The 4 Best Sim Racing Wheel Stands: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

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One of the most important parts of your sim racing rig is where you mount your wheel. This may be a dedicated cockpit, or a wheel stand if you’re on a budget or low on space. In this article, we take a look at the best sim racing wheel stands on the market.

The 4 best sim racing wheel stands are:

  1. Next Level Wheel Stand DD
  2. Extreme Sim Racing SXT V2 Wheel Stand
  3. GT Omega APEX Steering Wheel Stand
  4. Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe V2

As well as giving my reviews on the above wheel stands, I’ll be looking at what you should look for in a wheel stand and how to choose one below.

Best For Direct Drive
A Close Second
Budget Friendly Option
Best For Direct Drive
  • • Compatible with direct drive wheels
  • • Shifter and handbrake mount included
  • • Expandable
A Close Second
  • • Works with direct drive wheels
  • • Gear shifter mount and cupholder
  • • Solid construction
Budget Friendly Option
  • • Fairly budget friendly
  • • Highly adjustable
  • • Gear shifter mount included

Note: We always recommend opting for the sturdiest wheel and pedal mount you can afford, so it may be worth checking out our list of the best sim racing rigs instead of opting for a wheel stand.

The 4 Best Sim Racing Wheel Stands

1. Next Level Wheel Stand DD

Compatible With: All major wheels, pedals & shifters | Shifter Mount Included: Yes | Expandable: Yes

Simply put, the Wheel Stand DD from Next Level Racing was designed with absolute excellence in mind. Everything from the included gear shifter mount to the specialized handbrake bracket, all the way to what the ‘DD’ stands for is made for the competitive sim racer to have the best quality available.

Best For Direct Drive

Next Level Wheel Stand DD

This wheel stand is the ideal choice for those with a direct drive racing wheel. It's incredibly sturdy, and you'll also get a mount for your gear shifter and handbrake.

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Compatible With Direct Drive

Starting with its material, the Wheel Stand DD is made from laser-cut carbon steel, which provides strength while remaining lightweight. Matte black and accented with racing red from the logo, it makes a bold yet simplistic statement in terms of its design.

The main feature of this wheel stand that sets it apart from others comes back to what the ‘DD’ stands for in its name, Direct Drive. This wheel stand is specifically engineered and designed to withstand the strongest, most advanced form of force feedback currently available in sim racing.

Note: While this wheel stand is designed to handle direct drive wheels, it's not going to offer as much stability as something like an aluminum extrusion rig.

Portability

Although it is designed first and foremost to remain in one location as a static setup, Next Level Racing have included a unique wheel-locking feature on the front of this stand. If you’re low on space and need to put the stand away when you’re not racing, the Wheel Stand DD can be rolled out of the way in seconds using these lockable wheels.

This doesn’t compromise the overall stability of the build either, due to the static feet that also come with the stand. You can switch out the wheels and feet with ease.

In spite of being designed for the ‘hardcore’ racer, there’s a lot to love about this wheel stand even if you’re a casual sim racing enthusiast. The fantastic build quality will ensure its longevity, and you can put the stand away when it isn’t being used without it being a complicated, lengthy process.

Fully Upgradable

The Wheel Stand DD, as well as being a fantastic wheel stand, can be upgraded into a full racing cockpit using Next Level Racing’s various add-on products. You can add brackets for a keyboard and other PC accessories, and an attachable sim racing seat too. Nothing beats a cockpit for absolute immersion, and the process of building one with the rock-solid DD as its base couldn’t be easier.

It’s fully adjustable, including its height, pedal plate position, and even pedal plate angle to create the most comfortable racing setup for you specifically.

There aren’t many stands out there that offer this level of rigidity purpose-built for direct drive, nor the extras that are included as standard (gear shifter & handbrake mount). It combines a static setup’s stability with a portable stand’s convenience all in one neat package!

