Among the players on the sim-racing cockpit market, we have SimLaba European brand based in the Netherlands. This manufacturer has been present in the sim-racing industry for many years, and made modest beginnings, as with virtually all the brands we know today.

SimLab’s specialty is aluminum profile chassis, and it has to be said that the manufacturer is world-renowned for it. Offering modern, customizable solutions, SimLab’s range actually comprises just 4 chassis in all. In fact, there are 2 models with 2 different variations: the P1X and the GT1. The former covers the high-end, and the latter the mid-range, with very aggressive pricing.

Continuing to innovate and satisfy virtual pilots, SimLab has just updated its P1X to the Ultimate version. For this model, it’s back to basics, with vertical uprights and improved customization across the board. And just in time, we’ve got it today for a full test.

Chassis main and technical features

• All-aluminium profile chassis
• Return of vertical uprights, offering greater compatibility with third-party peripherals
• Compatible with a wide range of sim-racing equipment
• All-black design
• Available with a choice of options, such as bucket seats, decks for DD bases, monitor mounts, etc.
• Aggressive selling price for its investment
• Dimensions from 1.35 m long, up to 0.68 m wide and 0.77 m high
• Weight varies according to option settings

P1X Ultimate design

SimLab’s chassis are sober, even though the brand is the official Formula 1 partner of Mercedes-AMG Petronas. For the P1X Ultimate, you don’t change a winning team. The cockpit’s design is entirely minimalist, with black dominating. The white SimLab logo can be found on the uprights, and that’s it.

The big change from the P1X Pro, which are very similar, is the vertical uprights. These give it a very nice look, while being functional, with much better support for sim-racing peripherals. Overall, the design of the P1X Ultimate doesn’t change from the brand’s main lines, and this cockpit will go perfectly with any sim-racing setup.

Customized assembly

When it comes to mounting sim-racing peripherals, this is SimLab through and through. The base deck is available in 3 variants (Front, Wheeldeck and Fanatec mounts) to accommodate a long list of Direct Drive bases. Make sure you get the right mount for your equipment, or you’ll be on the hook if you’re not careful, because yes, decks are a choice and free when you buy the chassis, but if you’re going to get another one, you’ll have to pay for it.

As for the rest, i.e. the bucket, the pedal and screen support, and the side support, they’re all customizable and will accommodate numerous third-party peripherals. Even though SimLab offers tubs in its catalog, and Sparco, there’s nothing to stop you buying others elsewhere, and they’ll go with the P1X Ultimate.

A quick look at cockpit assembly. SimLab has redesigned the cockpit to make it easier to assemble. Obviously, it’s a time-consuming operation, but it’s simpler than the competition.

Manufacturing and finishing

The P1X Ultimate is based on a CNC-machined aluminum profile structure. Frankly, it’s very well made, with no defects visible to the naked eye. The paintwork is spotless, there are no major gaps between parts once the chassis is assembled, and everything is neatly packed in cardboard boxes.

As for the finish, I was expecting top quality, and I wasn’t disappointed. Once again, the brand has standards to live up to, especially from fans who expect an excellent finish, and the P1X Ultimate is no exception. It’s a premium chassis, which isn’t all that expensive when you consider what the competition is offering in the same segment.

Chassis settings

Where the P1X Ultimate shines in comparison with SimLab’s other cockpits is in its tuning. Between the switch to vertical uprights and the addition of slots on several structural parts, this chassis boasts a very high level of customization and adjustment of the various sim-racing equipment that will be installed on it.

For the bucket, there are slides and several mounting positions. The same applies to the base support, or deck, which can be adjusted in height and depth. The same goes for the pedal support, with the same adjustments at your disposal.

As SimLab offers monitor mounts in 1 or 3 configurations, you can adjust them too. You can set the depth and angle of the mounts, allowing you to tailor the driving experience for greater immersion on the track.

I won’t lie to you that the chassis tuning operation will take some time, but remember that it’s an investment that will immerse you body and soul in sim-racing. PS: allow an afternoon for fine-tuning.

Sensations during play

Let’s move on to what the P1X Ultimate has to offer in terms of on-track feel. First of all, the chassis is very robust, whatever your setup. The vertical uprights provide a good dose of rigidity, in addition to compatibility with third-party sim-racing peripherals.

The bottom bracket is also very solid, capable of withstanding the force required by the most demanding Load Cell brakes on the market. As for settings, they’re once again very advanced, making it easy for you to find the right riding position. This is further enhanced by the wide compatibility with sim-racing peripherals.

When it comes to driving position, you’ll quickly find the one that suits you best, as the P1X Ultimate offers a choice of seating positions. Obviously, the chassis has its limits in terms of driving position, even if the operating window is rather wide. With a good bucket seat, you’ll feel like you’re in the cockpit of a race car, be it GT, endurance or even rally.

P1X cockpit compatibility

The P1X Ultimate is a cockpit compatible with a wide range of sim-racing peripherals. From Direct Drive bases and sim-racing pedals to tubs, screens andshifters/handbrakes, the list goes on, with some of the industry’s biggest names on board.

Just one point: make sure you choose the right deck for the base when you place your order. SimLab offers 3 for the P1X Ultimate: one for front mounting, one for Fanatec and one for bottom mounting. This choice has no impact on the price of the chassis, but if you decide to change your deck, you’ll need to order another one, for a fee of course.

Value for money

SimLab is used to offering tubular chassis for under €1,000, and the P1X Ultimate is no exception. Its starting price is almost €892, thanks to an introductory promotion. Otherwise, the normal price is around €991.

Given that the P1X Ultimate is a SimLab, you’ll be aware that the brand offers a fine catalog of options, which quickly pushes up the price of the chassis. If you take it all, the price rises to over €1,800.

On the one hand, the P1X Ultimate starts at an affordable price for what it has to offer, but on the other hand, it’s expensive if you take the full option. Try to choose the middle ground if your budget isn’t unlimited.

My verdict on Sim-Lab’s P1X Ultimate chassis

SimLab is a brand renowned for its quality chassis, which are extremely solid and, above all, highly upgradable. The P1X Ultimate doesn’t change a winning team, and makes targeted adjustments to the P1X to make it even better.

It’s a chassis that I highly recommend, whatever discipline you like in sim-racing, except perhaps Formula where it will show its limits. I think it’s a good investment for total immersion.