High-end sim racing gear can cost a lot of money! As an example, a Simucube wheel base alone runs $1,500+, and that is before you choose a steering wheel, pedal set and a cockpit to mount everything. But, even premium sim racing brands products go on sale, and they run sales more often than you think if you know where to look.
Finding discounts on brands like Fanatec, Sim-Lab, and Cube Controls isn’t impossible – you just need to know the right places to hunt.
Why High-End Sim Racing Hardware Goes on Sale
You might think premium brands never discount their gear, but that’s not true. High-end brands face the same business pressures as everyone else.
Sales and discounts happen when companies need to move inventory before new models launch. Brands such as MOZA Racing do this often when releasing a new version of a wheel base or steering wheel.
Retailer competition drives prices down too. When multiple stores carry the same sim racing gear, they’ll undercut each other to win your business. Sometimes authorized dealers also get exclusive discount periods.
Trade shows seasons and product launches bring surprise sales. Companies often discount current products when announcing new releases at events like the Sim Racing Expo or major gaming conventions such as Gamescom.
When do premium brands discount their products?
- Clear inventory for new product launches
- Meet quarterly sales targets
- Compete with other authorized retailers
- Generate buzz around trade show announcements
- Move open-box or demo units
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
The Best Dedicated Sim Racing Deal Sites
Forget checking random web stores and resellers. These specialized sites below focus exclusively on sim racing discounts and actually understand what we’re looking for.
Sim Racing Deal is hands down the best resource for high-end gear discounts. Our website, SimRacingDeal.com tracks all major premium brands and post deals as they happen. This means you can find real discounts on hardware like Asetek pedals and Cube Controls wheels.
Sim Racing Setup Discounts takes a curated approach to deal hunting. They hand-pick the best discounts across all price ranges but really shine when covering high-end brands. Their promo code collection for premium sim racing retailers is also incredibly useful.
What makes these sites special:
- Actually know sim racing brands and pricing
- Focus on legitimate authorized dealer discounts
- Update deals in real-time, not days later
- Understand which “sales” are actually good deals
- Cover specialty retailers that general sites miss
Which Sim Racing Brands To Watch For Discounts
Not all sim racing brands handle promotions and sales the same way. Some brands never run sales, others like MOZA Racing discount their products regularly, and a few have predictable patterns you can exploit.
Brands which often run discounts include Logitech, MOZA Racing and Thrustmaster. These brands aren’t necesserily known as premium or high-end brands, although some of their products do slip into this category. They run sales regularly, meaning if you’re paying full price, you’re doing it wrong. Logitech especially loves their flash sales and seasonal promotions.
Brands that occasionally discount products include Simucube and Asetek, and these deals can be trickier to find. They maintain premium positioning but still need to move inventory. Watch for end-of-year clearances and new product launch periods.
Rarely discounted brands include Cube Controls and high-end GSI products, which almost never see direct price cuts. Your best bet is finding authorized dealer promotions or demo unit sales.
Brand discount patterns:
- Fanatec: Sales on specific products fairly often with predictable Black Friday deals
- Thrustmaster: Regular seasonal sales, clearances on older models
- Simucube: 2-3 major sales yearly, dealer-driven promotions
- Asetek: Quarterly sales, bundle deal focused
- Sim-Lab: End-of-year clearances, bulk purchase discounts
- Cube Controls: Rare direct discounts, dealer promotions only
- GSI: Pre-order discounts, limited clearance sales
Finding Simucube and Direct Drive Wheel Discounts
Simucube hardware represents the pinnacle of sim racing technology, but those premium prices hurt. Finding Simucube discounts requires knowing when and where to look.
Authorized Simucube dealers occasionally run promotions that the main website doesn’t advertise. Retailers like Digital-Motorsports, SimRacingPros, and Ricmotech sometimes offer exclusive pricing or bundle deals.
New product launches create opportunities on older models. When Simucube announces upgraded wheel bases, previous generation units often see significant discounts. I saved $400 on a Sport model when the Pro series launched.
Trade show periods bring demo unit sales. Companies like Simucube sell their exhibition hardware at reduced prices after major events. These units work perfectly but might show minor cosmetic wear.
