If you’re researching TREQ Ace vs SIMGASM Pro, you’re probably trying to answer one simple question: will this rig stay rigid, feel adjustable, and support future upgrades without turning into a messy project?
Aluminium profile rigs (often called “8020 rigs”) are popular because they let you move everything: wheel height, wheel distance, pedal angle, pedal height, seat position, monitor position, and accessory placement. But not every profile rig delivers the same real-world experience.
Who should even consider a 160×40 rig
A 160×40 base is for sim racers who want no-compromise stiffness and maximum adjustability. It’s not only about a higher torque wheelbase. It’s also about:
- pedals that require high force without the deck shifting
- motion platforms or heavy tactile setups
- keeping alignment stable over years of upgrades
Spec snapshot
| Option | Base profile class | Strength focus | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| TREQ Ace | 160×40 + 120×40 profiles | High stiffness and wide upgrade headroom | If you want an endgame 160×40 platform |
| SIMGASM Pro | 160×40 profiles | Flagship with thick steel plates and maximum adjustability | If you want flex-free feel and clean, modular upgrades |
| SIMGASM Sport | 120×40 profiles | A lighter step with strong routing features | If you want near-flagship usability without full 160×40 |
Rigidity is a “signal quality” problem
Force feedback and pedal feel are signals. Flex adds noise. Once you’ve tried a truly rigid chassis, it’s hard to go back because:
- you can run lower smoothing and still feel detail
- brake pressure becomes repeatable because geometry doesn’t change
- your posture stays locked, which reduces fatigue in long sessions
What to compare between two flagship rigs
1) Wheel mount architecture
Front mounts are popular for high-torque DD bases because they keep the load path short. Side mounts and strong decks can also work if the plates are thick and the upright section is stiff.
With SIMGASM, you can build around the mount style that matches your ecosystem using SIMGASM front wheel mount or SIMGASM Fanatec side mount.
2) Cable routing and serviceability
High-end rigs usually end up with more devices than you expect: wheelbase, pedals, shifter, handbrake, dash, button box, audio, tactile amps, maybe motion. The easiest rig to live with is the one that lets you route cleanly and still access everything for maintenance.
3) Adjustability without losing the clean look
Some rigs become “industrial” once you start adding brackets. The best ones stay clean while still giving you the flexibility to move wheel, pedals and seat without rebuilding the cockpit.
SIMGASM equivalents and upgrades
If you like the modularity of aluminium profile rigs, SIMGASM follows a clear tier approach. It helps you pick the right stiffness and adjustability without overbuying.
- Entry and budget friendly: SIMGASM Hobby simulator
- Most universal 80×40: SIMGASM Club simulator
- Clean routing and extra adjustability: SIMGASM Sport simulator
- Flagship stiffness for motion and high torque: SIMGASM Pro simulator
For comfort and long sessions, pair your rig with SIMGASM Core Recline seat or a bucket like SIMGASM Atlas GT seat or SIMGASM Atlas Formula seat.
Suggested “endgame” SIMGASM pairing
- Rig: SIMGASM Pro simulator
- Seat choice: SIMGASM Atlas GT seat for GT driving or SIMGASM Atlas Formula seat for a more laid-back hypercar/formula feel
- Screen stability: SIMGASM Apex freestanding triple monitor stand
Continue reading
- Direct drive torque explained: how much Nm do you really need
- Steering angle guide: wheel rotation, soft lock and car types
- Triple monitors vs ultrawide vs VR for sim racing
More TREQ guides
- TREQ Rookie vs SIMGASM Hobby: choosing your first aluminium profile cockpit
- TREQ One vs SIMGASM Club: 80x40 rigs for direct drive and load cell pedals
- TREQ CXX vs SIMGASM Sport: 120x40 rigs for clean builds and big upgrades
- TREQ Formula rig setup guide: dialling in a real formula seating position
Small detail that matters: plan where your USB hub and power distribution will live before you mount everything, so upgrades stay clean.
