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Fanatec CSL DD Wheelbase Review
CSL DD Wheel Base Product Page
GREAT NEWS for today, Fanatec just announces the new CSL DD wheelbase, Coming available for pursuance really soon, ( UPDATE: The CSL DD is available for pre-order for Apr 29, 2022, you can order yours here), this base is the newest 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 DD the perfect choice for any new coming sim racer.
The 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 to 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 CSL DD 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.
We knew something was coming to the Fanatec line products, When Fanatec trace us the DOUBLE-D Typos and the “Are you ready!” we knew for sure something was cooking.
And we were right, another footprint was the recent interview with Thomas Jackermeier on the VCO Esports Youtube Channel, the founder, and current CEO of Fanatec, who hinted that an affordable-priced Direct Drive wheel was coming soon than later.
Cost?
The only missing part was how much will cost? and when will released? Those are questions that we are willing to reveal here. And finally, after the waiting period, the prices were revealed, starting at $349.95 * for the CSL DD at ( 5Nm), and $479.95 * for the (8Nm), Not too bad for Direct Drive products.
The Buyer’s Guide and Review
Note: This review is based on the ( Small information ) we have available for this product, but we will be updating this review every day with more fresh and precise info, and with more tech detail in mind. ( UPDATE: We have updated this review with the latest information available for this product ).
Last Modified: February 10 of 2022.
Product Overview |
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Brand | |
Product Type | WheelBase |
Model | CSL DD |
Serie | CSL |
Pedals | Not included |
Editorial Rating | 9.5 ( Update) |
Ready For | PC / Xbox® / PlayStation® |
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
- Direct-Drive system delivers instant, detailed force feedback.
- 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
- Patented, exclusive FluxBarrier™ technology optimises motor efficiency and smoothness.
- Full game compatibility out of the box for all major racing games.
- Standard and advances Tuning Menu allows beginners and enthusiasts to get started quickly without having to worry about settings or not.
- High-resolution (contactless) Hall-position-sensor, same as Podium Series.
- Steering axis made from carbon fibre-enhanced composite.
- Fanless: The wheelbase housing is made from aluminium that acts as a passive heat sink.
- Welcome to the Wireless: cable-free delivery of power and data to steering wheels.
- New Automotive-grade quick release, exchangeable.
- Easily to adjustable the hard-mounting with the new T-nut rail system
- Front-mounted threaded inserts.
Force Feedback
The new CSL DD wheel-base delivery 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 DD elite 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 CSL DD 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 this CSL DD 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 CSL DD is compatible with
- Fanatec Podium Steering Wheels
- Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheels
- Fanatec CSL Steering Wheels
- 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
- Fanatec RennSport Cockpits
- ClubSport Table Clamp V2
- CSL DD Table Clamp
- Boost Kit 180
- Podium Mounting Brackets (the CSL DD 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 |
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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
CSL DD Table Clamp
Buy Table Clamp
- Optional warranty extension available ( Always good for new release products )
Comparison
Podium DDR VS CSL DD
Podium DDR |
CSL DD |
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Price: | 1199,95 $ | 349,95 $ |
Platform: | PC / Xbox | PC / Xbox |
Torque: | 20 Nm of force | 5 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: |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Fanatec’s CSL DD the affordable direct-drive wheelbase out there?
Yes it is, the Fanatec CSL DD is an entry-level wheelbase with high-end quality and performance
Is the CSL DD a replacement for other CSL Bases?
I think It is, sorry for does who just bought a CSS Base, but this new base in my opinion is coming to replace soon than later the all CSL series.
Wondering what they exactly sacrifice at this price point?
To be able to create a direct drive wheelbase at this price point, they for sure sacrifice on some points, what points? too early to know.
Worth the money?
Direct Drive won’t make you a better driver just for having a Direct Drive wheelbase on place, it needs more than that. But the question is, Worth the money ? the answer is ye, Let me explain you why, if you want to setup an entire sim racing system starting with the CSL DD 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 for Direct Drive most past 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 and “and cannot be upgraded to achieve compatibility.” but as we all know Fanatec footprint, will probably sooner than later release a version compatible with the PS4 and the new PS5 Console.
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
Is the CSL DD table clamp good?
Yes it is, the CSL DD 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 CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, I think buying this add-on is a must-go for you if you are planning to grab a CSL DD Base.
Price
What Fanatec basically did was cut the Podium base in half, the result ?, the DD for the CSL series, the true question mark here is, if they truly did not take any shortcuts in quality or performance in order to get this price point, 350$ US Dollars for a Direct Drive wheel ?. Seems too good to be true, but actually, it is, Fanatec, is making this new high-end technology available for the masses.
Fanatec CSL DD Release Date ( UPDATE )
Open for Pre-Orders
Availability date: Jul 29, 2022, for the USA
$349.95 /US
Buy In Fanatec
€349.95 / EU
Buy In Fanatec
Buy from: Australia
Final Analyze
Direct Drive Technology is no longer exclusively available for the high-end Podium Series, making direct drive systems add-ons accessible for the mass and for the majority of sim racers out there.
The CSL DD is available for 349,95$ 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 respond to Fanatec CSL DD Announcement with their own New Formula wheel add-on Ferrari SF1000 Replica Edition.
One thing is clear for us, the future of simracing looks more promising than ever before. New and better technologies are available for us and with affordable range prices, making simracing a more attractive industry in 2022.
BUY YOUR Fanatec CSL DD BASE
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