Direct Drive force feedback technology is the ultimate in race simulation. It connects your steering wheel directly to the engine, providing unparalleled responsiveness. The Direct Drive allows you to reinforce and make more realistic the force feedback felt.
In general, Direct Drive Flywheels have a high price tag due to their large motors and complex construction. However, Fanatec has completely changed the game with the new and very affordable CSL DD direct drive wheelbase.(Read our review of the CSL DD base)
In this Simracing Setup Guide, I’m going to reveal the best complete Direct Drive racing simulation setup in my opinion. This setup will include everything you need to run a racing simulation, including a steering wheel, pedals and a cockpit.
The material that makes up this Simracing Setup
Let’s go straight to the products that make up this direct drive simracing setup.
| Image | Produit | Features | Prix |
|---|---|---|---|
LA MEILLEURE BASE  | Voir le prix | ||
LE MEILLEUR VOLANT  | Fanatec Podium R300 | Voir le prix | |
LE MEILLEUR PÉDALIER  | Voir le prix | ||
LE MEILLEUR CHASSIS  | Voir le prix | ||
LE MEILLEUR SIÈGE  | Voir le prix |
The very first decision you will have to make is which base you will choose.
Here there are two options:
- The CSL DD or Gran turismo DD Pro base: The least expensive option
- The Fanatec Podium DD2 base or the Simucube : More powerful but more expensive
While the CSL DD is an outstanding base, I would personally opt for the second option. For the ultimate Direct Drive experience, it’s best to use the most solid base.
I’ll go over the different product options below as I look at each part of this race simulation build in more detail, as there is no one best route for this build. However, here is my ultimate recommendation. If I were building a direct drive race simulation facility, I would choose the options below.
Why choose this Simracing Direct Drive Setup?
Most Simracers begin their adventure with a modest belt or gear-driven racing wheel, such as the Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster TMX.
I personally started with an old Logitech steering wheel that I had taped to a desk. And that was enough to spark my love for racing simulations.
I later upgraded my setup by buying a better rack, then a full cockpit while upgrading my racing wheel to a more powerful Fanatec wheel.
I slowly got to the point where I wanted the best race simulation equipment I could afford, and that came in the form of the Fanatec Podium DD2 paired with a SimLab P1-X cockpit.
This is the journey that many simulation pilots will follow. To experience the best force feedback, you really need a powerful Direct Drive wheel. And to be able to support a Direct Drive steering wheel, you need a solid cockpit, most often in the form of an extruded aluminum platform.
If you’re looking to create the ultimate race simulation setup, or improve your current setup, this guide is for you. This is one of the best race simulation configurations on the market
The Base: Fanatec Podium DD2
The best and most powerful simracing base currently available is the Fantec Podium DD2.
Podium DD1 vs DD2
The DD1, although less expensive, does not have as much torque as the DD2. Moreover, it is currently out of stock.
The Podium DD2 produces up to 25Nm of torque, compared to the 20Nm of the DD1. If you’ve ever played with the DD2 at full power, you’ll know how tough it is. That’s why we include it in this setup.
What about the SimuCube bases?
SimuCube bases are an excellent alternative to the Fanatec Podium line. There are three footings currently on sale;
- The Sport which produces a torque of 17Nm
- The Pro that produces 25Nm of torque
- The Ultimate which produces a torque of 32 Nm.
The Sport and Pro models are relatively comparable to the DD1 and DD2, and are a bit cheaper.
However, Fanatec has a wide range of flywheels and peripherals compatible with their bases, whereas with a SimuCube base you have to find flywheels from other manufacturers. Personally, I like the convenience of buying the same brand of hardware to take advantage of the compatibilities.
Secondly, the DD2 is compatible with Xbox consoles if you are a console racing simulator. Currently, no SimuCube base is compatible with home consoles.
What is the best Direct Drive base for Playstation?
The DD2 base is not compatible with a Playstation, so Playstation users will have to turn to thePodium Racing Wheel F1 (or the Gran turismo DD Pro for smaller budgets).
The steering wheel : Fanatec Podium R300 V2
It is very important to use a steering wheel with the base of the DD2 Direct Drive. You need to choose a steering wheel that can handle the power of the direct drive and is comfortable for long racing sessions.
The Podium R300 steering wheel meets all these requirements. It has a large number of functions and a high quality design and finish. And it can be used in a wide range of racing disciplines.
You will receive the Podium Advanced Paddle Module included in this bundle, which is Fanatec’s highest end paddle shifter module.
There are six high-quality palettes in total, giving you plenty of customization options. The paddles themselves have a magnetic mechanism that mimics that of a real race car. Thanks to the non-contact Hall effect sensors, you will not experience any performance degradation over time.
