Guide: choosing a Direct Drive steering wheel
In the world of simracing, you simply can’t beat the Direct Drive steering wheel. It’s the most advanced and realistic technology on the market today. And why is that? Well, quite simply because it avoids “interference” in the feel of your force feedback. Interference generally caused by mechanical parts.
A Direct Drive steering wheel (almost) always provides a more immersive riding experience, better feel and more power.
In this guide, we’ll compare the different Direct Drive steering wheels currently on the market. You’ll then be able to make the best choice according to your budget, needs and brand affinities!
What is a Direct Drive steering wheel?
Consumer models like the G29 or T300RS , for example, are powered by gears or belts. These mechanical parts transmit the force from the motor to the steering shaft, so you feel the feedback in your steering wheel. We call this a drive mechanism. The belt or gears are driven by the motor and then drive the steering shaft.
The advantage of this system is that it allows you to use a low-power motor. On average, the motors used in these cases have a power of 2Nm (Newton meters). The mechanical system then multiplies this power to between 3 and 6Nm.
It’s all in thewallet’s interest: a less powerful motor = a cheaper motor! And if it’s cheaper, then the general public is happy. On the negative side, you lose precision, durability, noise and design complexity.
In a Direct Drive steering wheel, the steering shaft is directly connected to the motor without any intermediary. Since there is no drive system to increase motor torque, a more powerful motor is required. Today’s motors range from 5 to 30Nm.
This is the main reason why a Direct Drive flywheel used to cost 2 to 3 times as much as a belt or gear flywheel.
When you put the potato on a good engine and eliminate the intermediate mechanisms , the result is spectacular! You feel every detail of the road, the inertia of the car, the grip of the tires… In short, you’re way, way ahead of what a belt-driven or geared steering wheel can offer.
Why choose a Direct Drive steering wheel?
The main advantage is immersion. You won’t find a steering wheel with the feel and precision of a belt-driven or geared model. It’s as simple as that.
So don’t get carried away! More precise doesn’t mean you’ll improve your times by 2 seconds per revolution. On the other hand, if you have a better feel for precisely what your vehicle is doing, you’ll control it better. You’ll know more precisely when you’re understeering or oversteering… In short, the vehicle’s behavior is under your control.
More control means fewer errors, more consistency… More fun racing!
Is there a Direct Drive for consoles?
For the moment, only Fanatec and Logitech have launched Direct Drives compatible with consoles. The most interesting are the X Box Series-compatible Fanatec CSL DD and the GT DD Pro, which is also compatible with Playstation consoles. All other Direct Drive brands are currently available exclusively to PC gamers.
The best Direct Drives by category
To make a choice, it’s important to know which price range you want to venture into. Just below, you’ll find four models at very different price points. They are each very representative of their ranges. This way, you’ll already know where you stand!
Fanatec CSL DD 8Nm the best on console
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro the best on Playstation
Asetek La Prima best value for money on PC
To avoid spoiling anything, you can modify your base later to transform it into a higher model… Oh yes, and also connect the steering wheels from almost every other simracing brand in the world.
IN SHORT, if your budget is around €1,000, it is clearly this model that I advise you to go for.
LeoBodnar Sim Steering 2 Ultra High-end
Now let’s take a look at the Direct Drive steering wheels currently on the market. To avoid cardiac arrest, we’re going to go from the cheapest to the most expensive.
Fanatec CSL DD and GT DD Pro
Fanatec is THE reference brand for consumer Direct Drives. Their ecosystem is one of the most highly developed on the market. Bases, flywheels, pedals, shifters… Want a complete setup without the headaches? You’ve come to the right place.
In 2021, the German brand has decided to hit the competition hard by releasing the very first low-cost Direct Drive compatible with consoles.
The famous CSL DD. With a price starting at 350€. It makes a mockery of all the belt-and-gear flywheels normally found in this price range.
Power is limited to 5Nm, but can be increased to 8Nm with the optional Booster Kit 180. Where Fanatec has played its cards right is that the CSL DD automatically becomes the new benchmark for all targets.
The novice player no longer has any interest in buying a mid-range steering wheel from Logitech or Thrustmaster. And the simracer looking to upgrade his setup to a Direct Drive wheel can do so without selling his right kidney!
For Playstation gamers, the CSL DD has a variant, the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro. This bundle, designed in partnership with Polyphony Digital, is the best value on the entire PlayStation-compatible steering wheel market! And that’s still true 2 years after its release.
Moza Racing R9 Direct Drive
Moza Racing is a brand born in 2021 that intends to capitalize on the success of simracing. Their recipe is simple: take what works from the competition and do the same, playing the marketing card to the hilt. And it works!
Their Moza R9 DD base caused quite a stir when it came out, competing directly with the Fanatec CSL DD and Simagic Alpha Mini. All without any fuss and at a contained price of 480€. It’s a base unit that “gets the job done” and is suitable for beginners. Despite this, its encoder with the lowest resolution on the DD market and its limited reactivity don’t make it the choice I’d recommend in 2023.
Simagic Alpha Mini
Simagic is starting to make a name for itself in the simracer community. Still unknown to the general public, the Chinese brand was until recently only available in Asia.
