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Trak Racer TR160S Review: An Impressively Strong Cockpit for High-End Direct Drive Setups

I have been using the Trak Racer TR160S as my primary sim racing cockpit for several months, and there is a very simple reason for that. It is extremely solid, highly adjustable, and looks far better than most aluminum profile rigs on the market today.

When it comes to cockpits, I always judge them on three things:

  1. Rigidity
  2. Adjustability
  3. Aesthetic appeal

Most aluminum profile rigs nail the first two categories but usually look industrial and bland. This one breaks that pattern. The fluorescent blue anodised finish looks bold, modern, and genuinely unique. Even better, it looks incredible on camera which is a big advantage for me when filming product reviews. If you prefer something less eye-catching, there is a standard black option as well.

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Unboxing and Assembly

One of the first improvements I noticed compared to previous Trak Racer rigs was the packaging. Every single part was wrapped, protected, and free of scratches. All hardware was organized, labeled, and easy to follow, and the overall assembly felt much more thought out than before.

As someone who is absolutely not known for DIY skills, if I was able to assemble this entire rig on my own, you will be able to as well.


Price and What You Get

Trak Racer has always catered to mid and high-end sim racers, and the pricing of the TR160S reflects that.

  • The frame alone starts at about $800
  • Accessories such as seat mounts, shifter mounts, and monitor stands increase the cost
  • The exact configuration you see in my studio is around $1,600

Yes, this is a serious investment. But after using it with everything from 5nm direct drive bases to a 22nm wheelbase and extremely stiff load cell pedals, I can say confidently that this is a rig that can handle high-end hardware without flexing.

Many cheaper aluminum rigs can technically hold direct drive wheelbases, but in practice they start to creak, bend, or vibrate over time. The TR160S has been rock solid throughout months of heavy use.

Trak Racer TR160S

Rigidity and Stability

The wheel mount and pedal deck are both made from thick, pre-drilled steel plates. They kept every wheelbase I tried completely stable, including the strongest ones I own. Even under maximum braking load, nothing flexed or shifted out of place.

This is one of the biggest selling points of the TR160S. If you are planning to run something like a Moza R25, Simucube, or a high-end Fanatec direct drive base, this cockpit has the strength to match it. Subtle mention, the TR160S is significantly more stable than some budget aluminum rigs that claim similar torque ratings, which helps users who compare rigs in this price segment.

The rig itself uses 160×40 aluminum profile, making it a heavy, oversized tank of a chassis. If you are tight on space or plan to move your rig often, make sure you consider the size before buying.


Trak Racer Rally Seat

Seats are not included in the base price. Trak Racer sells several options ranging between $300 and $500, which can make the package even more expensive.

That said, the Trak Racer Rally Seat is genuinely outstanding. After trying all their seats and talking with other people who have used them, this one is by far the best in my opinion.

It is made from synthetic leather with suede-like inserts, has comfortable memory foam padding, and has the right balance between bucket seat support and reclined comfort. The fiberglass shell on the back also looks fantastic.

The seat slider is the one part I expected to fail over time but it has stayed smooth and rigid. Other rigs I have reviewed did not perform as well here.

TR160S

Adjustability and Customization

Customization is something Trak Racer is known for, and the TR160S continues that trend. You can mount almost anything:

  • Keyboard and mouse trays
  • Buttkicker and vibration mounts
  • Multiple monitor stands
  • Speaker mounts
  • Fully integrated motion systems

Your imagination and your budget are the limit. This is one of those rigs that can evolve from a basic setup to a complete professional simulator without needing to replace the frame.


Drawbacks

No cockpit is perfect, and there are three things to consider:

1. The Under-Chassis Support Brackets

If you do not use the included rubber feet, the middle support brackets can slightly destabilize the rig on hard floors. Using the rubber feet solves this, and carpet users will not experience this issue at all.

2. Size

This is a very large rig. I could not fit this in my bedroom where smaller aluminum rigs have worked in the past. If space is limited, this is probably not the right cockpit.

3. Shifter Mount Not Included

At this price, I expected the shifter mount to be included. It is an additional $70, and while the mount is extremely strong, it is disappointing that it does not come in the base package.


Final Thoughts: Is the Trak Racer TR160S Worth It?

After using the Trak Racer TR160S for almost half a year, I completely understand why this has become my permanent chassis. It is solid, reliable, customizable, and has a visual design that stands out in a good way.

However, it is not for everyone.

If you need a formula-style seating position, a compact frame, or a budget-friendly setup, there are better fits. But if you want a cockpit that can handle any direct drive base you throw at it, support heavy pedals, adapt to future upgrades, and look great in the process, it is very hard to beat.

For my needs, it checks every box, and for many high-end sim racers, I think it will do the same.


Trak Racer TR160S Ratings

Build Quality
9/10
On-Track Performance
10/10
Adjustability
9/10
Comfort
9/10
Design
7.5/10
Compatibility
10/10
Value for Money
7/10
OC Score
8.78/10

Comments

  1. Might need to buy this

  2. Only in my dreams i guess.

  3. Just a dream

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