The R300 also comes with the ClubSport Button Cluster Pack, which adds additional buttons for use in racing, and the Podium Hub.
The Podium Hub is at the heart of this race simulation setup, as it serves as a quick release between the base and the steering wheel. The manufacturing quality is extremely high for all Podium series products, but especially for the Podium Hub. It uses automotive grade materials for optimum performance and durability and is widely compatible with most of the Fanatec product line.
Alternative steering wheel for drivers who prefer open steering wheels
If you’re a simulation driver who prefers to drive open-wheel cars, you may also want to consider Fanatec’s Formula V2.5 wheel. The Formula V2.5 or V2.5X is one of the best formula wheels I have ever played with. It’s extremely versatile, looks great and is fun to race with, and has many configuration options.
Its dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the R300, with a width of only 270 mm, against 300 mm for the R300. This makes the wheel lighter and more agile than some of the larger circular wheels.
The pedals: Fanatec ClubSport V3
The choice of pedals for this direct-drive simulation configuration depends on two things. Do you want compatibility with home consoles, and do you want to stay in the Fanatec ecosystem?
If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then the ClubSport V3 pedals are by far your best choice. The ClubSport V3 is the best pedal Fanatec has to offer. They are packed with technology and aim to replicate real-world cars as closely as possible.
This is a nice looking set of pedals, with all metal aluminum construction, with touches of red throughout. From the front and from the side, these pedals look great.
Behind the pedals, you’ll find a huge amount of technology. There is a 90 kg load cell designed to replicate a real-world brake pedal. The pedals use magnetic technology as well as non-contact sensors on the throttle and clutch.
There are many adjustment possibilities: interchangeable pedals, customizable pedal positioning and adjustable brake pressure. ClubSport V3 pedals are as good as it gets.
The cockpit: SimLab P1-X
To really be able to support a powerful Direct Drive base such as the Podium DD2, you really need a racing simulation cockpit that can handle the forces generated. An economy or mid-level racing cockpit may struggle to support a Podium Series Direct Drive base, and may flex as torque increases.
This means that you will potentially have to look for a more robust simulation seat. Your best option would be an extruded aluminum platform. This style of simulation platform uses thick pieces of extruded aluminum to essentially build a chassis.
SimLab P1-X : our opinion
SimLab is widely known for producing some of the best 8020 aluminum simulators on the market and is even the official e-sports supplier to the Mercedes AMG F1 team.
The P1-X racing simulation cockpit is at the top of SimLab’s product line. It is a simulation cockpit designed to withstand the most extreme forces. It supports almost all Direct Drive steering wheels without any problem.
Every part of this chassis is adjustable, from the distance and angle of the pedal to the mounting position of the steering wheel. This is one simulator you should never have to replace. The P1-X includes a standard side bracket that allows you to attach accessories and additional peripherals such as controllers.
To complete this direct drive race simulation setup, we chose a race seat. The SimLab P1-X does not come with a seat as standard, so you can choose the seat you want. The P1-X is widely compatible with most racing simulation seats and some real racing seats from brands such as Sparco.
The seat I chose for this setup is the Sparco R100.
What really convinced me about this seat was how comfortable it was during long simulated race sessions. After spending hours and hours in the Sparco R100, I can easily say that it is one of the most comfortable racing simulator seats available.
This seat is designed to be a true racing seat for simulation drivers, and even includes a system to add a 4-point racing harness if you wish.
What is the performance of this direct drive simracing setup
Now that all the products have been presented in more detail, let’s look at the performance of this direct-drive simulation setup.
Thanks to SimLab’s design and manufacturing quality, the assembly of the chassis is relatively easy. Assembly takes a little time, but this is the case for all extruded aluminum assemblies. There are pre-drilled mounting holes for the Fanatec DD2 and pedals, making mounting easy.
During the race simulation sessions, the quality of each product is really highlighted by this simulation platform. Under the maximum load of the Fanatec DD2, the P1-X chassis does not sag in the least.
There is also no noticeable flexing of the pedal plate. And when you press hard on the brake, the seat doesn’t move either. A common problem with some reclining racing seats is that the seat back often moves under heavy braking. But this will not be a problem here.
Overall, this is a race simulation setup that will last you many years. Once this setup is assembled, you should not need to replace or upgrade parts for several years. And for the price, about 3 000€, you will be hard pressed to find a direct drive simulation setup as good as this one.
| Image | Produit | Features | Prix |
|---|---|---|---|
LA MEILLEURE BASE | Voir le prix | ||
LE MEILLEUR VOLANT | Fanatec Podium R300 | Voir le prix | |
LE MEILLEUR PÉDALIER | Voir le prix | ||
LE MEILLEUR CHASSIS | Voir le prix | ||
LE MEILLEUR SIÈGE | Voir le prix |
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