The new Fanatec ClubSport DD and CS DD bases have raised the bar in the German range. Its performance is far superior to that of the CSL and GT DD Pro, but it is also more responsive than the Podium DD1 and DD2. And as a bonus, exclusive access to the FullForce force feedback protocol… They have provided Fanatec with some good arguments in the face of fierce competition.
Since we’ve been able to test the two bases, we’ve received many questions about the differences between the two models and which one we’d recommend to a PC gamer. On consoles, the choice is quickly made (the CS DD is compatible with PlayStation and PC, while the CS DD is only PC and Xbox); for PC gamers, the question is more complex. Is the constant 15Nm worth it for a PC gamer? Is the difference in feeling enough to compensate for the €200 price difference between the two? Let’s find out in this article!
Fanatec CS DD 15Nm in brief
Fanatec CS DD 12Nm in brief
Face to face, how do these Fanatec ClubSport bases stack up?
| Features | Fanatec CS DD | Fanatec CS DD |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | PC, Xbox | PC, Xbox, Playstation |
| Dimensions (identical) | Peak: 12Nm Constant: 12Nm Slew Rate: Not communicated (estimated at 6.2Nm/ms according to the graph provided by the brand) | length 20.2cm and 24.5cm incl. QR, Width 15cm, Height 15.6cm |
| Motor (identical) | Direct Drive – Brushless Servo Motor Fanatec | Direct Drive – Brushless Servo Motor Fanatec |
| Torque | Peak: 15Nm Constant: 15Nm Slew Rate: Not communicated (estimated at 7.1Nm/ms according to brand-supplied graph) | Peak: 15Nm Constant: 15Nm Slew Rate : Not communicated (estimated at 7.1Nm/ms according to brand-supplied graph) |
| Encoder (identical) | Not communicated | Not communicated |
| Turning amplitude (identical) | 90° to 2520° Adjustable via software | 90° to 2520° Adjustable via software |
| Connections (identical) | 1 USB-C output to PC Power supply 1 CAN connection 1 Pedalboard connection 2 Shifter connections 1 Handbrake connection | 1 USB-C to PC output Power supply unit 1 CAN connection 1 Bottom bracket connection 2 Shifter connections 1 Handbrake connection |
| Wheel mounting (identical) | Quick Release Fanatec QR2 | Quick Release Fanatec QR2 |
| Price | 799,95€ | 999.95€ INCL. VAT |
The fundamental differences between the two Fanatec ClubSport bases
Let’s face it: the first noticeable difference is the price. Let’s round up to 800€ for the CS DD base and 1,000€ for the CS DD. A gap of 200€, therefore, is justified by the DD’s 15Nm of power and PC/PS5/Xbox compatibility versus 12Nm for the CS DD and PC/Xbox compatibility. If you look at what’s on the market, you’ll see that the PlayStation license generally pushes up the price of a base unit by around €50 (Sony takes its commission on sales of compatible hardware). So we have €150 “dedicated” to the 3Nm difference between the two bases. The question to ask is whether YOU need those 3Nm. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you in a moment.
Hardware-wise, the two bases are identical:
- Same motor;
- same dimensions;
- qR2 in both cases;
- same connectors;
- and finally, the same power supply unit.
It’s, therefore, safe to assume that the difference in torque between the two models can be explained by clamping directly in the MSU of the CS DD base.
Responsiveness and fine detail
If we compare the reactivity of the two bases, we find that they are almost identical. We estimate them at 6.2Nm/ms for the CS DD and 7.1Nm/ms for the CS DD. (Evaluation based on graphs supplied by Fanatec.) The difference is, admittedly, imperceptible at this stage. I’d say that beyond 6Nm/ms, it becomes almost impossible to tell the difference. So, in this respect, it’s a tie.
And when it comes to fine detail, it’s much the same. The difference between the two bases is really slime. With, I must confess, a very slight advantage for the CS DD. But this difference is only perceptible if you have the two bases side by side. Concretely, in a blind test, I’m not sure I could tell the difference in fine details.
What about cogging?
Cogging in a nutshell
If you’ve seen our CS DD test, you’ll notice I’ve encountered some cogging in the game. So let’s calm down immediately; I encountered some in “extreme” conditions. I had deactivated all the dampers on the Fanalab and in the game. In reality, you’ll always have a bit of damper applied somewhere to avoid having a steering wheel that’s too abrupt in its FFB or simply too “soft”.
