Choose a Sparco seat if you want a real motorsport seat, with FIA approval on some models and harness openings for belts. Choose a SIMGASM seat if you want a seat designed for simulators, with replaceable cushions, a GT or Formula position on one base and mounting made for aluminium profile rigs. Both are good choices. The right one depends on how you drive, how long you sit and how much you want to change later.
SIMGASM sells both, so this comparison is about fit and use, not about winning a sale. Here is how they differ.
Which Sparco seats fit a sim rig?
Sparco builds seats for real cars, and four of them are a natural fit for a simulator.
Sparco R100 and R333: reclining comfort
The R100 is a compact reclining seat with a narrow steel frame, lower side bolsters and breathable 3D fabric. It is easy to get in and out of. The R333 has a tubular steel frame, a double adjustment backrest and a bottom mount pattern of 271 × 345 mm. Both suit drivers who want to change the backrest angle between sessions.
Sparco Sprint+ and GRID Q: real race buckets
The Sparco Sprint+ is a tubular frame bucket with stated FIA 8855 (1999) approval, elastic support straps and lumbar foam. It mounts on the side at 290 mm or on the bottom at 271 × 345 mm. The Sparco GRID Q uses a light fibreglass shell with a stated seat weight of 6.5 kg, removable cushions and five harness openings. It also carries FIA 8855 (1999) approval and mounts on the side at 290 mm.
What makes a SIMGASM seat different?
SIMGASM seats start from the simulator, not from the race car.
Atlas: two positions on one base
The patented Atlas design uses one shared lower base. On top you fit a GT upper section for an upright position or a Formula upper section for a low, reclined position. Each upper section comes with its own memory foam cushion set. So one seat gives you two different driving positions without storing a second seat. The shell also has a bass shaker mounting pattern and a point for a cup holder or headset holder.
SIMGASM | Sim Racing Seat Atlas Gran Turismo - Black
Core: practical seats for every room
The Core Bucket has a fixed back and a steel frame with strong side bolsters. For storage it folds into a compact, almost vertical shape. The Core Recline uses leather and suede, reclines to an almost upright position and has a 193 × 193 mm pattern underneath for standard office chair mechanisms. That lets it work at your desk too.
See how a SIMGASM seat looks and feels in a real rig in this short reel.
Designed by someone who designed seats before
Founder Johan Akkerman was responsible for the design of the TRX seat during his time at Trak Racer. Before that, he started sim racing with a home welded frame and a seat from a scrapyard. At SIMGASM he designs every product in 3D and tests it as part of a complete simulator.
Sparco vs SIMGASM: the key differences
Here is how both brands compare on the points that matter most in a rig.
Fit and comfort
Real race buckets often fit narrow around the hips, because they hold you in a car under real g forces. That feels great for short, fast sessions. For long evenings, SIMGASM seats focus on comfort with washable memory foam cushions and an optional lumbar cushion for the Atlas.
SIMGASM | Core Bucket Racing Seat - Black
Mounting on your rig
Sparco side mount seats use 290 mm spacing, and the reclining models bolt to a slider from below. The Atlas range mounts on the side with the SIMGASM seat bracket set, which also fits many other side mounted bucket seats. Both fit an aluminium profile simulator cockpit from SIMGASM when the mounting pattern and frame width match.
Looks and personalisation
Sparco gives you the authentic look of a race car interior. SIMGASM lets you match the seat to your rig with Atlas cushion sets in red, white, blue and orange, next to cockpits in many colours and liveries.
Harness and belts
If you plan a belt tensioner, the harness openings of the GRID Q and the R100 are a clear plus. Read our guide on belt tensioners in 2026 before you choose.
Which seat suits your sim rig?
Your driving style and your room decide the best match.
Choose Sparco when
You also race in real life, you want FIA approval or harness openings, or you simply love an original motorsport seat.
Choose SIMGASM when
You drive long sessions, switch between GT and Formula cars, want replaceable cushions or need a seat that folds or doubles as an office chair. Our guide on how long a sim racing seat lasts shows why replaceable parts matter. Not sure yet? Fabien Lacaule from the SIMGASM team supports SIMGASM with stock, partner brands and compatibility, and the team usually replies to questions within one business day. Or browse every sim racing seat side by side.
SIMGASM | Core Recline Seat - Black
Questions about Sparco and SIMGASM seats
Here are quick answers to the questions we hear most about both brands.
Does a Sparco seat fit a SIMGASM cockpit?
Yes. Side mount Sparco buckets use brackets, and reclining Sparco seats bolt to a slider. Check the mounting pattern and your frame width before you order.
Is a Sparco seat more comfortable than a sim seat?
It depends on your body. Race buckets hold you tightly, while sim seats are shaped for long, relaxed sessions.
Which seat needs brackets?
Side mounted fixed back seats, such as the Atlas range, the Sprint+ and the GRID Q, need brackets. Reclining seats mount from below with a slider.
Can you change the cushions on a Sparco seat?
The GRID Q has removable hook and loop cushions. The Atlas range has complete cushion sets you swap in a few minutes.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