Best Simucube discount strategies:
- Monitor authorized dealer websites directly
- Sign up for dealer newsletters (they often get exclusive discount codes)
- Watch for end-of-fiscal-year clearances (usually December/January)
- Shop for refurbished products
- Consider previous generation models when new ones launch
Finding Asetek Deals
Asetek sim racing hardware can cost serious money, but their premium technology justifies the price. Smart shopping can still save you hundreds on these premium sets. If you are looking for less premium Asetek products, you can check out their Initium product range which is focused more on console sim racing and affordability.
Seasonal promotions happen more often than you’d think. Asetek typically runs sales during Black Friday, but they also discount during summer months when fewer people are shopping for sim gear.
Bundle deals offer the best value when buying complete setups. Some retailers package Asetek pedals with wheel bases at reduced combined prices. The savings might not look huge percentage-wise, but $200-300 off a $2000+ setup adds up.
Retailer exclusive pricing varies significantly. I’ve seen the same Asetek pedal set priced $150 different between authorized dealers. Always check multiple sources before buying.
Asetek deal hunting tips:
- Compare prices across all authorized dealers
- Look for bundle deals with cockpits or wheel bases
- Monitor end-of-quarter sales (March, June, September, December)
- Check for open-box deals from reputable retailers
- Sign up for Asetek’s newsletter for direct manufacturer promotions
Fanatec Discount Strategies and Timing
Fanatec sits in that sweet spot between mainstream and ultra-premium, but their gear still costs plenty. They’re also one of the most predictable brands for sales timing.
Black Friday brings guaranteed discounts of 15-25% across many Fanatec products. But here’s the insider tip: their best deals often happen during flash sales throughout the year.
New product announcement periods create clearance opportunities on existing gear. When Fanatec announces new wheel bases or wheels, the previous models often see immediate price drops.
Direct from manufacturer often beats retailer pricing, especially during exclusive promotions. Fanatec’s website frequently has deals you won’t find anywhere else, plus they offer Ready2Race bundle pricing that saves money on complete setups.
Fanatec timing strategies:
- Follow their social media for flash sale announcements
- Check their website often for new bundle deals
- Time purchases around new product launches
Sim-Lab Cockpit and Rig Discounts
Sim-Lab makes some of the best aluminum profile cockpits money can buy, but shipping costs can kill any savings. Finding deals requires different strategies than other gear.
Regional distributors often offer better total pricing when you factor in shipping costs. European customers might save money ordering locally even if the base price looks higher.
Bulk accessory discounts apply when building complete rigs. Sim-Lab frequently offers percentage discounts when you buy cockpits with multiple accessories like monitor stands and seat sliders.
End-of-year clearances happen when they discontinue older cockpit models. These sales can save $200-400 on complete rigs, though selection becomes limited quickly.
Sim-Lab savings strategies:
- Calculate total cost including shipping before assuming deals are good
- Look for regional distributors in your area
- Buy complete setups rather than piece-by-piece
- Watch for discontinued model clearances
GSI and Boutique Brand Discount Hunting
GSI and other boutique manufacturers operate differently than mass-market brands. Their limited production runs mean different discount strategies.
Direct manufacturer relationships matter more with boutique brands. Following their social media and joining their communities often leads to exclusive discount codes or early sale access.
Limited edition clearances happen when special runs don’t sell completely. These high-end pieces might see significant markdowns, but you need to act fast when opportunities arise.
Ultra premium brand tactics:
- Join manufacturer communities and forums
- Follow social media for flash sales and exclusive codes
- Consider pre-orders for upcoming products
- Watch for end-of-run clearances on limited editions
Cube Controls and Premium Wheel Deals
Cube Controls represents the absolute top tier of sim racing wheels, with Formula 1-inspired designs that cost accordingly. Finding discounts requires patience and strategy.
Authorized dealer rotations mean different retailers get promotional pricing at different times. What’s full price at one dealer might be discounted at another simultaneously.
Demo unit availability from high-end retailers provides opportunities for significant savings. These wheels work perfectly but might have minor cosmetic imperfections from display use.