With the Simagic Alpha Mini, the aim is to offer a Direct Drive model at the reasonable price of €595. Its motor delivers 10Nm of power. And the feedback is finer than on the CSL DD or VRS Direct Force Pro.
Be aware, however, that despite its price, this model is not aimed at beginners. Rather, it’s for enthusiasts who want a very good Direct Drive base at a reasonable price. It is not compatible with consoles. In terms of ecosystem, Simagic offers everything from high-quality pedalboards to incredibly professional steering wheels.
VRS Direct Force Pro
Looking for another Direct Drive base on a budget? Then the VRS Direct Force Pro might be just what you’re looking for! It’s currently available for around 690€.
The base is equipped with a proven motor delivering 20Nm of torque and top-quality force feedback. The feel is very close to that of top-of-the-range models.
The brand’s ecosystem is slowly developing, and VRS should be offering steering wheels soon. For the time being, however, you’ll need an adapter to connect wheels from other brands.
SIM-PLI.CITY SW20 V3
The Sim-Pli.City SW20 V3 is priced at €750. Its motor delivers 20Nm of torque and its force feedback is extremely fine.
To illustrate the level of detail of its sensors, the SW20 V3 is capable of detecting the caress of a finger on the steering wheel!
Its adjustment software is simple and effective, far from the gasworks that can sometimes be found on the market. So, yes, this model is very specific and niche, but it’s also very, very competitive.
SimXperience AccuForce V2
The SimXperience AccuForce V2 is a relatively affordable Direct Drive flywheel. Its price is around 900€.
Instead of using a brushless motor, the AccuForce V2 is equipped with a Hybrid Stepper motor developing 13Nm of torque.
Its force feedback may not be as advanced as that of its high-end rivals, but it’s still very powerful.
It also comes with SimXperience Sim Commander 4 software. This allows you to switch from one setting to another, depending on the game you’re playing at the time.
Depending on the option you choose, the AccuForce V2 can be supplied with a handsome alcantara steering wheel complete with knob. Its adjustable paddles are made of carbon fiber. And you’ll also find a button box with 12 customizable buttons.
Simucube 2 Pro
Simucube is a very popular brand among simracers wishing to switch to Direct Drive. The Simucube 2 Pro is the brand’s “intermediate” model. It costs around €1,470.
Its motor develops 25Nm of torque, which is quite enormous! All the while delivering a force feedback full of finesse and precision. The Quick Release system is highly advanced, and the steering wheels connect to the base wirelessly.
On thedownside, Simucube doesn’t make anything other than steering wheel bases. So you’ll have to go out and buy an adapter for your steering wheel… bearing in mind that compatible steering wheels are generally expensive… Very expensive.
A very pertinent choice only if the wallet is not your priority.
Fanatec DD2
Once again we find Fanatec, this time with their emblematic model: the DD2. Priced at €1,499, it’s not for everyone. With 25Nm of torque, it’s the brand’s most advanced model.
The precision of its force feedback is recognized by its users. And once again, it opens the door to the entire Fanatec ecosystem, which is truly insane!
The base also features an OLED display that gives you all the information you need on force feedback, engine temperature, and so on.
The Fanatec DD2 is PC and X Box Series compatible, and its greatest assets remain its build quality and 5-year (!!) warranty.
It’s easy to see why the DD2 is one of the most popular models in the simracer world.
Simagic Alpha
The Simagic Alpha is the brand’s mid-range model. Its ambition is to compete directly with the Fanatec DD2 and Simucube 2 Pro. But at an attractive price, under €1,000.
Its motor delivers 15Nm of torque and the force feedback is very convincing. The only problem with this model is that it’s right in the most competitive simracing segment today. And Simagic may make superb models, but they have trouble creating memorable marketing campaigns. While others with inferior products manage to take market share by bombarding the market with comm…
Leo Bodnar Simsteering 2
The Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 is the Everest of Direct Drive steering wheels. It’s used by Formula 1 teams as well as teams in other racing categories. And YES, you can buy it. But it costs an arm and a leg… 3. 430€.
The Standard 52 version of SimSteering 2 features a 16Nm motor. This may seem a little weak when you consider the race for power among competitors. Yet this is the most precise force feedback available. The finest details of the road, every detail of your car’s reactions… All at your fingertips!
The realism with which information is transmitted to the user makes this a Direct Drive like no other. Far, far superior to all other models. Of course, you’ll need a pretty penny to afford one, but when it comes to excellence, there’s always a price to pay.
Is switching to a Direct Drive steering wheel worth it?
It’s a question we’re entitled to ask ourselves! Especially when you see prices soaring for top-of-the-range models… In reality, it’s a complex question. It depends entirely on you, your passion for simracing AND your relationship with money.
In concrete terms, if you’re just looking for a steering wheel to enjoy a few simulations and arcadegames… You don’t really need a Direct Drive. The only one that might suit you is the Fanatec CSL DD, but the other models are of no interest to you.
But if you get your kicks out of car simulation, and want to get the mostout of it… then it’s a big YES ! Especially since Direct Drive is now available for all budgets.
I sincerely hope this little guide has given you a clearer picture of the Direct Drive range! And if you’re still unsure, read our guide “Which steering wheel to choose”🙂