What's the Closest Match to the Recaro SPG XL? Seat Alternatives for 2025
Your questions, April 2025
One question has come up more than any other this spring: "I like the Recaro SPG XL. What is the closest match in size and shape from another brand?" Recaro Automotive went through insolvency in 2024 and was bought by the Italian Proma Group, which is moving production to Italy. While that change works through, the supply of Recaro motorsport bucket seats has been thin, and plenty of builds are waiting on a seat.
So we have put together the alternatives we point people to, from Sabelt, Sparco, Mirco and Cobra, for the SPG XL, the standard SPG and the Pole Position. We compare them on the numbers where we have them, and on how they feel where the numbers do not tell the whole story.
- Recaro motorsport bucket seat supply was thin in spring 2025 while production moved to Italy
- For the SPG XL we suggest the Sabelt Titan XL first, then the Sparco Evo XL QRT
- For the standard SPG, the Sparco Rev QRT is the closest shape we found
- For the Pole Position, the Mirco Classic or the Cobra Nogaro
- The Sabelt, Sparco and Mirco seats are FIA 8855-1999; the Cobra Nogaro is road and track only
- Numbers get you close; sitting in the seat decides it
Why a true match is hard to find
No two bucket seats are the same, even when they look alike in photos. The shape of the side bolsters, the room at the hips, the width across the shoulders and the angle of the back all change how a seat holds you, and a few millimetres in the wrong place can turn a good seat into one you do not want to sit in for a whole session.
That is why Garreth’s advice has not changed: use the numbers to get a shortlist, then come and sit in them. We have the seats below on the showroom floor this season, so you can try them one after another.
Closest alternatives to the Recaro SPG XL
1. Sabelt Titan XL. This is our first suggestion. It is an FIA 8855-1999 side mount shell for bigger drivers, listed for a 36 to 40 inch waist and drivers over 6ft. Against the SPG XL it is taller (957mm against 880mm), a little wider at the shoulders (606mm against 580mm) and narrower at the base (506mm against 540mm). Sabelt's drawing gives 313mm inside at the hips, where Recaro's gives 360mm between the bolsters. It weighs 9.9kg, and it has high sides and a deep bucket feel.
In short, the Titan XL is a bit taller and wider at the shoulder, and snugger at the hips. For most SPG XL drivers it is the closest experience we have found.
2. Sparco Evo XL QRT. The wide shell version of Sparco's Evo, also FIA 8855-1999 and side mount only. Sparco's figures put it at about 930mm tall, and their chart gives 350mm across the hips, close to the SPG XL's 360mm. The QRT process gives a dense fibreglass shell without a weight penalty, and it has five harness slots, a low base cushion for a lower driving position, and no-slip fabric at the shoulders and base.
The difference you feel is at the legs. The Evo XL's leg bolsters roll off, so it feels more open than the deeper bucket of the Sabelt and the Recaro. Some drivers prefer that; others miss the hold.
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Alternatives for the other popular Recaro buckets
Mirco Classic FIA, for the Pole Position ABE. If the Pole Position ABE is the seat you had in mind, the Mirco Classic is where we would look. It is a period-shaped fibreglass shell, homologated to FIA 8855-1999, side mount, listed for any height and a 32 to 36 inch waist. It has the squared-off harness guides and classic look that people liked about the ABE, and it comes in plain velour, diamond stitch, vinyl and velour, or houndstooth.
Cobra Nogaro Circuit or Club Sport, for the Pole Position FIA. The Nogaro has a very similar leg and shoulder bolster design to the Pole Position and a slim profile. It is a 910mm tall one piece fibreglass shell, 560mm wide and 490mm across the base, at 7.9kg. The Circuit is trimmed in Cobra’s Amalfi with a Dinamica or Tartan centre; the Club Sport has the same shell in cloth or velour. Both have harness slots. One thing to be clear on: the Nogaro is road and track approved, not FIA homologated, so it suits fast road and track day cars, not scrutineered competition where an FIA seat is required.
Closest match to the standard Recaro SPG
For the standard SPG we suggest the Sparco Rev QRT. Sparco’s figures put it at 865mm tall, 560mm across the shoulders and 455mm across the base. It has high side and leg supports, the same QRT fibreglass construction as the Evo, FIA 8855-1999 homologation, and side mounting at 290mm, and it is listed for a 32 to 36 inch waist.
Like the SPG, it is a tight-fitting seat for small to medium drivers, which makes it a good choice for narrow cockpits, track days and club competition. If it pinches at the shoulders, the Evo QRT is the next size up.
| Seat | Height | Shoulder width | Base width | Approval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recaro SPG XL | 880mm | 580mm | 540mm | FIA |
| Sabelt Titan XL | 957mm | 606mm | 506mm | FIA 8855-1999 |
| Sparco Evo XL QRT | about 930mm | not quoted | not quoted | FIA 8855-1999 |
| Sparco Rev QRT | 865mm | 560mm | 455mm | FIA 8855-1999 |
| Cobra Nogaro | 910mm | 560mm overall | 490mm | Road and track |
Why we ask you to try them first
Even when the dimensions are close on paper, the feel of a bucket seat is personal. The shape of the bolsters, the depth of the base and the angle of the back make a real difference once you are strapped in. In the showroom you can sit in the Sabelt, the Sparco, the Mirco and the Cobra side by side and decide for yourself.
Every seat here is a side mount shell and comes as the seat only, so you will also need side mounts and a subframe for your car. Tell us the car and we will match them. If you cannot get to us, send your height and waist measurements and we will tell you which of these shells suits you best. Our guide to seat bolt patterns explains how side mounts and frames go together.
What is the closest alternative to the Recaro SPG XL?
We suggest the Sabelt Titan XL first: it is a little taller and wider at the shoulders, and snugger at the hips.
Is there a lighter alternative to the SPG XL?
The Sparco Evo XL QRT is a wide Sparco shell with a more open feel at the legs; try both if you can.
What is closest to the standard Recaro SPG?
The Sparco Rev QRT, a slim FIA 8855-1999 shell for small to medium drivers.
Is the Cobra Nogaro FIA approved?
No. It is road and track approved, so it is not for competition that requires an FIA seat.
Do these seats come with brackets?
No. They are side mount seats sold on their own, so you need side mounts and a subframe for your car.
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Our first suggestionThe Sabelt Titan XL
The nearest feel to an SPG XL we found, with FIA 8855-1999 homologation.
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