CSL DD Ready2Race WRC Bundle of 5 nm

Fanatec has been a key player in PC and console sim-racing for over 20 years. The brand has democratized inexpensive Direct Drive bases, thanks to its famous 5 nm torque CSL DD. For this first bundle, I’ve chosen the same base, coupled with a WRC-licensed steering wheel and a standard version of the CSL Pedals.

For just €500, you can treat yourself to a Direct Drive base that develops 5 nm of max torque, which is delivered smoothly and linearly for the novice rider, avoiding jolts. And for those with experience, Fanatec offers the boost kit, a power supply that enables the base to deliver 8 nm of max torque, giving you even more thrills.

The WRC steering wheel is just beautiful, with its genuine alcantara on the hoop and its 30 cm diameter, entirely round. The wheel has a flashy design, very typical of racing cars. As for controls, there are 14 in all on the faceplate, plus 2 large paddles at the rear. The same bundle includes a GT3 steering wheel for GT and endurance racing fans.

The pedalboard is the CSL Pedals in standard version, i.e. in 2-pedal configuration and without Load Cell. The great thing about Fanatec is that virtually the entire range is upgradable, and this pedalboard is no exception.

Let’s end with a chassis, if you don’t mind. Fanatec offers one for the entry-level range, the CSL Cockpit and its bucket seat for €380. I find it a good compromise between rigidity and realism.

Logitech RS50 + RS Pedals

Logitech has operated in the low-end sim-racing segment for many years, even though the brand offers premium gaming products. But that changed in 2022, with the release of its first Direct Drive base: the G Pro Racing. Fast-forward 3 years later, and Logitech is at it again with the RS50, a bundle aimed at novice racers with a base that develops 8 nm of torque.

So, this DD base is brand new, and completes Logitech’s racing catalog. It must be said that it took a long time for the Swiss brand to embark on the Direct Drive adventure, but we’re not going to complain.

The base produces 8 nm of torque at maximum, in a rather linear fashion. It’s certainly less precise in terms of feedback than an 8 nm CSL DD, for example, especially on certain sim-racing titles that don’t yet take Logitech’s software well, but it’s still a good choice on Xbox.

As for the steering wheel, it’s more or less taken from its big sister, the G Pro. Brushed aluminum structure, TPU leather on the roll bar, a competition-derived QR, 4 paddles, 16 controls on the faceplate, with a RevLED. What more could you ask for? Ah well, nothing. It’s a steering wheel that’s simply gorgeous, and premium too.

When it comes to pedalboards, Logitech has done things right by developing a new peripheral specifically for this RS50 range. The result is a minimalist design, available with 2 or 3 pedals, and a 75 kg Load Cell as standard.

Now for the price. The wheel + base go for €650 if you take the bundle direct from Logitech, and the pedalboard is €150. However, I’d urge you to shop smart, as the base costs €300, the wheel €80 and the Xbox hub with QR is €160, making a total of €540, to which you add a chassis from Fanatec or Playseat for less than €400.

ClubSport DD+ Ready2Race GT3

Fanatec offers a wide range of sim-racing peripherals, with an emphasis on steering wheels. The brand’s catalog features some forty entries, which is just enormous. As a result, there’s a steering wheel for every driver and every motorsport discipline. Literally.

On Xbox Series X/S from Fanatec, and in the mid-range, you have two choices: either you take a ready-made bundle like the ClubSport DD+ Ready2Race GT3 with the ClubSport DD+ base, the new CSL GT3 steering wheel and the ClubSport V3 pedalboard, or you take each peripheral separately.

For this list, I’m in favor of a ready-made offer from Fanatec, as they’re often cheaper. This bundle includes a base that develops 15 nm of constant torque, a 90 kg Load Cell crankset that is considered one of the best on the market, and a new GT3-style steering wheel that replaces the famous McLaren GT3. The whole package costs €1,530 on the Fanatec store, and you can complete this setup with the ClubSport GT Cockpit from the same brand, which retails for around €1,300. This setup is just perfect for racers on Xbox, and even PC.

Logitech G Pro

The Logitech G Pro Racing bundle is already 3 years old, but doesn’t look its age at all, I must say. Over time, the Swiss manufacturer has fine-tuned the software of its Direct Drive base unit, which develops 11 nm of constant torque, and is coupled to a magnificent brushed aluminum steering wheel. This wheel has 4 paddles at the rear, and 14 controls distributed both on the faceplate and on a kind of Super Cars-style hub.

For pedals, Logitech offers the Pro Racing Pedals with 3 pedals, a Load Cell on the 100 kg brake and Hall sensors. This is a very good sim-racing bundle that you can complement with the Fanatec GT Cockpit for around €2,800. It’s a little cheaper than the Fanatec ClubSport DD+ bundle, but less powerful, so…

Fanatec Podium DD2, Porsche GT3 R and ClubSport Pedals V3

As I said earlier, at Fanatec, a sim-racing setup can be put together by taking each peripheral individually. And since we’re talking high-end now, we might as well take the best Fanatec has to offer.

For the base, the Podium DD2 spits out 25nm of maximum torque, making it the most powerful in the range, competing with Simucube and other Aseteks. For the steering wheel, I chose the ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 Suede version. It’s a typical GT wheel, but it’s simply magnificent to look at and to hold.

As for the pedals, Fanatec offers the ClubSport Pedals V3 in standard or inverted versions for maximum immersion. As for the chassis, we’re sticking with the Fanatec GT Cockpit to maintain the same ecosystem.

Let’s talk price now. This setup will cost you between €3730 and €3830, depending on the pedalboard. That’s a steep price, yes, but it’s also the best there is on Xbox.