Versus: Next Level Racing GT Lite Pro vs Playseat Challenge X

An in depth comparison between two foldable solutions: the NLR GT Lite Pro versus the Playseat Challenge X Logitech edition. On paper, they should be very close, but in the end, the superiority of one overshadows the other.
00:00:05 Introduction
00:00:30 Configuration
00:01:38 Build quality
00:05:15 Footprint
00:05:38 Features
00:06:26 Pricing and availability
00:07:25 Conclusion
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#nlr #nextlevelracing #gtlitepro #gtlite #playseat #challengex #challenge #versus #simracing #simrig

[@joanmamauri9964]

This is the review I have been waiting for! Thanks much! I ll get the Challenge X as I need something that will need a lot of folding/ unfolding! I really like the configurability of the gt lite pro and how comfortable the seat looks but my priority is the folding and footprint when folded!

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Well for foldability options, apart from a wheelstand, I think that one is the one to pick. 👍👍

[@Ruskieit]

This video and this comparison was EXACTLY what I was looking for, thanks.

[@DeLuca_L]

Great review! I have the Challenge X but looking into getting the GT Lite but now I’m keeping what I have .. Thanks

[@3TRCGarage]

Great review, helped me decide what to buy. It was good to see them side by side folded 👍🏾

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I wonder what you decided 🤔

[@oohrah81]

Thank you for the review. I'm in the market for my first racing set up, and need a foldable rig due to space. Looks like the Challenge X is the one for me. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Enjoy friend. Excellent choice.

[@whyilovethemoon]

Very helpful. Awesome. Thank you very much! Have a great time.

[@bryo4321]

This was really helpful. I agree they are both a bit expensive for what they are but there is a premium on the mobility of these. Ordered a challenge x for myself, love that I can keep my gear attached and just fold it up. Thanks for the comparison.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely. For people that dont have the space or simply dont want to dedicate the space to a simrig, these solutions are the best. And in that pov, the price can be justified like you say. Enjoy it friend.

[@Christian-pw5ws]

thanks for your video. It helped me decide which one I should buy.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Thats why I make them. Have fun friend.

[@postalpancho]

Great review. I was on the verge of getting the Next Level GT lite Pro but went with the playseat instead. Glad I did. The GT lite is essentially a budget cockpit and for the money you might as well spend a bit more and get a legit cockpit because the footprint, difficulty to set it and poor storage ability means it will likely have to be left open in your living room most of the time. My play seats on the other hand fold up and out in seconds and I can even store it in the corner of my bedroom easily and pull it out when I want to race for 30 minutes. The Next level is just a hassle to use and completely undermines the reason for buying a collapsible rig in the first place.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Exactly my thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to leave your experience. Its really strange there are so little viable alternatives when it comes to a "real" foldable and storable seat. I hope manufacturars will step it up a bit but for this moment, what you bought does the job, and really well for that matter.

[@levkago]

Great video, thank you! How did you manage to mount the CSL V2 pedals? I have the same setup but struggling to attach the pedals securely enough and keep it foldable.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Turned the top brackets facing out and attached them to the front open holes in the v2 with some spacers to maximize holding force. They were pretty fixed. Too bad Playseat didnt add more possibilities for 4 attachment points.

[@Badhans2007]

Great comparison

[@alex_1445]

Really great review and appreciate your insight into the two chairs. I have to agree with you that Playseat is so much easier to fold and open. I am leaning towards getting the Challenge X. But do you think a slim six-footer (i.e. 1.83cm) would have any problem fitting into the Challenge X?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely not. You are taller than me, but the height difference is still Ok so I am pretty certain you will also fit comfortably in it.

[@bobbyosborne2375]

I've got the lite pro. The seat is COMFORTABLE. The wheel base plate on the pro is why it flexes a bit. Otherwise, it's pretty stout. I HAVE to have a shifter plate. That's the next reason I went with the pro. I like to row my own and heel toe.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

And it is certainly a good reason. 💙

[@ralexander9495]

Thank you very very much sir.

