Sim Lab P1X Review: Stable, Stylish and Refined to the Last Detail

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Anyone looking for a high-quality sim racing cockpit almost inevitably ends up with an aluminium profile rig. These rigs have now become the standard in the high end - and for good reason. They offer a degree of stability, modularity and durability that is simply indispensable for those driving with powerful direct drive wheelbases and loadcell pedals.

The Sim Lab P1X Pro is an established name in this segment. As a flagship model, it represents the evolution of the original P1X, combining maximum rigidity with smart improvements in design, finish and ease of use.

Sim-Lab has been positioning itself as one of the leading players in the premium segment for years, and with the P1X Pro, they continue that line convincingly. The updated Sim Lab P1X Pro promises more refinement, a higher level of finish and even more structural rigidity. All elements that are decisive in a high-end cockpit. Is the Sim Lab P1X Pro really a step up from its predecessor? In this Sim Lab P1X review, I share my full experience!

The choice of the P1X Pro was an obvious one for me. After years of satisfaction with the original P1X, it was clear to me that my new test rig would also have to be built on a Sim-Lab frame again. So the decision was quickly made! My thanks go to Sim-Lab and owner Richard for making this cockpit available for my new test stand, and the confidence to reviewen this new generation extensively.

Independent and fair judgement

A small but necessary note here is that my opinion and experience in this review has no bearing on this whatsoever. I see it as my responsibility to be honest and critical - precisely because in the end that also helps Sim-Lab, as well as other manufacturers, to further improve their products and tailor them to what sim racers really need.

Sim-Lab P1X: unboxing & first impressions

Delivery of the Sim-Lab P1X Pro was quick and smooth via UPS. Everything arrived nicely on time, and as expected with a rig of this calibre, it was a hefty stack of boxes. In my case, it was the P1X Pro Sim Racing Cockpit itself, the integrated Vario monitor mount and some additional accessories. The blue Sim-Lab Speed 1 seat I fortunately already had and took with me from my other P1X cockpit, where I recently took the O-Rouge Cold Fusion C2 mounted on it.

Opening the first box, I immediately noticed how carefully everything was packed. The aluminium profiles were individually and well protected with foam and foil, and all other parts were neatly sorted into smaller boxes and bags. Everything was very carefully organised.

The experience is similar to putting together an IKEA wardrobe; very well organised and thoughtful. The first impression? That one can be very positive. Serious material, produced with care and delivered with the quality and premium finish that you can (and should) expect from Sim-Lab products.

What struck me immediately was the solidity of the materials. The profiles are heavy, tightly finished and have an industrial feel without being clunky. The coating is evenly and professionally applied and gives the whole thing a high-quality look. Whereas the previous P1X still had a somewhat smoother finish, the new generation has a more rough finish, making it less susceptible to scratches and bumps. Whereas in the community I still sometimes hear and read about paint damage, this is something I have not experienced at all.

A Sim-Lab P1X is not a plug-and-play cockpit that you set up in an hour. It is a rig that requires you to take some time. And honestly: I don't mind that at all. Because besides the sim racing itself, building your own dream setup might be just as much fun to do! Building it is incredibly satisfying.

What are you all receiving?

Delivery of the Sim-Lab P1X Pro is uncluttered and complete. Everything is neatly packed, labelled and matched to the configuration you chose while ordering. You receive:

Included as standard:

• Aluminium profiles (black powder-coated)
• Wheel mount of your choice (front mount, side mount or wheeldeck)
• Steel brackets for front-mount wheelbases
• Adjustable pedal plate
• Side mounts for accessories (shifter, button box)
• Set mon1TP3Bolts for chair
• Adjustable feet for levelling

Optional, depending on your configuration:

• Integrated single or triple monitor mount
• Seat frames, seat brackets and seat sliders
• A chair
• Other accessories

Everything fits together seamlessly, without unnecessary parts or surprises. You build exactly what you need - and nothing more than that.

What does the Sim-Lab P1X Pro cost?

