2,00m
Long sessions (4+ hours)	❌ problematic	✅ No problem
racing look	✅ Yes	✅ Yes, with Carbon-Look
lumbar support	❌ usually not	✅ Memory-Foam Pillow
Frame included	❌ bought separately	✅ Zero-Flex Frame dabei

Conclusion: Form follows Function

Bucket seats look great—no question about it. But for sim racing, where you sit in the same position for hours on end without the G-forces of a real race car, an adjustable backrest is the much better choice.

The Speedmaster PRO combines the best of both worlds: racing aesthetics with a carbon look and Nürburgring license, plus the ergonomics of an adjustable backrest.

Starting at $599 – Discover now