Do You Really Need a Simpit? | Next Level Racing Military Edition Boeing Flight Seat | First Look

[@SimHangerFS]

An unexpected enhancement to my flight simming experience!

[@quantumac]

"Honey Dos" definitely have priority over flight simming. As for an inexpensive VR cockpit solution, I bought an armless wooden swivel chair. I then designed, constructed and bolted on custom-built wood platforms to hold joystick and throttle. It's not as flexible as the Simpit appears to be, but it's not as pricey, either. Also, I had fun creating a simple and personalized solution made just for me.

[@teeken8850]

Thats the spirit, I would say the American spirit...but i have not a clue from where you hail....peace...

[@catsooey]

That’s awesome! Congrats on your setup! 🙂👍I built my first ever gaming pc a year ago and the experience was so much more rewarding than buying a pre-built rig. I learned so much, saved money and I still get satisfaction every time I see it. I’m planning to get a sim pit too at some point. I’m looking at Sim Fab’s DCS model which looks really cool. Including all the add on’s and extensions it’ll be over 1k, but it’s cheaper than Monster Tech gear which I can’t afford. I don’t have the machining tools or experience to build one on my own, but it would be a cool project.

[@Foxtrot_EW]

Built mine about 2 years ago. Cant imagine flying any other way. Love it and im have been constantly adding to it every month. It's very easy to keep adding to these and it can amount to quite a bit of money after a while if you don't stop and I probably have about $7,500 into mine so far. Love it! It does take up an entire extra bedroom though...

[@96rc90]

Have you got any pictures need some inspiration.

[@coffeeguy6673]

Mark, your setup is phenominal and extremely neat. Love the cable tidying, very very good indeed. Just earned yourself a subscriber, cheers !!

[@SimHangerFS]

Thanks 👍

[@julianhall2008]

Thanks Mark, hoping to get a motion rig later on this year.

[@thatguy7085]

I have a sim ‘room’… but it is highly modifiable. I can change from flying with A10 or F18 controls to Alpha sim controls in under a minute. I can also have everything out of the way in the same amount of time making the room, a VR room, for mountain climbing, first person shooter, etc… There are folding stands for quick controller change. And, I found the Visio desk elevator very helpful to hold the Alpha and Bravo controllers from the top, and the provided braces from the bottom. Far more stable. And the G1000s can go where the keyboard would go, placing the monitor where it should on the desk raiser. Note- make sure you get the Visio model because of the way the keyboard portion is designed. I use a very cheap iKea adjustable leg 1 1/2 inch thick table for easy mounting. And some swinging key board mounts. These swing out keyboard holders, also make great mounts for my iPads that run maps and sim controllers. The entire setup is only 2 feet from the wall (not including the chair) and 5 feet wide. It looks like an equipment cluttered desk, but it takes up very little space for what it provides.

[@Evergreen64]

I have to say that I've considered one of these too. But I had the same kind of reservations you did. "What room of the house do I set this up in?" And I didn't want to buy another PC to do office type work on and one for simming. And you can't use this for office type work. Have to have a desk AND this. And that's a lot of space.

[@sascenturion]

What an excellent, informative and relaxed review Thanks! Incidentally i have the same multi tool! 🤣 ..love your humour Mark. As for the unit itself, it looks the part and seems sturdy that's for sure and it would certainly be something i would consider . Thanks again

[@ronniepatterson2827]

Looks like its actually worth the asking price. Still doesn't help my plight of little info, & zero release dates, for the rumored Honeycomb Aviation HOTAS setup : (

[@TBizzleII]

I couldn't agree with you more on the bravo throttle location. I like where you put yours, because when I mounted it, it was low and behind me like you said.

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

My bravo and Airbus quadrants (2) aLogitech Radio Panel and Logitech Auto Pilot panel and 3 Logitech Flight Instrument Panels/displays) re mounted on an IKEA end table with castors (also mounted my Heavy Hauler button box with CB Radio mic)

[@jaybats7865]

Hey Mark😊 Thanks for replying 👍 I’m a newbie to MSFS 2020 and there’s a huge learning curve I guess. I feel really stupid now...through some careful and methodical cockpit investigation I found a hidden toggle switch near the canopy lever labeled “crew visibility”. It’s totally hidden from view and the only way to find it is to hover over the area with the mouse. After toggling the switch wala the pilot and co-pilot become visible🎉 It’s so diabolical because there is also a visible toggle switch further back on the cockpit panel labeled “pilot visible” which has no effect. Problem solved. Thanks for all of your incredibly beneficial information offered on your channel!!!!