The price of the Sim-Lab P1X Pro depends heavily on the configuration you choose. The basic version starts from € 879, for which you receive a ‘bare’ cockpit: a high-quality aluminium frame with no extras. The idea behind this modular system is that you can fully assemble your cockpit based on your needs and hardware.

The total, without additional accessories, can add up to around €1,500. The Sim-Lab P1X Pro is undoubtedly a high-end cockpit, and that is reflected in its price. And fair is fair, it's an awful lot of money for a cockpit.

Still, it is important to put that amount in perspective. For a rig that lasts for years, offers maximum stability and is fully modular, it is an investment rather than an expense. After all, you don't buy a new cockpit that quickly. It is often a one-off expense that you build on for years.

Configure it in three steps:

You put the Sim-Lab P1X together exactly the way you want it. And you do it in three easy steps:

Step 1: Choose your wheel mount

As standard, you get a front mount, which is compatible with the Simucube 2 Sport, Pro and Ultimate, and the Simagic Alpha Mini and DD, among others. If you have a Fanatec or a different wheelbase, simply choose the Wheeldeck or Fanatec DD Mount. The beauty: these choices cost nothing extra. It feels like an honest and flexible approach, which fits well with the modular nature of the P1X.

Step 2: Choose your monitor mount

For my test setup, I chose an integrated single monitor mount suitable for my MSI MEG 49" ultrawide curved monitor. Die optie kost € 189 extra, wat de prijs van mijn setup brengt op €1.068. Wil je liever een triple setup, dan is er de geïntegreerde Vario triple mount voor € 299 extra. Wat je ook kiest: het systeem voelt doordacht en robuust, en laat zich later eenvoudig aanpassen of upgraden van bijvoorbeeld een single naar een triple monitor mount. Een sim rig evolueert met je mee, en het mooie is dat je dit

Step 3: Choose your chair (and fasteners)

Of course, a cockpit is only complete with a good seat. In my new test setup, I use my trusty Sim-Lab Speed 1. This chair costs €429 and offers a good balance between ergonomics, price and quality. And in all honesty, I have been hugely satisfied with this chair for years, so no need for a new one!

There are cheaper and perhaps better options, but this model offers exactly what you need for long racing sessions without discomfort. My advice: don't try to skimp here. A wrong seating position will ruin your whole experience - and you'll literally feel it. Still looking for inspiration? Then check out our Top 5 sim racing seats for different budgets and seat types. Of course, don't forget your seat slider and bucket seat brackets!

Sim-Lab P1X Pro Sim Racing Cockpit

Before we continue with the build process and I share my experience, it is good to briefly reflect on the main features and characteristics of the Sim-Lab P1X Pro sim racing cockpit. So what makes the P1X unique and a good choice?

The Sim-Lab P1X Pro is not just an upgrade from its successful predecessor - it is a completely redesigned cockpit built around three core values: stiffness, modularity and future-proof. Everything about this frame is designed to get the most out of your hardware, without compromising on comfort, functionality and convenience.

On top of that, the whole thing is also a huge step forward visually: sleeker, minimalist and more modern. The revamped P1X Pro looks stunning! From finish to details; it forms a beautiful and minimalist design that is completely balanced in terms of design and build quality.

Maximum rigidity

One of the biggest strengths of the Sim-Lab P1X Pro is its impressive frame rigidity. Sim-Lab uses extra-heavy aluminium profiles, combined with an updated construction where universal corner brackets have been replaced with custom sandwich plates and pre-drilled attachment points. This approach results in an extremely stiff rig, even under the heaviest loads of direct drive wheelbases like the Simucube 2 Pro or Fanatec DD2. When driving, you won't feel any slack - and that makes a world of difference in feedback and control.

Modular and easily customisable

The P1X Pro builds on the modular principle Sim-Lab is known for, but does so in a more streamlined and efficient form. Thanks to its new mounting structure, the cockpit is faster and easier to assemble than previous generations, but more on that later. And because the montage plates and profiles are cleverly designed, the system remains open for expansion: whether you want to add an extra shifter, button box or handbrake, the rig grows with you. That's why a good foundation and base is so hugely important, and the frame or cockpit is something you absolutely shouldn't skimp on.