Cube Controls deal strategies:
- Monitor multiple authorized dealers simultaneously
- Ask retailers about incoming demo unit availability
- Consider previous generation models when new ones launch
- Join enthusiast forums where members share discount codes
Setting Up Deal Alerts for Premium Brands
Automated alerts become crucial when hunting expensive gear discounts. Missing a $500 discount on a Simucube base because you didn’t check that day really hurts.
Google Alerts work great for brand-specific searches. Set up alerts for “Simucube discount,” “Asetek sale,” and “Fanatec promotion” to catch deals across the internet.
Social media monitoring catches flash sales faster than websites. Follow all the premium brands on Twitter and Instagram – they often announce limited-time discounts there first.
Retailer newsletters provide early access to sales. Most authorized dealers send discount codes to email subscribers before posting publicly.
Alert setup recommendations:
- Use multiple alert systems for expensive items
- Set up both email and mobile notifications
- Monitor manufacturer social media accounts
- Join brand-specific forums and communities
- Create price tracking alerts on general sites too
Avoiding Fake Discounts
The high prices of premium gear attract scammers and unauthorized sellers. Knowing how to spot legitimate deals protects your wallet and ensures proper warranty coverage.
Authorized dealer verification prevents costly mistakes. Every premium brand maintains lists of authorized retailers on their websites. Buying from unauthorized sellers voids warranties and support.
Price reality checks help identify scams. If someone’s selling a $2000 Simucube base for $800, it could be stolen, broken, or fake. Legitimate discounts rarely exceed 30-40% even during major sales.
Warranty implications matter more with expensive gear. Gray market products might work initially but leave you without support when problems arise. That $200 savings disappears quickly when you need repairs.
Red flags to avoid:
- Prices significantly below authorized dealer pricing
- Sellers who can’t provide proof of authorized dealer status
- No manufacturer warranty or support offered
- Payment methods that offer no buyer protection
- Pressure tactics or limited-time offers from unknown sellers
Conclusion
Finding discounts on high-end sim racing gear takes patience and the right resources, but the savings are absolutely worth it. Start with Sim Racing Deal and Sim Racing Setup Discount Tracker for curated deals, then expand to manufacturer newsletters and authorized dealer monitoring.
Remember that legitimate discounts on premium brands like Simucube, Asetek, and Cube Controls happen regularly – you just need to know where to look. Set up your alerts, stick to authorized dealers, and be patient. Your wallet will thank you when you score that dream setup for hundreds less than retail.
View the latest high-end sim racing deals this month
Below are a selection of the most recently found sim racing deals.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-End Sim Racing Discounts
How often do premium brands like Simucube actually go on sale?
More often than you’d think! Simucube typically has 2-3 major sales per year, plus smaller promotions. Authorized dealers run their own sales throughout the year too. I’d say you can find some kind of Simucube discount at least once per quarter if you’re watching closely.
Is it worth waiting for sales on expensive gear or should I just buy when I want it?
For gear over $1000, definitely wait unless you need it immediately. I’ve seen people save $300-500 by waiting just a few months. Set up alerts and be patient – the deals will come.
Are refurbished or open-box premium products worth considering?
Absolutely, especially from authorized dealers. I bought an open-box Fanatec DD Pro that saved me $200 and works perfectly. Just make sure you still get manufacturer warranty coverage.
How much can I realistically expect to save on high-end gear?
For legitimate sales, expect 15-30% discounts. Black Friday and end-of-year clearances might hit 35-40% on select items. Anything claiming more than 50% off is probably suspicious.
Do manufacturers offer direct discounts or should I focus on retailers?
Both! Fanatec runs frequent direct sales, while brands like Simucube work more through dealer promotions. Follow both manufacturer and dealer channels for maximum coverage.
When’s the absolute best time to buy high-end sim racing gear?
Black Friday week consistently brings the deepest discounts across all brands. January clearances and pre-summer sales (May-June) also offer solid savings. Avoid buying in October when everyone’s gearing up for holiday pricing.
Are bundle deals actually good value for complete setups?
Usually yes, especially for complete cockpit setups. I’ve seen bundle savings of $500-800 on full rigs compared to buying components separately. Just make sure you actually want all the included items.