Monday 16th Sept Update: Please note Fanatec has been liquidated, we recommend checking other products as an alternative during this period of acquisition.
Direct Drive wheels are the most expensive form of sim racing wheel. When spending such a large sum of money, it is important to know exactly what to get. So, this is the complete guide to Direct Drive wheels.
Direct Drive racing wheels are the most high-end and realistic sim racing wheels on the market. With less mechanical interference due to their internal design, direct-drive wheels provide a much more involved driving experience with stronger and smoother force feedback.
In this guide, we will be comparing some of the different products from different brands to determine what is the best Direct Drive sim racing wheel.
What is a Direct Drive wheel?
Most consumer-grade wheels like the Logitech G920 and the Thrustmaster T248 use either a belt or a gear system in conjunction with an electric motor to deliver force feedback. A Direct Drive wheel on the other hand is essentially a steering wheel mounted directly to a motor. This means that the user can experience the full force feedback of that electric motor. As there are fewer components involved, this greatly increases the immersion of the sim racing experience.
These motors are generally much larger than those featured on consumer-grade wheels and generate much more torque. Consumer-grade wheels produce around 2 Nm of torque, whereas Direct Drive wheels can generate up to 40 Nm. That’s such an extreme difference that high-end Direct Drive wheels often come with a “killswitch” to prevent you from sending yourself to the Emergency Room the first time you look at a barrier the wrong way.
Whilst some Direct Drive wheels can be mounted to a desk, many of them require a rig to be able to be used effectively. Luckily, if you’re looking for a sim racing rig on a budget, we’ve got that covered.
Why a Direct Drive wheel?
The main benefit of a Direct Drive wheel is the level of immersion it offers compared with a gear or belt-driven wheel, as they provide a much more accurate simulation of steering feel. While a Direct Drive wheel will not necessarily make the user a faster driver, it may make them more consistent.
They can convey even the most subtle handling characteristics, intricate road and surface detail, the shift of inertia in the car while cornering and other subtle nuances that a gear or belt-driven wheel simply cannot match. This is because gear-driven and belt-driven wheels are restricted to cogs and pulleys, which naturally lose finer details and stronger forces.
The Direct Drive wheels can transmit higher-fidelity signals, and give you a more realistic feel. In sonic terms, it’s like comparing listening to that WMA file you ripped from a CD through earphones to listening to lossless FLACs through a 5.1 Surround Sound system.
Because of the level of feedback these wheels offer, drivers can detect understeer, oversteer and other handling characteristics much more easily. As car handling is more predictable, drivers will be able to avoid mistakes more easily, therefore they’ll be faster in the long run.
Is a Direct Drive wheel compatible with games consoles?
Whilst most mainstream Direct Drive wheelbases from Fanatec, Logitech, and Thrustmaster are compatible with modern game consoles, other specialist and independent manufacturers tend to only make their wheelbases for PC sim racers. However, even within the big three brands, differences in console software mean that one setup can be used on Xbox or PlayStation. As a result, you should be very careful to check what platforms your wheelbase is recommended for before purchasing.
Are Direct Drive wheels better?
Direct drive wheels offer a more complete and satisfying experience than mainstream products. This is mainly due to the force feedback response, which is way more precise, reliable and consistent. Precise, because it makes you feel every detail of the track, even the most insignificant bumps.
Reliable, as the direct connection between the steering wheel and the motor, reduces the components involved and the chances of breakdowns.
Consistency is another important factor, especially for endurance races. With Direct Drive wheels, the chance to see the force feedback fading away during the race is reduced to the minimum. Build quality is top-notch. The structure must be stiff enough, as engines can generate up to 25 Nm of torque.
If you’re looking to take this next step in your sim racing journey, you can immerse yourself further in the way you’re sitting at your setup. Luckily, we have you covered with our ultimate sim racing seats guide and a list of affordable options for those looking for their next investment on a budget.
Torque characteristics
Torque characteristics represent the power a motor can generate and transmit to the Direct Drive wheel. These can vary depending on the AC adapter in use and, in some cases, the quick-release type.
The two main torque characteristics producers mention are holding torque and torque ripple. Holding torque performance is important, as it determines how smooth the motor will be while resisting rotation. Torque ripple is a vibration perceived when the motor shaft rotates. Most Direct Drive wheel producers have worked hard to reduce it to get a more desirable effect on the steering wheel for the user experience.
However, it is important to remember that turning up the torque does not always mean a better experience. Too high levels are unnecessary and it is recommended not to exaggerate for prolonged use. The higher the torque, the higher the consumption.