Surprisingly, when I tested the CS DD under the same conditions, I didn’t experience “as much” cogging. I couldn’t explain the difference because the two models share the same architecture. So, I took new readings by sticking accelerometers and vibration sensors on the steering shafts to see if a physical difference or a software update would have solved the “problem.”
When the base is switched off, you can clearly feel the notches.
CS DD is ingame with 20% damper; the notches are almost invisible.
CS DD ingame with 20% damper, the notches are a hair lighter than on the CS DD.
*Above the blue line, the steering wheel turns 2 turns to the right. Below the blue line, the wheel turns 2 turns to the left.
I still notice some cogging on the CS DD, but it’s hardly noticeable. There’s still a slight difference with the DD, as you can see from these readings.
The Fanatec ClubSport 12Nm vs 15Nm dilemma
For the purposes of this article, I went back to testing not only the two ClubSport bases but also other 12Nm bases. Here are the models I used to “get back into the 12Nm swing of things”: Cammus C12, Moza R12, Asetek La Prima. And there’s one point that jumped out at me: even if 12 Nm is quite a leap forward compared with entry-level bases like CSL DD, for example… However, we may find ourselves a little short on torque in certain situations.
I’m thinking, for example, of players who are, above all, looking for realism and who like cars without power steering (like Protos, some formula categories, Indycars, and old cars). If this sounds like you, then I can only advise you to go for the 15Nm bases to avoid unsightly clipping on long curves.
But I’m keeping in mind that few of us actually try to replicate as closely as possible the forces that apply in real racing cars. Even more, players mainly drive GT3s equipped with power steering.
So it’s up to you to decide how you want to use your equipment. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section of this article! Or on our Discord or during our Twitch Lives!
Perfectly controlled heating in both cases
Time (minutes)
Base heating will only impact players who like to ride with a lot of torque and over long sessions. So if you’re a “casual” player who doesn’t do endurance and rides with light torque, this aspect won’t interest you. However, if you’re not, you should know that an overheated baseplate will automatically reduce the torque sent by the motor to lower the temperature and preserve the electronic board.
I’ve carried out heat tests on all the bases we have at home, and here are my conclusions:
The ClubSport CS DD and CS DD bases are both in perfect control of their heating. Even when pushing the force feedback to the limit of clipping over very long sessions and adding friction and damping effects beyond reason (100%), neither of these two bases climbed above 35° in an unventilated 20° room. This is the best result I’ve obtained with a Direct Drive base—an excellent result for Fanatec. But once again, it’s data that won’t be useful to all gamers, far from it.
FullForce is still on hold, but promising outstanding performance
So, first of all, what is Fullforce? It’s a new force feedback protocol that adds vibration effects directly to the steering shaft. These very fine vibrations are sent directly from the motor to the shaft. In concrete terms, the aim is to achieve the most advanced level of detail possible. Among the effects boosted by fullforce are fine road detail, engine RPM and loss of grip under cornering. But at the time of writing, Fullforce has not yet been integrated into the various simulators on the market. It can only be tested outside games in the Fanatec Control Center. Sounds promising! BUT of course, as long as we can’t test it in games, it’s hard to say whether it will be truly incredible or not.
To find out more: My interview with Fanatec’s ex-boss about ClubSport bases
Fanatec ClubSport Base Volant bundles
F1 Esports Steering Wheel V2.
QR2 Pro on the steering wheel.
The QR2 Pro provided (public price €200)
F1 licensed Formula V2.5 steering wheel with exclusive color.
QR2 Aluminum on the steering wheel.
The aluminum QR2 provided.
The Formula V2.5 steering wheel has an exclusive livery.
ClubSport Gran Turismo Extreme steering wheel.
QR2 Lite on the steering wheel.
Conclusion: a choice that depends on your concrete expectations
Let’s face it, the two bases are extremely close in terms of performance. If you want my personal opinion, I’d say that for me, the CS DD 12Nm is excellent value for money. It’s an efficient and precise base.
But if you’re looking for a base that will stay on your chassis for many years without feeling any lack of potency, then the CS DD’s 15Nm will be a more appropriate choice. And why is that? Because 15Nm is the torque limit found in most modern racing cars. So, unless you’re only into Indycar or want to reproduce the directions of 80s Formula cars, 15Nm is the torque you’ll be happy with.
As regulars know, I often say that torque isn’t just for strength! Above all, it’s about getting as much detail out of the force feedback as possible. Hence the importance of choosing bases with good torque! As for the CS DD , I’m not really worried. Especially with FullForce, which will enable us to create details in the FFB that go far beyond what bases of this power are normally capable of providing.
Fanatec CS DD 15Nm in brief
