Aluminium profile rigs, tubular steel cockpits and wheel stands: the frame that holds your whole setup.
Strong direct drive bases twist lighter frames, which blurs force feedback detail. Aluminium profile cockpits stay rigid with high torque bases, while foldable stands suit lighter gear and small spaces.
Choosing a rig unlocks seats, motion and haptics, and rig accessories in your build, and SimRigPicker warns you if your wheel base is likely to make the frame flex.
Budget runs from around €200 for a basic steel or folding frame up to €1,500+ for a heavy aluminium profile rig built for a 20+ Nm direct drive base. Measure your space before buying: a fixed cockpit needs permanent floor space, while a foldable rig or wheel stand works better if the room gets used for other things.
Not sure how much torque you actually need, or whether you need a cockpit at all yet? Our direct drive vs belt-driven guide covers when a rigid frame actually becomes necessary, and our cockpit buying guide compares wheel stands, steel frames and aluminium profile rigs.