Playseat Trophy review: upgrade your rig with this

If you’re looking to build a sim rig, there are generally three main key considerations to think about: which TV or monitor you’re going to use, which platform and game you want to run – and finally which steering and pedal setup you go for. A racing seat should really be the fourth, because it’s a key element that brings everything else together. And the Playseat Trophy is one of the best we’ve reviewed.

What is it?

Playseat is one of the top racing seat brands on the market, and that’s partly thanks to an expansive and somewhat affordable range. This £549 Playseat Trophy, however, sits towards the top of the spectrum.

Made from a mixture of robust powered-coated metal tubing and strong fabric, the Trophy is one of the larger seats on the market, but for good reason. Unlike lighter, flimsier seats, the Trophy is designed to handle to the increased torque put out by direct-drive wheels such as the Fanatec podium. Put simply, this racing seat shouldn’t flex and creak when you’re using a wheel with lots of force feedback.

That extra strength is evident when it comes to putting the Playseat Trophy together. It’s simple but takes longer than other seats to assemble. We took over two hours to get it up and running – but that was mainly because we were watching the F1. Still, during the process you’ll find yourself screwing in a reassuring number of screws and bolts – another sign of the Trophy’s tank-like design.

What’s it made of?

The framework of the seat is metal, but the part you sit on is a cushioned fabric, much like a posh hammock. It wraps around the metal frame with huge Velcro straps, and although it sounds haphazard it’s actually pretty snug in practice.

The Playseat’s design feels premium, but it does come with some drawbacks; one being a lack of customisation for taller people. The steering wheel can be mounted in just two positions, and the seat and pedals have a handful of positions. It’s not impossible to get into a comfortable set-up – but it’s less adjustable than some other racing seats on the market. At 6’3 I found It quite difficult to set up; the wheel is far away as possible, as are the pedals – and the seat itself is reclined a good amount.

Adjusting the Playseat takes a while depending on what you’re doing. For example, changing the pedals is relatively painless, but changing the angle of the backrest involves undoing some bolts and some Velcro. As for moving the steering wheel? That’s a ten-minute job at the least and there are still only two positions, which is a shame.

You also can’t fold this seat away at all – which makes it far harder to justify than some other more compact – or at least more hideable – solutions. That’s something to take into account if you’re sharing your living space.

How does it perform?

Once you find your perfect setup, the Playseat Trophy is comfortable – but its strength and overall rigidity is by far its strongest suite. For the last few months, I’ve been using an old Playseat Evolution, and it’s been severely overpowered by my direct-drive Fanatec wheel. When using more force feedback, the weaker racing seat will creak and complain under the torque. The overall effect is a less immersive experience and one where you’re wondering if your chair will even stay together.

In contrast, the Trophy seems to take everything in its stride. In the weaker seat Silverstone’s Maggotts and Becketts corners involve putting faith in the creaking bolts of my seat – as well as my virtual car. There are no such distractions with the Trophy, and the increased strength just makes for a more immersive and precise experience.

Verdict

Racing seats aren’t cheap and they’re often not practical either. However, if you’ve got most of the gear already they’re well worth the money – and if you’re looking to build something like the F1 Arcade in your front room, they’re essential. There are several good examples on the market, but if you’ve got a direct drive wheel capable of serious torque, the Playseat Trophy is worth a look.

Curtis Moldrich is CAR's Digital Editor, F1 and sim-racing enthusiast. He's partial to clever tech and sports bikes.

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