Sim-Lab GT1 Evo
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Low prices in some stores
✅Well-built, solid chassis
✅Well thought-out arrangement of supports
❌ Difficult to assemble
❌ Seat not supplied with chassis
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Sim-racing is no longer just about having a steering wheel and pedals. These days, it’s all about immersion and realism. The aim is to feel like you’re in a racing car, not to pretend you’re setting the fastest lap times.
To achieve this high level of immersion, we racers need a variety of peripherals. For example, a Direct Drive base unit is a must, as is an F1-style or GT steering wheel. The Load Cell should also be on the pedals so you can feel the force applied to the pedals. But let’s not forget the cockpits and hand-operated gear/brake levers, which add another layer of realism. Sim-racing has turned to realistic cockpits in recent years, with increasingly affordable options.
As you’d expect, not all chassis are the same, with some specially designed for racing disciplines. There are, for example, F1-type chassis, where the driving position is shallow, just like in a single-seater. In what follows, I will introduce you to the Sim-Lab GT1 EvoThe Sim-Lab GT1 Evo is a chassis to which elements can be added, making it highly configurable. I will tell you about its strengths and weaknesses and give you my opinion.
Main features and technical specifications of the cockpit
- Chassis dimensions: 1350 mm x 680 mm (L x W)
- Maximum rider height: 2 m
- Chassis weight: 55 kg
- Rigid structure in profiled aluminum
- Frame available in two colors
- Total adjustment of the seat, steering wheel/base, and crankset positions
- Slot for gear lever/handbrake holder
- Compatible with the big names in sim-racing
Design
Even if, in absolute terms, sim-racing chassis are somewhat similar, some of them stand out from the crowd, as in the case of the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo. This “cockpit” isn’t a cockpit but a tubular chassis onto which a racing seat is bolted. But let’s get back to the design of this product.
In absolute terms, it’s beautiful, with a very rigid, streamlined aluminum structure. You could say it’s square and very well-finished. If you like that color, Black dominates the chassis, with a few gray parts. The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo will fit perfectly with all sim-racing setups, whatever your favorite discipline. The only thing that can affect the design of the Sim-Lab GT1 Evois is the choice of Seat you can make. I’d go for an all-black seat or one with a few red accents.
Custom mounting
As you can probably imagine, cockpits, or chassis, are delivered disassembled, so you’ll have to do all the assembly yourself. Some are easy to assemble, while others are not, as in the case of the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo.
To begin with, there’s no manual in the box. As a result, you’ll need to have the digital version (PDF) to hand on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and that’s the first negative point. Secondly, the digital manual isn’t prominent and will take several hours to assemble. Sim-Lab GT1 Evo. I advise you to be patient and follow the steps slowly.
The chassis is rather heavy, even without a seat. The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo weighs 55 kg on the scales, which is no featherweight. So, once assembled, I’m all for leaving it in one place and not touching it again. However, some castors fit onto the chassis to make it easier to move, but these are optional.
Manufacture and finish
The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo uses profiled aluminum for its structure. The finish is perfect, as is the paintwork. All parts are well cut out, and slots are pre-drilled to accommodate virtually all sim-racing peripherals available on the market.
Although the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo assembly is tedious, this chassis is well-made and solid. I didn’t notice any flex on the various chassis mounts, whether steering wheel/base or bottom bracket, except on the shifter mount. It’s rock-solid, no matter how you use the cockpit. Hats off to the brand on this point; they’ve made up for it, as far as I’m concerned, on the problematic chassis assembly point.
Getting to grips with the cockpit
First of all, the Seat is not included with the purchase of the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo. All you get is the chassis. This choice was made to have a cockpit that is both customizable and highly configurable, something that can’t be said for most products available on the market.
Once you’ve got that in mind (the Seat is not included), getting to grips with the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo is pretty good. Admittedly, assembly is tedious and will take a good afternoon at best, but seat and bracket adjustments are straightforward. I had no significant problems adapting it to my preferences except for the paintwork.
Even if it’s well done, it cracks at the first false move. I’d strongly advise you to be very careful when installing your peripherals. Otherwise, you’ll end up with scratches on every surface.
Gameplay sensations
The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo is surprisingly stable in the play, whatever the title you’re playing. Well, almost, except for one element: the gearshift mount. Since it’s anchored to the chassis via a single attachment point, there’s a slight flex, but it’s nothing serious.
Apart from this minor problem, the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo remains an excellent chassis that will provide you with plenty of in-game thrills. The seat platform gives you a superior level of adjustability, ideal for adapting the Seat to your driving style or the discipline you’re playing. F1 and GT fans will be delighted with this chassis.
As for the rest, the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo is still an excellent, very stable chassis, which gives you a feeling of security, especially where the steering wheel/base and crankset mounts are concerned. It doesn’t move, even when using Direct Drive chainstays with high torque (Fanatec Podium DD, for example).
Compatibility
On this point, the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo is compatible with all peripherals from the big names in sim-racing: Fanatec, Logitech, Thrustmaster, Moza, Asetek, Heusinkveld, and many more. It’s an absolute pleasure for sim-racing fans in every respect.
As for the seats, it’s more or less the same, with brands like Sparco, for example. However, the seat supports, the plate-shaped ones that attach to the sides, are not included with the Sim-Lab GT1. These vary from Seat to Seat. I’d advise you to do your homework on this point to avoid falling on a bone.
Apart from that, the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo remains a popular chassis, compatible with various sim-racing peripherals.
Value for money
The Sim-Lab GT1 Evo can be exchanged for the princely sum of 449 € on the manufacturer’s website, which is quite expensive for a chassis alone.
Then, and this is where it starts to hurt, you still have to pay for the Seat and its mountings, plus other items such as castors, gearshift support, etc. Even considering this, the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo still offers good value for money, provided you shop carefully and watch for special offers.
My verdict
I’m a fan of configurable and adaptable cockpits, and the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo remains a good choice for sim racers wishing to treat themselves to a chassis. Admittedly, it does have its shortcomings, notably its difficulty during the assembly phase. Still, the Sim-Lab GT1 Evo is worth a look if you have the patience and the money. But if that’s not your case and you’re not convinced, look at these other cockpits, which will make you happy.