[@JulianoFagundes]

Great (honest) review, mate! Thank you for being straight to the point. Let's see if I can get a Challenge X here in Luxembourg through Amazon. I can tell you that the price is cheap as both are "wife compatible". No way I'd have a Sim Racing rig at home that's not foldable like that.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Totally understandable. The wife-factor is a variable much overlooked when reviewing. Normally it should be on amazon for 250. A friend ordered one.

[@alespokorny6909]

Thank you very much! Very very nice review, which I was waiting for! I'm having Playseat Challenge X with G29 set and I'm very happy with it. And now I'm planing to upgrade to Fanatec GT DD Pro. I couldn't find video if Playseat Challenge X can work together with Fanatec DD and thanks to you I have decided to upgrade to Fanatec DD without needs to change seat. I'm tight with space unfortunately. Please is it difficult to attach Fanatec CSL pedals to Playseat? And would you recommend 5nm or 8nm version of Fanatec base in combination with Playseat Challenge X? Would it be 8nm version overkill for foldable seat? Thank you so much for your opinions.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I think it will be OK. The CSL pedals I have are currently on another rig, but I tried to match up the holes and bolts and it seems they are compatible (front bolts). I do think however the pedals will be a bit off-center when mounting (its not a huge problem). It uses one of the middle holes and the hole that runs into the vertical part for attachment. I would go directly for the 8Nm if your budget would allow it. It just is a world of difference (to me). It wouldn't be overkill, but since you already have the Challenge X, you know that the wheelbase part can be moved easily and this will be the same with the 5 or 8DD Nm. It will wobble some. The gameplay in the video is with an 8DD Fanatec. It doesn't disturb me that much. Thank you for the kind words too, I appreciate it a lot! 💙

[@alespokorny6909]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource thank you so much for your feedback. So I will go with DD pro 8nm base, Maclaren GT3 wheel and considering V2 pedals and QR2 mount instead of QR1. One more question - would you go CSL pedals with load cell or V2 pedals directly? I guess V2 is better option. 100 euro or so wouldn't do big difference in this stage 😁

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@alespokorny6909 if you have the budget available, go for v2. I have been trying to publish a comparisson for a few weeks already but dont find the time. Upgrading the CSL pedals (pedal faces/LC) will be more expensive than v2 in the end. And LC is simply a must in my opinion for the pedals.

[@StephaneBertout]

Great video ! Just wondering: what are the dimensions of the Challenge X when folded with wheel and pedals attached?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

It is actually in the video at 5:09

[@StephaneBertout]

how did I miss that !! 😞 my bad ! thanks @@SimulatedDrivingResource !

[@aidansedore5182]

Which one can handle more nm of torque ? Same thing for pedals, I’m either getting the Fanatec v2 or v3 pedals and need it to be very stable while also able to fold

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Roughly the same.

[@Fitforacting]

Just to make sure I understand correctly, the Playseat X can use the shifter mount on the side if you want or is it just up front by the wheel? This is what makes me want to buy an old one

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

With the included shifter, it can only be mounted to the front where the wheelbase is attached. BUT the X also features a pre-threaded hole on the side where you could possibly attach an optional gear-shift holder. The classic Challenge has neither.

[@THESHADOW97139]

Merci !! Mon choix est fait 😃

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Je suis sure tu le regretterais pas. Mais, attends pour le prix de 250€ si tu peux. J'ai regardé aujourd'hui et il y a déjà plusieurs magasins qui l'offrent pour 250€

[@user-tp5sc2qv6k]

i just received my challenge x, its so cool for my first ever rig

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Enjoy it friend 💙

[@bartwauters89]

i love your reviews. Not sure that it's because you're Belgian just as I or because they are actually good. at least they sound really, REALLY sincere. You speak from your heart and your true thoughts. I love that. keep on the good work. Maybe it will be really niche. but have you ever thought about doing some dutch reviews? I Know the combined sim market of Flanders and the Netherlands is WAAAAAAAAAAY to small but you might be the only one doing it, so might get lucky. btw, if you ever wanne race i'm up to it! it's so hard to find people to race with in BE/NL.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Thank you for the very kind words. I try to be as straight-forward as I can. I thought about doing them in Dutch but its simply... Well.. like you say a very small audience. At this moment I reach people in the entire world. This would not be the case if I would talk in Dutch. I do try to make up for it with the subtitles 😎 i seldomly race though. If I am not testing, I just cruise around a bit in BeamNG and besides I am a pretty mediocre racer 🤣 Enjoy the end of the year friend en mijn beste wensen voor '24 💙