Future-proof design

What really makes this cockpit future-proof are the dedicated wheelmount options. You can choose from a front mount (with maximum legroom and rigidity for direct drive systems), a side mount or a universal wheeldeck. This makes the P1X Pro compatible with virtually every wheelbase on the market, including:

• Simucube 2 Sport / Pro / Ultimate
• Fanatec DD1, DD2, DD and DD+
• Simagic Alpha Mini / Alpha DD / Ultimate

Whether you are just getting in with a Simagic Alpha Mini or want to move up to a Simucube 2 Ultimate later - the modularity of the Sim-Lab P1X Pro ensures that this cockpit grows with you. And that's just a nice thought.

Smart and adjustable mounting points

Another strong point is the way accessories can be integrated. The cockpit features a sturdy and adjustable side mount, which allows you to easily mount a handbrake, shifter or other peripherals, such as a button box for example, in the place that works best for you ergonomically. This flexibility is especially valuable in simulations like rally or drift, where fast operations are essential.

Design and dimensions

Besides functionality, attention has also been paid to design. The P1X Pro looks modern, sleek and industrial - inspired by the lines of modern racing cars. The matt black powder coating is not only beautiful to look at, but also practical to use: less prone to scratches and easy to keep clean. I think this is a huge plus and progress compared to previous generations. The rounded corner profiles also contribute to the refined look. The whole thing looks more dynamic and visually balanced - especially compared to the previous generation, which suddenly looks classic and like an oldtimer 😉 In terms of design, dez

In terms of dimensions, at 1350 mm long and 580 mm wide (680 mm at the widest point), the frame is relatively compact, especially considering its stability. The height is 770 mm, making it suitable for a wide range of seating positions - from GT to Formula style.

Construction process Sim-Lab P1X Pro

First impression of the construction process

Anyone who has ever built an aluminium cockpit knows that it can be quite a time-consuming job. This is true to a much lesser extent for the Sim-Lab P1X Pro. Thanks to the updated construction, clear instructions and smart fastening solutions, the whole building process is clear, logical and above all: surprisingly easy!

Preparation and sorting of parts

Good preparation is half the battle. The montage started by unpacking and sorting the parts - and frankly: that is a project in itself. You are almost overwhelmed by the amount of boxes, bags and profiles that suddenly take up your space. But once you have unpacked and sorted everything, you notice that Sim-Lab has really made progress in this. Every part is neatly packed, mostly labelled, and roughly grouped by part. However, the amount of (waste) cardboard is huge!

Manual and documentation

Overall, the manual is clear and well-constructed. You download the manual with a QR code on Sim-Lab's website. Unfortunately, it is no longer included, which is absolutely no bad thing. Just make sure you have a laptop nearby, as it's all a bit small on a phone.

Each step is visually supported, which quickly gives you a good overview of the entire process. Still, there is one aspect that could be further optimised as far as I am concerned: sorting and retrieving the right fasteners.

Occasionally, it took some extra time to find the right bolt, washer or washer among the many bags. If Sim-Lab would number these bags and link them to the steps in the manual - similar to LEGO or IKEA's approach - the building process would be even more intuitive and faster. Especially for those, like me, who like to work in a structured and efficient way, this would be a valuable improvement. It is something small, and perhaps unnecessary for many, but it can certainly be pleasant improvement in the building process.

The amount of cardboard could also be drastically reduced if Sim-Lab chooses to supply a single box in which all screws, bolts and fasteners are arranged and numbered. That would make the construction process more convenient and sustainable.

Tools and montagools

One thing I noticed while building is that no tools are included. Although, technically speaking, two common spanners (a 24 mm socket spanner and an 8 mm allen spanner) go a long way - and I had them myself - it still felt like a missed opportunity. At my new (remote) location where I am setting up this test simulator, I had no hex keys at my disposal.

