The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is the latest addition to the game racing equipment market, offering gaming enthusiasts a top-of-the-line simulator experience. This cutting-edge device has rapidly gained recognition among the sim-racing community for its robust design, precise handling, and excellent build quality.
In this review, we will delve into the key features and performance aspects of the TR80 MK5, providing a comprehensive overview for those who may be considering it as their next big investment in gaming gear.
One of the main highlights of the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is its highly modular design, allowing racers to customise their rig to their individual preferences and requirements. This flexibility ensures that gamers of varying levels, from beginners to professionals, can build a simulator that caters to their specific needs. Furthermore, the TR80 MK5 boasts compatibility with an extensive range of gaming peripherals, enabling users to easily mix and match their components to create their ultimate racing setup.
Not only does the TR80 MK5 excel in the customisation department, but its sturdiness and durability leave nothing to be desired. Crafted with premium materials, such as high-grade aluminium, it ensures a solid foundation for an immersive racing experience, giving drivers peace of mind when pushing their vehicle to its limits in the virtual world. Truly, the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is the embodiment of performance, design, and flexibility combined, setting new benchmarks and leaving a lasting impression on the sim-racing world.
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Construction
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 features a robust, high-quality aluminium profile frame that ensures durability and stability. The frame is constructed using T-slot extrusion with an anodized black finish, offering a sleek and professional appearance.
The various brackets and mounting points are made of laser-cut, high-grade steel, providing increased support and reliability. Additionally, the TR80 MK5 is equipped with a reinforced pedal plate that can handle high-load pedals ensuring a firm and secure foundation for sim racing enthusiasts.
Adjustability and Customisation
When it comes to adjustability, the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 offers a variety of options catering to the unique requirements of each user. Key adjustment features include:
- Wheel Deck: The wheel deck offers adjustable height, tilt, and depth settings to accommodate a wide range of steering wheel preferences.
- Pedal Plate: The pedal plate can be adjusted in height, angle, and fore/aft positions, enabling users to find their perfect pedal placement.
- Seat: The seat positioning is highly adjustable, allowing distance and angle adjustments to suit individual preferences.
Other customisation options that cater to different sim racing needs are available, such as:
- Monitor & VR support
- Keyboard and mouse tray
- Button box and accessory mounts
- Shifter mounts
The TR80 MK5 is designed to accommodate various peripherals, ensuring a tailored and immersive sim racing experience. Its straightforward, modular design makes it relatively easy to set up and modify, as required, catering to novice and experienced sim racers alike.
Compatibility and Support
Supported Racing Wheels
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is compatible with various popular racing wheels on the market, including:
- Logitech G29/G920/G923
- Thrustmaster T300/TX/T500
- Fanatec ClubSport and CSL Series
These racing wheels can be easily mounted to the TR80 MK5’s universal wheel deck using the provided fixtures.
Supported Pedals
Trak Racer TR80 MK5 also offers support for a wide range of pedal sets, such as:
- Logitech G29/G920/G923
- Thrustmaster T3PA/TPRO
- Fanatec ClubSport and CSL Elite Pedals
The adjustable pedal plate on the TR80 MK5 accommodates the different pedal sets, ensuring a comfortable and robust fit.
Supported Shifters
The rig’s versatile design accommodates the following popular shifters:
- Logitech Driving Force Shifter
- Thrustmaster TH8A/TH8RS
- Fanatec ClubSport and CSL Elite Shifters
The shifter mount offers adjustable positioning, making it easy for users to set their preferred position and angle.
Assembly and Installation
Tools Included
Trak Racer TR80 MK5 comes with the essential tools required for assembly. These include:
- Hex key set
- Open-ended spanners
- Socket wrench
These tools are of good quality and designed to make the assembly process smooth and convenient.
Ease of Assembly
The assembly of the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is relatively straightforward, even for those with limited experience in setting up such equipment. The instructions provided are clear, with easy-to-follow steps and corresponding illustrations. Some key points of the assembly process include:
- Begin by laying out all the components and familiarising yourself with the parts.
- Start with the aluminium profile frame, securing it with the provided bolts and nuts.
- Attach the seat sliders to the bottom of the seat and secure the seat to the frame.
- Install the steering wheel mount, ensuring it is level and firmly attached.
- Attach the pedal mount and then the pedals themselves.
- Add any additional accessories or mounts, such as a monitor or keyboard tray, as desired.
During assembly, it’s advisable to loosely attach all bolts at first and tighten them only after the entire set-up is complete. This allows for any necessary adjustments to be made along the way.
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is designed for a hassle-free installation. Even without prior experience, most users should be able to complete the setup in about two hours. With clear instructions, helpful tools, and a straightforward assembly process, users can have their TR80 MK5 up and running in no time.
On-Track Performance
Stability and Rigidity
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5’s performance on the track is quite impressive. Its stability and rigidity can be attributed to the use of 80mm aluminium profiles for the main frame. This ensures that the movement is minimised while driving, giving the driver a more realistic and immersive experience. Additionally, the reinforced wheel mount provides extra strength and ensures that the steering wheel stays in place during intense races.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Focusing on ergonomics and comfort, the TR80 MK5 offers a wide range of adjustability to suit drivers of various sizes and preferences. Some key features include:
- Adjustable pedal angle and height
- Sliding seat rails for easy front-to-back adjustments
- Tilt adjustment for the wheel platform
These customisable elements ensure that drivers can achieve their optimal driving position, reducing both fatigue and discomfort during long sessions.
Furthermore, the optional integrated monitor stand can hold up to three monitors of varying sizes, allowing for an even more immersive racing experience. The stand’s adjustable height and angle also contribute to the overall ergonomics and comfort of the TR80 MK5.
