Fanatec Podium DD

Our rating : 9.7/10

I don’t really need to introduce you to Fanatec, which is quite simply the biggest manufacturer of Direct Drive bases on the market. The brand is present in the entry-, mid- and high-end segments, with products that are of good quality, well positioned against the competition, and that perform well too.

For several years now, Fanatec has been undergoing a renewal phase, notably with the launch of the ClubSport DD and DD+, mid-range bases developing 12 and 15 nm of torque respectively. As a result, Fanatec now offers DD bases ranging from 5 nm to 25 nm torque, covering virtually every rider spectrum in the world.

The brand’s top-of-the-range products include Podium bases, steering wheels and, soon, cranksets. Continuing with the renewal, the German brand has just released the replacement for the Podium DD2: the Podium DD. So yes, I know, they didn’t really break their heads over the name, but under the hood, there are some big changes. Let’s take a closer look.

Main and technical characteristics of the base

• Continuous torque of 25 nm, with overboost function for momentary torque of 33 nm
• Similar design to ClubSport DD/DD+.
• Full aluminum structure
• Compatible with PC and Xbox
• Supplied with QR2 and 10 cm drive shaft extension
• FullForce technology for maximum feedback to the steering wheel
• 2520° rotation angle
• Compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem

Design

The design of a DD base is often overlooked, because you’ll be spending most of your time looking at the steering wheel, not at the base. As a result, and this remains my opinion, Fanatec has opted for a unique stylistic code for its range of DD bases, as the new Podium DD (not to be confused with the old base which develops 20 nm of torque) is very similar to the ClubSport DD and DD+. It’s just a little bigger, and heavier too, to accommodate the more powerful electric motor. There’s also a slight difference on the front of the base compared to the ClubSport DD, with visible covers and an unpainted circle around the QR.

All-black dress, fins everywhere for cooling, a black QR on the front and an On/Off button, the Fanatec logo below the Quick Release and all connections on the rear. It’s beautiful, minimalist and fits in perfectly with the brand’s catalog of DD bases.

Customized assembly

The assembly of the new Podium DD is based on the Fanatec system, i.e. attachment to the sides, front and bottom of the base. For the sides and underside, “T”-shaped nuts are supplied with the base, enabling it to be mounted on cockpit decks compatible with Fanatec bases.

As for the steering wheels, we have the QR2 which is standard on the Podium DD, with a 10 cm driveshaft extension that comes with the base. I think this is a really nice move on Fanatec’s part, as it saves you money if you want a steering wheel closer to you.

Manufacturing and finishing

The base housing is made entirely of metal, with a black paint finish. As for the base’s build quality, this is a premium product, and there’s nothing to say on that score.

It’s CNC machined, meticulously assembled, and above all, all the parts that make up this peripheral fit together perfectly. The new Podium DD is a well-built, well-finished base.

Database settings

Let’s talk about setting up the base. You’ve got FanaLab, of course, for Podium DD configuration and tuning. As far as I’m concerned, this software is complete, and you’ll easily find your bearings when using it.

However, there is a slight… how shall I put it… “jerkiness” which is related to the base power. As I mentioned above, the new Podium DD develops 25 nm of torque in constant, and 33 in overboost. On paper, this is magnificently powerful, and on track, it’s exhausting when everything’s maxed out. Except that every little adjustment you make is multiplied tenfold by the power generated by the base.

As soon as you slightly change a feedback parameter, you’ll immediately feel it in your hands very aggressively. In itself, this isn’t a problem, but it does mean that it takes some time to find the right settings, especially if you’re going off the beaten Fanatec track. Basically, if you use the brand’s predefined settings, everything’s fine. If you use your own, expect to spend several dozen minutes fine-tuning.

Sensations during play

Fanatec’s reputation for Direct Drive bases doesn’t really need highlighting any more, as these are not only popular, but also high-performing. So, how does a Podium DD with 25 nm constant torque and 33 overboost sound?

From my tests, I noticed 2 personalities of the base, and both are linked to one element: the settings. If you use Fanatec’s predefined settings, you’ll have a superb experience with torque, responsiveness, precision and immersion. Quite simply, this is what Fanatec does best, across the board. With the new force feedback algorithm, you’ll not only feel what the front end is going through in a curve, but also feel the imperfections of the road at high speed.

The biggest advantage of this base may just as well be its weakness. If you don’t set the base correctly, you’ll get feedback that’s on steroids because the motor develops 25/33 nm of torque. It’s very powerful, and the slightest change of parameter will accentuate the sensations, and it will take you some time to find what you’re looking for with the Podium DD.

Compatibility

On paper, the new Podium DD is compatible with both PC and Xbox platforms, and you’ll need a specific steering wheel for Microsoft consoles to drive on it. Unfortunately, Playstation racers won’t be able to take advantage of this base, as the hardware simply isn’t installed on it.

As for the ecosystem, all Fanatec steering wheels are compatible with the Podium DD, as long as you have the QR2 of course.

Value for money

Let’s talk price, shall we? The new Podium DD is priced at €1099.95, which gives it very good value for money compared with the competition, but also compared with the brand’s other bases. There was a €100 difference between this base and the ClubSport DD+, but in the meantime Fanatec has updated its prices, and the DD+ now trades for €800. Virtually the entire range of Fanatec DD bases has been lowered in price, which is a good thing for racers.

My verdict

Fanatec has just struck hard with its new Podium DD base. Torque remains the same, but switches to constant rather than peak, and this device can even develop 33 nm during a short period of time, when you hit a wall for example.

The base is superb to drive, rich in sensations and feedback, and offers a very high level of sim-racing immersion. But this comes at a price, figuratively speaking, because in terms of price, the Podium DD is superbly positioned in relation to other bases.

If you can invest the time to fine-tune the base settings, then I’d advise you to go that route. But if you’re the kind of person who’d like to get behind the wheel and start a sim-racing session, stick to the Fanatec settings, as these are perfect for this new Podium DD.