[@fmp_nellix82]

hi, since I have the csl dd with load cell pedal set, do you recommend the x challenge? I saw that you managed to mount the 3 pedal set, how? thanks

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Yes. Mounted the CSL Elite v2 and and the V3 pedals on it and with some big washers, I was able to hold them in place quite sturdy. The CSL pedals with LC on the other hand may be tricky because the brake will be floating and the pedal base holding the pedals is not that sturdy as the other 2 sets.

[@fmp_nellix82]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource ok I'll try to create a bracket that also keeps the load cell in the center....for space it's the best solution

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely. Most user-friendly solution to fold and unfold but also the most efficiënt solution for space usage.

[@darylmcdermott9431]

Hey hopefully sombody can help me with this. Im looking for a rig setup around this price range but im 6 foot 7 inches tall. These 2 keep poping up as the best option for the price but would sombody tall like me be able to sit comfortably in any off these? I noticed in the video the gt pro seemed to have more room in it length wise? Would love some feed back please.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I asked this question on some Facebook groups I was on but unfortunately no answer. The main issue I have for tall people and the Challenge X is the arching back rest. It can be a strain on your upper-back. Just a question but does it need to be foldable for you?

[@darylmcdermott9431]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource thanks so much for trying to get a answer for me. Seems to be very hard to find out what suits tall people like myself. No doesn't need to be foldable I just thought with that budget or anything close to it foldable would be my only option.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@darylmcdermott9431 3 options. Option 1: I think the GT Omega seat RS9 will do better for your back then any of the foldable options. They are designed as office chair and come with a lumbar support pillow. They can be inclined too and are very large seats (from my 1m74 perspective). You can have that with a decent relatively stable frame for around 500€ (they do free shipment and perhaps the code GTO5 still works for 5% reduction). Option 2: buy a second hand Playseat Challenge (No x) or a NLR GT Lite (no pro). Both are almost identical when it comes to seating position and if the availibility of these seats on your regional market is the same as here, you will be picking up one for a price of 100-120€. That way you minimize any "loss" if the seating position is not upto par with what you need. Option 3: take a leap of faith. The NLR is the best configurable, the Playseat Challenge X is the best overall. Add: Option 4: A wheelstand (eg. NLR Wheelstand 2.0)

[@milosmatty]

Do u think that is it worth to upgrade from a "classic" Playseat Challenge to the new Challenge X?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Its certainly an improvement but to invest 250€ in it... hmmm.. The pedals are fixed and that ofcourse is a big bonus when you store and drive but is it enough to upgrade. Only you can decide that

[@milosmatty]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource in case I would sell the old one. In general, during the usage the stability improvent of the seat is noticeable? Thanks😁

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@milosmatty for the wheelbase, stability is the same. For the pedals, Well they are fixed and can be elevated so yes I can notice it when driving but for me personally, why I will keep the X and get rid of the classic is because the pedals dont fall of every time I fold it in and put it away.

[@AKK5I]

I have a GT lite and the playseat challenge x looks very appealing at its discounted price. Unfortunately the NLR headquarters building is very close to where I live why is how I was able to get the GT lite at a heavily reduced price 😂 Also I wonder which of the two rigs are more comfortable to sit in

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

It all stands and falls with the price as with everything really. I do think the Challenge X is more snug than the GT Lite so if you like that, it will be more comfortable. But still, if you already have a GT Lite, I am not sure it's worth the money changing. Still quite an investment after all :)

[@bojador]

Hi. I have a closet with only 34cm width. I saw you measured the playseat depth at 44cm, but I noticed you didn't fold the wheel. Do you think I can get it to 34cm? Thanks for the review.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

What wheelbase you plan on putting on it? I still have it so I can measure it.

