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For most seasoned Sim-Racers the proper equipment includes a typical steering wheel and pedal set. A steering wheel and pedals simply captivate the act of driving more than a joystick or game-pad. The next general progression of hardware acquisition is a space frame or pod to place the desktop driver in a more immersing position. This addition to your racing simulation paraphernalia corrects two nagging problems. The first being that you no longer have to chase your pedals around under your desk and the second is that you can sit in a much more comfortable and acceptable driving position. A product that has recently been developed for the market is the GameRacer space frame. Although the GameRacer is more specific for the PS2 crowd, there is absolutely no reason that the GameRacer can�t be used in front of a PC monitor.
The unit that I will be reviewing is the GameRacer Pro, which is the high-end model. The GameRacer Club and Sport offer the same frame but with a less expensive choice of seats. All models include an adjustable pedal and steering wheel mount that allow the space frame to fit anyone from age 6 to 60. The pedal mount possesses a myriad of positional choices and angles to allow for different brands of pedals and at the same time provide comfort for the driver. The steering wheel mount also allows for many differing positions. If you like your wheel sitting at a 90-degree angle and right in your chest, the wheel mount can give you what you want. If your preference is more toward the �school bus� angle or a more upright angle like a Sprint Car, that is available as well. Of the other pods or space frame designs that I�ve tried, the wheel is usually set at one angle and that�s the only option. Only a few that I�ve tried have ever allowed me to get up as close to the wheel as I desire. With the GameRacer Pro I was able to put the wheel where I like it as opposed to where the designer �thought� it should be.
The GameRacer encompasses the K.I.S.S. ( Keep it simple stupid ) principal of design. The assembly instructions are well illustrated, straightforward and easy to follow. The one thing that stands out when you see this unit is the fact that it is very uncomplicated. There are no fancy bells and whistles but purely a solid and effective design. The mount that holds the seat is basically the main structure of the unit. From there, a center backbone protrudes forward from the seat base, and the wheel and pedal mounts all attach to that member. Once you situate the wheel and pedal mounts to your specifications, there are knobbed set-screws that lock it all firmly in place. The footprint of the unit is approximately 18� x 60� and, if you are tight on space, can be torn down and placed in a closet or under a desk. The total weight of the unit is a mere 41 pounds and can be totally disassembled and stored away in only a few minutes. To be honest, it takes a little longer than that to assemble everything and discover the proper placement for the wheel and pedals, but once you find that sweet spot, the rest is a breeze. I found that by marking the backbone with a magic-marker to locate the wheel and pedal mount that I was able to repeat the re-assembly much quicker. I�ve actually had to make a couple of different indexing marks on the GameRacer frame because my son has discovered, finally, that GT3 is much more fun to drive with a wheel.
The Corbeau Racing seat that comes standard with the GameRacer Pro is emblazoned with the GameRacer logo complete with a blue/black seat cover and cushion. The seat pad is comfortable and well cushioned but strangely fixed in only one position. Personally, I would like to be able to recline the seat a little more than the frame allows. With some tweaking, I think a person could shim the front and back of the seat to allow for a more reclined posture. Although that might require longer bolts for the front seat mounts if you laid it way back, it could be done rather easily. I also noticed that the wheel mounting plate is a little small for some of the wheels that I tried. This could easily be remedied by adding a section of plywood to give the wheel a more secure mount. There were a couple of instances where my �Force Feedback� wheel actually vibrated loose from the mounting plate. However, I don�t believe this to be the fault of the space frame but more with the clamping device of the wheel itself. The instructions encourage the use of Velcro strips included with the kit but I would prefer a more direct method of fastening. Since the unit I received was a demonstrator, I didn�t think it appropriate to drill a bunch of holes in it. Of the four aftermarket wheels that I own, all were usable and fit the frame with ease.
The GameRacer Pro Model is of solid design and at a price point of $499.00 USD is well worth the money. The frame takes up a small amount of space and can be easily hidden away. The unit can be adjusted quickly so that any member of your family can comfortably enjoy it. The GameRacer is not bulky yet pleasing to look at so Mom or the Missus won�t throw too much of a fit when you bring it in the house. I�m fortunate to be blessed with the skill that has allowed me to build my own wheel and pedals along with a seating system. Because of that, I�ve had the pleasure of racing and driving in a reclined position for quite some time. It�s been such a long time since I had to sit at my desk and drive, that I�ve forgotten just how tedious that was. I don�t think I could ever go back and sit at my desk and drive. If you are looking for more dimension or realism into your racing games and you are tired of sitting at a desk chasing those pedals with your feet, the GameRacer might be just the ticket. The fit and finish of the GameRacer displays quality fabrication and the workmanship that has gone into their units is very well done. The frame is powder coated, rubber end caps are provided to add a nice finished look to the tubing and the nylon locking nuts provide for a solid fit for each and every part. This product is well designed and well engineered.
Editors Note: GameRacer� has reduced the prices of its racing simulators for one week only. You can buy any of the GameRacer� racing simulators for $70 off of the normal price. This offer is available until 8-Oct and includes GameRacer� PRO, CLUB & SPORT models and includes GameRacer� wheel and pedal bundles.
Official Website: www.gameracer.us
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Author: |
05-10-2004 |
GREAT IDEA |
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Author: |
05-10-2004 |
got a plaseat for mij self ,makes raceing much more fun, |
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Author: |
05-10-2004 |
Good!!!!!!!!!! |
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Author: |
06-10-2004 |
I must have this one!!! |
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Author: |
07-10-2004 |
Thanks for a nice and complete review. You've included enough detail that allowed me to make a decision about purchase. |
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Author: |
10-10-2004 |
Good review, but I wouldn't get this as there's no where to hook up your shifter. |
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Author: |
29-10-2004 |
$500.00??? OUCH! It looks like it use to be some exercise equipment. No thanks, I can build that outta my Total Gym. LOL Chucks stuff is cheaper! :) |
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Author: |
12-10-2005 |
great... |
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Author: |
28-10-2005 |
A "must have" for christmas,although iam sure the club version is the most highly prise one??? i'll check again!! |
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Author: |
12-04-2006 |
Great Idea |
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Author: |
17-04-2008 |
Cool :) |
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Author: |
07-02-2009 |
This is an awesome product. Their website has changed and is now www.gameracerusa.com |
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