Fanatec GT DD Pro

Our rating : 9.9/10

Gran Turismo 7 is one of the most famous and best-selling games in 2022. So what could be more natural than to want to have the ideal equipment to play in the best conditions?

The brand Fanatec brand has fulfilled the wish of many Sim-racing players by offering a steering wheel created in partnership with Gran Turismo Sport and Polyphony Digital: the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro.

We have tested this model for you and we will tell you everything we thought about it and everything there is to know about it in this article. We will present you the list of its specific characteristicswe will tell you to which type of person it is best suitedwhat are its its advantages and disadvantages, where to get it and at what price.

Features of the Fanatec GT DD Pro

Designed with Gran Turismo Sport and in partnership with Polyphony Digitalthe Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is the first officially licensed Direct Drive wheel for PlayStation 5.

Here is a list of its main features:

• The Fanatec Gran Turismo Direct Drive Pro is sold, by default, as a bundle. You get the GT DD Pro base itself, the Gran Turismo wheelwheel, a set of CSL pedals pedals without clutch and the DD desk stand.

• The bundle Fanatec Gran Turismo DD is available in 3 versionsthe pro version (5 Nm) for the entry level, the pro version (8 Nm) and the premium version.

• The steering wheel is 28 cm diameter, it is covered with synthetic leather and its handling is very easy. It has all the buttons of the PlayStation controller controller and even more, since it includes five funky switches (4+1), an LED strip for revolutions and a small OLED screen screen for gears or other information.

• The Fanatec GT DD Pro steering wheel is also equipped with two plastic paddles with magnetic sensorsand the Standard Tuning menu, which allows beginners to get started quickly without having to worry about the settings, and the QuickRelease.

• This package also includes the 2-pedal pedal board CSL pedals, made entirely of metal and offers a good resistance.

• The engine of the Fanatec GT DD Pro is 100% customized. It was developed in Germany specifically for Sim-Racing. It offers sensational performance thanks to the patented FluxBarriertechnology, communicating the nuances of force feedback details with remarkable clarity.

• The all-metal design is built to last, and the throttle and brake shafts use non-contact non-contact Hall sensors for more precision and durability. The stiffer brake pedal spring combined with the PU foam damper provides a progressive feel and more realism.

• Each set is fully compatible with PlayStation 4 and PS5 on Gran Turismo 7, as well as with all currentPC games .

• The Fanatec GT DD Pro can be used with all CSL, ClubSport and Podium steering wheels as well as all currently available Fanatec cranksets, gearboxes and handbrakes. The GT DD Pro steering wheel can also be used on all available Fanatec steering wheel bases.

For what type of person?

The Fanatec GT DD Pro is a model that is, of course, ideal for the big fans of fans of Gran Turismo. But it is also suitable for fans of games such as F1 2021, Assetto Corsa Competizione or WRC 10.

This model is equally suited to players who are just startingexperienced players. experienced in Sim-racing. Indeed, the standard setup menu allows beginners to get started quickly without having to worry about the settings and the advanced setup menu allows enthusiasts to fine-tune the force feedback characteristics to suit their riding preferences.

Its advantages

The Fanatec Gran Turismo GT DD Pro has been a huge success since its release and we were able to discover for ourselves what the benefits this bundle offers.

First of all, we were immediately seduced by the incredible sensations offered by the Fanatec GT DD Pro. No surprises, the Direct Drive motor guarantees extremely precise force feedback with this steering wheel, and it reproduces even the smallest nuances of the road to our great delight.

In addition, the base on which the GT DD Pro is mounted on is fanless, making it truly silent, even during the most intense moments of the race.

The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro also offers you a fully customizable configuration and many built-in customization options directly in the device and on the steering wheel. Every game is driven differently, so being able to customize the force feedback, steering wheel rotation, etc., depending on the game you’re playing is a great feature, rather than having to change the settings every time you want to play a different game. You can access the standard and advanced settings menus directly from the steering wheel, giving you access to all settings without having to leave the game and log into the software, then reload the game to test your changes.

This model is also equipped with a white OLED screen which allows you to access the setup menu and play with the telemetry output. It is very easy to use and is very accessible.

Another aspect of the Fanatec Gran Turismo GT DD Pro that won us over is the pedalboard which is included in the bundle. Whatever version you choose (5 Nm, 8 Nm or Premium), you will be pleased to discover a model of 2 or 3 pedals of very good quality and whose performance will not disappoint you.