Summary
Direct Drive Base | Category | Pros | Cons |
Logitech G PRO | Budget | – Affordable compared to competitors– Innovative TRUEFORCE technology | – Pedals sold separately– Only one rim is available |
Thrustmaster T818 | Budget | – Works with the current Thrustmaster ecosystem– Futureproof design | – Pedals and wheelbase are sold separately |
VRS DirectForce Pro | Mid-Range | – Top-end 20 Nm torque– Good value for money | – The ecosystem is limited compared to competitors |
Moza R21 | Mid-Range | – Long time on the market, reliable | – Compatible with a wide range of steering wheels from Moza |
Simagic Alpha Ultimate | Mid-Range | – Exceptional force feedback and speed for a mid-range base | – Size and power demand a sturdy rig |
Fanatec Clubsport DD+ | Top-Range | – Streamlined, high-quality experience– Huge and established ecosystem | – Lengthy wait times for products– The base is quite old compared to other products |
Asetek Invicta DD Wheelbase | Top-Range | – Remarkable response speed | – Expensive |
Simucube 2 Ultimate | Top-Range | – Unparalleled levels of torque– High-performance fine-tuning | – Expensive compared to alternatives– Requires high-end mounting solution |
Logitech G PRO
Starting at 600 USD for the wheelbase, Logitech’s G PRO was a surprise announcement when it was released late in 2022. With a peak output of 11Nm, it boasts a higher output than most other wheelbases on this list. It also builds on the successes with the TRUEFORCE technology first seen on the G923 wheel.
The main difference between the Logitech offering and other brands on this list is that there’s a limited variety of wheel rims available for the base. Logitech offers the standard wheel rim for each platform: the PlayStation/PC and the Xbox/PC versions.
At the same time, the only pedals compatible with PlayStation cost 350 USD. Whilst Logitec pedals have an adjustable load cell, they are more expensive than similar offerings from Fanatec, Moza and Thrustmaster. The rim costs an additional 250 USD.
Overall though this is a pretty competitive option and is likely to only become more attractive over time as the ecosystem develops. With PC and PlayStation compatibility, Logitech offers a wheelbase that allows you to sim race on multiple platforms.
Thrustmaster T818
The first foray into Direct Drive technology for one of the top sim racing brands out there, Thrustmaster’s T818 base was long-anticipated by people throughout the industry, and it doesn’t fail to deliver on the hype. Boasting 10 Nm of torque and a sleek hexagonal face, it looks stunning and doesn’t require you to splash the cash. At 650 USD for the wheelbase, it’s cheaper than comparable offerings from rival brands.
The greatest feature that Thrustmaster can boast is the amazing compatibility of the T818. Despite having an all-new quick-release system, it is compatible with every wheel rim in Thrustmaster’s current range. In addition to this, it’s futureproofed with a system designed to work with the next Thrustmaster ecosystem. It’s an excellent investment for the short-term and the long-term.
Fanatec CSL DD
Fanatec is famous for its DD1 and DD2 Direct Drive wheelbases which are as powerful as they are expensive. This high cost puts these wheelbases out of reach for many sim racers, but Fanatec addressed this problem last year with the release of their CSL DD range. These wheelbases are less powerful than their DD1 and DD2 brethren but still offer a high enough level of torque that should satisfy the vast majority of sim racers.
The range consists of a 5Nm (€349.95) that is PC and Xbox compatible and two 8Nm variants to take care of PC/Xbox (€499.95) and PC/Playstation (€599.95) compatibility. The main advantage of these wheelbases is the powerful force feedback with highly detailed forces being transmitted to the driver with essentially zero delays.
The other huge advantage is the extensive range of steering wheels that Fanatec offers that you can swap between via support for a quick-release system.
This means that you can use the CSL DD wheelbase with F1-style steering wheels, rally wheels and GT-type wheels that will give you a similar experience to owning a DD1 at a far lower cost.
The CSL DD range are excellent Direct Drive wheelbase at an amazing price. Couple that with Fanatec’s excellent range of steering wheels and easy-to-use software makes it worthy of consideration for a budget buyer.
VRS DirectForce Pro
The VRS DirectForce Pro WheelBase is a Direct-drive wheelbase designed for sim racing enthusiasts who seek a realistic driving experience for a reasonable cost. Developed by Virtual Racing School (VRS), this wheelbase can produce up to 20 Nm peak torque, offering all the strength anyone could need.
This wheelbase is easy to get going with no significant issues across multiple sims, and the motor’s compact size also makes it easier to fit into setups where space is a concern. This product excels in high-quality force feedback at a lower price than other mid-range Direct Drive wheelbases.
The price for VRS DirectForce Pro with a mounting bracket and hub adapter starts at 860 USD. The savings and performance make it a great choice if you prioritise force feedback quality. It’s a solid, well-built product, and the software, though basic, is functional and user-friendly.
While there are still some limitations and areas for improvement with the software, VRS DirectForce Pro should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a strong Direct Drive wheelbase and aren’t concerned about console compatibility or a wider ecosystem.
