Fanatec DD Shaft Extension

Our rating: 9.6/10

2024 marked the renewal of Fanatec with the launch of several products, including DD bases, steering wheels and other sim-racing peripherals. The German giant had lost its inspiration of late, due to a lack of liquidity. Almost all Fanatec’s quality products and peripherals were out of stock, and the future looked bleak for the brand.

Fortunately, Corsair came to the rescue, injecting tens of millions into Fanatec’s accounts and buying the company out in the process. Fanatec’s latest releases include two Direct Drive bases, DD and DD+, steering wheels, cockpits, a Handbrake replacement, the V2, which now switches to Load Cell, and a driveshaft extension called DD Shaft Extension. This move aims to offer a specific product to a certain category of racers, notably those with a dashboard on their setup, or those wanting a rig that comes as close as possible to a GT3 cockpit.

The DD Shaft is a rather niche product, I must say, but one that will certainly find its place in the Fanatec catalog. And just as well, we were able to try out this shaft to tell you what we think of it.

Key features and technical specifications

• 15 cm long extension
• Compatible with QR2 Type F
• Supported by the entire Fanatec ecosystem
• Entire structure in aluminum, CNC-machined
• Shaft-integrated electronics for connection and communication with Direct Drive bases
• Black anodized finish
• Weight 500 grams

Design

Fanatec products are streamlined, with a minimalist design. The DD Shaft is no exception to this rule, with its shape a departure from the competition. Most of this extension has a small diameter to accommodate dashboards in a sim-racing setup.

The DD Shaft’s black dress is slightly shiny, yet very beautiful, and has a single, discreet Fanatec logo in white. This Fanatec accessory is truly minimalist, stylish and will go perfectly with any setup.

DD Shaft installation

Not surprisingly, installing the DD Shaft on a ClubSport DD or DD+ is very easy. You’ll need just a few minutes (ten or so if you’re not used to tinkering at home, if not less) to fit this accessory.

You’ll need to remove the QR2 Base Side, install the DD Shaft in its place on the base, paying attention to the connection pins, screw everything in place with the screws supplied, then reinstall the QR2 on the other end of the shaft, also paying attention to the pins, and screw in the Quick Release of course.

If you’re familiar with Fanatec steering wheels, you’ll know that the brand uses pins on its QR to enable communication between the wheel and the base. And you’re no doubt aware that these pins are fragile, and can be bent just by looking at them the wrong way. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is well aware that this is problematic for gamers, who have to be very careful with their setup every time. But hey…

Manufacturing and finishing

The DD Shaft uses CNC-machined aluminum for its structure, and a black anodized finish. It’s beautiful, carefully crafted and finished to a premium standard. The DD Shaft is intended to serve as the foundation for the ClubSport range, and the build quality had to reflect that.

All edges are perfectly rounded, ensuring no cuts when handling the shaft. The only point I have to say about the build/finish quality, and it really has nothing to do with it, is the paint. The shade of black is not the same as that of the base or the QR2. You can quickly see that there’s an extra piece that wasn’t part of the set in the first place. But then, once you’re on a setup, it’s not that noticeable.

DD Shaft and the competition

The DD Shaft’s main competitors are Moza Racing, Simagic and Asetek. Asetek is in a class of its own, as it operates in a much higher segment than Fanatec. In terms of design alone, Asetek’s QR Wheelbase Extension is a masterpiece, and that’s without considering its retail price.

That leaves us with the shaft from Moza and Simagic. The Simagic Motor Shaft comes in 2 lengths: 15 and 20 cm. Its design is very basic, as is its price. As for Moza’s solution, we can feel that the manufacturer has made the effort with its Extension Rod. It’s beautiful, in aluminum and very well made.

As far as I’m concerned, the best competitor to the DD Shaft is Moza’s Extension Rod. What’s more, the latter offers a better communication system between the base and the steering wheel (wireless), making it even easier to install. But on a DD base, these two products are equal.

Comfort and sensations during play

In terms of comfort, the DD Shaft brings its share of advantages over a sim-racing setup, including optimized installation, integration of accessories such as dashboards, and ergonomics due to a much more realistic riding position. Even though the DD Shaft concretely adds 15 cm to your setup, you’ll feel less fatigue when racing, especially on endurance tracks, as your arms will be flexed, reducing the stress on your shoulders. That’s why racing drivers all have their steering wheel very close to their torso.

And now to the feel of the DD Shaft in play. On a ClubSport DD and DD+, there will be no reduction or loss in feel or power. Both bases will feel the same, with or without the shaft. And it has to be said that I’d expect nothing less, as this is a product specifically developed for these two devices.

However, adding 15 cm to the transmission axis introduces what’s known as leverage. The principle is quite simple: by increasing the distance between a part’s axis of rotation and the source of force, you multiply the force applied to the part. If you’ve ever done any DIY on a Sunday, you’ll know that to remove a tight bolt, you’ll need a big wrench.

With DD Shaft, the leverage effect doesn’t affect the base itself, but rather everything around it. If your deck or cockpit has slight play, this will be amplified by DD Shaft, which is why it’s advisable to have a sturdy chassis to use this kind of accessory.

Compatibility

So on this point, Fanatec fans will cry betrayal. Instead of being compatible with all QR2 and Direct Drive bases, the DD Shaft can only be used on ClubSport DD and DD+, and this is the only weak point of this Fanatec product.

Value for money

Priced at almost €100, the DD Shaft offers excellent value for money. It’s a quality accessory, very well made, bringing a better driving experience, especially a more immersive one, and costs practically nothing.

What’s more, it’s superbly positioned against the competition from Simagic and Moza Racing. The former brand does offer 2 variants of its shaft in terms of length (15 and 20 cm), but the overall appearance leaves much to be desired. For Moza, the Chinese firm also offers two extensions: a low-end one, clearly inferior to the DD Shaft, and a more expensive one. So, Fanatec is right in the middle.

My verdict

Fanatec’s catalog is slowly but surely diversifying. With the arrival of ClubSport DD and DD+, new flywheels, chassis, Load Cell handbrake and DD Shaft, Fanatec is determined to win back its customers, as well as reach a new category of riders.

The DD Shaft represents an excellent investment for those looking for a product that enhances immersion. It’s inexpensive, integrates with the Fanatec range and unfortunately only the ClubSport DD and DD+, and offers better overall ergonomics.

Its only drawback, apart from compatibility (I know I’m rambling, but we’re not used to seeing a Fanatec product that can only be used on a specific base), is that you need a solid chassis to avoid feeling the leverage resulting from such an accessory.