Next Level Racing has introduced two new sim racing seats featuring fully integrated haptic feedback, a first for NLR that has already generated significant discussion within the sim racing community.
The two new models are based on the ES1 Bucket Seat and the ERS3 Elite Seat. While retaining the same ergonomic design and overall shape as their predecessors, both now incorporate haptic feedback technology derived from Next Level Racing’s in-house HF8 Pro haptic pads.
The result is a pair of seats that combine optimized ergonomics with seamlessly integrated haptics, offering a unique all-in-one solution for sim racers seeking enhanced immersion.
These seats not only feature HF8 Pro technology but also deliver substantial performance improvements. Compared to the original haptic system, they offer:
Each seat integrates eight haptic motors directly into the seat frame, ensuring low latency, rapid feedback, and a highly responsive track feel.
The ERS3 Haptic seat utilizes SIMAERO mesh fabric and cold-molded foam to provide excellent comfort and posture support, making it well-suited for long endurance sessions.
Similarly, the ES1 Haptic features durable racing suede combined with cold-molded foam, maintaining high levels of comfort and support for extended use.
Next Level Racing highlights near-zero latency and evenly distributed feedback as key features of the system. Drivers can clearly feel gear shifts, curbs, surface changes, impacts, and traction loss in real time.
The powerful yet refined feedback enhances immersion and vehicle control without compromising comfort during longer sessions.
Priced at €449 (~US$530) for the ERS3 Haptic and €599 (~US$708) for the ES1 Haptic, both seats sit in the mid-to-upper price range. However, considering that the non-haptic versions are only slightly less expensive, the added cost for integrated haptics is relatively modest.
This innovation is certainly worth monitoring as independent reviews begin to emerge. For sim racers seeking greater immersion without committing to a full motion simulator, these seats may represent an appealing and cost-effective intermediate step.
