Fanatec Direct Drive – DD1 Vs DD2
Which one is better? Which should I buy? Aren’t 20Nm enough already? What is the benefit of getting the DD2? What do I do? , These are some of the mail subjects I received often from my readers all over the world, I’m gonna answer these questions and so much more in this post that is titled: Choosing a DD for dummies, a guide for the confused humans. Sounds like you? stay tuned I will figure out with Direct Drive better suit your needs.
Basically, both are the same, their shape and size are identical, the DD2 has a carbon fiber finish and the DD1 all-alluminum housing.
Nice smooth, responsive, precise force, good image, quick release mechanism, stable while movement, for real the main difference is in the software that runs a little bit different in the DD2, the torque of DD1 is from 15 to 20 Nm while the DD2 has 18nm of useable torque peaking at 25nm.
The DD podiums series use an outrunner-type motor that was specially designed for them, the magic in this motor is the feeling, because is almost the same as the racing cars using power steering.
Which should you buy? Hard to say, is completely your choice, if you ask me, I´m buying right now the DD1 because honestly in the DD2 I feel like I’m paying for the warranty (the DD1 has 3 years and the DD2 5 years).
The Buyer’s Guide and Review
Fanatec Podium dd1 vs dd2 ( Product Overview)
Last modified: May 2023
What is the difference between the podium DD1 vs DD2?
Before diving into the main differences, better we understand what the Podium Direct Drive systems have to offer to the sim racing experience first, recently in one of the latest Fanatec videos the company shares some of the main features of the custom outrunner motors used in Fanatec Podium Series direct drive systems, They basically explain how their new servo motor differ from conventional in-runner motors.
Custom outrunner motors are specifically designed for Sim Racing, they introduce the ultimate force feedback experience with breakthrough technologies, incredible performance, and advanced direct-drive solutions, seating apart from conventional in-runner motors
The Direct-Drive systems are able to create more torque at lower RPMs to increase the detail of force feedback under all racing conditions. Whether you want to feel every surface change while rally racing, have more consistent lap times, or get an overall more realistic experience while sim racing, Then more likely you will need a direct drive system for this.
Want to save money? ( 100$)
Happens you are new to sim racing and you are planning to buy your first system, It’s that you?, better for you to grab this full setup ( saving in the process 100$ bucks ), This can be done thanks to the Formula Racing Wheel for Podium series, Getting all in ones, the DDR (1) Base, the Clubsport Formula V2 and the ultimate paddles for Podium. ( everything for $1,649.95 ).
Design
When it comes to a head-to-head comparison of two products from the same line, it´s usually safe to say that the later release will have fewer “improvements” or less impressive functionalities, nevertheless is not always the case.
In terms of designs if you have a formal complaint of not seeing the Fanatec logo on the side of the base printed, then you will be good to go, the two bases are almost identical, they look like what they really are, “Two black metal boxes”.
The main difference comes with the outer cover plates, the DD1 has a full brushed aluminum outer casing, on the other hand, on the DD2 you will notice that there are carbon fiber plates on the outside, this´s a small but nice touch add to the DD2 Version, not for nothing carbon fiber is the most used material in race cars.
- DD1 Cover plates: Brushed Aluminium
- DD2 Cover plates: Carbon Fibre
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GRAB Fanatec DDR 2
Force Feedback
Same story here, the force feedback technology isn’t too different unless you are a sim racing pro looking for that small window to outrank your competitors, in that case, you will not notice the difference, Reaching a peak level of 25Nm, the DD2 is capable of reproducing an identical level of torque that you would feel in a real race-car.
This makes it considerably harder to drive if you plan on leaving the settings as realistic as possible, It will be hard to set, but in the end, if you find your way to adjust the force you will race an all-new level of competition.
That being said, in terms of force feedback, the DD2 doesn’t revolutionize what you would feel from the DD1. and if we compared these two products to a belt-driven racing wheel like the servo-base in the Clubsport series, for example, They will be much stronger with a more realistic level of immersion, making driving feel much more like in a real race car.
The Power Output
The Podium DD2 is really powerful and running it at 100% for weekend racers is not something achievable, or something you won’t need or want, as it’s impossible to handle for newbies or even for mid-racers. We have rather used it at about 20-30% and even then it offers very strong resistance that easily simulates any modern racing car.
The DD2 reaches 25 nm ( has a peak), which feels like wrestling with an Brazilian Jiu-jitsu without any previous preparation. The DD1 is in the range of 20Nm with 15Nm of useable torque which is more than enough output force feedback, whilst the DD2 has 18Nm of useable torque.
Do you see the point here? you don´t need that much power, I mean, most sim racing cars won’t peak that much power to match the real world.
- DD1 Torque: Up to 20Nm
- DD2 Torque: Up to 25Nm
Kill Switch
The DD2 comes with two things that the DD1 does not, and these are the kill switch and the remote power button. The Killswitch allows instant shut down in the event of an emergency, both the Killswitch and remote power button are integrated into the one component, small but very handy features to have.
- DD1 Kill Switch: Optional
- DD2 Kill Switch: Included
Price
The one that sways most people when having to decide whether to buy the DD1 or the DD2, to be honest, neither are cheap, they roughly double what a ClubSport V2.5 cost, but truth be told, the price never should be your only point of no return when you are on purchasing decisions, if you make the math, The DD2 Cost 300$ more than the DD1. Worth the money?
