Playseat Challenge ActiFit Review – Same Challenge, different dress
The Playseat Challenge ActiFit Edition holds a special place on my channel. The original Playseat Challenge was the very first seat I ever reviewed, and after revisiting that video, I felt it was in serious need of an update.
The ActiFit version is not a full redesign — but it refines what made the Challenge so popular in the first place:
✅ affordability
✅ foldability
✅ ease of use
Let’s take a fresh look.
⚙️ Adjustability & Configuration
For a foldable cockpit, the Playseat Challenge offers surprisingly good adjustability.
🪑 Seating Position
- Adjustable straps underneath the seat
- Adjustable backrest tension
- Adjustable depth via arm straps
This allows you to fine-tune the seating position far more than you’d expect from a collapsible rig.
🦶 Pedal Adjustment
- Pedal plate can be moved closer or further away
- Adjusted using simple hand screws
- No tools needed
- Quick and intuitive
You can also:
- ✅ Tilt the wheelbase platform
- ✅ Adjust wheelbase distance via three fixed positions
There is no height adjustment for the wheelbase, but despite that, I found a comfortable and usable driving position.
🤕 Ergonomics & Comfort Notes
One point worth addressing:
Some users (including a viewer named Steve) have noted that the upper backrest angles slightly forward, which can cause neck discomfort for some drivers.
A quick search confirms:
- This depends heavily on body type and posture
- There are several community “life hacks” to counter it
For me personally, it didn’t cause issues, but it’s something to be aware of.
🧱 Build Quality
For what it is — a foldable cockpit — the build quality is very good.
That said, there are two weak points:
❌ Pedal Mounting Strap
- Pedals are fixed using a strap
- Works fine during driving
- Not secure when folding the rig
- Pedals can shift or fall out during storage
It’s a shame that Playseat didn’t address this in the ActiFit revision.
❌ Flex Under Load
- Some flex in the wheelbase
- Caused by the folding mechanism
- Unavoidable compromise for foldability
Despite this, for its intended use case, the rigidity is acceptable and predictable.
✅ Once unfolded and in use, pedals are held in place by the front bar and do not slide during driving.
🎯 Key Features
- ✅ Fully foldable design. Measures 123 cm height, 40 cm depth when folded.
- ✅ Extremely space-efficient. Measures 136 cm length, 96cm height and 53cm width when folded out.
- ✅ Includes cable management strips
And of course…
🧵 ActiFit Upholstery (Big Win)
The ActiFit upholstery is my preferred version of the Playseat Challenge.
Compared to Alcantara:
- ✅ Stays visually clean
- ✅ Better heat dissipation
- ✅ Less prone to looking worn
Playseat still sells both versions — but if you’re buying one today, I strongly recommend the ActiFit edition.
🧩 Options & Expandability
Options are limited — by design.
- ✅ Optional shifter mount bar
- ❌ No dedicated handbrake support
- ❌ No integrated accessories
If you need:
- shifter
- handbrake
- cup holder
👉 a fixed rig is the better choice.
💰 Price & Value
- New price: ~219€ on Playseat’s webshop
- Regular discounts: ~180€
- Second-hand market: ~100€ (excellent value)
Because the Playseat Challenge is extremely popular, availability on the used market is very strong — making it one of the best budget entry points into sim racing.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
- Excellent space-saving design
- Easy to configure
- Beginner-friendly
- Comfortable for long sessions
- ActiFit upholstery is a major upgrade
- Excellent second-hand availability
❌ Cons
- Pedal strap still flawed
- Flex is noticeable
- Limited expandability
- Wheelbase height not adjustable
🏁 Final Verdict
The conclusion remains the same as with the original Playseat Challenge:
👉 This is one of the best starter solutions in sim racing.
From:
- 💸 a budget perspective
- 🏠 a space-saving perspective
…it’s simply hard to beat.
The ActiFit version doesn’t dramatically change the formula — and while I wish Playseat had improved the pedal mounting system, I can understand why they didn’t overhaul a design that already works.
If you’re new to sim racing, tight on space, or want an easy-to-store solution:
✅ This chair just works — and it works well.
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