If you've been researching sim racing setups, you've probably come across terms like turnkey, bespoke, white-glove, complete rig, and crate-shipped. These words get used interchangeably — but they mean very different things. Understanding the distinction can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration.
This guide breaks down each term clearly, so you know exactly what you're buying before you commit.
What Does "Turnkey" Actually Mean?
In the sim racing world, turnkey refers to a simulator that is ready to use the moment it arrives — or shortly after a straightforward setup. The name comes from the idea that you simply "turn the key" and go. No sourcing individual components, no compatibility research, no waiting weeks for parts to arrive from three different suppliers.
A true turnkey sim rig includes everything: the cockpit frame, wheel base, steering wheel, pedals, shifter (if applicable), monitors or display mount, and all necessary cabling and hardware. It's been selected, tested, and configured as a cohesive system.
Turnkey does not automatically mean premium — it's a fulfilment model, not a quality tier. You can have an entry-level turnkey rig or a six-figure turnkey simulator. What matters is that the work of speccing and sourcing has been done for you.
Browse our turnkey sim rig builds →
Complete Rig: A Fully Assembled Package
A complete rig is closely related to turnkey but tends to emphasize the hardware bundle rather than the service around it. When a retailer lists a "complete sim racing rig," they typically mean the cockpit, wheel, and pedals are included — everything you need to plug in and drive.
The key difference from a true turnkey is that a complete rig may still require self-assembly. You're getting all the parts, but the integration work is on you. For experienced sim racers who enjoy the build process, this is often the preferred route. For buyers who want zero friction, it may fall short.
Complete rigs are a strong option when you want a curated hardware combination without paying for installation or configuration services.
Crate-Shipped: Turnkey at Scale
A crate-shipped sim rig takes the turnkey concept further by pre-assembling the entire simulator — cockpit, hardware, and peripherals — before it leaves the warehouse. The rig ships fully or near-fully built inside a custom crate or flight case, designed to survive freight transit without damage.
Crate shipping is common for high-end and commercial-grade simulators where the cost of the rig justifies the freight expense. It's also the preferred method for motion platforms, direct-drive setups with complex wiring, and rigs destined for professional environments like racing teams, training facilities, or esports venues.
When you receive a crate-shipped rig, setup time is minimal — typically uncrating, positioning, and powering on. This is as close to plug-and-play as sim racing gets at the hardware level.
See our crate-shipped and pre-built options →
Bespoke: Built to Your Exact Specification
A bespoke sim rig is custom-configured from the ground up based on your requirements. Rather than choosing from a pre-set package, you work with a specialist to select every component — wheel base, pedal set, cockpit, display configuration, motion system, and accessories — based on your use case, space constraints, budget, and performance goals.
Bespoke builds are ideal for serious sim racers who have specific hardware preferences, unusual room dimensions, or who want a rig that integrates seamlessly with an existing setup. They're also common in commercial and professional contexts where the simulator needs to meet precise technical or ergonomic requirements.
The trade-off is lead time and cost. A bespoke build requires consultation, sourcing, and often custom fabrication — none of which happens overnight. But the result is a simulator that fits your needs precisely, with no compromises.
White-Glove: The Full-Service Experience
White-glove delivery and installation is a service tier, not a hardware specification. It means a trained technician delivers, assembles, configures, and validates your simulator on-site — in your home, office, or facility. You don't lift a finger.
White-glove service typically includes:
- In-home or on-site delivery by a specialist (not a standard courier)
- Full assembly and hardware installation
- Software configuration, driver setup, and calibration
- A walkthrough of the system so you're confident using it
- Removal of all packaging materials
This service level is most common with bespoke or high-value crate-shipped rigs, but it can be added to any build where the buyer wants a completely hands-off experience. It's particularly valuable for buyers who are new to sim racing, purchasing as a gift, or setting up a commercial installation.
White-glove is the premium end of the fulfilment spectrum — and when it's done properly, the experience matches the hardware.
How to Choose the Right Option
Here's a simple way to think about it:
- Complete rig — you want everything in one order and don't mind assembling it yourself.
- Turnkey — you want a ready-to-drive system with minimal setup effort.
- Crate-shipped — you're investing in a high-end build and want it to arrive protected and pre-assembled.
- Bespoke — you have specific requirements and want a simulator built around them, not the other way around.
- White-glove — you want the full-service experience: delivered, built, configured, and ready to race.
These options aren't mutually exclusive. A bespoke rig can also be crate-shipped and delivered white-glove. The terms describe different dimensions of the purchase — hardware configuration, fulfilment method, and service level.
What Full Push Offers
At Full Push, we specialize in turnkey and bespoke sim rig builds for sim racers and commercial clients of all levels across Canada. Every build is specced for real-world performance — no filler hardware, no inflated bundles.
Whether you're looking for a complete entry-level package or a fully custom, white-glove installation, we'll help you build the right rig for your space, your goals, and your budget.
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