Moza R21
The Moza R21 Wheelbase was among the first batch released by Moza Racing in 2021, marking the brand’s entry into the sim racing market. Since then, Moza has expanded its product line but the updated R21 remains the most powerful and prominent model in their lineup, designed to compete with high-end brands like Fanatec and Simucube.
The R21 excels in performance, delivering impressive strength and detail. It offers 21 Nm torque that surpasses smaller models and even some competitors. The force feedback is detailed, allowing users to feel nuanced road textures and small bumps despite the overall strength.
The R21 is PC-compatible only and does not support Xbox or PlayStation consoles. It is compatible with a wide range of Moza‘s steering wheels and can be used with other sim racing peripherals connected directly to your PC. The wheelbase only costs 999 USD.
In conclusion, the R21 remains a strong contender for those seeking extreme power and high-quality force feedback.
Simagic Alpha Ultimate
The Alpha Ultimate is the flagship of Simagic’s lineup, boasting a staggering 23 Nm of torque and a price tag of 1000 USD.
The Alpha Ultimate features a five-pole servo motor driven by 200 MHz processors, providing a 1-millisecond response time. The wheelbase supports wireless connectivity via 2.4 GHz for seamless communication between the wheel and base.
Sim Magic’s software, Sim Pro Manager, is user-friendly and regularly updated. It allows easy management of gear settings, cloud-based setups, and multiple profiles. The Alpha Ultimate integrates well with the software, recognising the wheelbase and performing firmware updates smoothly.
In terms of performance, the Alpha Ultimate delivers exceptional force feedback and speed, rivalling top-end bases like the SC2 Pro and Invicta. However, its size and power demand a sturdy rig, and its proprietary nature may limit some users.
Fanatec Clubsport DD+
The Fanatec Clubsport DD+ is a high-end Direct Drive wheelbase for serious sim racers. The DD+ delivers up to 15 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful Direct Drive wheelbases available. The Clubsport DD+ is positioned at the high end of the market, with a high price tag for the wheelbase.
It has been a while since Fanatec released something new and this is the latest technology since the DD1 and DD2 wheelbases, and since then, the market has evolved significantly. New brands like Moza and VRS have entered the scene, Simagic has released several new products, and we have seen numerous updates and new options. The Fanatec offering is still very competitive among the top-end wheelbases.
The biggest advantage is the ease of integration within the Fanatec ecosystem. If you’re a console racer, especially on PlayStation, Fanatec is a solid choice. The DD+ offers seamless Plug and Play compatibility across PC and PlayStation with one wheelbase, though console users are somewhat locked into using Fanatec products.
The single-cable connection to the PC simplifies setup. Additionally, most sims automatically recognise Fanatec wheelbases and rims. The profiles are often pre-bound, which saves a lot of setup hassle. In conclusion, for those who appreciate a streamlined, high-quality experience, the DD+ remains a strong contender.
Asetek Invicta DD Wheelbase
With a maximum torque of 27 Nm, the Invicta stands at the top of the Asetek wheelbase lineup. Priced at 1800 USD, it falls into the top-end category of sim racing wheelbases. While fewer options exist in this category, the subtle performance differences can make choosing the right model challenging.
It features a 22-bit encoder resolution, 6 sets of 25 programmable RGB LEDs, and weighs in at a hefty 11.3 kilos. It’s a beast of a wheelbase, both heavy and long at 33 centimetres, but its compact design allows it to fit neatly under your monitor without obstructing your view.
Driving with this wheelbase is an exhilarating experience. The level of feedback is extraordinary, making you feel deeply connected with the car. The 27 Nm torque provides ample power and remarkable response speed.
Overall, the Invicta is a high-quality wheelbase that delivers excellent performance and integrates well with Asetek’s ecosystem of wheels and pedals. The bundled hardware makes the Invicta a solid choice for serious sim racers.
Simucube 2 Sport
Simucube is held in high regard among sim racers and was one of the first to enter the Direct Drive market. The ‘Ultimate’ version is the top-level wheelbase of the latest Simucube 2 range initially released in 2019.
The Simucube 2 Sport features a Direct Drive motor with 17 Nm of maximum torque, meaning incredible force feedback with heightened levels of feel and responsiveness. Simucube has also put a lot of work into reducing the torque ripple, cogging and grain. These efforts have certainly been a success, as the Ultimate is notably smooth.
It also features a quick-release system as well as the wireless wheel function, which allows the user to connect a wheel rim to the base without any wires.
But, already coming with a hefty price tag, even more money will need to be spent on adaptors for products that are not immediately compatible (wheel rims, pedals, etc) as there is no official Simucube ecosystem and the products that are compatible with it are generally very expensive.
The Simucube 2 Sport is a very polished and very competitive option in the Direct Drive wheel market and as such, it is very popular among serious sim racers.