The ULTIMATE Playseat Challenge Upgrade Kit - Lock Mod Review

[@KarlGosling]

Apologies the close up section is mono (right channel only) for some reason.

[@Space-O-2001]

I love the fact you spend time and effort to highlight these very niche products as no one else is likely to. Great job!

[@KarlGosling]

Thanks mate! Doesn't get the views/hits of the bigger branded stuff but I find things like this really interesting!

[@gasracing5000]

This looks like it was born of an engineering labor of love more than a for the market product. Very cool.

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah it definitely was!

[@psyskip6709]

Thanks for the kind words Karl! Really great finally seeing someone else putting it together and using it after all this time 😁 For anyone who wants more info about the rig and how it goes together, I've just uploaded the build process to my channel. It touches on just about every aspect of the Lock-Mod and how it goes together, but I'll just add a few points here as well: - I actually made a pricing mistake on my website and included the AUS tax on the listed price, regardless of where it’s shipping to. This is fixed now, and the listed price is about 10% lower for anyone shipping out of Australia. You still may be required to pay customs, duties, taxes and VAT, depending on the delivery location, but this isn’t factored in with the price. - The VRS direct drive wheel is the only one I’ve made a special adaptor for. Almost all other wheelbases are directly compatible with the Playseat Challenge wheelbase plate or already have an adaptor that works with it. I’ll put a table up on my website to give a proper breakdown of compatibility. - The pedal tray can actually fold up without a velcro strap to keep it in place, depending on pedal placement. There’s a small indent on the pedal reinforcements that hooks into the skinny tubing that runs underneath the seat fabric. - Although not shown in this video, there’s also a keyboard mount that folds up with the rest of the rig that you can get as an optional extra. - Plastic caps for the tube ends have also been added to the standard kit to neaten that up a bit. - I’ve changed the available colour options to just Black and White, just to keep things simple. Cheers~ K.B

[@Ty-er5ok]

Looks interesting! I've tried clicking the link for the mod kit but it seems to take an really long time to load. I'm in the US, but I wouldn't think that matters, would it?

[@psyskip6709]

@@Ty-er5ok Thanks! And yeah, that's just my current server host being a bit slow. It varies a bit. Hopefully I'll find time to transfer in the near future.

[@memerogers2638]

@@psyskip6709 you have a customer in me (Canada) here. I hope you still have these in mid 2025. I promise you are my choice over newer rig, as i need to KEEP my challenge for years to come. Thanks SOOO much for making this!

[@psyskip6709]

@@memerogers2638 Thanks for the kind words! Yeah I plan to keep making these for a while longer yet, and I've actually made quite a few improvements to the kit since this review.

[@HausFit]

KG, you hit the nail on the head. I have it and have to keep it. Works great for my csl dd 8nm. A 2 bedroom 2 bath doesnt really like anything else. 2 kids have to sleep somewhere. 😂

[@KarlGosling]

Exactly!!

[@millwalker4337]

I get along fine with my 8nm DD mounted to my challenge. I race in VR so any movement/flex isn't really noticeable. The biggest "challenge" has always been hard braking on LC pedals lifting the rig. Also I leave the wheel deck down at all times as flipping it when getting in and out can cause it to tip due to the weight of the wheel. The faff of setting it up and cable managing and putting it all away after each session puts me off racing at times.....currently looking at a GT Omega Prime Lite instead.

[@NathanHo08080]

Definitely, the issue that I have is also with braking and lifting the rig. I thought of fixing it to a wooden board, which will remove the folding ability. And since I do have the space right now I'm also using a fixed rig

[@KarlGosling]

A Prime Lite would be an excellent upgrade, all you'll ever need mate!

[@paulashwin247]

@@NathanHo08080 Had a quick gander on Etsy, I just typed in playseat challenge in there and there were loads of mods, I got a pedal block from a seller called retec (it's not me or anyone I know!) Solved my issues. That said I'm definitely considering this video's subject as a potential purchase. Unless of course you've sorted it in the last 2 months.

