CAN THE PLAYSEAT CHALLENGE WITHSTAND DIRECT DRIVE POWER?
WITH THE HELP OF LOWDOWN SHIFTER, YES IT CAN!
Getting Started with Sim Racing: My Lowdown Shifter Journey.
From a young age, my love for racing games has been a constant thrill, I have many fond memories of playing Gran Turismo on the PlayStation 1. The rush of racing virtually and pushing the boundaries has always captivated me. Yet, one missing piece in my gaming setup was a suitable steering wheel. When I finally decided to venture into the world of sim racing, I kicked off my journey with a Logitech G29, complete with a shifter and my trusty Playseat Challenge.
The Playseat Challenge, with its built-in mounting points for the wheelbase and pedals secured by a strap, felt like the perfect starting point for my sim racing adventures. It offered me the chance to experience the excitement of racing from the comfort of my own home. However, my initial excitement quickly gave way to a challenge of its own. I was faced with a dilemma: how to position the shifter exactly where I wanted, mirroring the setup of a real car. I spent hours scouring the internet for a solution and even considered crafting my own DIY fix.
It was during this quest that I stumbled upon LowdownShifter.com. This discovery marked a turning point in my sim racing journey, introducing me to innovative solutions that promised to solve my mounting problem.
My journey with Lowdown Shifter began with a shifter mount designed for the Logitech G29, and I was truly impressed. Not only was the product of exceptional quality, but Mark’s customer service was equally outstanding. His dedication and eagerness to assist with my purchase set him apart, making the entire experience even more satisfying. Installing the shifter mount was a breeze, taking just a few minutes and allowing me to get back to the virtual racetracks.
As my passion for sim racing continued to grow, the desire for even more immersion led me to upgrade to the Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm. While I knew this leap might require a new sim rig, I first explored the offerings at Lowdown Shifter before diving into the world of cockpit shopping.
To my delight, I quickly learned that the ingenious solutions provided by Lowdown Shifter seamlessly integrated with my Playseat Challenge, enabling me to allocate more of my budget toward enhancing my new setup.
In the sections that follow, I invite you to explore detailed reviews of the remarkable products I’ve had the privilege of experiencing from Lowdown Shifter. Join me on this thrilling journey of innovation, transformation, and endless racing adventures.
Logitech Shifter Mount.
- Compatible with the Playseat Challenge, Next level GT-Lite and Playseat Trophy.
- Finished in Brushed aluminium or textured black steel.
- Can be used in RHD or LHD for maximum customization.
- Comes with a complete fitting kit.
Steering Base Stabilizer System.
- Reduces cockpit flex.
- Comes with a full fitting kit
- Has different length models to allow for maximum adjustability.
- Very easy to install.
- Solid steel textured black finish.
Pedal Base Angle System.
- Has pedal plates for Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec and many more.
- Gives the correct fixing points to mount pedals securely.
- Made from heavy weight steel and has a textured black finish.
- Can take the full force of a loadcell pedal.
- Comes with a fitting kit.
- Easy install.
Pedal Chassis Connector System.
- Holds the chair and pedal slider firmly together.
- Strong construction to allow for the use of loadcell pedals.
- Easy install
- Comes with a fitting kit.
- Has a Playseat challenge and a Next level racing model.
Pedal Chassis thumb screws.
- Very effective mod, it removes the cheap plastic screws that lock the pedal slider to the chassis and replaces them with stronger nylon screws.
- Cheap mod that offers the biggest bang for its buck.
- quick and easy install.
- Pairs well with other mods, but is super effective on its own.
Fanatec double shifter mount.
- Secures the shifter mount in the optimal position.
- Can be used for either LHD or RHD.
- Very quick install and utilises the supplied T-nuts from Fanatec.
- Extremely secure and can hold the weight of both the shifter and the handbrake with zero movement.
Playseat Challenge feet lifter system.
- Adds additional stability to the front or rear of the Playseat Challenge.
- Takes away flex under heavy braking.
- Seat still folds away as normal even with these attached.
In conclusion,
Based on my personal experience, the Playseat Challenge remains a highly competitive product in today’s market, thanks to the remarkable innovations offered by Lowdown Shifter. These high-quality products provide an exceptional level of customization for the Playseat Challenge and other entry-level tubular frames.
As I continue to use my Playseat Challenge with my Fanatec GT DD PRO and load cell pedal set, I’ve come to appreciate the versatility these innovations offer. The pedal chassis connector and the pedal base angle system allow me to exert full force through my load cell pedals, lap after lap. Moreover, the steering base stabilizer system keeps my rig rock-solid, reducing flex during intense gaming sessions when the wheelbase delivers its full 8Nm of torque.
What’s particularly impressive is the enduring build quality of these products. After having these modifications on my rig for a couple of years and subjecting them to countless extended gaming sessions, they still maintain a brand-new appearance. Without a doubt, these innovations have breathed new life into the Playseat Challenge, making it a formidable contender in today’s direct drive market.
For those looking to enhance their gaming setup, I highly recommend visiting Lowdown Shifter to explore their wide range of products, from cup holders to button box mounts. They have everything you need to ensure your rig stands the test of time. Even after incorporating all these modifications, the Playseat Challenge retains its hallmark feature – it can still be conveniently folded away. If you’re dealing with limited space and aspire to own a rig suitable for direct drive setups, look no further than this exceptional combination of innovation and practicality.
Check out my review on the Playseat Challenge if you would like to know more information.
