Fanatec CSL DD Wheelbase

Fanatec CSL DD Wheelbase Review

CSL DD Wheel Base Product Page

This base is the latest direct drive wheelbase ever created for the CSL Series, Claiming to be the new standard for sim racing. Never before has Direct Drive technology been available at this price point, which makes the CSL Direct Drive the perfect choice for any new coming sim racer.

The Fanatec CSL DD comes from the factory with a new from-the-ground custom motor, 100% developed in Germany and specifically designed for sim racing. Its promises deliver sensational performance thanks to a new patented FluxBarrier™ technology, which claims to be able to transmit the nuances of force feedback detail to your hands with more remarkable precision and clarity than ever before.

New Technology

The efficiency of the Direct Drive motor technology means dynamic force-feedback performance is contained in a small footprint. This is also the first industrial motor to feature a carbon fibre composite motor shaft, which increases responsiveness and acceleration significantly due to low rotational masses.

Fanatec was one of the early adopters of Direct Drive, and released the DD1 and DD2 between 2017 and 2019, two bases that became the gold standard for top level Simracing Wheelbases.

This new Fanatec DD wheel base  is a huge step to make Direct Drive affordable for as many simracers as possible, clearly with some compromises.

The Cost?

Starting at 349.95 Usd/Eur * for the 5Nm version, and $479.95 Usd/Eur for the 8Nm boosted one, Not too bad for Direct Drive products.

The Buyer’s Guide and Review

Last Modified: February 27 of 2023.

Product Overview
Brand
Product Type	WheelBase
Model	CSL DD
Serie	CSL
Pedals	Not included
Editorial Rating	9.5 ( Update)
Ready For	PC / Xbox®
Product Page	CSL DD WheelBase

Videos

Brief Design Overview

• Custom Direct Drive motor specifically developed for sim racing
• New FluxBarrier™ technology (optimises motor efficiency and smoothness)
• Dynamic force-feedback performance
• First featuring a carbon fibre composite motor shaft
• Up to 8 Nm of torque ( Optional Boost Kit 180 unlocks maximum torque: 8 Nm peak )
• Upgradable quick release
• Fanatec SDK support ensures game compatibility out of the box for all major racing games
• Standard and advanced Fanatec Tuning Menu
• Wheelbase housing is made from aluminium

Full List Of Features

1. Direct-Drive system delivers instant, detailed force feedback.
2. Linear, consistent performance (5 Nm peak torque with the standard power supply), but you can unlock the maximum strength of (8 Nm peak torque) with the “optional product” -> Boost Kit 180
3. Patented, exclusive FluxBarrier™ technology optimises motor efficiency and smoothness.
4. Full game compatibility out of the box for all major racing games.
5. Standard and advances Tuning Menu allows beginners and enthusiasts to get started quickly without having to worry about settings or not.
6. High-resolution (contactless) Hall-position-sensor, same as Podium Series.
7. Steering axis made from carbon fibre-enhanced composite.
8. Fanless: The wheelbase housing is made from aluminium that acts as a passive heat sink.
9. Welcome to the Wireless: cable-free delivery of power and data to steering wheels.
10. New Automotive-grade quick release, exchangeable.
11. Easily to adjustable the hard-mounting with the new T-nut rail system
12. Front-mounted threaded inserts.

Force Feedback

The CSL DD wheel-base deliver great details for track surfaces, a smoother FFB, as well a reasonable range of car forces like g-load, and tire-flex, that make you drive your car on the limits, If we compare it to other FFB systems is relatively similar to how the CSL feels on track but with the advantage of having almost no build-in dampening and of course the feel of not belts or gearing you get with a non-direct drive wheel.

This base delivers a 5 Nm peak torque with the standard power supply but with 150$ more you can upgrade the maximum strength of (8 Nm peak torque) with the “optional product” -> Boost Kit 180.

So, How good is the Force Feedback? I think the power it can transmit to the driver’s hands at this range price is more than enough reason for me to buy this base, if you already have a system in place and want to add and affordable base with clear and smooth force feedback, then the CSL Wheel Base is a nice addition for you.

Compatibility

PC: This wheelbase is compatible with your Personal Computer when combined with a Fanatec Steering Wheel. Check the individual Steering Wheel product pages for Wheel Base compatibility.

Xbox®: This wheelbase becomes compatible with your Xbox One® and Xbox Series X|S when used with any Fanatec Xbox-licensed steering wheel.

Playstation®: This wheelbase is not compatible with the PlayStation 4 and the new Playstation 5.