[@HealyHQ]

Fantastic thumbnail. It speaks to the child in us all.

[@4secsharkmr352]

Good one Mark, I second that. I use the front mount for my Thrustmaster Wheel Base. So I am able to switch between racing and flightsimming. Only two screws and I good to go. For Helicopter I use an Hiking desk mount and mounted it to the left side. That ist the mount for my Virpil Rotor Base. Between seat and that is my X-Touch Mini. I would never fly without that anymore. Take care bud.

[@gavinflavel1632]

Swing away side plates a would also be handy. (Increase access). All in all it is the best built product for sim I’ve purchased. The other extra I added was wheels, all lockable. Makes for ease of movement in tight spaces and cleaning around. Nice work Next Level. And thanks Mark for your honest assessment.

[@SimHangerFS]

Having used it now for a bit longer, I agree, swing away side plate would be a significant improvement, especially for those taller than 6’

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

I use my F-GT from Next Level racing for my flight simming ; added castors and combat flight pack with my Alpha yoke and Pro Flight rudder pedals; saving up for purchasing the Next Level Racing Boeing Commercial Edition sim rig; happy flying!

[@simflightpro]

A much needed setup for flight simming and a great review Mark!

[@muffinmoochy2573]

I was hoping you were going to fly the box! I liked the comment regarding belts and the wife! AWESOME video as all ways! 😁

[@ThatSimPilot_]

I did read on the NLR website somewhere that the side plate for the throttle was placed in the optimal place for most realism when used with the thrustmaster Boeing Throttle

[@a53-platty78]

Many years ago i had an Akers-Barnes Simpit but somewhere in 6 house moves later it went astray. This looks like a fine substitute & less work than all that drawing & cutting for something less practical.

[@coffeeguy6673]

I love the idea of racing rig or simpit and don't have much room in the house to place one. I ended up buying a Next Level F-GT , TV stand and put it in my bedroom, but, ended up taking it apart and regaining the space. What a waste of money , I should have put more thought in before purchasing. I now have 2 x GT Omega wheel stands, one for my bedroom , pcvr gaming and the other downstairs in the lounge for PSVR 2 gaming.

[@SimHangerFS]

I’m a fan of GT Omega kit. I have one of their gaming chairs

[@Paulwhittall37]

I did consider the Next Level Racing Cockpit but opted for the GT OMEGA Prime Lite as it's Aluminium Profile. Just in the process of setting up to easily switch between a HOTAS setup and a Honeycomb Alpha/Bravo Setup. Can't comment on the Next Level but really loving the adjustability and customisation that's possible with a Alu profile build.

[@conlethbyrne4809]

Hi Mark, beautiful setup & great cable management. Thanks for sharing & and have fun. 👍

[@conlethbyrne4809]

Slainte

[@multiversos1]

Clearly looks like an amazing piece of engineering, and not as expensive as I originally thought. I don't have the house for it unfortunately. I have to work at my desk along with flightsim, which makes it a bit difficult and not very practical. The HF8 Chair Pad looks like a great additiion.

[@georgesiebes]

Mark, you pro! Can you perhaps show us in a follow-up how you fly your simpit in the various configs? You mentioned the Bravo is mounted differently. Etc.

[@BeetjeVreemd]

I'm looking for a hybrid flightsim/race sim cockpit, with easy swappable parts (like the steering wheel assembly/pedal plates/joystick mount etc. etc.) but looks like there's not a lot of options out there. I don't really have the room for two different cockpits, + that would get really expensive, two cockpits that is.

[@Jarvis_aka_UgunnH8This]

I have had this setup for a few months now, and the only problem I have is getting in and out of the thing because I use a center mounted stick with extension for DCS.

[@SimHangerFS]

Yes, I can imagine with the center stick it could get up close and personal! 😂

[@captaincrash9286]

There is a quick release system available from QR4Rigs which might help you there.. saves risking 'personal injury' while stepping over! They also do a cool range of goose-necked stick extensions and other stuff.

[@Jarvis_aka_UgunnH8This]

@Captain Crash thanks for the info, I will check them out

[@SimHangerFS]

@@captaincrash9286 😂

[@gunterschneider8944]

Thanks Mark for this honest review! I agree that the throttle quadrant needs a better position. What monitor stand are you using?

[@SimHangerFS]

My monitor stand is also from NLR, I purchased it direct from Box in UK about a year ago.

[@gunterschneider8944]

@@SimHangerFS Thank you very much Mark.

[@Arkaine_]

I play flight sims and do sim racing. The only thing stopping me from getting a simpit is that I want a center stick. So the racing wheel can't go in. And also when not simming or racing. It's not ideal because these kind of things usually puts the keyboard to the side as an afterthought.