Next Level Wheel Stand DD

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PROS:

  • Specifically designed for use with direct drive racing wheels
  • Sturdy build is suitable for all levels of sim racer
  • Highly portable

CONS:

  • Still not going to be as stable as a dedicated rig

2. Extreme Sim Racing SXT V2 Wheel Stand

Compatible With: All major wheels, pedals & shifters | Shifter Mount Included: Yes | Expandable: Yes

The SXT V2 made by Extreme Sim Racing has been designed with gamers in mind, from the sleek, foldable design all the way to the thought of somewhere to put your drink of choice. It’s this attention to detail that puts it so close to the top of our list.

A Close Second

Extreme Sim Racing SXT V2 Wheel Stand

This wheel stand is a very versatile choice, and it also supports direct drive wheels thanks to its solid construction. You also get a gear shifter mount and even a cup holder too.

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A Stable Choice

Much like the Wheel Stand DD by Next Level Racing, the SXT V2 is supposed to be compatible with direct drive wheels for ultimate stability even under realistic force feedback (although we would again recommend a dedicated rig for DD wheels). Although it isn’t purposely engineered with direct drive in mind, you can’t argue with the rigidity that needs to be present in the frame if it can handle that level of power!

Upon opening the box, you’ll be relieved to see that it comes almost entirely assembled. This will cut down the time spent getting it ready for your rig, and maximize the time you spend racing! The manufacturers decided to make the stand out of tubing, which adds a lightweight quality to the overall product. It also makes it easier to move and fold away when you’re not using it.

It’s covered in a matte black powder finish, which is preferable compared to typical, unfinished metals. The powder coating protects against damage like scratches and scrapes, keeping it in a better condition for longer. The base is fitted with anti-slip feet, allowing for a secure position on both carpet and hardwood floors.

Lots Of Adjustability

Every aspect of this wheel stand is adjustable, which gives you absolute control for the most comfortable driving experience possible. You can adjust the height and pedal plate with ease, even allowing for different tilt angles for all kinds of seating positions.

In spite of appearing sleek and sophisticated, every component of the wheel stand can easily be described as rugged. This refers to the sturdy properties of all component parts, meaning that you won’t have to worry about anything failing after a few laps.

Sturdy Shifter Mount

There’s a notable visual difference between this stand and some of the others on this list, and that is seen in the wheel mounting deck. As well as this being the place where your wheel of choice is hard-mounted, you’ll also find the shifter mount right beside it. On other models, you’ll commonly see an extended bracket that protrudes from the stand itself, making it an easier component to break.

That isn’t the case on the STX V2. This is more of a personal preference component as to whether you’d like a shifter mount to be beside the wheel or separate, but from a stability stand-point, there’s no denying the extra sturdiness found in the mount located alongside the wheel.

For a fair price, you’ll be getting a highly advanced wheel stand that boasts impeccable build materials and rock-solid stability. It isn’t specifically engineered to handle direct drive, which means that the Wheel Stand DD does exceed it in this way, but the overall compatibility of the STX V2 is better and more suited to those of us with gear or belt-driven force feedback wheels.

Extreme Sim Racing SXT V2 Wheel Stand

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PROS:

  • Can support some direct drive wheels
  • Comes with a wheel mount, shifter mount & cup holder
  • Good value for money

CONS:

  • Gear shifter being next to wheel might not suit everybody
  • Steel tubing not as stable as other stands

3. GT Omega APEX Steering Wheel Stand

Compatible With: Most Thrustmaster, Fanatec & Logitech hardware | Shifter Mount Included: Yes | Expandable: Yes

All of the essentials in a steering wheel stand – that’s how to describe the GT Omega APEX in a nutshell. There isn’t anything ground-breaking about it (except its reasonable price), but there doesn’t have to be! It’s a sturdy build that’ll reliably hold your sim racing wheel and pedals, and it’s something you can upgrade over time.

Budget Friendly Option

GT Omega APEX Steering Wheel Stand

This is the perfect wheel stand for sim racers on a budget. Even at the lower end of the price range, you get excellent adjustability and a well-built wheel and pedal stand.

