Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition Review

TweakTown Rating: 92%

Our Verdict

Next Level Racing has produced a more than capable flight sim that, while initially expensive, offers plenty of modularity and a rather comfy seat.

Pros

• Rigid frame
• Various use cases
• Easy to build
• Modularity
• Comfy seat

Cons

• No integrated monitor stand
• Folding center pole can wobble if not kept tight
• Initial purchase cost

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Introduction, Specifications, and Pricing

Next Level Racing offers its Flight Simulator cockpit in several variants: a standard version, Boeing Military, Boeing Commercial, and finally the MSFS Edition. Each model offers a slight twist depending on the theme, with all of them based on the same base frame. Some subtle changes include the frame side panels, seat design and padding, and a four-point harness included as standard.

Today I'm looking at the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition, the most expensive version on offer at $899, with the others shipping for $799. The extra dollars may be because this version was created in partnership with Microsoft Flight Simulator, and having that badge on your product can't be cheap. The extra cash has also gone toward other elements; Next Level Racing is including a new seat with added padding and a premium PU leather finish. Designed with long-haul flights in mind, it is built specifically for flight simulation, adjusts quickly, and should keep you relaxed and comfy on transatlantic voyages.

While it carries the MSFS Edition badge, this version can still support various flight disciplines, suited for commercial, general aviation, combat, and space simulation. Out of the box, the frame is modular with upgrades available, offers universal compatibility with a wide range of hardware, and includes a keyboard and mouse tray for easy menu navigation. Everything on paper sounds great, so let's unbox it, show you around, and see whether the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator, in the MSFS Edition guise, is worth investing in.

Packaging

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The MSFS Edition ships in two boxes, one containing the seat, and one housing the frame. Both boxes feature glossy, full-color printing and include images of the frame front and center. As the official Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition, the logo sits in the bottom left, with the Next Level Racing logo on the right above some key features.

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I'm covering both boxes at the same time, as they are essentially the same and offer the same information, with the Microsoft Flight Simulator logo taking up the space at the top of the box. I did notice one thing: the X in the square box on the key features listed on the side: "Suitable for combat and civilian Xlight use". I have sent this to Next Level Racing, so it should hopefully be corrected on future packaging production. Of course, it doesn't affect the product performance, but you certainly want your shiny packaging to be correct.

Unboxing the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition Seat

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Everything is well packaged; when you open the seat box, the backrest sits on top, and the bottom cushion and accessories are below. Open-cell foam sheets protect the seat during transit, and cardboard tubes surround the base attachment points for the backrest.

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The Next Level Racing seat is designed for long sessions; it is made from premium PU leather and features a two-tone design, with black on the outside and a grey perforated, breathable center. The backrest features blue stitching along the outer seams and the edges of the integrated headrest, with the Next Level Racing logo embossed in the center.

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Around the back, the Microsoft Flight Simulator logo sits at the top, and Next Level Racing adds a handy storage pocket at the bottom. It's a small detail, but I really like it; it wouldn't be the first thing that springs to mind to include in a sim setup, but it's good to have some storage. For pilots who take things seriously, you could use this to hold notes on flight plans, or simply to store extra cables for your rig.

Review Q&A

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From TweakTown's coverage of this review.

How do you install Thrustmaster TPR rudder pedals on the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition?

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Which Turtle Beach flight controls fit the adapter plate included with the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition?

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How does the MOZA AB6 force-feedback system perform on the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition frame?

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When is the pivoting front pole preferable to the static center HOTAS mount on the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition?

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From the side of the backrest, you can see the seat contour, and the right-hand side includes the lumbar support adjustment knob, with mounting holes to attach the base below.

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The seat base includes the same black-and-grey design, with a cutout in the middle for center-mounted flight sticks. On the left-hand side of the seat is the included seat slider handle. The seat base looks nice and thick, so it should offer a lot of support and is suitable for pilots up to 150kg / 331lbs. Backrest adjustment handles are included on both sides of the seat base.

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Looking underneath the seat base, you can see the preinstalled seat sliders and mounting screws to attach to the frame.

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Assembly is quick and easy; if you have ever built an office chair or a generic gaming chair, you will have no trouble putting this together. Next Level Racing includes covers for the mechanisms on both sides that simply screw into place once the backrest is mounted, using the provided hardware. Overall, it's a good-looking seat and appears hard-wearing, but only extended use will tell how long it lasts; it does feel high quality.

