Fanatec DD2

Our rating : 9.8/10

Fanatec has long been the leading company in the development of steering wheels and driving kits for simulation and video games. After a long development, it launched its Podium range with two models, the Fanatec DD1 base and the Fanatec DD2 baseso that Europeans finally have top-of-the-line products from Sim-Racing within their reach.

That’s why we decided to take a look at the Fanatec Podium Direct Drive 2 base and test it for you.

In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about the Fanatec DD2 base. We will list the following key featureswe will tell you what type of type of player suitable for, what are its advantages advantages and disadvantagesits price and where you can get it.

The characteristics of the Fanatec DD2 base

The Fanatec Podium Direct Drive 2 base is, as its name indicates, the new version of the Podium DD1 base.

Here is a list of the main features of this model:

• Release date: 2018
• The Fanatec DD2 base is a black piece of steel, aluminum and carbon fiber.
• This model is equipped with an Outrunner motor specifically designed for direct drive sim-racing.
• The motor of the DD2 base can reach an exceptional peak torque of 25 Nm and no less than 20 Nm even under heavy racing use.
• This model offers infinite rotation (data and power are transferred wirelessly).
• The DD2 features a 2.7″ 256 × 64 resolution OLED display to provide real-time telemetry data (real-time force feedback and motor data), such as power output, FFB clipping, etc.
• The Fanatec DD2 base also features a Kill Switch with remote power button and automotive grade Quick Release (QR).
• The Fanatec DD2 base is fully plug-and-play and compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem.
• Fanatec’s DD2 base is compatible with the PC and all Xbox systems, including Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, when using an Xbox compatible wheel.
• Dimensions: 51 cm x 26 cm x 28 cm (L x W x H)
• Weight : 13 kg

For what type of person?

In our opinion, the Fanatec DD2 base is a model that is rather reserved for professionals or very experienced pilots.

For beginners or those who are not used to it, the DD2’s maximum torque of 25 nm might be a bit too abrupt and violent if you don’t know how to handle it.

It is a model that was designed for adults and not for children.

Its advantages

Following our test of the Fanatec Podium Direct Drive 2 base, we were able to discover what the advantages of this model were.

The biggest advantage of Fanatec’s DD2 model is clearly its 5 Nm increase in holding torque, which gives us an exceptional total of 25 Nm. exceptional total of 25 Nm. In our experiment, even with maximum force power reduced to about 65-70%, we could feel the fidelity manifesting to a greater degree. The return of force is much clearer and the sensations are really amazing.

Its sensitivity is also surprising from the very first seconds, because it goes by very smoothly. The inertial force is perfectly synchronized and this is especially appreciated with games like Dirt Rally 2.0 when driving over gravel-like surfaces. A feeling that forces you to get the most out of yourself as a driver.

In addition to the increased torque, the Fanatec DD2 base also has the advantage of a new, more refined internal electronics. new, more refined internal electronics. This is what allows the base to be able to handle these higher constant torque levels. And it’s an engine that accelerates faster. This allows the internal drive motor to react and provide even faster force feedback than the DD1.

We were also seduced by the very successful design of the Fanatec DD2 base as well as by its very high quality materials. The manufacturer made a very good choice with the carbon fiber that gives a lot of elegance to this model. Moreover, its impeccable finish makes it a truly high-end product and, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful bases for steering wheels that can be found on the market today.

The Podium Direct Drive 2 from Fanatec is equipped with an OLED screen on one side of the base, which we greatly appreciated. It allows you to adjust parameters such as force feedback, sensitivity or ABS without having to go through Fanalab (the accompanying software for settings). This is a feature that is really nice and very practical.

The Fanalab softwareThis is also one of the positive aspects of the Fanatec DD2 base. It is really good both on PC, but also for those who play on Xbox. It offers many functions and possibilities that are logically arranged in the interface of the software so that you don’t get lost. It is updated on a regular basis and therefore requires very little expertise to install and use.

Another advantage of the Fanatec Podium DD2 base is its Kill Switch button that we didn’t have on the DD1. The German manufacturer was able to provide the solutions requested by its users who were disappointed not to find it on the previous model. Coupled with the automotive grade quick release system (the Quick Release), this allows you to assemble everything without complication and without the need for cables.

Finally, with the DD2 model from Fanatec, the warranty warranty has been extended to 5 yearswhich is a real advantage. In our opinion, with a base of this type, it is essential to have a sufficiently long guarantee. With its predecessor, the DD1 model, the warranty only extended to 3 years. It is a real plus that the brand has chosen to add 2 more years.

Its disadvantages

After telling you what we liked about the Fanatec Podium Direct Drive 2 base, we’re going to tell you about the things that don’t work in its favor.

According to us, the biggest defect of the Fanatec DD2 base is its high price. Indeed, at almost 1500 €, it represents a huge budget that few people can afford. Moreover, its price is considerably more expensive than the DD1 while it has little difference with the previous model of the brand.

It is true that our test of the DD2 made us notice that this base was, except for a few small details, finally almost the same as the DD1. There is certainly an increase in torque, but we found that it was not necessarily very noticeable.

It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the DD2 base of Fanatec is still not available on the site of the brand. Click here to see if it is currently in stock.

Finally, in our opinion, one of the big disadvantages of the Fanatec DD2 base is that it is a model reserved for very experienced playersor even professional. Beyond its high price, the settings such as telemetry can be long and complicated for the most novice among you. In addition, the 25 Nm of torque can be difficult to handle and a bit violent for those less used to it.

Where to get it and for how much?

The Fanatec DD2 base is at 1 499,95 € on the Fanatec website.

The Fanatec brand has exclusivity on its products, so unfortunately you can’t find them for sale elsewhere.

Conclusion

Having tested the Fanatec DD2 base, we have come to the conclusion that this model offers an exceptional driving sensation and that it really surpasses most of the competing models.

However, we also found that the DD2 did not have much more to offer compared to its little brother, the DD1. Sure, this model offers a torque increase and also a nice Kill Switch button, but for most regular players like you and me, the DD1 base is more than enough.

It’s up to you to decide if you’re willing to spend a lot more money for so little difference between the two products. For us, as much as we loved our racing experience with the Fanatec DD2 base, we found that both models offered almost the same experience.