What do I need to start sim racing?

The core is a force-feedback racing wheel and a pedal set; a wheel without feedback feels little better than a gamepad. Mount it to your desk or a rig so it stays rigid, and check the wheel supports your platform. From there you can add a load-cell brake, a shifter or a handbrake as you get more serious.

What's the difference between a joystick and a HOTAS?

A joystick is a single stick you fly with one hand. A HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) splits flying into a stick in one hand and a separate throttle in the other, with buttons and switches spread across both. HOTAS suits combat flight and space sims where you need many controls at your fingertips; a single stick is enough for simpler flying.

Is a load-cell brake pedal worth it?

For sim racing, yes — a load-cell brake measures how hard you press rather than how far, which mirrors a real brake and makes consistent threshold braking far easier. It's widely regarded as the most impactful pedal upgrade for lap times. For casual driving, a standard pedal set does the job at lower cost.

Will sim gear work on PlayStation or Xbox?

Some gear does and some doesn't — wheels and sticks are often licensed for a specific platform, and several are PC-only. Always check the product page for confirmed PlayStation or Xbox support before buying. On PC, the vast majority of sim hardware works without issue.

Do I need a cockpit rig, or is a desk enough?

A desk and a good clamp work for lighter wheels, but stronger force feedback will flex or slide a desk setup. A dedicated rig or cockpit bolts the wheel and pedals down so they stay rigid under hard braking, which improves both feel and consistency. Direct-drive wheels in particular benefit from a solid rig.

What PC do I need to run racing and flight sims?

Sim titles run across a wide range of hardware, so the right PC depends on the sims you play, your resolution and whether you run triple monitors or VR. As a guide, a current mid-range gaming PC handles most sims well at 1080p–1440p, while triple-screen or VR setups want a stronger GPU and CPU. Tell us your sims and displays and we can match a build.

Can I add to my sim setup over time?

Yes — most sim gear is modular. Start with a wheel and pedals (or a stick and throttle), then add a load-cell brake, a shifter, a handbrake, rudder pedals or a rig as you go. Sticking with one ecosystem where possible makes upgrades and mounting simpler down the line.

Does sim gear come with a local warranty in South Africa?

Sim gear bought from Evetech carries local warranty, so you're supported by a South African retailer rather than dealing with an overseas seller on a heavy, expensive item. Warranty terms vary by product, so check the specific page. Buying locally also means faster delivery and easier support if you need it.

►Specials

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Simulation Gear

Sim Racing & Flight Simulation Gear 🏁✈️

Simulation gear turns a game into a cockpit. For racing, that means a force-feedback wheel and a pedal set that let you feel grip and brake pressure the way a gamepad never can; for flight sims, a joystick or HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) and rudder pedals that map to a real aircraft's controls. The result is far more precise, immersive and consistent than a controller.

Start with the core — a wheel and pedals for racing, or a stick and throttle for flight — then build outwards. A mounting rig or cockpit holds everything rigid so it doesn't shift under hard braking or heavy feedback, and load-cell brake pedals add real pressure-based braking for serious sim racers. Check that the gear supports your platform, whether you're on PC or a console, before you buy.

Evetech stocks racing wheels, pedals, flight sticks, HOTAS setups and rigs, all with local warranty and nationwide delivery. Compare the range below and match the gear to your sims, your space and your platform.

How to Build a Sim Setup

A sim setup grows in stages: get the core controls right first, then add a rig and upgrades as you go. The big decisions are how your wheel delivers force feedback, how your pedals sense braking, and how solidly everything is mounted. The points below cover what changes the feel most.

Force feedback is what makes a sim wheel worth it — it pushes back through the rim so you feel the road, grip and weight transfer. Gear-driven wheels are the entry point and a bit notchier; belt-driven wheels feel smoother and stronger; direct-drive wheels mount the rim straight onto the motor for the most detailed, powerful feedback. More power means a sturdier mount becomes essential.

Most basic pedal sets measure how far you press (potentiometer or hall-effect). A load-cell brake pedal instead measures how hard you press, which is how real brakes work and far easier to modulate consistently. If you're chasing lap times, a load-cell brake is the single biggest pedal upgrade; for casual driving, standard pedals are fine.

A single joystick suits fighters and aerobatics. A HOTAS splits the stick and a separate throttle into two hands, mapping dozens of controls without reaching for the keyboard — ideal for combat and space sims. A yoke (the wheel-style control) suits airliners and general aviation. Add rudder pedals for proper yaw control in any of them.

A desk clamp is fine for a light wheel, but as feedback gets stronger the wheel and pedals start to slide and flex. A dedicated rig or cockpit bolts everything down so it stays put under hard braking and strong feedback, which both improves the feel and protects your desk. Stronger direct-drive wheels really need a solid rig to perform.

Sim gear isn't universally compatible — some wheels and sticks are PC-only, while others are licensed for a specific console. Confirm the product supports your platform (PC, PlayStation or Xbox) and your sim before ordering. On PC, almost everything works; on console, compatibility is the first thing to check.