Playseat Challenge X Logitech G Edition Sim Racing Seat
assembly
Putting the Playseat Challenge X Logitech G Edition together was a surprisingly simple task and I comfortably handled the build solo. A combination of relatively few pieces and well thought out instructions from Playseat saw me go from box to grid in no more than half an hour.
Each piece is unique enough in size or shape to be a clear match for the printed instruction photos, though if you’re a more visual learner Playseat offer a follow-along YouTube video of the build as well. Most pieces simply click together with those ball joints that always manage to pinch your finger at some point and there’s an Allen Key included in the box for the few bolts you’ll need to tighten.
design
Just like the Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition, at first glance the Playseat Challenge X seems more like a branded version of the original Challenge than a meaningful upgrade. Look a little closer though and there’s a number of notable changes that make a big difference to this sim racing seat.
The new grey paint job mirrors what you’ll find on the Logitech G Edition of the Playseat Trophy and it’s a pleasant change away from the black finish you often see with sim racing gear. It also takes some of the dominance away from the unit as a whole, because while the Challenge X’s steel frame is a little thicker in places than its predecessor, I found the lighter tones meant it doesn’t feel as imposing in the room. Logitech branding is present but minimal and tasteful, with a few flashes of electric blue that add a little character here and there.
If the Playseat Trophy is a racing hammock, the Playseat Challenge X is a racing deck chair. Rather than a solid, fixed frame the Challenge X collapses in half making it easier to tuck to one side and store. It’s definitely more living room friendly as a result, though the space savings aren’t quite as great as the product photos suggest. It also ends up being surprisingly heavy with a beefy wheel attached, the rig itself runs nearly 12kg which is fine on its own but when combined with 13kg of Logitech G Pro gear adds up to quite a hefty total.
While the frame and chair itself do fold down into an impressively tight bundle, once you bolt on a wheel and pedals things aren’t so compact. The Logitech G Pro racing wheel I tested it with collides with the seat long before the deck would have while the end of the pedal base also fouls the crossbar, meaning a larger overall footprint even when fully folded down. It still takes up far less space than a solid rig though and is much easier to move around.
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New to the Playseat Challenge X Logitech G Edition is a quick release adapter on each side and it’s a big upgrade from the basic straps found on previous generations. The new hardware still offers a great range of seating positions but now rigidly locks into place and feels far more befitting of a premium chair than simply strapping it together and hoping. I had no issues having the tiny rows of teeth lock into place where I wanted and one side was strong enough to hold position while I secured the other. You can’t be sitting in the chair while doing this, obviously, so there is an element of trial and error involved as you move through the 6 options but the steps are small enough that there’s quite a wide window of success.
The Challenge X also features a beefed up pedal mounting solution that feels far more up to the job than previous efforts but may be limiting for some users. The angled steel supports are sturdy and unsurprisingly the pre-drilled holes lined up nicely with those on the Logitech G Pro Pedals. The same can’t be said for my MOZA SR-P Pedals however, as they don’t feature a solid base board and the Challenge X only offers edge mounts there’s no native compatibility. Obviously you can’t account for every potential set of pedals from every other brand, however a couple of horizontal mounting bars between the two edge mounts or a full tray like the Playseat Trophy offers would have been very welcome here.
The Logitech G Edition also adds gear shifter support in the box for the first time. The extra steel bar that bolts on to the wheel deck and previously set you back an extra £25 is now included as standard and that quickly eats away at the price difference between the Challenge X and previous models.
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performance
When it comes to crafting a good sim racing seat there are two key boxes that need to be ticked, comfort and stability. On the whole I found the Playseat Challenge X did a pretty good job at both, though the compromises compared to a rigid, higher-end option like the Playseat Trophy are noticeable.
I use the word compromises quite deliberately, because they aren’t necessarily weaknesses if you’re expecting them. The areas where the Playseat Challenge X performs well and areas where it struggles are clear from the outset and largely relative to each other. It’s all a case of cause and effect, if you want this you can’t have that, it all makes sense. Ultimately though for the situation it’s designed for and the price point it sits at the Playseat Challenge X is excellent.
Like the Playseat Trophy, rather than a solid moulded seat the Playseat Challenge X features an ActiFit fabric sleeve that fits snugly around an outer frame. It’s a simpler shape with a little less support than the Trophy but it’s still an effective solution and a considerably less bulky one. Through a full length race in EA F1 23 the Challenge X remained comfortable and I didn’t overheat or feel the need to squirm or adjust my position. The suspended seat moves with you like a sling and does a good job of absorbing quick direction changes and heaving braking events.
I paired the Challenge X with the Logitech G Pro wheel which tops out at 11Nm of direct drive force – that’s quite a bit of oomph but this sim racing seat was still up to the task for the most part. I did notice quite a bit of bounce and movement through the wheel bar while racing, never enough to actually impact my gameplay but certainly noticeable at times and somewhat immersion breaking as a result. This is one of those compromises you’ll need to accept with a more portable rig, the rigidity and bracing points just aren’t there. I imagine a lighter, less powerful wheel like the G923 would offer a more stable experience and is probably a more common wheel for this type of chair anyway.
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There’s only a small range of adjustment for the wheel, just a simple tilt forward and back with no distance control. As a six foot tall human I found the position wasn’t exactly where I’d like it, it was a little close and cramped but still in a comfortable enough range to not be a problem. The crossbar supporting the wheel also cleverly hinges open, making it easy to climb in and out of the cockpit. This is great, though I found the heavy G Pro Wheel is just over the limit for it and even with the extra stabilisation bar extended I felt the need to keep hold of it to stop the whole seat toppling over.
Moving down to the pedals you’ll find a better chance for customisation with the ability to slide them in and out an impressive distance. These are just smooth metal poles with a thumb screw to pinch them in place however and on multiple occasions I found the Challenge X pedal tray pushed out and moved in a heavy braking zone. Again, I’m using the top-end 100kg load cell Logitech G Pro Pedals with what is a portable, mid-range racing seat so I’m pushing the limits of what it’s designed for, but it’s another compromise you’ll need to consider. You’ll also need to retract the pedals fully if you plan to fold up the Challenge X Logitech G Edition so grab a Sharpie and make a couple of marks when you find your ideal length.
summed up
While there are a couple of concessions you’ll need to live with, the Playseat Challenge X is still an excellent sim racing seat and will be a high quality addition to most living room setups. The deck chair style ActiFit seat is comfortable and the folding steel frame stood up to even the high torque demands of the Logitech G Pro.
At £259 it’s not a cheap option but you’re getting what you pay for as this is a living room friendly sim racing seat worthy of a podium. If you have the space and the budget, the Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition is a better rig all round but enters a new league of sim racing seats so it’s not really a fair comparison.