[@agentbaldy7]

The playseat challenge is for me!! 🙋‍♂️ I have 100mm spare using 1 between my game room sofa and tv units, it fits perfect and folds away. It’s either that or the upright desk types Great video thanks 👍

[@johnegan6608]

Great video as always Karl. Really impressed by this. Yes, it is expensive, but you are spot on, the time and effort that has clearly gone in to design and produce this is off the scale! I hope it gets the recognition it deserves by the Playseat Challenge community. 👍🏻

[@KarlGosling]

Absolutely!

[@cloudcoco398]

Certainly some very good engineering here, it does look solid. For me there's a balance between practicality and strength and this looks like it makes the playseat less practical by the time you set it all up and the extra space it takes up. I have the original playseat, csl dd 8nm and a few strengthening mods you've reviewed in other videos and they've done the job. I would say the wheels are a nice addition, this does add to the practicality but the mod looks to have gone all out in the strength department!

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah he says it'll take up to 20nm so definitely strong!

[@Wooskii1]

Thanks for reviewing this one Karl! I keep wanting to get into sim racing but I always end up thinking "I just don't have the space and I don't want to spend that much money (DD wheel, LC pedals, shifter) only to get fed up with a floppy fold away, sell it all, and take a loss. I already have the PC and VR headset, so this might just be the excuse to pull the trigger.

[@KarlGosling]

Go for it mate!

[@nolowputts]

Getting the basic playset challenge and Logitech wheel is a good jumping off point. The Logitech is pretty basic compared to the real enthusiast stuff, but it works great and really takes VR racing to a whole new level. Don't worry about getting the shifter though, it's pretty chintzy feeling.

[@Wooskii1]

@@nolowputts I had a Logitech G25 back in the day and the shifter (as cheap as it was) is what really made the experience what into what I was looking for (The Ferrari F355 challenge arcade game at home). I just had both clamped to a computer and desk. If I pull the trigger on a sim setup I'm pretty sure I'll go with the cheapest DD wheel setup, but I have considered getting a Logitech just to get started a couple times after seeing them on sale for $200. I guess it depends on what's available and how much extra $$$ I have when I go to buy.

[@giogamer4825]

Do it! I have the Fanatec DD+ on my reinforced Playseat Challenge and it works good with almost no flex. In game I have the FFB at around 50% as more is undrivible for me due to the force

[@Wooskii1]

@@giogamer4825 So the rig can go beyond your needs? A Logitech wheel would tear my junky desk apart lol, so That's actually really helpful info, thanks! I'll wait until Black Friday/ Cyber Monday. I've seen some killer deals the last couple years. Also, I have outdoor/ summer hobbies to get into, but not much to do indoors- If I wait just a little longer I'll probably grab some higher quality gear for about the same price, and have the time to use it right away. Better than paying full price now and letting it sit until it's back on sale again, but maybe that's where that cheap Logitech comes into play?🤔

[@krookedliptv9852]

I have a next level racing GT lite. I hooked a full surround sound to it. Also other computer essentials like keyboard and mouse are mounted to it. I ended up making a TV stand that wraps around the whole bottom of my cockpit so I attached it to the TV stand. I ran a ratchet strap through a piece of PVC pipe have one end of the PVC pipe up on the actual steering wheel deck tubing and the other piece of PVC pipe goes down to the feet so the steering wheel is extremely stiff now. I took two 1 inch galvanized pipe hangers and put nuts and bolts in between them so I could extend my pedals out a couple inches. I have completely ratchet strap and bolted my whole foldable cockpit to my TV stand that I built out of 2x 6 and 2x tens what's half inch bolts so it's easily taken apart.

[@gasracing5000]

Honest and informative as always. Hope all is well Karl 🤜🤛🏾

[@KarlGosling]

Thanks mate! Yeah I'm all good, personal/family life is very busy right now so been a little quiet on the video front.

[@Soulfirer]

Bought my OG Playseat Challenge after watching your first reviews when you bought. Same mods to mount shifter and strengthen- but this is another level! Although once in VR flex (non DD) didn’t bother me much, I know some people will balk at the cost. But. Am thinking about dropping upgrade money on a DD 6DOF rig- and the cost of this pales into insignificance! Current Playseat setup probably £1000 max all in. An extra £200 not that high. Great engineering. Incorporates a lot of thought. Cool 😎

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah I agree mate! Glad you've stuck around for all this time too, quite a few years ago I made that review so thank you! :D

[@filipivan5125]

Can we just stop for a second and appreciate how fucking insane 3D printing actually is. PS. I own *Playseat Logitech* with 100kg load cell on TLCM pedals. Its great with extra brackets for mounting and angle.