[@delalima]

looks really nice

[@benvanboom8907]

Good review Mark, would like to have one of these but my mancave (in wich I also work) is already packed. I also fly in VR without exception, so the three monitors could also be one but I have a L-shaped desksolution for work, scale modeling and FS. So can not one desk of the three to make space.

[@yams900]

Very good Mark, you've done well ! This item will go on my Xmas wish list :) Thx by the way for the helicopter controllers setup tutorial, it works perfectly ! Although not for Bell 47, as the developers have chosen a different path...but that's a story for another day.

[@karlhungus545]

The price is actually $800 USD. Would there be anywhere to mount a collective on the side for those of us that fly a lot of helos in DCS?

[@StuartBoyer]

Been looking at that myself but don’t see a good way to do that unless using the orion2 throttle base and a short collective. I’m also trying to see if it can mount a super Taurus that’s what’s preventing me from getting it

[@MNHemiGuy]

The big question is who took the photo of you in the box? Love it...😂😂😂

[@SimHangerFS]

😂

[@FrenchyLions]

Thanks for your input, very instructive and thorough as usual. It may have been interesting to see you "in action" for a few minutes with your VR headset, to fully appreciate the ergonomy / adjustments of this setup ?

[@SimHangerFS]

Will do this in a future video 👍

[@JenniferinIllinois]

I have been considering a setup like this. The thing about them though is the inability of mounting a cockpit panel (for things like G1000 panels or Logitech/Saitek FIPs). Or maybe there are options that I'm just unaware of.

[@kylemills9475]

I have the Boeing commercial edition, and have been flying with it for about 6 months. My current setup uses two touch screens, one mounted on the Alpha yoke and the other on the Bravo throttle quadrant. I did have to spend a little more money to make some modifications to this simpit in order to accommodate my setup, however, now that I am done, I am very happy with how it works. The setup is very sturdy and could also be used to mount a panel such one made by Stay Level Avionics (if you are so lucky as to own one!) I also have incorporated a RAM mount to hold my 12.9" iPad pro off to the left of my Alpha Yoke. With a little ingenuity and some elbow grease I really think this boeing simpit can be modified to fit about any setup you can imagine.

[@JenniferinIllinois]

@@kylemills9475 Thank you for the information and sharing what you have done. I have been looking at the Stay Level panels for a while but I just haven't been able to justify it (and come up with a design as I'm still working on what hardware I plan on using 'permanently').

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

I currently use my Next Level Racing F-GT on castors and with combat flight Pack for sim flying MFS 2020 with Logitech Proflight rudder pedals and Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo mounted on the F-GT. The NLR Boeing commercial sim rig is on my wish list eh! :)

[@SoaringGuy]

Fab stuff Mark. It's great having a sim pit isn't it? I built one from ali profile about 8 years ago now and have never looked back. I *would* do things slightly differently now but that's the beauty of these things, they are so configurable. Enjoy! Oh, what's cable management by the way :D

[@SimHangerFS]

Lol

[@sonresaochoa-vidales1445]

Hello, can I ask how do you mounted the honeycomb bravo to look like your setup? It’s a cute setup by the way 😍

[@H.Despres]

Great review!!! Have you tried the DOF Reality units?

[@SimHangerFS]

Not yet 😮 👍

[@CDubbsW0rld]

How did you mount the Bravo higher? Did you need to buy a longer screw?

[@SewerShark]

Unfortunately, I don't have the space for it. My room is about the same size, but I do have a big a** table where I do my work and play other games as well.

[@spooledup8295]

Could you show some detail as to how you mounted the Bravo quadrant? I use the TCA airbus and the Bravo. The Bravo is a challenge. I used wooden blocks and Velcro

[@SimHangerFS]

Will do. 👍

[@nzbankboyinvr4713]

Very interesting review….I am also in the Honeycomb camp, so something to consider. Are you aware if it is compare with the DOF Reality motion kit? (Thinking longer term)

[@SimHangerFS]

It is not compatible with the DOF motion system as far as I am aware.

[@tonyf9076]

Its a great bit of kit but sadly i do dev work also on my pc and i don't see sitting in that chair working for a few hours too comfy in the long run, be a pain to move all bits and bobs out the way, don't have a man cave or spare room so i am stuck in the living room. One day maybe.

[@RobertGeez]

Hey. I’m from Portsmouth too. You should come and see my home-made cockpit. Motion and 2 X haptic feedback system.

