The Perfect Sim Seat for Drivers with a 38-Inch Waist
At GSM Performance, we know how important it is to have the right seat for your racing simulator. Whether you’re a casual sim racer or a competitive eSports driver, having a properly sized bucket seat makes all the difference in comfort, control, and immersion.
For larger drivers, finding a seat that provides enough room at the hips and shoulders can be a challenge. Many bucket seats on the market are designed for standard-size drivers, making it difficult to find a wide enough seat for a comfortable and supportive fit. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best motorsport-style bucket seats that perfectly fit drivers with a waist size of up to 38 inches.
These six recommended seats are ideal for sim racers who need extra width and support while maintaining a true racing feel. Not only are they designed for comfort and performance, but they also enhance the aesthetic of your simulator setup, giving it a sporty, professional look that makes racing even more immersive. Whether you’re setting up a realistic motorsport cockpit or simply upgrading from a basic chair, these bucket seats provide a fantastic combination of style, durability, and functionality.
All of our recommendations are available in-store for viewing and testing, so you can find the perfect fit before committing to a purchase.
Why Upgrade Your Sim Racing Seat?
Many sim racers start with basic gaming chairs or office seats, but these often lack proper support for long racing sessions. The seats that come with racing simulators also don’t offer a wide range of sizes, meaning they may be too small for larger drivers. Upgrading to a motorsport bucket seat allows drivers to choose from models that provide a better fit, ensuring both comfort and stability.
✔ Realistic Feel – Motorsport seats offer a true-to-life cockpit experience, just like in a real race car.
✔ Better Posture & Comfort – Fixed-back bucket seats keep you in an optimal driving position, reducing strain on your back and legs.
✔ More Control – A snug-fitting seat helps keep you planted during intense races, preventing excessive movement.
✔ Increased Durability – Motorsport seats are built to last, often featuring high-quality materials like fibreglass or reinforced steel.
✔ Improved Immersion – Pairing a quality seat with a racing wheel and pedals takes your sim setup to the next level.
If you’re a larger driver, choosing the right seat is even more important for comfort and performance. That’s why we’ve hand-picked a selection of wide bucket seats that offer extra space while maintaining proper support.
Recommended Bucket Seats for Drivers with a 38-Inch Waist
At GSM Performance, we understand the struggle of finding a racing seat that’s wide enough for larger drivers. That’s why we’ve handpicked a selection of five bucket seats designed to accommodate up to a 38-inch waist while delivering comfort, support, and immersion for your racing simulator. These seats also bring a sporty, race-ready look to your setup, making them a fantastic upgrade for any sim racer. We’ve split our recommendations into steel-frame seats and fibreglass seats, so you can decide which construction best suits your simulator setup.
Steel-Frame Bucket Seats – Affordable & Versatile
Steel frame seats are a cost-effective option that offers strong durability and a flexible mounting system. Unlike fibreglass seats, they can be either base-mounted or side-mounted, making them a great choice for sim racing rigs that require more mounting options.
1. Sparco Sprint L FIA Motorsport Bucket Seat (2025)
- Tubular steel frame construction provides durability at an affordable price.
- Wider seat design ensures a comfortable fit for larger drivers.
- Features low-profile side bolsters, making it easier to get in and out of the seat.
- Includes high-density foam padding for extra comfort during long gaming sessions.
- Base-mounting and side-mounting options provide flexibility for different sim racing rigs.
The Sparco Sprint L is a widened version of the iconic Sprint seat, offering a touch more hip and shoulder room for larger drivers. It’s one of the most popular steel bucket seats we recommend for sim racing users who want a solid blend of budget, comfort, and fit.
With its classic bolstering and basic breathable fabric design, the Sprint L is a trusted all-rounder. For users with a 38” waist, the extra width compared to the standard Sprint makes all the difference in terms of comfort, especially during multi-hour races. It mounts easily to most sim frames and works well with standard 345mm sliding runners or side mounts.
2. OMP TRS-E XL FIA Motorsport Seat
- XL version of the popular OMP TRS-E, offering extra width at the hips and shoulders.
- Steel tube frame construction delivers excellent strength and durability.
- FIA-approved for real motorsport use, ensuring high build quality.
- Ergonomic padding designed for long racing sessions without discomfort.
- Can be base-mounted or side-mounted, making it versatile for sim setups.
The OMP TRS-E XL is one of the largest FIA steel frame bucket seats on the market and remains a great option for sim racing setups where fibreglass seats aren’t required. Its wider design provides the room a 38” waist driver needs while retaining excellent lateral support for immersive sim sessions.
Despite being built for motorsport, the TRS-E XL’s steel shell gives it extra durability for sim users, especially when paired with sturdy rigs. Its wider profile means it’s great for taller and broader drivers who still want that locked-in racing posture. The velour covering is soft, supportive, and works well in both casual and extended use.
Fibreglass Motorsport Seats – Lightweight & Race-Ready
Fibreglass seats are lighter and stiffer than steel frame seats, providing better lateral support for high-intensity sim racing. However, they are side-mounted only, so make sure your sim rig can accommodate them before purchasing.
3. Sparco EVO XL QRT FIA Motorsport Bucket Seat
- Designed for larger drivers, featuring extra width and deep side bolsters for maximum support.
- QRT (Quick Resin Technology) fibreglass shell, offering strength while remaining lightweight.
- High backrest design provides excellent shoulder and head support.
- Deep side bolsters hold you in place, perfect for aggressive sim racing.
- FIA-approved, built for motorsport but fantastic for simulator use.
