If you’re looking for a plug-and-play Direct Drive wheelbase, Fanatec is a name that should be towards the top of your list. On top of carrying title sponsorship for the Fanatec GT World Challenge and being officially licensed to Academy-favourite Assetto Corsa Competizione, the company also has partnerships with manufacturers such as Porsche and BMW.
It has also worked with the British M-Sport outfit, which is famous for its GT and rallying exploits with Bentley and Ford respectively.
This article will give you a guide on the what’s what and who’s who in Fanatec’s lineup, as well as recommend the best offer for you in Fanatec’s rostrum.
Wheel Bases
Fanatec’s current roster of wheelbases is all Direct Drive bases. If you’re not sure what that means, you can read our Complete Guide on Direct Drive Wheels for Sim Racing. In brief, they provide instant and lossless force feedback more reliably than gear-driven or belt-driven solutions such as the Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T249.
Bundles
| Bundle | Contents | Price |
| Gran Turismo CSL DD 8nm | PS5-compatible CSL DD 8nmPolyphony-designed 280 mm circular wheel rim and two-piece pedal set (Load Cell tech available separately) | €799.90 |
| Clubsport DD F1 V2 12nm | Clubsport DD 12nmF1 Esports V2 Formula rim | €899.95 |
| Clubsport DD+ Racing F1 15nm | PS5-compatible Clubsport DD+ 15nmClubsport Racing Wheel F1 Formula rim | €1299.95 |
| Gran Turismo DD Extreme 15 nm | PS5-compatible Clubsport DD+ 15nm Polyphony-designed 300mm circular wheel rim with 2.7-inch OLED display | €1299.95 |
Should you not want to pick up a bundle at this time, each of the wheelbases is available on its own. Fanatec’s wide range of wheel rims is available alongside each base, allowing you to tailor a package geared towards the racing discipline you enjoy most.
Budget Option – CSL DD
Coming in at an impressive €349.95, the Fanatec CSL DD is a fantastic starter option as a wheelbase. At 5Nm of torque, the entry-level version carries quite a punch whilst also being an accessible option to a sim racing newcomer.
At €499.95, you can pick up a punchier 8Nm version of the wheelbase. With multiple extra options available for mounting, from desk and table clamps to the standard array of rig mountings, it’s an adaptable solution that is fantastic for anyone starting out and a reliable option for someone looking to delve into the Direct Drive market.
Mid-Range Option – Clubsport DD and DD+
The Clubsport DD and DD+ bases are the latest additions to the Fanatec family of direct drive hardware. Featuring the brand’s latest API technology, which brings added fidelity over even the more expensive DD1 and DD2 offerings, both represent excellent value.
The Clubsport DD, which starts at €799.95, can easily run at its peak output of 12 nm, while the uprated Clubsport DD+ can utilize its peak 15nm of power without breaking a sweat. The €999.95 DD+ also gets PS4 and PS5 compatibility, so PlayStation users will need to shell out a small premium to secure a Clubsport base.
For non-PlayStation racers, the standard DDs 12nm should prove ample for most, though the extra power afforded by the DD+ is available for those who want a rougher ride.
Top-Range Option – Podium DD1
At €1199.95, the Fanatec Podium DD1 boasts a peak torque output of 20Nm in addition to a maximum rotation angle of 2520 degrees and an OLED display for tuning the finer details of this unit. So strong is this unit that, whilst you can mount it using the same 3-point mounts that the CSL DD uses, it is recommended that you hard-mount the base to a rig.
If you’re looking for the next step up from the CSL DD, or are otherwise looking to overcome the lengthy delivery delays from the in-demand unit, the Podium DD1 is an excellent option.
Top-Range Option – Podium DD2
So strong that it requires a killswitch, Fanatec’s Podium DD2 clocks in at €1499.95 with a mammoth 25Nm of peak torque. With a 5-year warranty and all of the excellence of the DD1, this new-and-improved solution is still far ahead of the curve and will be ahead of the standard for years to come.
| Wheelbase | Price | Pros | Cons |
| CSL DD | From €349.95 | Affordable OptionMultiple mounting solutions | Possibly long delivery times1080 degrees maximum rotation |
| Clubsport DD | From €799.95 | Hard mounting is essential to get most from high-fidelity FFB | Doesn’t have PlayStation compatibilityPower can’t be upgraded like CSL DD |
| Clubsport DD+ | From €999.95 | 15 nm torque ideal for stronger-armed sim racersHas PlayStation compatibility | Hard-mounting recommended technology than Podium DD2 |
| Podium DD1 | €1199.95 | Cheaper than Podium DD22520 degrees maximum rotation | Hard mounting is essential to get the most from high-fidelity FFB |
| Podium DD2 | €1499.95 | 25Nm peak torque outputLengthy 5-year warranty | High cost at €1499.95Hard-mounting recommended |
Wheel Rims
Fanatec’s wheel rims have great variety in shape, size, and function. From buttonless round rims for drifting and stock car racing to all the bells and whistles that you’ll find on high-end vehicles from the worlds of GT, prototype, and open-wheel racing, there’s a bit of something for everyone in Fanatec’s range.