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A Foldable Stand

The manufacturer, GT Omega, has been designing and producing racing wheel stands since the early days of sim racing. They’ve perfected their designs over the years, and the APEX is the culmination of everything they’ve learned.

The sleek, black frame is both substantial and lightweight in equal measure, with it being specifically designed to be easily foldable for those without the space for a permanent sim racing setup.

It has specialized rubber grips on the feet to help keep it grounded on any flooring, ensuring a well-balanced stand even on the trickiest of corners when you’re snapping your steering wheel in all directions!

Easy To Adjust

Its base height of 67 cm is adjustable all the way up to 86 cm, so it can be made to fit any seating arrangement for maximum comfort. The pedal plate underneath can be angled in a variety of ways to replicate a real race car’s cockpit without affecting the overall stability of the rig.

Pre-drilled holes in the pedal plate make hard mounting your pedals a breeze. The steering wheel plate can be tilted to a more desirable angle too, and you can add the included shifter mount to the left or right side of the stand.

Simple Storage

Unlike other wheel stands, you don’t have to remove any of your sim racing equipment from the stand to fold it and put it away, and it’s fairly quick and easy to put it away and get it back out again.

The ‘cheapness’ of this wheel stand isn’t anywhere to be found in its build composition, nor in the variety of adjustment capabilities or sim racing compatibility. It’s a well-balanced, decently-priced wheel stand that’s perfect for beginners.

GT Omega APEX Steering Wheel Stand

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PROS:

  • Highly adjustable for the best driving experience
  • Most affordable option on this list
  • Reasonably stable

CONS:

  • Material isn’t as high-grade as the DD or SXT V2
  • Upgrades are limited to keyboard brackets & screen mounts

4. Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe V2

Compatible With: Depends on V2 Model (Thrustmaster or Logitech) | Shifter Mount Included: Yes | Expandable: No

Finally, we come to the Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe V2. The overall goal of this products is to provide solid stability in a wheel stand while also providing an easily moved base, making it ideal for sim racers who don’t want or need a permanent setup. The Deluxe V2, in both the Thrustmaster and Logitech variants, definitely delivers on this goal.

Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe V2

This highly portable sim racing wheel stand is a great choice for those on a budget. The focus on the design is foldability, making it perfect for those without the space for a dedicated rig.

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Ready To Race

This stand will be ready to go as soon as you open the box, making it an attractive option for sim racers who enjoy minimal setup times. I mean, who doesn’t like extra racing time? Adjusting the stand is also easy thanks to a quick-release mechanism on the wheel arm, and you can mount your pedals in a variety of positions along the base tubing.

Unlike the other stands on this list, the Deluxe V2 is entirely hand-crafted. It adds a layer of personality to the stand, and the extra time spent testing it guarantees a long life. It is made entirely of metal, save for the rubber anti-slip feet on the base, and it’s constructed with lightweight tubing that makes it easy to move around, which is ideal for storing it when you’re not racing.

Very Portable

Due to its unique design, the stand can be folded in a matter of seconds and moved just as quickly. It’s perfect for racers without the space for a dedicated sim racing rig. Wheel Stand Pro wanted to design a deluxe version of their standard product to ensure that you don’t lose any stability due to this feature, meaning you can have the best of both worlds.

Not The Most Stable

As you might imagine of a stand that’s designed to fold and not be a permanent fixture, it isn’t as stable or sturdy as the others I’ve outlined above. The fact that the wheel arm is a single piece of tubing makes it a wobbly choice, especially in races that require a lot of sharp turns.

But as a wheel stand for beginners or more casual sim racing enthusiasts with entry-level wheels and pedals, you can’t beat the value and overall attention to detail in the Deluxe V2.

Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe V2

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PROS:

  • Foldable for easy storage
  • Small form factor
  • Highly adjustable

CONS:

  • Not very stable
  • Only really ideal for beginners

Summary Of The Best Sim Racing Wheel Stands

Wheel StandBest For
Next Level Wheel Stand DDThose with a direct drive wheel base
Extreme Sim Racing SXT V2 Wheel StandAnyone looking for the best value for money
GT Omega APEX Steering Wheel StandThose seeking the absolute cheapest option
Wheel Stand Pro Deluxe V2People that prioritize portability above all else

How To Choose A Sim Racing Wheel Stand

The Time You Spend Racing

Think about how much time you spend sim racing. Are you hoping to compete as an esports star, topping leaderboards consistently on most days of the week? Or are you an excitable enthusiast looking for a bit of realism when you have chance to sit down and race on the weekends?

This will be a huge deciding factor in how you go on to pick a sim racing wheel stand, because it has a lot to do with budget and what level of stability you require.

If you want to get competitive, money shouldn’t really be an object because you want a premium drive and the wheel stand will need to hold up to that. And if you’re an enthusiast in it for the fun, you should probably consider cheaper, more portable wheel stands without compromising on features and longevity.

Compatibility

Aside from budget, there’s another very practical factor to think about before committing to a particular wheel stand. You need to consider what gear you already have and whether it will be compatible with the wheel stand you plan to buy.

Sim racing wheel stands are pretty versatile and can work with most wheels, pedal sets and numerous other pieces of gear. However, there are some that will be specifically designed for Thrustmaster or Fanatec or even Logitech. As such, buying a Thrustmaster-specific stand for your Fanatec wheel won’t be much use!

How Good It Looks

A factor that’s not as important but definitely something you’ll be thinking about is how the wheel stand looks. After investing hundreds of dollars on the rest of your rig, the least you can ask for is something that’s aesthetically pleasing!

What To Look For In A Sim Racing Wheel Stand

Stability

Your wheel stand absolutely must offer stability. It won’t just have to hold the weight of a wheel, pedal set and even perhaps a gear shifter, but it’ll have to withstand actual sim racing! And if you’ve used a decent wheel base before, you’ll know that they’re capable of some serious force feedback.

It goes without saying that you need a sturdy bit of equipment that can deal with the normal wear and tear of sim racing. Even if you only spend weekends or the occasional evening racing, you don’t want the whole rig toppling over when you try and take 130R flat out!

A lot of wheel stands will have non-slip feet on them to help with this anchoring of the rig, but you should absolutely look out for what the build materials are. You want something made of metal. Metal tubing, for example, is both lightweight and sturdy, and while they usually won’t be tough enough for direct drive wheels, they’ll be able to handle more entry-level options with ease.

Adjustability

Part of investing in a wheel stand is all about moving away from that ill-fitting, uncomfortable mount situation that you probably put together with an old desk, so the bare minimum you need is a stand with adjustable height and mounting positions.

You want the wheel stand to replicate a real car’s cockpit after all, and you want something that won’t strain your back from being too short or far away for you to reach.

Additional Mounts

You might deem a stick shifter mount to be an added extra you don’t need, or you might decide that it’s an essential feature that you absolutely must have. Really think about what your sim racing rig looks like right now, and consider what you need or want to pick up in future to ensure you can make the most of what you buy.

It would be pointless to buy a wheel stand without a mount included if you just picked up a brand-new H-pattern shifter! Sure, you’d have saved money by not purchasing a stand with that specific mount, but you’ll have to buy one separately anyway!

Find Out What Other People Think

Lastly, as a general tip going forward when looking at all parts of your sim racing rig, make sure to browse forums such as Reddit to get a better idea of what the community thinks of all the options out there. Also check out product reviews too, as these can be invaluable sources of information that you might not find on the manufacturer’s website.

KEY POINTS

• Make sure to opt for a wheel stand that’s compatible with your existing sim racing gear

• Pick one that’s stable, durable and adjustable

• Check out forums and product reviews to see what real people think of your chosen stand before you buy

Final Thoughts

When choosing a sim racing wheel stand, make sure to think about what you want to get out of the product and always opt for the best quality that you can afford. The best choice is the Next Level Wheel Stand DD, but for those on a budget, the APEX stand from GT Omega is worth considering too.