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I pulled the seat dimensions from the Next Level Racing website to show all the measurements. When built, the seat weighs 15.3kg / 33.7lbs.

Unboxing the Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition Frame

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Next up is unboxing and building the simulator frame; I open the second box and find the instruction manual and everything I need to get on the runway.

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The instruction manual looks very detailed, so it should be easy to follow. Next Level Racing also provides an online manual and video on how to build the frame, so if you ever lose the paper copy, you can always refer to the online versions. A handy card is included to measure the included bolts, should they get mixed up. Hardware and tools are provided in two sealed trays, with everything labeled to identify its purpose. I hate having to cut into these plastic-wrapped cartons, as things soon get mixed up. I don't know if there is a better way for manufacturers to display all the mounting hardware clearly, maybe individual boxes or bags, but I am sure I will manage to get the frame assembled without too many issues.

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All parts of the carbon steel frame come covered with bubble wrap for protection. It would be nice to have these all clearly labeled, rather than taking everything out and trying to figure out what goes where. For building this frame, that is exactly what I did: I unpacked everything and used the manual to identify what parts I needed and where.

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The MSFS Edition is essentially made up of two sections, the front and the back, and so I started at the front, building up the rudder pedal tray. Mounting the tray to the frame took about ten minutes once I figured out what mounting hardware I needed and located all the pieces. The rudder pedal tray provides a large range of adjustment for distance and angle, with various mounting slots down the side of the frame, and, of course, supports a wide range of rudder pedal sets due to the number of slots provided on the tray. Next Level Racing includes an adapter bar if you are running Thrustmaster TPR Rudder Pedals to aid installation.

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The rear section is built from two main structures that the seat will eventually mount to. Both rear frame rails mount to the rudder pedal tray and are secured on top and through, using the included hardware.

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To provide structural support and finish off the rear, you add a cross member at the back.

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Now that most of the main frame is complete, we can add the side panels. Both are etched with the MSFS logo and are one of the variations seen across the range of editions. Each panel is secured through the frame rails and includes drilled holes for mounting additional accessories to each side.

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To lift the frame from the floor, six adjustable feet are included and can now be installed. I tipped the frame on its side and added these to the threaded mounts. I also added the front cross-section beam for central static flight-stick mounting.

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So far, the frame feels very well made, with welds looking good at the attachment points, so I have no queries about its rigidity or build quality. This isn't a sim racing frame where flex can be induced through heavy braking, so structurally, I suppose it doesn't have to withstand those sorts of forces. The frame measures 153cm x 98.5cm x 130cm (L x W x H), depending on the mounting hardware installed, and when loaded, weighs 35.2kg / 77.6lbs. Next Level Racing states that the frame is suitable for heights of 120cm / 3'9" to 210cm / 6'9", so regardless of how tall you are, it can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of users.

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With the frame ready, it was time to mount the chair, and this is the only part I struggled with a little, given I was building this on my own. The bolts that mount the chair to the frame aren't captive or welded in, and they have a squared-off locating collar. It was a little fiddly to get these in place, so I think threaded inserts in the seat rails would be better, with a bolt from underneath rather than a bolt and a nut. Now that our seat is fitted, it's on to mounting the accessories.

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The first thing to install is the two side brackets, which support the mounting plates for our hardware. These are powder-coated in a lovely shade of blue, hinting at the MSFS collaboration. You can mount these in several places, and they include slots for height adjustment. They bolt through the side panel and frame for rigidity.

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Next, install the flight plates. These include nuts preinstalled, but there are two sets. I first removed both sets, but found the set against the plate also acts as spacers. When I tried to install it with both sets removed, the angle of the side-mounted bracket left too little space to get the nut on. I reinstalled these to the plate, and then found I could get the nut on to secure it to the bracket.

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The right-hand flight plate is extended and includes a smooth section for using a mouse conveniently in flight. Of course, these are all interchangeable so that you can mount them on either side; it's one of the great things about a modular cockpit, where you can set it up to your preference rather than a rigid layout. With both left and right plates now installed, let's add a few more cockpit items.

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Next, I added in the central static HOTAS mount. This attaches to the optional cross-section beam and includes height adjustment thanks to the two thumb screws on the front. It can also be repositioned, with the cross-section able to mount in one of two locations; mounting holes in the side rails are shown.