Budget Option – CSL Elite WRC
The CSL Elite WRC is an excellent starter option for someone looking to delve into the world of sim racing or someone taking the next step up to a Direct Drive wheel. Available for €199.95 by itself and as part of a bundle with the CSL DD for €699.90, it’s something that will make you feel like the next Frenchman called Sébastien or the next Kalle Rovanperä on this officially licensed wheel from the World Rally Championship.
Mid-Range Option – ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5
The ClubSport Formula V2.5 comes with a little bit of everything at €389.95. In addition to 11 buttons, the wheel also comes with toggle switches to incrementally adjust items, the patented FunkySwitch™ system that is part D-Pad, part button, part-rotary switch as well as multiple encoders and multi-way switches that can be used to set traction control, brake bias, engine maps and more.
Top-Range Option – Podium Steering Wheel Fanatec GT World Challenge
With the licensing of the prestigious Fanatec GT World Challenge and clocking in at €629.95, this Podium-series wheel boasts it all. With secondary paddles that can be mapped to be a clutch or a handbrake and more, it also features buttons and rotaries, multi-way switches, and the famous FunkySwitch™. On top of that, its comprehensive display on the steering wheel can track multiple parameters from speed to lap times to gaps ahead and behind. If you’re looking to invest in a high-end solution to kick-start your Direct Drive journey, this is the wheel rim for you.
For GT3 Fans On A Budget – CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2
Based on the wheel used in McLaren’s GT3 racers, the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 certainly looks the part. The price is also attractive too, as it costs only €199.95. For this, you get magnetic shifters, a range of encoders, and 12-way switches, which are mappable for different jobs.
The rubber handles provide good grip while racing, and are also easier to clean than wheels coated with finicky Alcantara. A small OLED screen is also included, which can be used to change the control map or show speed or rev readings while driving.
For Oval Racing Fans – Clubsport Steering Wheel NASCAR V2
For €299.90 oval racing fans out there can get a wheel that looks, and feels, perfectly suited for walking in the footsteps of Dale Earnhardt. The Clubsport NASCAR V2 is a pretty simple piece, with the 35 cm rim being coated with quality-feeling Alcantara.
For racers looking for more buttons, the wheel is also available as a bundle with the Clubsport Universal Hub V2. At €379.95, a total of nine buttons are now available to map to whatever function you desire.
Just note that the wheel doesn’t come with shifters of any kind, so you’ll need to have an external shifter such as the Clubsport Shifter SQ V1.5 to shift manually.
For Porsche Fanatics – Podium Steering Wheel Porsche GT3 R
For those looking to splash out on something special, but don’t quite want to shell out nearly €1500 for the BMW GT3 rim, the Podium Wheel Porsche GT3 R may be the one for you. Available with a suede or leather finish, with both coming in at €579,95, this rim will last the distance.
Fanatec used CAD data to create an exact replica of the wheel used in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the rim coming with a customizable OLED display. There is also a wide range of control options, such as a seven-way FunkySwitch, a two-axis analogue stick, and 10 mappable buttons.
Aside from the meticulously crafted magnetic paddle shifter system, the wheel also comes with separate paddles that can be used as a dual-clutch system, or simply mapped to other functions.
For BMW Lovers – Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3
Clocking in at €1499.95, the Podium BMW M4 GT3 has a unique story to tell. The first of Fanatec’s big leaps into the real world of motorsport, this wheel is the exact same as the ones that are used in BMW’s latest GT challenger. Imagine saying that your sim racing wheel meets FIA standards. That’s something that you’ll be bragging about all the way to the nearest apex.
Well, before you miss it and go flying into the wall because you were too busy boasting about the adjustable paddles and how the BMW logo acts as a D-pad. With similar wheels coming from a partnership with British outfit M-Sport, such as for the Bentley Continental GT3 and the Ford Puma Rally1, it’s the start of something exciting for sure.
| Wheel Rim | Price | Pros | Cons |
| CSL Elite WRC | €199.95 | The standard version has no buttons or shifters | Weaker plastic quick Release as standard less durable materials used in production |
| CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 | €199.95 | The low-cost authentic design gives a premium look to keeping clean | Lower-quality materials will affect long-term durabilityPlastic quick-release is a little flimsy |
| Clubsport Steering Wheel NASCAR V2 | €299.90 | Realistic size helps when piloting oval vehiclesLooks the part | The low-cost authentic design gives a premium look to keep clean |
| ClubSport Formula V2.5 | €389.95 | Strong metal Quick ReleaseFeatures Multi-Position switches | Complex build filled with buttonsFormula shape potentially incompatible with high angles of rotation |
| Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R | €579.80 | Built-in display paddles that can be used for clutch/handbrake | High cost compared to other circular rims |
| Podium Fanatec GT World Challenge | €629.95 | Features quality magnetic shiftersUpper-market materials ensure it’ll last long term and available with rubber or suede trim at no extra cost | High initial cost compared to others’ lengthy delivery wait time |
Our Recommendation – Clubsport DD F1 Esports V2 Bundle
A combination of power and budget, the Clubsport DD F1 Esports V2 bundle in its 12Nm form is resetting the standard in the sim racing world, with the latest technology and its newest DD base and the Clubsport F1 V2 as a wheel, you get something that does a little bit of everything with a wide array of inputs at a modest price.
Included with your wheel you get the sturdy metal Quick-Release and it’s the QR2 version, so the newest QR Fanatec do, meaning you can put all the force through the wheel with confidence and send your car into the next corner.