The durability of the entire bottom bracket is fantastic. The brake and accelerator pedal can be moved via screws to different slots to suit your driving preferences. It also has a large platform to hold your feet at the base of the unit.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the sturdy fastening system! It can handle up to 5 Nm without flinching, and if your desk is solid enough, you can even go up to 8 Nm without worry by adding the Boost kit 180…

Finally, we really appreciate the fact that the Fanatec GT DD Pro offers such a wide compatibility. The steering wheel can be used on PC, PlayStation 3, 4 and 5 and as for the base and the pedal board, they can also be used on Xbox with a compatible steering wheel. This is a great detail for players who have different gaming platforms.

Its disadvantages

Although the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro won us over with its many advantages, this model still has some disadvantages.

In our opinion, the biggest drawback of the Fanatec GT DD Pro is that it’s often out of stock out of stock on the brand’s website. This model has often been a victim of its own success!

If by chance you find the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro for sale, you will have to pay the price. Because, let’s face it, the Fanatec brand is clearly not for everyone. While regular Sim-racing players are used to market prices, amateurs are not.

Finally, we must admit that we find that the steering wheel of the Fanatec GT DD Pro has, in our opinion a little bit cheap design… Let’s just say that it’s not necessarily the type of design that the brand has been used to until now. We find a little too much plastic for our taste, whereas we would have preferred leather or alcantara, a material that gives the steering wheel a more realistic and less “toy” look.

Comparison with other Playstation-compatible steering wheels

It’s important to note that the GT DD Pro is a Direct Drive flywheel, meaning that the motor is directly connected to the flywheel without belts or gears. And on the Playstation market, that’s a first!

Other Playstation-compatible steering wheels on the market include the Thrustmaster T300RS/GT and the Logitech G29 and G923.

However, these steering wheels are not at all in Direct Drive but with belt drive/gear.

Although they offer good force feedback, the feel, precision and responsiveness of these steering wheels are incomparable to those of the Gran Turismo Direct Drive Pro.

The only Direct Drive alternative is the Logitech G Pro Wheel (or Logitech Pro Racing Wheel), which comes at a much higher price than the GT DD PRO (expect to pay around €1,500 for the complete bundle).

If you own a Playstation (or even an Xbox or PC), don’t hesitate for a second! In our opinion, the Fanatec GT DD Pro is the best PS5 wheel on the market.

Where can I buy the Fanatec GT DD Pro and for how much?

The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is available for sale on the official Fanatec website;

The version of the Fanatec GT DD Pro from 5 Nm costs € 699.95 and the 8 Nm version costs €799.90..

Conclusion

For GT fans, but not only, our opinion is that the Fanatec GT DD Pro is a remarkable steering wheel with a virtually unbeatable value for money which offers one of the most immersive racing experiences available. It offers the same advantages and qualities as the CSL DD, so you can go in with your eyes shut.

If you’re a sim-racing enthusiast looking for a racing wheel setup, the Fanatec GT DD Pro is a fantastic option that will give you hours and hours of racing fun.

FAQ : Frequently asked questions about the Gran Turismo GT DD PRO

Is the Fanatec GT DD Pro based on the Fanatec CSL DD?

Pretty much, yes. The GT DD Pro is slightly more rounded on the front, but otherwise the design is very similar to that of the CSL DD. Both bases are equivalent in terms of design and technology.

How much does the Fanatec GT DD cost?

The GT Direct Drive bundle is currently on sale at the following prices:

• 699.95 for the basic version
• 849.95 for the version with Boost Kit 180 (to increase torque from 5nm to 8nm)
• 969.85€ for the premium 8nm version with 3-pedal crankset

These prices place the Turismo DD Pro Wheel in direct competition with the Thrustmaster T-GT II.

Is the GT DD Pro worth it?

A big yes. If you’re a fan of Gran Turismo, or indeed any other racing game, this is the perfect Direct Drive simulation steering wheel. If you come across this item while it’s still in stock, don’t hesitate for a second.

Is the Fanatec GT Direct Drive Pro PS5-compatible?

Yes, it’s 100% Playstation compatible (PS5 and PS4). In our opinion, it’s the best PS5 steering wheel on the market.

Is the GT DD Pro PC-compatible?

Yes, the GT DD Pro is also PC-compatible, as are all Fanatec wheels. It can therefore be used on PC games such as Assetto Corsa Competizione, iRacing and many more.

Is the GT DD PRO compatible with Xbox?

Fanatec Gran Turismo Direct Drive Pro can be run on Xbox One and Xbox series X/S simply by adding an Xbox-compatible steering wheel.