Reviewers and owners describe the SIMGASM Hobby as a compact aluminium profile cockpit that is easy to build, solid for an entry level direct drive setup and rare in its choice of colours. The Simpit put it through assembly, wheel and pedal mounting, adjustability, deck strength, comfort and flex tests. Owners give SIMGASM an average of 4.95 out of 5 stars over 244 reviews, and the most common praise is about quality, sturdiness and colour.
Below you find what the reviewers tested, what owners write and where the Hobby reaches its limit.
What did The Simpit test on the Hobby?
The Simpit is an independent sim racing channel, and its Hobby review covers the whole ownership path.
From the box to the first laps
The reviewer met the SIMGASM team at Sim Gaming Expo and then set out to find where the compromises were hiding. He assembled the chassis, mounted his own wheelbase and pedals, tried several seating positions and drove plenty of laps. SIMGASM itself says a full Hobby build takes about two hours with the tools in the box, and the Hobby assembly guide walks you through every step.
Deck strength and flex
The review checks the wheel deck and the pedal deck on their own, plus a separate flex test. Those are the points where cheap frames fail first. The Hobby uses a 40 x 40 mm main profile with metal mounting parts matched to this tier, and SIMGASM rates the pedal deck for a braking load of 150 kg. Watch the full verdict in the video above.
SIMGASM | Hobby Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Black
What do Hobby owners say?
Owner reviews on the SIMGASM site add the long term view.
Colour and finish
One owner went looking for a chassis that was not painted black and chose a green Hobby. He writes that the pieces arrived shrink wrapped, everything fitted perfectly and the rig feels very sturdy with his MOZA R3 kit. Another owner simply calls the order quick and efficient. Colour is a recurring theme, because SIMGASM is one of the few makers that offers nine colours and several liveries on an entry level frame.
Small rooms and rented homes
A father who bought a red Hobby with his son writes that the Hobby level was enough for now, because they rent a flat. The small footprint of 500 x 1270 x 580 mm and the bolted profile design make it easy to fit in, and easy to take with you later. Our guide on moving house with a sim racing cockpit shows how simple that is.
Points owners ask you to check
Honest reviews also mention small things. One buyer notes that the gold colour looks more orange in real life than on some renders. Another says a mounting picture showed two holes, while the real bracket has rails, and still calls it easy to install with a Fanatec CSL DD. Check the live mount table and colour photos before you order.
SIMGASM | Hobby Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Purple
Where does the Hobby reach its limit?
Every tier has a sweet spot, and knowing it saves you an upgrade later.
Wheelbase torque and brake force
The Hobby is the compact, value led choice for drivers moving away from a desk or a wheel stand. If you plan a strong direct drive base or very firm load cell pedals, the Club adds a 40 x 80 mm profile and a 200 kg rated braking load. Our list of wheelbases that fit the SIMGASM Hobby shows where the line sits. Weighing up a bigger frame? Read SIMGASM Club vs 6 Sigma 6S-80 as well.
What is and is not in the box
The Hobby includes the profiles, brackets, your chosen wheel mount, tools, gloves, the assembly guide and the Core side profile arm for a shifter or handbrake. The seat, seat slider, wheelbase, pedals and monitor stand are separate, so budget for them.
SIMGASM | Hobby Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - MARINI
Is the Hobby the right first cockpit for you?
For most first time cockpit buyers, the answer is yes.
SIMGASM founder Johan Akkerman started sim racing in 2008 with a PlayStation controller, and back then he welded his own frame from used gas pipes because commercial frames cost too much. He believes every racer should have access to professional level equipment without a professional level budget, and the Hobby is the clearest result of that idea. SIMGASM B.V. was formally incorporated on 27 February 2026 and supports every owner from Wijk bij Duurstede. See all colours on the Hobby aluminium cockpit page, or compare it with every aluminum sim racing cockpit in the range.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the Hobby and its reviews.
Is the Hobby stiff enough for direct drive?
Yes, for entry level direct drive bases. For strong bases or heavy load cell pedals, look at the Club.
How long does the Hobby take to build?
About two hours with the tools in the box, according to SIMGASM.
Does the Hobby come with a seat?
No. The seat and seat slider are sold separately, or as part of a bundle.
Where do you find independent reviews?
The Simpit review sits on the Hobby product page and on YouTube, next to owner reviews on the SIMGASM site.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