[@KarlGosling]

It really is a cool technology! I don't have a 3D printer (no need for one) but I keep wanting to buy one just because they are great! lol

[@dmurphy1578]

I’ve had a play seat challenge for a few years. I have plenty of room for a better one but there is no chance I’m sliding a better one by my wife.

[@KarlGosling]

Not unusual mate! lol

[@WerniW]

Thank you for making this video Karl! I appreciate you choosing the white model. It would have been hard to see what was going on with the black one. Do you think the asetek forte could be mounted on the challenge?

[@KarlGosling]

It's a big wheel base but you could!

[@karldavies8699]

Despite not having a DD wheel, I would still like some more stability in my playseat, as I'm one of those that needs to keep it. This however is way too expensive and way too much hassle to fold it away. Even just getting out takes 25 seconds longer than it should. Folding mine currently takes a minute max including tidying cables and tucks nicely (wife would say less so) into the corner of my living room. There are some cool features, but I personally think it's a bit OTT. Kudos to Kieran tho, great ingenuity 👏🏼

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah each to their own mate.

[@Abarth_71]

I bought the perfect upgrade for my Playseat, the GT Omega Prime Lite 🤣

[@KarlGosling]

Good choice!

[@flippy9133]

Great bit of a kit, I think the price is definitely justified, my only concern would be shipping from Australia to Europe

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah I do mate! It comes in a pretty small, thin package and isn't heavy so shouldn't be too much.

[@psyskip6709]

Creator here. There is untracked sea freight as an option that gets the shipping price under 60 eur (eg Germany), but is being discontinued by AUS Post in June or July. Site has live shipping prices if you need to check 👍

[@flippy9133]

1:20 well said exactly my situation :D

[@KarlGosling]

For a lot of people I think mate.

[@philmarsden9594]

you are not alone :D

[@704w]

Portions of this video has only mono sound Karl. FYI. Thanks for the review!

[@KarlGosling]

Thanks for the heads up, I'll check it out!

[@IAI7r]

There’s a racing sim that’s also foldable by RACGTING, not many reviews on it right now, seems decent though

[@ianwhitley1207]

Great review as usual Karl! I am going to take the plunge, just clarify one thing if you can?. Is that the 'reverse' option you end up with for the csl dd? Cheers man

[@KarlGosling]

Yes mate it is, that worked best with the CSL DD as it allowed the bolt holes to be available on the wheel deck.

[@philmarsden9594]

sweet! thanks for this :D

[@KarlGosling]

No problem!

[@wintertorrent]

Love the content man, would love to see you cover sim racing games as well and not just gear if that's something you're interested in? :)

[@KarlGosling]

I'm only a casual player, I just love the tech side of things! Plus I only really play Rally titles regularly with a little ACC.

[@wintertorrent]

@@KarlGosling I love rally and ACC, would love to see it even as a casual! Of course though, do what you enjoy :)

[@wickfut-racing]

looks like something the hospital strap to you after a serious motorbike accident

[@KarlGosling]

I can see that... should have got the black version! lol

[@wandesonluis]

Waiting for the next video with a simpler solution to solve the problem of the Playseat Challenger seat not lifting when using a load cell pedal.

[@mcraffz5378]

hey mate, i've got a question, so uh, i found a pxn v9 for around 89 pound which is extremely cheap, and it is not a scam either. should i buy it or should i buy something else? (my budget is around 110 pound)

[@KarlGosling]

I'd wait and save more money if you can mate or go second hand Logitech G920(G29) would be a much better choice, the PXN is bad.

[@mcraffz5378]

@@KarlGosling so uh, the cheapest logitech g29 i could find was half broken, which cost around 175 pound, should i buy the pxn v9? because it kinda seem bad... i've tried to going to ebay but my parent dont trusts ebay sadly. also, i rarely play racing sims, so any budget wheel recommendation?

[@mattsellings666]

Would be interesting to know if there's something like this for the Next Level Racing GT Lite cockpit

[@KarlGosling]

Not that I've seen but could be out there!

