Next Level Racing · seat · 2020
Next Level Racing ES1 Sim Racing Seat
Rigid one-piece rotomolded bucket seat with belts included, but no brackets or sliders
A fixed-back bucket seat made for sim racing, with a supportive shell and a mix of leatherette and breathable fabric. A common pick for NLR and other aluminum profile frames.
AI rating
- Comfort
- 8
- Support
- 8
- Build quality
- 8
- Value
- 7
Who it suits
- First rig
- 6
- Console racing
- 7
- Competitive racing
- 8
- Small rooms
- 6
- Tight budgets
- 5
- Enthusiasts
- 8
Scores are AI analysis of public information (specs, manuals, published reviews and owner reports), not a hands-on test. How we rate
Pros and cons
- Firm side bolsters hold you in place under heavy braking
- Breathable fabric center panels stay cooler than all-leatherette seats
- Standard bottom mounting fits most profile cockpits with brackets
- Fixed back cannot recline for formula-style or relaxed driving
- Pricier than real-car reclining seats of similar comfort
Watch out: Fixed bucket: wide or tall drivers should check the shoulder width, and sliders or side brackets may be extra.
What it feels like
- Firmness
- Hold
- Breathability
It feels like a solid shell, with no flex or recline creak.
The contoured bucket holds your hips and thighs, but expect a firm ride on long sessions.
Suede covering is grippy but not especially airy; heat can build up.
Like a real fixed-back race bucket, not an office chair.
What the ES1 works with
- Seat sliders aren't included; some cockpits supply their own.
- Check the seat's mounting points against the cockpit's seat brackets before you order.
Cockpits sold without a seat
Each of these needs a seat like this one.
- Sim-Lab GT1 Evo Sim Racing Cockpit (frame only) · Rated about 25 Nm86
- Sim-Lab P1X Pro Sim Racing Cockpit (frame only) · Rated about 32 Nm85
- Trak Racer TR80 Lite Aluminum Cockpit (frame only) · Rated about 25 Nm84
- Next Level Racing F-GT Elite Aluminum Cockpit (frame only) · Rated about 30 Nm82
- Next Level Racing GTElite Aluminum Cockpit (frame only) · Rated about 25 Nm81
- Trak Racer TR8 Pro Racing Simulator (frame only) · Rated about 15 Nm76
- Fanatec CSL Cockpit V1.5 (frame only) · Rated about 12 Nm76
Rigs that use it
- Papaya SprintPC · $2,323
- Gravel GoldPC · $3,503
- Track Day TriplesPC · $6,828
Tech facts
| Material | Leatherette and fabric |
|---|---|
| Seat sliders included | No |
| Connection | None (passive seat, no electronics) |
| Weight capacity | 250 kg (551 lb) |
| Safety | Seat belts included; brass mounting inserts for belts, ButtKickers and haptics |
| Size (W × D × H) | 22 × 24 × 37 in (56 × 62 × 95 cm) |
| Weight | 29 lb (13 kg) |
| Materials | Fiberglass, leather and fabric |
| Released | 2020 |
Our take
AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.
The ES1 is a fixed-back, single-piece seat made by five-axis rotational molding, so there is no recline hinge to flex or creak. That suits a first rig where you want the seat to feel solid and you don't need to share it with someone of a very different size. Next Level Racing lists a 42-inch waist limit and a 250 kg (551 lb) user rating. The cushions are PU molded foam with a suede covering, and seat belts are included. The brass inserts let you mount belts, a ButtKicker or other haptic gear.
The catch is that brackets are not included, and neither are sliders. You need side-mount brackets that fit your cockpit, either NLR's own or another maker's. Check how the seat attaches to your frame before you order. A fixed bucket also means you set your position with pedal and wheel placement, since the seat itself doesn't slide. NLR's list price is $399, and it showed out of stock on the brand site when we checked. The seat suits drivers who prefer a firm, supportive shell to a plush office-chair feel. Skip it if you want a seat you can adjust on the fly.
Questions buyers ask
Does the ES1 come with brackets or sliders?
No. NLR states that electronics, cockpit and seat brackets are not included. Only the seat and seat belts are. Buy side-mount brackets separately, and sliders too if you want fore/aft adjustment.
Will it fit my cockpit?
NLR says it is compatible with side-mounting seat brackets and offers 98 mounting configurations with its own brackets. Other brands' cockpits usually need a matching bracket kit, so check your frame's hole pattern first.
Who is it too small or big for?
NLR lists a waist up to 42 inches (106.7 cm) and a user weight up to 250 kg (551 lbs). It is a fixed contoured bucket, so very wide or very tall drivers should check dimensions before buying.