PS5: No PS4: No PS3: No

PC: Yes 

Xbox: Yes  Xbox Series X: Yes 

Peripherals Compatibilities

The Wheelbase is compatible with

Compatible Wheels

• All Fanatec Podium Steering Wheels
• All Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheels
• All Fanatec CSL Steering Wheels

Compatible Pedals and Shifters

• All Fanatec Pedals (adapter cables might be required on pedals without RJ12 connection)
• Fanatec ClubSport Shifters (including ClubSport Static Shifter Paddles)
• Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1 and V1.5

Compatible Accessorieses 

• Fanatec RennSport Cockpits
• ClubSport Table Clamp V2
• Table Clamp
• Boost Kit 180
• Podium Mounting Brackets (Includes M6 T-nuts for side-mounting; the Podium Mounting Brackets require the use of M6 bolts and washers)

Ports

• Power supply
• USB-C to PC / console
• Fanatec DataPort-C
• Shifter 1
• Shifter 2 (Sequential only) o Pedal
• Handbrake

Features

PROS	CONS
Direct Drive technology for an entry-level racing wheel. ( Never available at this price point )	Peak torque of 5 Nm ( (optional) unlocking the full 8 Nm )
Exceptionally crisp and dynamic force feedback sensations	Boost Kit is quite expensive (149.95 Usd / Eur)
100% custom motor for Simracing with a new patented FluxBarrier™ technology	Table Clamp ( not included )
First industrial motor to feature a carbon fibre composite motor shaft	Not compatible with any PlayStation® console
No shortcuts in quality or performance	Most sims don’t actually have sidewall flex in time inside the Telemetry data
Compatible with all Fanatec wheels and most wheels in the market

What is included?

• CSL DD wheel base
• 90W power supply (regional)*
• 4x T-nuts for rail mount system
• USB cable (Type-C to Type-A)
• Quick Guide
  *If you select the Boost Kit 180 (180W power supply), the standard power supply is not included.

Optional features you can buy with this product:

Optional Boost Kit 180 unlocks maximum strength (8 Nm peak torque)

Buy Boost Kit

 Table Clamp

Buy Table Clamp

1. Optional warranty extension available ( Always good for new release products )

Comparison

Podium DDR VS CSL DD

	Podium DDR	CSL DD
Price:	1199,95 $	349,95 $
Platform:	PC / Xbox	PC / Xbox
Torque:	20 Nm of force	5 to 8 Nm of force
Rev lights:	Rev Lights on Wheel Base	N/A
Display:	OLED display	N/A
Quick-release:	Quick-Release System	Automotive-grade, all-aluminium quick release
Paddle shifter adjustability:
Joystick/ Vibration Motor
Diametre:		Significantly smaller
GRAB YOUR PRODUCT:	Podium DDR	CSL DD

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this the most affordable direct-drive wheelbase out there?

Yes it is one of the best options in the market, the Fanatec CSL Direct Drive is an entry-level wheelbase with high-end quality and performance

Is the CSL Direct Drive base a replacement for other CSL Bases?

Yes, it is. Older CSL versions (with belt-driven technology) are still a solid product for beginners, and generally hold a good value on Ebay and other second hand marketplaces

Worth the money?

Direct Drive won’t make you a better driver just for having a Direct Drive wheelbase in place, it needs more than that. But the question is, Worth the money? the answer is yes, Let me explain why, if you want to setup an entire sim racing system starting with the CSL Direct Drive you will need to add to the system a set of pedals, a racing wheel and at least the table clamp, those products will add in total 800$ dollars for you, but if you compare with the majorities of Simracing equipment out there, Direct Drive systems reach the 1.000$ mark for sure, so Worth the money? I think it does.

Sony-specific versions?

The DD Base does not work with PlayStation devices: Fanatec recently released the DD Gran Turismo DD Pro for Playstations

How many nm is the CSL elite?

The DD Base Peak torque is 5 Nm with an optional unlocking of 8 Nm adding the Boost Kit 180

Do you recommend the Boost Kit 180?

It depends on your needs, but going from 5Nm to 8Nm can make a good difference in how your gaming experience and make it more future proof. If you opt for the 5Nm, you can always upgrade in the future by buying the Kit.

Is the table clamp good?

Yes it is, the Table clamp is made from strong glass fibre-reinforced plastic materials, is easy to mount on your desk or table, you just need to simply slide the base onto the clamp, place it on the table or desk and start adjusting as need, what’s more, is specifically designed for the this product and and Gran Turismo DD Pro, I think buying this add-on is a must-go for you if you are planning to grab this Base.

Is this wheel base strong enough?

Quite strong, using the included Boost Kit 180 in the CSL DD 8 Nm, makes the base operates in its 8 Nm mode. This provides much stronger feedback, and as a result, you’ll feel the subtle cues more clearly too. And with a new powerful 180W power supply that unlocks the full performance of the direct drive motor, you will get a real strong product for sure.

Does the CSL DD have high and low torque modes?

No, it does not have high and low torque modes as are found on the DD1 and DD2

Final Analysis

Direct Drive Technology is no longer exclusively available for the high-end Podium Series, making direct drive systems add-ons accessible for the mass and for the majority of sim racers out there.

This Fanatec Wheel Base is available for 349,95$ US Dollars, + shipping. This is even the same range price as some belt-driven systems on the market right now, definitely a game-changer for the simracing industry and a waking call for other companies.

And as we expected this new release did not go unnoticed, companies like Thrustmaster responded to Fanatec CSL DD Announcement with their own new Direct Drive Base in late 2022.

One thing is clear for us, the future of Sim racing looks more promising than ever before. New and better technologies are available for us and with affordable range prices, making Sim racing a more attractive industry in 2023.