[@bojador]

​@@SimulatedDrivingResource That would be awesome. I would be using it with a g29 wheel and pedals. No shifter.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

You should be good. I got it to 32 cm with a G29. Pedals also dont protrude when you fold them in. More compact than I thought 😎

[@bojador]

​@@SimulatedDrivingResource thank you for testing.

[@bojador]

​@@SimulatedDrivingResource it fit perfectly. I'm a happy camper (literally) thanks again for the precise measurements. 👍

[@CarmeloNLS]

Does somebody know if I can use my Thrustmaster T128 on this cockpit? Thank you all guys

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I believe that one can only be fixed by a clamp but this should work yes

[@heuksalman]

the blue screw for the pedal tray is plastic or metal?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Plastic

[@wintertorrent]

Been going back and forth between the Playseat Challenge x and the GT Lite Pro and despite the Playseat Challenge X seeming like the better product for someone looking for the most portable set-up the lack of a proper handbrake and shifter mount on the playseat is a dealbreaker unfortunately. Great video!

[@wintertorrent]

Actually, seeing the GT Lite Pro and Playseat Challenge X side by side folded, the GT Lite Pro looks like a terrible option. Looks like I'll be getting neither until there's a proper handbrake/shifter solution for the Challenge X

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely. I love the fact that they added the threaded hole in the frame for the attachment of a shifter, but as a handbrake-shifter combo holder, I think you would need at least 2 threaded holes in the frame for attachment to support the weight and motion.

[@wintertorrent]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource It's great that the threaded hole exists but I can't find any solutions that would actually be compatible with it nevermind both a shifter and handbrake mount. There are solution for the playseat challenge that mount onto the piping but these aren't compatable with the challenge x as the pipe dimensions are slightly different

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I am not a hero when it comes to diy but i would be able to make some holder that would fit pretty easy and Well iust with stuff I have around the house. Basically it needs 2 little L profiles to keep it in place and a third larger L with holes in it to attach a plate. Now in my head it sounds simple but well 😅

[@wintertorrent]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource I think I can imagine what you are describing but I have no such tools and materials around the house so would have no clue honestly! Hopefully Logitech come out with something as it seems to have been their intention. Thinking about it more, could possibly use the extended wheel base bar to mount the handbrake and then the threaded hole for just the shifter? Not ideal to have the handbrake near the wheel but better than nothing? If you are able to do a video on how to mount a shifter and handbrake to a challenge X I would be forever grateful!

[@marcianzero_yt]

See you next year. ;)

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Wait wait!!! I have a video for tomorrow too for this comment!! 🤭

[@marcianzero_yt]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource oopsie

[@SharpEye4885]

안정성만 놓고 보면 gt lite계열이 playseat challenge계열보다 좋지만 이것들이 접이식 거치대라는 입장에서 놓고보면 반대로 playseat계열이 목적에 충실해 보입니다

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

페달에 관해서는 그렇습니다. 그러나 휠베이스는 안정성을 위해 둘 다 그렇게 차이가 없는 것 같습니다.

[@impiallacciato]

I have Gt lite pro...you simply make a mistake in folding it, I place it against the wall, with Fanatec DdPro.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Correct. It is mentioned in the video.

[@pipikikinos]

I believe if you play in Challenge in a room >30°C you will swet like a 🐷 😂

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

For me even standing in a room of 30, i sweat like a 🐷🙄

[@Ruskieit]

One thing that concerns me with the Playseat Challenge is that "it only opens on the right", and you can't switch. I have an angular desk and that can be a PIA. On the other hand, I see you have a WALL on the right which I would say is even worse. How to you manage to slide in it?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely a point worth mentioning. I just unlocked it, lifted the steering wheel a bit and slid in like you see racecar drivers do... but in a far less cool way 😎