[@jurassicjam2156]

I miss your retro live streams.

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah I miss playing them! Life is busy right now unfortunately :(

[@FatherJHackett]

Appreciate the review, as always. If I was getting this, I wouldn't get white, but white works better for a video review as it stands out better. Not the prettiest mod, it must be said!

[@KarlGosling]

Thats true, much easier to see on camera!

[@SuperRobbo92]

This looks like an amazing mod for the Playseat Challenge, as one of those people who need the foldability of the Playseat, this could be a game changer whenever I decide to upgrade to a DD wheel from my trusty G923, does it lose the ability to angle the wheel when this is all attached though? I’ve been thinking about a Fanatec CSL DD for my Xbox for a while, with the McLaren GT3 style rim as well, so good to know how stable it looks with that.

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah could be perfect for you mate!

[@BruceWayne-eh4im]

How many screws is the CSL DD held by to the base plate? Two or ffour?

[@KarlGosling]

2

[@randomlyrandom9974]

I have a g29 and a quest 2, and im planning to get an f-gt or f-gt lite later, so is it better to just use the quest 2 instead of a large screen? might upgrade the g29 and vr later on

[@KarlGosling]

Not all titles support VR so you'll probably want a screen, also your PC may not run the titles well enough for VR... depending on your spec of course.

[@jasongray6030]

Which is better, the challenge with this mod or the trophy? From a driving perspective

[@KarlGosling]

A static cockpit will always be better mate.

[@jasongray6030]

Ok, thank you for the reply

[@ews747]

Hi which direct drive wheel can you recommend for a reasonable price

[@KarlGosling]

Normally I would say Fanatec CSL DD... but with their current situation it may be a gamble. Perhaps look at Asetek, link in the descrption.

[@benoitparadis602]

off toplc but EA SPORT WRC will have VR in beta the 30th of April .

[@KarlGosling]

I still don't have it but might get it just to report back on the VR experience! Cheers!

[@NicanX]

Nice video Karl. I have suscribed your channel for more. ¿Do you know about the version for logitech challenge x? Thanks man

[@KarlGosling]

Thanks! Sorry no I do not.

[@andymcguigan7238]

Can you not get it in black the white doesn't look right

[@KarlGosling]

Yes mate, I mention at least twice in the video it's available in black, white and soft white! lol

[@andymcguigan7238]

Sorry I didn't watch the full video lol I'm happy with my lowdownshifter mod

[@CJ-uh8bk]

The audio seems to only be in the right channel for some of this video? And I’m only getting it on this video, just thought I’d let you know

[@KarlGosling]

Yes mate see the pinned comment, thanks.

[@BrownJedi87]

I think this video will help a lot of people that have it. I myself didn’t like it. It felt too flimsy. I ended up getting the Playseat Trophy which is so much sturdier but harder to get in and out of because of how low it is 😅

[@KarlGosling]

Yeah a static cockpit will always be better mate.

[@JohnnydeSmet-u6e]

Can hang my washing off it too, perfect!

[@medusa9984]

its now 300 plus dollar with that mods and more if you whant more stuff up too 500...but im the only one hu find complete crazy what all do toot he playseat challange i love it its a legend lol i mean even i modet it too hell playseat never had that in mind hihi with stuff like handbrake,shifte rholder sit optimiced etc...but this is crazy even he sell keyboard holder🤣🤣🤣okay at the end you go tooo 500 dollar upgradiding and optimicing this epic foltable rig too handle direct drive and of course the confort we all whant like shifter&handbrake for Rally wrc....well and now i muat say...get a real rig for that money i also changet now too the oplite GTRs3 elite yellow...i think he dotn take alot of space than the challange but yes it snot foltable ..i unerstund that some peopel dont have space i also dotn ahve it i gona use the oplite Rig also as officechair and casual gamng chair soo the problem witht he space i handle that way and if i move youc an really fas tput of the sit of the Oplite GTR S3 Elite and transport it just a good Rig.

[@gabytro]

I don t get it. The whole purpose of this is to save space. If you don t care about that..just get a normal setup that look waaay better

[@KarlGosling]

It still folds away just the same as always.