Fanatec ClubSport DD+ Preorders Open, Release in December

Fanatec CSL DD+ Wheelbase Preorder.jpg
Fanatec showed not one, but two new wheelbases at the 2023 ADAC SimRacing Expo. While the shipping date for the 12 Nm version has been known already, Fanatec ClubSport DD+ preorders are now open. The 15 Nm PlayStation compatible base will be available just in time for Christmas.

Image credit: Fanatec

Since the introduction of the CSL DD and CSL DD Pro, Fanatec had a bit of a gap in their Direct Drive wheelbase lineup. The two CSL DD variants form the lower end with 5 to 8 Nm (the latter with the boost kit), while the Podium DD1 (20 Nm) and DD2 (25 Nm) are the top end. However, there was nothing in between.

Competitors like MOZA Racing or Asetek Simsports have the range in between covered in their ecosystems. However, the latter does not have a low end as such, with their wheelbases ranging from 12 to 27 Nm.


While the order process for the ClubSport DD opened on the weekend of ADAC SimRacing Expo already, PlayStation racers still had to wait. The PC and Xbox-compatible version currently has a shipping date of November 7th. A little more patience is needed for the PS-compatible version, as Fanatec ClubSport DD+ preorders are now available. It is estimated to ship on December 19th – just in time for Christmas.

Fanatec ClubSport DD+ Preorders: QR2 Included​

Just like the ClubSport DD, the DD+ comes with Fanatec’s new QR2 quick release by default. However, it has more power available, with Fanatec stating that the 15 Nm are sustained force, not just peak. Additionally, the Landshut-based manufacturer has another interesting element on board.

Fanatec is working on an extended Force Feedback system called ‘FullForce’. This supposedly adds more detail to the feedback the wheel provides. Examples provided are engine vibrations and fine details of the road surface. FullForce needs software-side implementation, however. As a result, it will not be available in titles that do not add the functionality. The ClubSport DD will also feature FullForce.


Preordering the 15-Nm wheelbase on the Fanatec website will set sim racers back 999,95€. Interestingly, the Podium DD1 wheelbase is on sale for the same price at the time of writing this article. PC racers should look into the more powerful base as an alternative, especially since it also comes with the base-side QR2 already installed. However, the DD1 features neither PlayStation compatibility nor FullForce – so keep this in mind when making your decision.

What are your thoughts on Fanatec’s ClubSport DD+ wheelbase? What are your expectations for the FullForce technology? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
About author
Yannik Haustein
Lifelong motorsport enthusiast and sim racing aficionado, walking racing history encyclopedia.

Sim racing editor, streamer and one half of the SimRacing Buddies podcast (warning, German!).

Heel & Toe Gang 4 life :D

Comments

Premium
I'm keeping half an eye on the 15nm model, Main issue for me (as I understand it) is that in order to use my existing wheels I'd have to invest in new QR's, so the price would be up over 2k.

For that money I could buy a Simagic Alpha and a new wheel, and offset it by selling my current base and wheels. And a brand new base and a brand new wheel is enticing.

First world problems....
 
I was waiting for a ClubSport DD to upgrade from the CLS DD, but this is too steap for my liking. Not even taking in to account upgrading 3 rims with the new QR.
 
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999,95€?? Crazy price for a mid-range DD... :unsure::unsure:
I'm currently looking for a new messing about/tinkering car and you can get a RCZ for less than £3000. Stuff like the Mk1 TTs are going for less than £1000. Sim racing isn't cheap if you go all-in.
 
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Premium
Welll, mmmmmm might buy PS5 variant if they showcase more about the new FORCE features. Not enough is known and I highlight issues with what they are competing with below.

IMPORTANT, they need to also confirm if titles like GT7 will NOT restrict/reduce the wheels torque/output on PS5.

Fanatec already offer several options, in rims etc which Logitech dont, but they need to release more info and showcase how its own FORCE option works or compares to the operations of TRUEFORCE. For example, if/why their own solution improves either the user control or title support issues?

1) They improve over Logitech TRUEFORCE
2) Unlike Logitech they have proper support by developers for this feature or include increased compatibility from leading sims.

*In general Logitech's operation of TRUEFORCE while it can add to the immersion, it is poorly represented in compatible titles.

Also its upto the developers what controls in gain/volume the user can apply to certain effects. Not all titles are the same. Often the case being you cannot increase an effect like road-bumps and decrease the engine as a primary limitation found in titles like GT7.

With TRUEFORCE the game needs to offer a volume for each aspect and many dont, so what you feel in the generated output for the FORCE sensations is often compromised or not possible for the user to fine tune more to their own preference.

Currently, I own the Logitech GT Pro wheel with PS5 support (what I wanted) and its a pretty good wheel in performance but Logitech really have been so slow to even announce never mind release any additional rims or indeed pro shifter options. Very disappointing and I think now perhaps too late for them to maintain sales or consumer confidence with this new Fanatec product?

I say that as it would be nice to have a quality solution that competes and is compatible with PC based only hardware options but also has PS5 support.
 
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Is this a replacement for the DD1? At 1k, it had better be. And I am always skeptical of proprietary "enhanced experiences" that need the developers to code it into their products.

SDK's suck.
 
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Premium
I can see the DD1 and DD2 getting a refresh and relaunch just in time for Xmas next year.

No doubt incorporating the fullforce gimmick, and the new heat-transfer system that allows for sustained force.

Then the CSL line will get fullforce the following year....
 
People calling this a mid-level wheel should probably wait until we get plenty of firsthand experience, testing and feedback. From the specs provided and some of the feedback from folks who had initial hands-on time, this thing may outperform the current Podium series in terms of fidelity, responsiveness and overall FFB quality. There's far more to FFB quality than raw torque values. From the sounds of it, Fanatec has put a lot of effort into revised/updated motor tech and protocol(s).
 
I'll be watching the reviews of the normal DD once they are online. I'm looking for a new base and I think it will go between the Fanatec Clubsport DD and the Asetek La Prima.
I already own a CSW V2 with a podium hub for my DIY wheel which makes it easier to switch to the CS DD but then it has to show first how good it is compared to the Asetek base.
 
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Well, the goal/art is to be satisfied with what you have instead of always wishing what you could have and what might be better..

I have the CSL DD 8nm, a 7y old RR rig and the first BMW/Formula wheel (7y old too) and bought all this second hand. And although I have enough in my wallet and although I call myself a competitive simracer I prefer to invest my lifetime in having fun with what I have instead of thinking over and over and over again, wasting much time in decisionmaking, selling, buying, (de)mounting all that stuff and whatsoever.

So even if that might be a bit off topic..that are my thoughts when I read those articles. CSL DD is the sweet spot for me, truly satisfied and no need for an ‚upgrade‘ no matter the price tag cause in the end it means you will invest a lot of time, and for me thats a lot costlier.

Cheers.
 
Premium
Full Force aside, the CS DD seems as if it is aimed squarely at Asetek's LaPrima. This is going to be an interesting release once it's in the wild.

And yes, I know the LaPrima can be upgraded into a Forte wheelbase. I wonder when the upgrade kit is finally revealed and priced, will Asetek get the same flack that Fanatec received with the Boost-kit 180?
 
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Premium
It’s always going to be difficult to quantify how much ‘better’ any new product is. The difference inDirect Drive wheel bases is often pretty narrow margins outside of the max/sustained output. I’d be cautious of jumping in on this as an existing DD owner especially if your existing wheelbase has enough output already for what you usually drive.
 

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