Buyer guide
How to choose a motion simulator platform
The short answer
Choose a motion simulator by four things, in this order: what moves (only the seat, or the seat, wheel and pedals together), how many axes you need, the floor space you have, and your total budget with a seat, wheel and pedals.
- Have a cockpit already and a tight budget? A seat mover such as the DOF M2 moves only your seat and fits under a compatible cockpit.
- Want the wheel and pedals to move with you? Pick a full platform. The H3 (3 axes) is where most racers start.
- Want curbs, crests and bumps too? Add heave with the H4.
- Want every axis? The H6 and the Pro P6e move in all six.
1. Seat mover or full platform
A seat mover tilts only your seat. Your wheel and pedals stay still on the cockpit. A full platform moves the seat, wheel and pedals as one frame, so your hands and feet move with your body.
| Seat mover (DOF M2) | Full platform (DOF H and P series) | |
|---|---|---|
| What moves | The seat only | Seat, wheel and pedals together |
| Needs a cockpit | Yes, one that fits it | No, it is the cockpit |
| Size of the motion unit | 8 x 16.5 x 16.5 in (21 x 42 x 42 cm) | From 2 x 5 ft (H2) to 4 x 5 ft (6 axes) |
| Starting price | $2,000.99 | $3,189.99 (H2) |
2. How many axes you need
Each axis adds one kind of movement. Pitch tilts you forward and back for braking and acceleration. Roll tilts you side to side for corners. Yaw turns the rear so you feel the car slide. Heave lifts and drops the whole rig for curbs and bumps. Surge and sway slide you front to back and side to side.
| Model | Axes | What moves | Floor footprint | Peak power | Max driver | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | 2: pitch, roll | Seat only | 8 x 16.5 x 16.5 in unit | 500 W | 330 lb | $2,000.99 |
| H2 | 2: pitch, roll | Full platform | 2 x 5 ft, 2 ft high | 500 W | 330 lb | $3,189.99 |
| H3 | 3: + yaw | Full platform | 3 x 5 ft, 2 ft high | 750 W | 330 lb | $3,945.99 |
| H4 | 4: + heave | Full platform | 3 x 5 ft, 2 ft high | 1000 W | 330 lb | $5,134.99 |
| H6 | 6: + surge, sway | Full platform | 4 x 5 ft, 2 ft high | 1500 W | 330 lb | $8,419.99 |
| P6e | 6, Pro | Full platform | 4 x 5 ft, 2 ft high | 1500 W | 440 lb | $11,419.99 |
Specs are from DOF Reality's own spec sheets for the racing versions. Prices are ours and include insured freight to the US and Canada. Torn between the two most popular models? Read DOF Reality H3 vs H4.
3. Space, power and computer
- Space: measure the floor. The full platforms need the footprint in the table plus room to climb in and for your screen or stand.
- Power: every DOF control unit runs on 100-240 V. Peak draw is in the table.
- Computer: a Windows PC runs the included SimRacingStudio motion software. On PS5 or Xbox, DOF Reality's MagicBox adapter works for games that send motion data, such as Gran Turismo 7 and Forza.
- Weight limit: the Hero models are rated to 330 lb and the Pro models to 440 lb. Count yourself plus everything that moves with you.
Short on room? Read which motion rig fits a small room.
4. Racing, flight or both
The racing versions suit driving. The flight, heli and universal "r" versions use extra smooth gearing tuned for slow, precise flight moves. If you split your time, ask us which one fits how you play.
5. Your real budget
No platform includes a seat, wheel or pedals. Add them to the platform price, then a screen or VR headset. See full builds in what a motion sim rig really costs. You can pay monthly with Shop Pay Installments at checkout, subject to approval.
6. Delivery and timing
DOF Reality platforms are built to order. They typically ship within 3 weeks of your order and arrive about 4 to 6 weeks from your order. Plan your space and gear with what to know before it arrives.
Talk to SDP Support
Tell us your room size, what you drive or fly and your budget, and we tell you straight which platform fits. Call (952) 649-5710, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Central, email support@simdriveperformance.com, or request a written quote.