In terms of Direct Drive, the brands Fanatec and Simucube have built up an exceptional reputation over the years. Their products are among the best-selling Sim-racing products on the market. But, from Fanatec or Simucube, which of these two brands is better?
This is one of the questions that we have seen asked over and over again among Sim-racing players and which we will answer for you in this article.
We will tell you what criteria you should consider to determine which brand is best for you and we will also introduce you to the two leading models from Fanatec and Simucube models: the Fanatec DD2 and the Simucube 2 Pro.
Fanatec DD2
The DD2 from Fanatec is ideal for non-professional players who just want to have fun playing. This is the basis of the steering wheel Direct Drive (the most popular direct drive on the market with PC and Xbox compatibility (it becomes compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S when used with any Xbox licensed Fanatec wheel).
The return of force is really exceptionalThis is especially true for communicating track details such as curbs, bumps, etc. The detail through the steering wheel is grainy and not necessarily very quiet, but that’s just what we expect from a race car.
Fanatec steering wheels are easy to install and require no additional USB cable. Although the DD2 does not have a built-in wireless feature, cable storage and hub compatibility are not an issue at all. For all non Fanatec steering wheels, assembly is simple with the Fanatec Podium QuickRelease system.
The installation of the Fanatec DD2 is very simple and almost all platforms have mounting options for this model right out of the box. You can either use side mounting brackets or mount it via the base of the unit.
All settings can be made through the FanaLab software designed by Fanatec. It is really very practical, 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.
The Fanatec DD2 is thus, on the whole, a very good quality model, really fluidIt is sensitive to all adjustments but offers a real strength at the same time. It is an ideal model for less professional players who want to feel like they are in a real race car.
Simucube 2 Pro
The brand Simucube brand always offers products with industrial and professional looks and the Simucube 2 Pro is no exception.
Like the DD2, the Simucube 2 Pro force feedback is exceptional, powerful and very fluid at the same time. It also offers 25 Nm of torque but we noticed that it still offers a little more detail with each turn of the wheel.
The Simucube is mounted on the front only. This mounting is standard on all MiGE / OSW based servo motors, so you don’t have to worry too much about compatibility. Just make sure your platform has a front support for the Simucube option. Unlike the DD2, the absence of a bottom bracket makes it less well supported by low-end and economical platforms.
If you are a real fan of Sim-racing, if you like to spend time optimizing your settings, we advise you to consider the Simucube universe, which is ideal for this type of player.
The Simucube 2 Pro is delivered with its hub SQR which is, by far, the best on the market. It is rock solid and unlike the QuickRelease system of the DD2, it does not move at all. You can however choose different QR to mount your steering wheel including the Simucube Quick Release, the Buchfink Q1R or the very nice HRS Xero-Play V3 Quick Release.
Simucube offers an impressive and very broad QR hub compatibility and really wide compatibility with the rest of the Sim-racing universe.
Like Fanalab from Fanatec, Simucube’s TrueDrive software from Simucube offers simple and intuitive software installation and firmware update procedures. There are useful presets to help you get started with the various sim racing packages and you can use preset profiles shared by other drivers, which is a real plus.
The Simucube 2 Pro is compatible with other brands of wireless steering wheels, but it is true that it is only compatible only compatible with the PC and therefore does not work with any game console.
This model, known to be used in eSport competitions, will, we believe, convince high-level gamers looking for incredible gameplay sensations.
Fanatec vs Simucube: criteria to consider
To help you decide which brand to choose choose between Fanatec and Simucubewe advise you to take into account the criteria the following criteria:
Your budget and your gaming experience
It is important to think about your personal circumstances and take into account things like your own experience level and budget. If you’re looking to buy your very first shuttlecock, it’s bound to take a little longer to research and find equipment for beginners. These models are, of course, more affordable than those designed for more experienced players.
The quality of the material
The quality of the equipment you choose will determine its realism, as well as its reliability and durability. There are many options that can be very cheap on the market for players who are just looking for some fun from time to time.
Both Fanatec and Simucube brands use high quality materials for superior products.
The return of force
Force feedback is an essential feature to ensure a good level of realism during the race. There are different types of force feedback, to be valued according to your level, your playing experience and also your budget. Direct Drive flywheels, for example, are more expensive but offer much more powerful force feedback than a flywheel with a geared or belt drive motor.
Your expectations
Your expectations are obviously important in the decision-making process. If you’re looking for a very realistic experience, you’ll probably want to spend a little more money to get a feature-rich piece of equipment. However, if you are more focused on the fun factor, a less expensive piece of equipment may be more suitable for you.
Which brand for which type of player?
If you own an Xboxthere is not much doubt because only the Fanatec equipment is compatible with Xbox consoles.
In addition, if you are a player who has not yet gained much experience or a true beginner in Sim-racing who is looking for a model that is rather simple in terms of setup and installation, the DD2 is in our opinion the model that would suit you best.
On the other hand, for more experienced playersthe Simucube 2 Pro which offers much more feedback on the details of the race is, in our opinion, more appropriate. In addition,
the Simucube community community is very large and by turning to this brand and model, you will learn a lot more about engineering and installation.
In brief / Conclusion
So, which one is the best? The brand Fanatec or the brand Simucube ? The base Simucube 2 Pro or the Fanatec DD2 ?
As we mentioned in this article, these two brands and models are subtly differentbut we don’t think these differences materially affect your lap time. However, there are some factors that should influence your decision.
The return of strength of the Simucube models is exceptionally good and we particularly appreciated their wireless their wireless features and software. But what we think really makes the difference is the QR system.
The steering wheel mounting options are unfortunately more limited on the DD2which tends to make us prefer the Simucube 2 Pro.
But if you are new to the world of Sim-racingyou may find it easier to get started easier to get started with a Fanatec DD2. In addition, this model will offer you awider compatibility than the Simucube 2 Pro.
In conclusion, both of these models perform incredibly well and whether you choose one or the other, you should not be disappointed with the results.
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