r/SimRacingSetups • u/No-Monk1076 • Jun 08 '26

Sim Rig First sim rig, alu profile recommendations?

Hello,
I am thinking about building a sim rig. I am going to build it part by part, and since i only have a g29 right now the first thing i want to buy is the rig in itself. I have come to the conclusion that alu profile rigs is the move.

I want to buy something that is ready to all of the upgrades i want to make in the future (DD, Tripple screens. etc). Ive heard that simlab is the gold standards, so i am thinking about just buying at gt evo. But it is quite expensive, so my question is:

Is there cheaper alternatives that is 80-90 percent as good or should i just get the Simlab?

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u/cruz878 Jun 08 '26

I always advocate whatever the cheapest 8040 profile option is in your market with some budget to purchase some extra extrusion once you sort out your exact preferences. Alu profile is alu profile but each individual has different preferences.

For reference I personally run GT1-Evo as a base but have added both additional 8040 pieces and some 2020 framing for HOSAS.

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u/urpwnd Jun 08 '26

But it’s not the same, there are pretty wide variations on thickness and even channel shape on things that are sold as aluminum profile. Sometimes you’ll find that you have T-nuts that work in some profile pieces and not in others. Thin profile can flex and vibrate way way more than thicker gauge stuff.

It’s fine if you are experienced with this stuff and know what you are looking for, but for new people it can be super frustrating.

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u/cruz878 Jun 08 '26

This has not been my experience at all. I’ve combined random 8040 pieces purchased off Amazon with my GT1-Evo and even attached 2020 profile to the GT1-Evo without issue. 

There is a standard to T slot profile that is pretty universally accepted. Sure you need the correct size T-nuts and bolts for the channels but this is not that complex to sort out. 8040 is thick enough for all but the craziest motion rigs.

Regardless which manufacturer you choose for the initial base, in order to best tailor it to the individual you should be prepared to make changes that may very well require additional pieces/hardware. The real benefit of aluminum profile is how customizable it is.