A seat upgrade should start with the way you want to sit. Do you want a fixed bucket, an adjustable recliner or a dedicated Formula position? Once that choice is clear, the differences between materials, lumbar adjustment, ventilation and haptic feedback become much easier to weigh up.
This guide brings together Speednation’s standalone Racetech and Next Level Racing sim-racing seats, including the RT4119 variants, ERS and PRS recliners, ES bucket seats, EFS Formula seat, HYPERCOOL and Haptic models.
The racing-seat range at a glance
Use this table to narrow the field, then read the relevant section for the differences behind the names. Product links carry the current price, ordering options and package details.
| Model | Seat type | Main distinction | Adjustment or package detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERS2 | Reclining | Separate ERS2 model | Speednation’s package lists a dual-locking seat slider |
| ERS3 | Reclining | Standard PU leather edition | Double recliner; included sliders |
| PRS1 | Reclining | Adjustable lumbar support; up to 38-inch waist* | Double recliner and dual sliders |
| PRS2 | Reclining | Wider PRS profile; up to 40-inch waist* | Adjustable lumbar support and dual sliders |
| ES2 | Fixed bucket | Fibreglass shell with carbon-look finish | Side mounting; slider not included |
| ES3 Fibreglass | Fixed bucket | High-gloss fibreglass shell | Side-mount brackets included |
| ES3 Full Carbon Fibre | Fixed bucket | Full carbon-fibre shell | Side-mount brackets included |
| Elite Formula Seat (EFS) | Dedicated Formula | Low, reclined Formula-shaped shell | Formula side brackets included |
| Racetech RT4119 WT | Fixed bucket | Wide and Tall fibreglass simulator shell | Side mounting; optional air-duct spigot |
| Racetech RT4119 WTHR | Fixed bucket | Wide and Tall with head-restraint wings | Includes 2-inch air-duct spigot |
| ES1 HYPERCOOL | Fixed bucket + cooling | Two centrifugal fans | Variable fan-speed control |
| ERS3 HYPERCOOL | Reclining + cooling | Six fans across base and backrest | Two fan settings; sliders included |
| ES1 Haptic | Fixed bucket + haptics | Eight integrated feedback motors | Side-mount design; PC or audio-based input |
| ERS3 Haptic | Reclining + haptics | Eight integrated feedback motors | Bottom-mount design; PC or audio-based input |
*PRS waist figures are Next Level Racing’s stated fit guides, not a guarantee of personal fit. Compare the seat drawing and try the shape where possible.
Reclining seats: ERS2, ERS3, PRS1 and PRS2
A reclining seat gives you backrest adjustment without changing the entire seat’s angle on its brackets. That is useful when several people use the cockpit or you want to adjust your position between sessions. The seat base, wheel and pedals still need to work together.
The ERS2 is a separate option from the standard ERS3; compare their product pages and seat drawings rather than treating the numbers as upholstery choices. The ERS3 uses PU leather and cold-moulded foam, with a double recliner and bottom-mounted sliders.
The important step from ERS to PRS1 or PRS2 is adjustable lumbar support. Both PRS models also have double recliners, dual sliders and performance-mesh upholstery. PRS1 has the narrower stated fit; PRS2 provides a slightly wider profile. If you want to adjust lower-back support as well as backrest angle, put these two on your shortlist.
Fixed buckets: ES2 and the two ES3 editions
A fixed bucket has a backrest built into its shell. You set the overall seating angle through the mounting arrangement rather than a reclining lever. Start with the shell’s dimensions and bolster shape, then compare the material and included mounting hardware.
The ES2 combines a fibreglass shell with PU leather and suede cushioning. Its hydro-dip finish gives a carbon appearance; it is not a carbon-fibre shell. Next Level Racing also documents a rear ButtKicker mount. A seat slider is a separate item.
The ES3 Fibreglass and ES3 Full Carbon Fibre share a fixed-back design, shaped side and shoulder bolsters, cushions and included side-mount brackets with angle and height options. Their clear material difference is fibreglass versus full carbon fibre. Both have a manufacturer-stated fit guide up to a 36-inch waist, so measure before making material the deciding factor.
Formula position: the EFS has a different job
The Elite Formula Seat (EFS) is designed specifically around a low, reclined Formula position with the legs elevated. Its rotationally moulded LLDPE shell and included Formula side brackets make it a distinct option within the range.
Choose your cockpit layout before choosing this seat. A Formula position involves the relationship between your hips, pedals and wheel, so leaning an ordinary recliner backwards is not the same setup. For GT driving, begin with the bucket or reclining sections; for a Formula-focused build, compare the EFS drawing with the frame’s adjustment range.
Racetech RT4119: WT or WTHR?
The Racetech RT4119 simulator seat comes in two Wide and Tall variants. Both use fibreglass-composite shells based on Racetech’s motorsport seat geometry, with lighter shells made specifically for simulators.
WT is the version without head-restraint wings. WTHR adds those wings and includes a spigot for a 2-inch air hose; the spigot is optional on WT. This is a duct connection for an external airflow setup, rather than built-in cooling fans.
Racetech specifies 295 mm side-mount hole centres. Use that together with the full dimension drawing to check your bracket arrangement and clearance. These are simulator-only variants, have no FIA homologation and must not be used in a vehicle.
HYPERCOOL: active ventilation in two seat styles
If airflow through the seat is a priority, compare ES1 HYPERCOOL with ERS3 HYPERCOOL. Both use SIMAERO mesh, but their seating forms and ventilation systems differ.
ES1 HYPERCOOL uses a fixed LLDPE bucket shell and two centrifugal fans, controlled by a variable-speed knob. ERS3 HYPERCOOL keeps a reclining backrest and uses six internal fans: three in the base and three in the backrest, with two fan settings. It also includes dual seat sliders.
Choose the seat form first, then the ventilation package. Passive mesh upholstery and a powered fan system are different features. For an ES1 HYPERCOOL Hybrid or Formula installation, Next Level Racing specifies its Universal Seat Brackets as a separate purchase.
Haptic seats: feedback built into the seat
The ES1 Haptic and ERS3 Haptic each contain eight integrated feedback motors. They add vibration feedback through the seat; choose ES1 for the fixed bucket form or ERS3 for the reclining form.
On PC, Next Level Racing documents HFS software and SimHub support for individual motor control and telemetry-based effects. Console use takes a 3.5 mm audio input and produces sound-based vibration. Those are different experiences, so check your platform and game requirements when planning the connection.
Haptic and HYPERCOOL are separate models. One supplies feedback and the other supplies airflow. If you already use a haptic pad, decide whether you want to replace it with an integrated seat system before adding another layer of hardware.
Common questions
Is a bucket seat always better than a recliner?
There is no single choice for every rig. A fixed shell gives you one backrest shape; a recliner gives you angle adjustment. Start with the position and adjustment you want, then compare the actual fit.
Can I adjust a fixed bucket seat?
Its backrest does not recline independently, but suitable brackets can change the whole seat’s angle or height. A compatible slider can add fore-and-aft movement. The range depends on the seat, brackets and cockpit together.
Product information checked 19 October 2026 against current Speednation records and the linked manufacturers’ product documentation. For the broader seating concepts, see Next Level Racing’s seat-selection guide; for the RT4119 variants, see Racetech’s simulator-seat specifications.