[@blave549]

How did you attach the FlightSimBuilder GNS box to your Alpha yoke enclosure?

[@StuartBoyer]

Must have raised the price since your video, the company and all other sites selling it in the US want 799.

[@Paulwhittall37]

Hi Mark, What USB hubs did you go for. I’m looking to do the same but see there are 3.0 and 3.1 🤷🏻‍♂️. I’m looking to plug my HOTAS Warthog stick and thrust in as well as Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo so I can easily switch between both setups. Thanks

[@SimHangerFS]

I purchased mine from Amazon, search for RSHTECH Aluminum 4-port USB 3.0 Hub with 5V/2A Power Supply and Individual On/Off Switch (Black). As rent is also a good make.

[@Paulwhittall37]

Thank you for your reply and details 👍

[@b6s4shelter]

I've seen reviews with alpha and the center post wobbles. Is this the case? how's the seat padding? flat airline seat style is cool, but $700 for all that, how good can the seat itself actually be?

[@SimHangerFS]

You need to use the centre additional support as shown in the video to stop movement. The arm alone is not adequate. Seat feels good, but early days so can’t really comment at this time.

[@b6s4shelter]

@@SimHangerFS thanks Mark.

[@Channel-sc2hj]

Do you build your own arm rest for the yoke

[@Rnaylor61]

Are you still using this, Mark? Does your review hold up after 5 months?

[@moerudyk790]

Mark! where did you get cable management sleeves from

[@SimHangerFS]

I got it via Amazon. Alex Tech 25ft - 1/2 inch Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable Sleeve Split Sleeving For USB Cable Power Cord Audio Video Cable - Protect Cat From Chewing Cords - Black

[@moerudyk790]

Thanks Mark! Love your channel , I watch everything you post! Going VR soon if I can afford everything I need. Just have to decide on Which VR headset I can afford.

[@djleighl]

Did the cockpit come with everything needed to mount your hardware? I would like to mount the same gear but with a joy stick also in the middle so I can easy switch between GA flying and fighter jets. So yoke in the middle, Joy stick in the middle, Throttle on the left and quadrant on the right.

[@SimHangerFS]

Yes sir.

[@djleighl]

@SimHangerFS fantastic news thank you.

[@jamest2936]

What product are you using to bundle your cables?

[@96rc90]

Do you think that you would be able to have a screen closer for PFD with monitors in the background of the view outside.

[@SimHangerFS]

Yes, subject to how many monitors your GPU supports.

[@Vexation4632]

Very informative video. Does anyone one know if this unit can mount castor wheels, as I'll have to move it about at times? Thx

[@SimHangerFS]

No it doesn’t. This one comes with castor wheels kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpmbgXqNoN9jocksi=LFpEJxBUXlZg6cDT

[@jaybats7865]

Hello Mark 😊 I love your videos and they have helped me so much, thank you! I’m having a problem with all of my aircraft, namely the F14 and F15 fighters in MSFS 2020. The problem is that no matter which aircraft I choose, or for that matter which livery I choose, the pilot and co-pilot are not visible with exterior views. I have tried everything including toggling the “pilot visible” switch in the cockpits. No matter what I do, the pilot and co-pilot are invisible. HELP. I’ve researched the subject online and forums to no avail. I sure would appreciate any help you could give me on this annoying phenomenon. Thanks in advance

[@SimHangerFS]

I know pilots do not show externally in some third party aircraft, but you should have them visible in default aircraft such as C172. Is that not the case?

[@MrSunlander]

was hoping you might show if the joystick can be placed in the center for helo flying. on the right or on the left is right out.

[@SimHangerFS]

Haven’t tried that yet, but good point.

[@skyking5133]

Mark, I have been flying GA for a couple of years and now I would like to try commercial aircraft. I tried to fly the 737-800 in x-plane 11. When I attempted to do a cold and dark start I was not able to get the APU started due to a fault when I tried to switch from ground power (interesting thing about this is there is no external power unit outside of the aircraft). I start a new flight tried to start a new flight several times with no success. Do you think there could be a glitch in the program? Can you help me with this? Thanks

[@SimHangerFS]

Hi, guess your using the Zibo mod in XP11?

[@737sst]

Mark, thought you would be reviewing a DOF Reality rig.

[@SimHangerFS]

Coming up!

[@737sst]

@@SimHangerFS Great.