In summary, the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 excels in on-track performance with its excellent stability and rigidity, as well as its focus on ergonomics and comfort. Drivers can expect a realistic and immersive racing experience, with the ability to customise the sim rig to match their needs and preferences.
Price and Value for Money
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is priced competitively in the sim racing market. The base model starts at around £799, which includes the aluminium profile frame, seat, and various mounting options.
Upgrading your TR80 MK5 with additional accessories will add to the overall cost. Some popular add-ons and their approximate prices include:
- Triple monitor stand (£150)
- Steering wheel and pedal mounts (£50 – £100)
- Button box mount (£35)
It’s important to note that the actual sim racing hardware, such as steering wheels, pedals, and monitors, are not included in the base price. However, the TR80 MK5 is designed to be compatible with a wide range of popular sim racing equipment from brands like Thrustmaster, Logitech, and Fanatec.
When comparing the TR80 MK5 to other sim racing rigs on the market, it’s evident that the value for money is quite impressive. Some competing rigs, like the Next Level Racing GTtrack, have a starting price at around £1,000, and this is usually without options or add-ons.
In terms of build quality, the TR80 MK5 offers a sturdy aluminium profile construction that can withstand intense racing sessions. The adjustable design also offers users the ability to fine-tune their setup for optimal comfort and immersion.
To summarise, the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 offers a competitive price for a high-quality sim racing rig. While additional accessories will impact the final cost, the starting price and overall value for money make it a worthwhile consideration for sim racing enthusiasts looking to upgrade their setup.
Alternate Products / Competition
When considering the Trak Racer TR80 MK5, it is essential to also examine alternative products in the market at a similar price point. One notable competitor is the Next Level Racing F-GT.
Price Comparison
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is priced at around £600, while the Next Level Racing F-GT comes in slightly higher at approximately £700. While the TR80 offers a more competitive price, potential buyers should consider the features offered by each product.
Construction and Build Quality
The TR80 MK5 and F-GT both feature robust aluminium frames. The TR80 MK5 has an 80/20 aluminium profile construction that can support up to 65kg, while the F-GT utilises a mixture of laser-cut carbon steel and the same aluminium profile, providing a sturdier frame overall.
Adjustability and Ergonomics
The TR80 MK5 offers an impressive degree of adjustability, with seat, pedal, and wheel positions all easily customisable. The F-GT also offers good adjustability options but adds the advantage of a dual-position cockpit. This feature allows users to switch between Formula and GT racing positions, providing greater flexibility for different racing experiences.
Compatibility
Both sim rigs are compatible with a wide range of peripherals from major brands. The TR80 MK5 supports Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec wheels, pedals, and accessories. The F-GT is also compatible with these brands but boasts additional support for other systems, ensuring a smoother experience for users with diverse gaming equipment.
While both products offer a range of features and benefits, the choice between the Trak Racer TR80 MK5 and Next Level Racing F-GT will come down to individual preferences and requirements. The TR80 MK5 may be more attractive for budget-conscious buyers, while the F-GT’s dual-position cockpit could sway racers looking for a more immersive and versatile racing experience.
Feature | Trak Racer TR80 MK5 | GT Omega ART | Next Level Racing GTtrack | Playseat Sensation Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
Design & Aesthetics | 9.5 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
Functionality | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Assembly & Adjustability | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Comfort | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
Compatibility | 10 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
Value for Money | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
Price (Estimates) | £500 | £400 | £750 | £990 |
Overall Score | 9.4 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 offers several advantages for sim racers:
- Sturdy construction: The aluminium profile frame provides excellent rigidity and stability, ensuring a solid experience while racing.
- Adjustability: With multiple mounting points for wheel, pedals, and keyboard/mouse trays, it is easily customisable to fit individual preferences.
- Compatibility: The TR80 MK5 is compatible with a wide range of sim racing hardware, including Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster, and more.
- Upgradeability: The modular design allows for easy expansion, such as adding triple monitor mounts, racing seat, and other accessories.
Cons
Despite its many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Price: The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is not the most affordable sim racing cockpit on the market.
- Assembly: Assembling the unit can be time-consuming, and some users may find the process challenging.
- Footprint: The TR80 MK5 can take up a considerable amount of space, making it less suitable for those with limited room.
- Weight: The sturdy construction makes the unit heavy and may make it difficult to move once assembled.
Conclusion
The Trak Racer TR80 MK5 is a versatile and well-built sim racing rig that offers excellent adjustability for drivers of various sizes and experience levels. Its sturdy aluminium construction ensures stability, while the smooth wheel motion and comprehensive compatibility with multiple devices make it a desirable option for sim racers.
In terms of ergonomics, the TR80 MK5 impresses with its comprehensive seat adjustments and pedal support. The rig can accommodate drivers with varying body sizes, allowing for a comfortable and immersive racing experience. Additionally, the fabric-material seat adds to the overall comfort for long racing sessions.
The TR80 MK5’s modularity is another significant selling point. With its easy-to-assemble design and several available accessories, this sim racing rig is ideal for customisation and upgrading as a user’s needs evolve. These accessories include-but are not limited to:
- Keyboard & Mouse Trays
- Button Boxes
- Sim Dashboards
- Gear Shifters
- Triple Monitor Stands
- Motion Platforms
Lastly, the Trak Racer’s customer support is known for being accessible and responsive, ensuring that buyers receive assistance during setup and any troubleshooting that may arise. This aspect further reinforces the appeal of the TR80 MK5 within the sim racing community.
In summary, the Trak Racer TR80 MK5’s adjustable design, sturdy construction, and customisation options make it a valuable investment for sim racers seeking a high-quality and adaptable rig. Additionally, the excellent customer support on offer reflects the commitment to user satisfaction that is integral to the Trak Racer brand.