For a cockpit in this price range, completing the package with a small basic set of tools would have been a neat and logical addition. It makes the experience just a little more user-friendly, especially for those who build less frequently, don't have these keys at their fingertips or just want to get started right away.

Renewed construction and montagegemak

What is immediately noticeable during construction is that the traditional corner brackets have largely been replaced by custom-made sandwich plates and pre-drilled profiles. As a result, you mount many parts with just one bolt, washer and spacer. No more hassle with double fixings or crooked connections. This not only makes the frame stiffer, but also easier and faster to build. This is a really great improvement on previous generations, but also on competitors.

I spent a total of about two hours on the montage, doing it completely alone. Not for a second did I feel I needed extra hands. In fact, it felt almost relaxing. It is rare that I get so excited by a building process, but with the P1X Pro that was absolutely the case. Everything fits, connects neatly, and the frame comes together step by step in a way that feels logical and even satisfying. Truly a joy to build.

Adjustment of pedals and steering column

Adjusting the pedal deck and steering column takes some time and precision. My tip: do not fully tighten all screws yet while building. That way, you can position the components properly first and only tighten them once everything is ergonomically in place. The slotted pedal plate makes adjustment easy, but some preparation is still needed.

Assembling the chair

So in my case, I use my (old) Sim-Lab Speed 1 in combination with a seat slider. While it's nice to have some flexibility in the seating position afterwards, it doesn't make the montage any easier. One tip I can give: first mount the seat between the brackets before attaching it to the profiles. That gives you more control over the position and prevents you from having to loosen everything afterwards.

Mounting the seat remains, for me, one of the most frustrating parts of the whole building process. Especially attaching the seat to the seat slider presents the same struggle every time. The space to reach the bolts with a spanner is limited, and it takes a lot of patience (which is exactly what I don't have 😉 ) to get everything properly aligned and firmly fixed.

If this part of the process is ever optimised, it would be a huge win for me personally. It may be a small part, but it is one that I look up to every time.

Cap Washers: small details that make a difference

Another visual detail that Sim-Lab supplies as standard with the P1X Pro are the black aluminium cap washers. They give the whole thing a neat, finished look and make it visually one sleek unit. Personally, I also think black is the nicest option - it looks clean, minimalist and fits perfectly with the industrial, yet minimalist character of the cockpit.

Indeed, Sim-Lab also offers these washers separately in, for example blue or red. They are engraved with the Sim-Lab logo and fit perfectly with the most common brackets. For those who like to give their rig a personal touch, these additional colour variants are a pleasant option!

Sim-Lab Stickers: subtle branding

One detail that positively surprised me during assembly are the included Sim-Lab decals. At first glance, they may seem like just an aesthetic element, but in practice they visually complete the cockpit. While I am not usually a fan of eye-catching branding on my hardware, it feels just right here. The placement is subtle, the finish is sleek, and it fits perfectly with the industrial and modern character of the P1X Pro.

Besides: it's a piece of pride. Sim-Lab's products, and the P1X Pro in particular, are an impressive piece of Dutch engineering - robust, thoughtful and visually appealing. And that should be seen. By placing the sticker, you give Sim-Lab a well-deserved place on your simulator, in recognition of a cockpit that truly belongs to the top of the market.

Adjustable feet

The adjustable rubber feet are one of the subtle but valuable improvements of this new generation. They literally give the cockpit a floating character and add to its clean, modern look. The adjustable feet are large and feel solid. Adjusting them is easy and ensures that the whole unit stands firmly yet stylishly. Because the cockpit is now raised, it also makes it easier to get in and out. For me personally, this is one of the nicest details of the new design.

Mounting the integrated Vario monitor mount and monitor

The final step in the build process is perhaps the most satisfying and feels like the icing on the cake: mounting the monitor. Whereas in my own simulator I have a triple screen setup, for this test setup I go for a single monitor. In my case, it was an MSI 49″ curved ultrawide, which I attached to Sim-Lab's integrated Vario monitor mount. And fair is fair - once it's in place, the whole thing looks sleek and professional. This really gives the cockpit its final shape.