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The mounting plate can also be angled, with adjustment possible during installation; I have shown it here with the rear bolt removed to show the available adjustment range.

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The next add-on to show is the most modular part of the setup: the front pole, which can accommodate a range of functions. First, the main assembly is mounted to a pivot point on the rudder tray. This lets you raise the pole and lock it in place during use, then unlatch it and tilt it away so you can get in and out of the cockpit with ease. As with the static HOTAS mount, the central pole also includes thumbscrews for height adjustment. You can also add a support bracket if you feel there is too much movement in this center section; it improves rigidity and attaches to the static HOTAS mounting location.

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When I said this was the most modular part, this is why. Here, you can mount a yolk plate, clamping plate, or keyboard tray. It's really versatile, so it can accommodate any setup you have in mind.

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Before we get a HOTAS mounted for testing, let's cover the final add-ons Next Level Racing includes with this cockpit. First are nice padded mats for the keyboard and mouse, adding more value to this setup. If you need to move your keyboard from the center to mount flight controls, the cockpit includes a bracket you can attach to one of the side trays to mount the keyboard above. Finally, it includes a collective side mount and a ButtKicker mount for under the frame.

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Next Level Racing also includes a Turtle Beach adapter plate and a third blue side mount that is flat, rather than angled, for more modularity.

Installation & Software

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For testing today, I am using the MOZA AB6 because its FFB element will hopefully put a little strain on the cockpit and show how far it can be pushed. I am pairing this with the MOZA MTQ throttle unit. Installation for both is quite easy due to the versatility of the included mounting plates.

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Given the numerous mounting options, I have included the reference images above showing all hardware mounting possibilities. I have also included the number of adjustment options; a picture paints a thousand words and is less confusing than me trying to explain everything. With the cockpit ready to go, let's get flying.

Kris' Sim Racing Test System Specifications

Final Thoughts

The Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition is simply superb. Once I dragged a makeshift PC and monitor into place, I made a few adjustments to the height of the side plates to get comfy in my seated position. I then spent several days flying a variety of scenarios; I used DCS World to see how the cockpit performs in fast-paced battles, and moved over to MSFS (of course) to see what the commercial, more relaxed experience was like.

Whether I was flying a quick bombing mission in an A10-C or crossing the American states in an airliner, the MSFS Edition held up well in both roles. The FFB from the MOZA AB6 added another element to the experience, and I used this review of the MSFS Edition as part of the review for the MOZA unit I have coming, so it made sense to include it for testing. I detected little to no flex from the side mount, and if it did flex, it certainly didn't distract me from the overall experience.

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I did swap over to the Thrustmaster HOTAS WARTHOG MKII to try the center mount, and again it holds up well; given the range of height adjustment, I got comfortable in no time at all. When I installed the keyboard tray to the center pole to demonstrate it, the one thing I would say is if you are using the tilting element, keep an eye on the locking mechanism, as it will need tightening up now and again, especially if you are going to use this to mount flight controls to. I can see it may flex a little, so keep that in mind; you also have the additional support bracket included if needed.

The modularity and flexibility of this cockpit make it perfect for a range of use cases; it is sturdy enough to throw it around in fighter sims, while relaxed enough for globetrotting flights. The seat is really comfy; having the lumbar support is a real plus, and I didn't get too warm, despite extended use. The premium PU leather is easy to clean and helps keep it from getting stinky when things heat up and you get a little sweaty. If you are a VR user, there is nothing to bang into, and the controls are where you would expect them; I left VR a while back, but I would still consider this cockpit if you are a VR user.

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There really isn't anything to dislike about the MSFS Edition. I would like to see an integrated monitor mount, and using bolts for everything can get a little tedious, but once you have it dialed in, there's no reason to keep adjusting things. It isn't an aluminum-profile-based cockpit, which I prefer for the modularity it brings, but Next Level Racing includes more than enough modularity for its intended purpose.

Space is another factor to consider; it always is with a sim rig, so as long as you have the room, it will last you for years to come, letting you enjoy not only the sim titles but also the value and performance of the cockpit itself. Next Level Racing has produced a great flight simulator here, despite the MSFS added $100 tax; and, of course, if you want to save that cash, there are other options in the range using the same frame. Regardless of which version you choose, it will offer a great platform for your flight sim experience.