The Sparco EVO XL QRT is a premium motorsport seat featuring Sparco’s QRT (Quick Resin Technology), which makes it 30% lighter than traditional fibreglass seats. It offers ample room at the hips and shoulders while maintaining a supportive racing position. The Sparco EVO XL QRT is one of the most frequently recommended bucket seats for sim racers needing extra space. Its relaxed rake angle and generous width make it a favourite for longer sessions
4. OMP WRC-R Fibreglass XL Motorsport Seat
- XL version of the OMP WRC-R, offering a wider fit for comfort.
- Waist Fit: 38″–42″
- Fibreglass shell is lightweight yet extremely strong.
- Deep side bolsters and shoulder supports keep you secure in the seat.
- Upholstered with breathable materials, helping to keep you cool during long races.
- Side-mounted design, requiring a compatible sim rig for installation.
The OMP WRC-R XL is a high-end fibreglass racing seat with deep side bolsters for excellent support. The wide shoulder area and extra-large fit make it a fantastic option for sim racers who need more space. The OMP WRC-R XL has high side bolsters, breathable upholstery, and removable pads that can be tailored to your body. It’s widely used in rally applications and praised for support and ventilation
5. Sabelt Titan XL Motorsport Seat
- XL model with a wider base and shoulder area for larger drivers.
- Fibreglass composite shell, offering a balance of lightweight construction and durability.
- Features removable cushions, allowing you to fine-tune the fit for comfort.
- Wraparound design with deep bolsters, keeping you locked in place.
- Side-mounted only, so ensure compatibility with your sim rig.
The Sabelt Titan XL is one of the widest fibreglass seats available, providing maximum comfort for larger sim racers. Its high shoulder support and ergonomic design make it a top choice for serious sim racing enthusiasts.
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6. Cobra Suzuka T GT FIA Bucket Seat
- Waist Fit: 36”–38”
- Shell: Lightweight GRP (fibreglass)
- Comfort Features: Pro-Fit padding system, deep bolsters, breathable spacer fabric
- Use Case: Perfect for serious sim racers looking for pro-level fit and feel
The Cobra Suzuka Pro-Fit in GT width is a standout fixed-back bucket seat ideal for drivers with a 38” waist. This wider version of the Suzuka brings all the benefits of Cobra’s legendary motorsport design with extra space for larger drivers. It’s especially popular among taller sim racers who need extra support at the shoulders and hips without feeling squeezed.
With a fibreglass shell, the GT variant maintains a lightweight construction while offering a deep, supportive seating position. Cobra’s Pro-Fit modular padding system allows you to adjust the fit to suit your body, which is great for users who want a more tailored seat feel. If you’re looking to upgrade your sim rig with a pro-quality seat that’s built to perform and designed for comfort, the Suzuka GT is a top-tier option.
7. Mirco RS7 – Head Support for Deeper Immersion
- Waist Fit: 36”–38”
- Shell: Fibreglass (lightweight and strong)
- Comfort Features: Deep bucketed design, 3D spacer fabric for breathability, head support wings
- Use Case: Great for sim racers wanting full head immersion without FIA pricing
The Mirco RS7 is a fantastic fixed-back bucket seat that delivers an immersive racing experience thanks to its integrated head support. Designed with sim racers and track-day drivers in mind, it offers a snug fit for drivers with waists up to 38”, making it ideal for medium to larger builds looking for stability and comfort in long stints behind the wheel.
With its fibreglass shell and 3D breathable fabric, the RS7 is both lightweight and well-ventilated. The wraparound design, including the shoulder and head wings, adds a new layer of realism to your sim rig—especially if you’re racing with VR or triple-screen setups. It feels like a proper race cockpit. It’s FIA-approved, but more importantly for sim users, it balances pro-grade build with exceptional comfort. If you’re after the next level of realism in your sim setup, the RS7 is hard to beat.
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Steel vs. Fibreglass Seats – What’s the Difference?
Choosing between a steel-frame and a fibreglass seat depends on your budget, preferences, and simulator setup. If your simulator rig only supports base-mounted seats, a steel-frame option is the better choice. If your setup supports side-mounted seats, a fibreglass model offers a more authentic racing experience.
Steel-Frame Seats:
✔ More affordable
✔ Can be base-mounted or side-mounted
✔ Heavy-duty construction but heavier overall
Fibreglass Seats:
✔ Lighter and stronger than steel seats
✔ More rigid, offering a race-ready feel
✔ Must be side-mounted, requiring a compatible sim rig
Explore More Bucket Seats Online
While we have selected five excellent options for larger drivers to test in-store, GSM Performance offers an even wider range of bucket seats online. Our online collection includes many more models, some of which are even wider and perfect for those with a 38-inch waist or more.
If you’re looking for additional choices beyond what we display in-store, check out our full range of motorsport bucket seats available for order.
Whether you need extra-wide dimensions, deep side bolsters, or a specific brand, our online store has plenty of options to ensure you get the perfect fit for your simulator setup. If you’re unsure which seat will work best for you, get in touch with us—we’re always happy to help!
Final Thoughts – The Best Sim Racing Seats for 38” Waist Drivers
Choosing a bucket seat for your sim rig is about finding the perfect balance of comfort, support, and space. For drivers with a 38” waist, the seats listed above all deliver ergonomic design, breathable materials, and long-session suitability without compromising on build quality or immersion.
Whether you’re building your first racing cockpit or fine-tuning a premium setup, these seats provide professional-level support. Be sure to consider padding adjustability, shell width, and your rig’s mounting compatibility when selecting the best seat for your needs.
Want to see some of these seats in person? Visit the GSM Performance showroom—we stock many of these models for direct viewing and testing. Let’s get you fitted in the seat that’ll take your sim experience to the next level.