Podium Direct Drive WheelBase ( United States )
$1,199.95 / DD1
Buy In Fanatec
Buy In Fanatec $1,499.95 / DD2
Buy In Fanatec
Podium Direct Drive WheelBase ( Europe )
€1,199.95 / EU
Buy In Fanatec
Buy In Fanatec €1499.95 / EU
Buy In Fanatec
Should I Buy A DD1 or DD2?
Well, that “depends”, If you are coming from an upgrade point of view I think there is not a strong reason to invest in the DD2 base, You will get nearly the same product you already have in your DD1. Instead, if you are planning to buy your first Direct Drive sim racing then that´s another thing. If this is your situation going after the DD2 might be a nice investment.
If you are serious about simracing and you are OK leaving behind the small differences, then the price is justified.
Standard 5-Year warranty
As you can see, in the DD2 Servo base you get the Standard 5-year warranty for your product, in the DD1 you only get the Standard 3-year warranty, Is this a real advantage for you? Not quite sure, these german products are really well developed and constructed. If everything goes as supposed you won´t ever need to contact Fanatec support services asking for your warranty.
- DD2 Warranty: 5 years
- DD1 Warranty: 3 years
Handpick ( Main Diferents )
- The outer cover plates
- Kill switch and remote power button
- Their maximum torque
- The price
- Warranty
Brief Design Overview for the DD Serie
Full Podium DD1 & DD2 Features
- Custom-designed servo motor designed by our engineers and the first direct-drive motor optimised for racing simulator applications.
- Ultra-low torque ripple ensures minimal mechanical distractions and the same smooth experience as in a belt driven wheel.
- Wireless data and power to all Fanatec steering wheels to enable unlimited rotation of the steering wheel.
- Podium wheel bases include advanced telemetry features in the Integrated 2.7” 256×64 resolution OLED display for real-time motor and force feedback data such as power output, FFB clipping and more.
- Upgraded Fanatec Tuning Menu
- Support for advanced dual-clutch bite-point mode
- Integrated electronics within wheelbase housing, no external control box required.
- All Fanatec peripherals fully supported. Choose from a growing selection of Fanatec steering wheels in many different styles and price/quality levels.
- Allows connection of two external shifters (e.g. H-pattern and sequential) in parallel
- Mount for ClubSport Static Shifter Paddles and other optional accessories Connection ports for peripheral devices: USB, Power, Pedals, Shifter 1, Shifter 2, Handbrake
- New Podium software for PC applications
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GRAB Fanatec DDR 2
Product Overview ( DD1 ) |
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|---|---|
| Product Type | Direct Drive Sim Racing Base |
| Model | P WB DD1 US |
| Serie | Podium Direct Drive |
| Pedals | Not Include |
| Editorial Rating | 5 Starts |
| Ready For | PC / XBox ONE Ready |
| Product Page | Direct Drive DD1 |
Product Overview (DD2) |
|
|---|---|
| Product Type | Direct Drive Sim Racing Base |
| Model | P WB DD2 US |
| Serie | Podium Direct Drive |
| Pedals | Not Include |
| Editorial Rating | 5 Starts |
| Ready For | PC / XBox ONE Ready |
| Product Page | Direct Drive DD2 |
Compatibility
PS5: No PS4: No PS3: No
PC: Yes
Xbox: Yes Xbox Series X: Yes
Keynote: The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1 USA comes with a DD1 Base the first-ever Direct Drive compatible with PS4. These products are standalone wheelbases the DD1 and DD2 are not compatible with PS4, if you want a fully compatible with this platform you will need to buy the racing wheel Podium Racing Wheel F1 USA
Videos
Features for the DD line-up
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CONS |
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Final Analysis ( Fanatec dd1 vs dd2 )
Main differences between the dd1 and dd2
What product should you buy then? Fanatec dd1 or dd2? Well the answer is: there are not that many differences between the two products. Besides the price, for not-real professionals in sim racing games you will not notice the differences between one or the other, What you will notice for sure is the balances in your bank account if you buy the DD2, is almost 1.500 $ just for the base.
If you have enough money to chase after the DD2 Wheelbase then knowing what’s the benefit of getting DD2 exactly would help you a lot or even (save you some money), Taking a closer look at the DD2 It seems only marginally stronger than DD1. With a peak torque of 25Nm compared to the 20Nm in the DD1, So other than the slightly stronger motor, the 5-year warranty, and the Kill Switch you won´t get that much.
If you are new to DD System there is no reason you buy a standalone DD Base, instead of buying a full packet in the hands of Podium Racing Wheel F1 USA ( You will get a steering wheel as well for the same price ).
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Fanatec dd2 vs dd1?
There are 5 main differences between the DD2 vs DD1:
1- The outer cover plates (DD1 has a full brushed aluminum outer casing and the DD2 is carbon fiber)
2- Kill switch and remote power button included in the DD2 (in the DD1 it is optional)
3- Maximum torque: 20Nm for the DD1, 25Nm for the DD2
4- The price: DD2 is 300$ or € more
5- 2 years more of warranty for the DD2
Are the Fanatec DD1 or DD2 compatible with Playstation?
There is not PlayStation® 4 officially compatibility with the Podium Direct Drive Bases, the full compatibility can be only guaranteed in PC.
Can you mount ClubSport Static Shifter Paddles and other optional accessories?
Yes, you have fully support for your favorite Clubsport Shifter and other product lines from the Clubsport line
Which games/simulations are supported?
We have you covered with this question, Fanatec Podium bases support all major PC racing simulators like F1 2017, Dirt Rally, Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 2 and rFactor 2.