[@flit-the-history]

Having everything right where you want it is what makes these simpits so great. In the traditional desksim style we tend to put the hardware 'where it can go' as opposed to something like this where we adjust the engineering for 'where exactly we want it to be'. I couldn't bare to spend these prices either however; so I made a homemade simpit. If you don't mind... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4W8c55qqaZgiKc What are your thoughts on the seating position for this one you are introducing here? I considered that the more reclined position was more suited to car racing, and that the flight simmer was just an extra avenue of sales for the existing design concept without any serious consideration to the differences in concept of driving a car and flying a plane. You're bang on with regard to cable management ...I still haven't got around to solving that completely on mine.

[@SimHangerFS]

Epic…love the colour. You have more patience than I have 🤣

[@rogerferraro6661]

Great review, and another entry goes on my I want list but I'm afraid all I can afford is the cardboard box version. (MooseP)😢

[@SimHangerFS]

😂

[@chrisbaggieboy5656]

What vr headset are you using or what would you recommend for msfs 2020.

[@SimHangerFS]

Depends on your budget and hardware. Mid to high HPReverb G2, 4080/4090 GPU - Pico 4, enthusiast level - Varjo Aero.

[@chrisbaggieboy5656]

@@SimHangerFS I’m a million miles from your pc specks and did not want to layout huge sums to upgrade and I am now using an Xbox x and enjoying msfs 2020 on that but no vr.

[@JossinJax]

All that and no demo?

[@Blueesteel_]

Would you be able to mount the velocity one flight stick in the center mount? That’s what I use and I’m looking to get this rig

[@SimHangerFS]

Haven’t tried, bit I would install the HOTAS unit and see if I could fit it to that.

[@Blueesteel_]

@@SimHangerFS thanks for the reply. I just hope the center stick mount goes up high enough to clear the base of the velocity one stick between my legs

[@Blueesteel_]

@@SimHangerFS I just use the throttle on the stick so it would be annoying to have it fully mounted to my right side

[@perpetualomega]

Thanks for your honest review of a free £800 chair. Hopefully they send you some more free stuff on the back of this honest review.

[@SimHangerFS]

I didn’t hide the fact I didn’t pay for it. Clearly you should go watch a more ‘’honest’’ channel.

[@Bren39]

I've noticed most.. Almost all.. Have difficulty being truly honest. No one says it's a bad product don't buy it. I've yet to see a video like that. Most skip over the negatives.. Like this unit really being too low for flight simming and no adjustments.. No arm rests etc. Horizontal adjustment minimal. It's amusing when he says it's a good value at $700 for a chair with unnecessary seatbelts and wonders how they can make a profit at that price.. When he paid $0.😂 More power to you... But I'm not gonna fall for it.

[@SimHangerFS]

@@Bren39 have you considered that most…almost all perhaps…reviewers actually think it is a good product? It is definitely not too low in my opinion, but I am not overly tall, so your comment could be a valid one for someone 6’ 6’’ plus. Armrests would just make access difficult. I’m not sure what you mean by horizontal adjustment, but yes very little…but why would you need it, it’s not a motion platform? Anyway, well done for not ‘’falling for it’’.

[@Tokoloshe_UK]

Can you add armrests to this?

[@SimHangerFS]

Not an option that is available.

[@MrHughes500]

Can this setup be purchased in Europe ?

[@SimHangerFS]

Yes, search nextlevelracing.

[@AviNerd]

Is it compatible with racing sim parts?

[@SimHangerFS]

Partly. Check NLR website for details.

[@AviNerd]

@@SimHangerFS I have and I've seen the Racing sims are compatible with flight sim parts but cant see anywhere detailing Flight Sim cockpits compatible with racing parts which is the route I'm trying to go. Thank you for the response. I'm just going to buy it and make it work with some modification.

[@mikecoffee100]

A good video I must say but for me it isn't pratical .

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

Cdn price is $1,050.00

[@bee9e]

must be nice to afford this

[@mike605]

the only thing I can suggest is move your computer off the floor. That's the worst place for a computer.

[@SimHangerFS]

It’s not actually on the floor, but slightly raised by about 1.5cm sitting on a board.

[@alwatt9367]

I would love this.....but if my wife saw me with one.... I suspect it would be modified by her to some medieval torture machine fairly quickly...But its very very impressive.

[@SimHangerFS]

😂

[@Rosenrot213]

The answer is no, all you need is a chair 😂

[@coffeeguy6673]

I ended up with a GT Omega wheel stand and one of the dining room comfy chairs, works a treat in my limited space for VR euro trucking !

[@jamesleicher]

space for Lion Larger

[@SimHangerFS]

Wow…that’s a blast from the past 😁

[@jamesleicher]

@@SimHangerFS throw a pack of Fritos chips with it.

[@lacnoslen5644]

good job..i may get one,one of these days...or years..lol