The Next Level Racing ES1 bucket seat is one of the most recognisable “sim racing bucket” products on the market. It’s commonly listed with a 150 kg max user weight and a broad fit range (often around 120–210 cm height support), which makes it a safe default for many rigs.
But “bucket seat” is not one category. Bucket seats can support very different driving styles, and the wrong bucket can make a great cockpit feel uncomfortable fast.
In SIMGASM’s lineup, the Atlas series is split into two clear purposes:
- Atlas GT seat for most GT seating positions
- Atlas Formula seat for more reclined hypercar/open cockpit postures
Bucket seat basics: what you are really buying
A bucket seat does four jobs:
- Locks your hips so you don’t slide under braking.
- Supports your shoulders so you can relax your arms and steer precisely.
- Sets your posture (pelvis angle, spine curve, breathing).
- Defines your pedal technique because leg angle changes how you apply force.
If any of these are wrong, you compensate with muscle tension. Muscle tension becomes fatigue. Fatigue becomes mistakes.
GT vs formula posture: the easiest way to choose
Use this simple decision:
- GT posture: more upright torso, knees moderately bent, great for most driving styles and long sessions.
- Formula posture: more reclined torso, higher knees, great for open wheel and hypercar vibes, but requires the cockpit to support that angle properly.
This is why SIMGASM offers both Atlas GT and Atlas Formula variants: the seat shape matches the posture.
Mounting and adjustability: where aluminium rigs make seat choice easier
One of the biggest benefits of adjustable aluminium profile rigs is that they let you fix seat fit issues with positioning, not guesswork:
- Seat sliders let you fine-tune distance without re-drilling.
- Side mounts let you change recline angle while keeping the seat rigid.
- Pedal deck angle can be adjusted to match your seat angle (critical for formula postures).
If you’re building a cockpit around a bucket, plan the whole triangle: seat angle, pedal angle, wheel height. Changing only one element is what creates discomfort.
What to compare when looking at the ES1 vs Atlas seats
| Comparison point | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder width | Too tight restricts breathing; too wide reduces support | Comfort at full inhale |
| Hip fit | Controls lateral movement under braking | No sliding when you push the brake hard |
| Seat angle compatibility | Wrong angle causes lower back fatigue | Can you keep a neutral spine? |
| Mounting method | Side mount vs bottom mount affects rigidity and adjustability | Does your rig support the brackets you need? |
Where SIMGASM Atlas seats stand out for many drivers
The Atlas series is built to be a serious bucket seat solution while staying practical for sim racers:
- Comfort via cushions (including options for different preferences)
- Support for competitive driving without feeling overly restrictive
- Built to handle high forces which matters for strong braking and motion rigs
If you’re trying to decide purely based on “bucket vs bucket”, start with Seat selection and fitting guide. Seat choice is personal, and the best seat is the one that fits your body.
Recommended SIMGASM pairing for bucket seats
- GT style: Atlas GT seat + SIMGASM Club simulator or SIMGASM Sport simulator
- Formula style: Atlas Formula seat + SIMGASM Sport simulator or SIMGASM Pro simulator
- Pedal stability: Universal peripheral deck (especially with load cell or hydraulic pedals)
FAQ
What if I want more comfort than a bucket?
Choose a recline-style seat like the Core recline seat. Many drivers are faster when they are comfortable, not when they are “locked in”.
How do I know if a bucket is too narrow?
If you feel pressure on the hip bones or you struggle to breathe deep, it’s too narrow for endurance racing.
Continue reading
- Seat selection and fitting guide
- Seat mounting guide: brackets and sliders
- SIMGASM rig setup for tall drivers