Assembling the integrated Vario monitor mount is surprisingly easy. Thanks to the clear manual, the use of cap washers and the clever design, you can assemble the base very quickly. My advice: while mounting, don't fully tighten everything yet. First mount the complete structure, assume your sitting position and then accurately adjust the distance between the screen and the steering column. Only when everything is exactly as you want it, tighten the bolts definitively.

The real power lies in the Vario VESA adapter. This patented system makes adjusting your monitor(s) child's play. With an Allen key, you can easily adjust the height (up to 32 mm), fine-tune horizontally by 10 mm and tilt or rotate the screen up to 5 degrees in two planes.

Especially with curved ultrawide screens or a triple setup, this precision is worth its weight in gold. Everything lines up, without frustration! A simple but hugely intuitive system for properly aligning your display(s).

User experience Sim Lab P1X Pro

After the enjoyable construction phase, the real work began: intensive test sessions from GT3 stints to endurance races in my favourite sims. What is immediately noticeable as soon as you sit down in the P1X Pro is the absolute quietness of the frame. No movement, no creak, no flex - even during heavy force feedback from direct drive wheelbases or during hard braking with the Sim-Lab XP1 loadcell pedal set. It feels like everything is one, providing an unprecedented degree of control and focus.

Even during longer sessions, comfort remains high. The seating position can be adjusted perfectly thanks to the seat slider, but you can also easily adjust the pedal deck. I found that with minimal adjustments, I could find an ergonomic position that still felt comfortable even after two hours of riding. The integrated monitor mount, combined with the Vario VESA adapter, helped enormously in this respect. Adjusting viewing angle and distance was smooth and precise - something you really notice when driving an ultrawide curved monitor.

What also adds to its comfort is its sleek and clean design. It is a joy to look at! Everything feels logically constructed, nothing gets in the way, and thanks to its modular nature, there is still room to add or move accessories.

In short: the Sim Lab P1X Pro far exceeds my expectations. The frame is not only a visual statement, but also built to really perform - stable, reliable and ready for any serious sim session. And the best part is: you don't have to be a techie to get everything working and perfectly tuned. This is a sim racing cockpit you get into with confidence - and get out with a smile. It's a cockpit you can rely on. Time after time.

Advantages and disadvantages

Wondering where the P1X Pro really excels - and where there is still room for improvement? Here are the main pros and cons.

Although I don't find it so much a disadvantage as a opportunity, I want to mention it anyway: the cockpit comes in many individual boxes and bags. A box within a box. This is orderly, but could have been more durable. One compact, orderly box containing all the mounting material with numbered parts would both reduce waste and further streamline the building process.

While it hardly detracts from the overall experience, this feels like one of the few points where there is still room for improvement. It's a detail, but one that would make the experience just a little tighter and more durable. Although I must add: I am obviously no packaging specialist and this may already be done to perfection.

Conclusion Sim Lab P1X Pro review: a top-level cockpit

The Sim Lab P1X is a cockpit that combines future-proofing with aesthetics and simplicity. Or rather, it is one of the most complete and thoughtful cockpits on the market.

The Sim-Lab P1X Pro is a fantastic improvement on the original P1X on all fronts. Everything about this cockpit exudes quality and vision: from the exceptional build quality to the minimalist, cleanly finished design. It is a rig that stands like a house, allows itself to be built with remarkable ease, and adapts to your setup - now and in the future.

The common thread throughout the experience is clear: it's all about simplicity and convenience. From the modular design and intuitive adjustment to the finish with cap washers and stylish branding - every detail feels thoughtful and functional. Ergonomics are also excellent. The cockpit remains completely stable under the heaviest loads. No flex, no play, no technical concessions.

Are there no areas for improvement then? Hardly at all. Supplying standard tools and numbering fasteners would make the building process even more efficient - but they are completely dwarfed by the overall experience. Because that is really very good.

There is genuinely no better alternative in this price range. Sim-Lab has created a true masterpiece ready for the future with the new generation of P1X Pro Sim Racing Cockpits.