Direct Drive Wheelbase – Overview

Direct Drive Wheelbase – Overview

A few years ago there were only a handful of models, but today you are spoilt for choice. Starting with the CSL-DD with 5 Newton metres for 350€, it goes all the way to the Simucube 2 Ultimate Wheelbase for an impressive 3105€ with an insane 32 Newton metres. Reason enough to take a closer look at the products currently available on the market. Wheelbases from the following manufacturers were examined:

• Asetek
• Cammus
• Fanatec
• Moza
• Simagic
• Simucube
• VRS
• Thrustmaster

For a better comparability, the criteria were availability via an EU-based shop and the possibility to buy the base standalone without accessories such as pedals or a steering wheel. Products like the Logitech Pro Base and the La Prima Base by Asetek were therefore not included.

In addition, the list should only be seen as a guideline, as various factors are not taken into account:

• Some products cannot be mounted without additional mounting material.
• For the VRS-Base you need an additional Base Side Quick Release.
• Extras such as lighting, buttons and other features

Image	Manufacturer	Name	Nm	Price	€ / Nm	Weight	Dimensions	Mounting	Shop (EU)*	Review
	Asetek	La Prima	12	750€	62,5	8,5kg	293x133x132mm	Bottom	Asetek	Review
	Asetek	Forte	18	1050€	58,33	8,5kg	293x133x132mm	Bottom	Asetek	Review
	Asetek	Invicta	27	1550€	57,41	11,3kg	327x133x132mm	Bottom	Asetek
	Cammus	DDWB	15	789€	52,60	11,6kg	226x195x140mm	Bottom	Sim-Motion	Review
	Fanatec	CS-DD	12	699€	58,25			Bottom, Side	Fanatec
	Fanatec	CD-DD+	15	999€	66,6			Bottom, Side	Fanatec
	Fanatec	CSL-DD	5	350€	70	6,85kg	169x160x160mm	Bottom, Side	Fanatec	Review
	Fanatec	CSL-DD	8	500€	62,50	6,85kg	169x160x160mm	Bottom, Side	Fanatec	Review
	Fanatec	DD1	20	1200€	60	10kg	330x175x155mm	Bottom, Side	Fanatec	Review
	Fanatec	DD2	25	1500€	60	10kg	330x175x155mm	Bottom, Side	Fanatec	Review
	Moza	R5	5,5	349€	63,45	3,45kg	174x157x124mm	Bottom	Sim-Motion	Review
	Moza	R9	9	469€	52,11	6kg	240x157x124mm	Bottom	Sim-Motion	Review
	Moza	R12	12	649€	54,08	7,5kg	226x157x124mm	Bottom	Sim-Motion
	Moza	R16	16	1099€	68,69	8,9kg	327x170x130mm	Bottom	Sim-Motion
	Moza	R21	21	1299€	61,86	13kg	327x170x130mm	Bottom	Caseking
	SImagic	Alpha Mini	10	649€	64,90	6,35kg	259,5x110x91,92mm	Bottom, Front, Side	Sim-Motion
	SImagic	Alpha	15	999€	66,6	7,9kg	281x110x91,92mm	Bottom, Front, Side	Sim-Motion
	SImagic	Alpha U	23	1119€	48,65	10,5kg	326x110x110mm	Bottom, Front, Side	Sim-Motion
	Simucube	Sport	17	1223€	71,94	8kg	250x130x130mm	Front	Simucube	Review
	Simucube	Pro	25	1427€	57,08	11,1kg	270x130x130mm	Front	Simucube
	Simucube	Ultimate	32	3105€	97,03	11,3kg	310x115x115mm	Front	Simucube
	VRS	Pro	20	899€	44,95	–	–	Front	Simraceshop	Review
	Thrustmaster	T818	10	650€	65	5kg	224,3×191,55x180mm	Bottom	Thrustmaster	Review

The following chart shows the prices (€) in relation to the power (Nm) and thus gives a rough overview of the current market situation. The quite homogeneous market without major outliers is striking. For a better overview, the SC2 Ultimate Base was not included.

Recommendations

Budget (up to 350€)

In the under 400€ range, the choice is currently very limited. In addition to the popular CSL-DD, which has been offered by Fanatec since 2021, there has recently been a new alternative with the R5 Wheelbase from MOZA. With 5 (CSL-DD) and 5.5 Newton metres, both deliver a surprising amount of power for the price, especially in combination with smaller Formula steering wheels. Especially with regard to the details and the speed of the power transmission, they clearly stand out from classics such as the G29 and T300RS thanks to the direct-drive concept.

While the wheelbase from MOZA scores points above all with its good quick-release system and extremely small form factor, the CSL-DD from Fanatec is primarily characterised by its still undisputedly diverse ecosystem with a large number of steering wheels in all price classes and the option of upgrading the base to 8 Nm with an additional boost kit.

You can find the reviews of both products linked in the overview table.

Mid-range (~500€)

In the price range around 500€, you will find the CSl-DD (this time in the 8 Nm variant) and the Moza R9 Wheelbase, both from Fanatec and Moza. These are very similar in their basic characteristics and are also compatible with the same steering wheels from each manufacturer. While the CSL-DD from Fanatec only differs in the stronger power supply unit, the R9 Wheelbase is somewhat more voluminous than its sister model.

For 500€, you get enough power to handle almost any situation. Only larger steering wheels or very strong settings on smaller wheels need a little more power here to avoid unwanted clipping. From this class at the latest, you should also think about a rig, because the 8 or 9 Newton metres bring a desk quite clearly to its limits.

You can also find reviews of both products linked in the overview table.

Die goldene Mitte (~750€)

For many users, 10 to 12 Newton metres are currently more popular than ever in the sim racing scene. The performance of these wheel bases is completely sufficient for almost all applications and the limit of the previous class is shifting towards very large steering wheels or extreme FFB settings. For the majority of users, there is unlikely to be any risk of clipping.

• Asetek La Prima Wheelbase: The La Prima Base offers 12 Newton metres and can be upgraded to the 18 Newton metre Forte Base in the future with an upgrade kit. (Test report)
• Fanatec ClubSport DD: The ClubSport DD from Fanatec is the latest DD base from the German manufacturer and has a maximum of 12 Newton metres.
• MOZA R12: In keeping with the name of the wheelbase, the MOZA R12 delivers a maximum force of 12 Newton metres.
• Simagic Alpha Mini: The Alpha Mini wheelbase is specified by Simagic with a maximum force of 10 Nm, but has peak forces in the range of the other three wheelbases.

High-End (from 1000€)

In the price range around 1000€, a larger selection awaits us. Starting with the VRS DD for 899€ (here you also need a Base Side QR – 50€) up to the SC2 Sport from Simucube. In terms of force feedback, no compromises have to be made here, regardless of the choice of wheelbase.

• Asetek Forte Wheelbase (review): The Asetek Wheelbase is the only device in the test field equipped with RGB LEDs and has another unique selling point with the recently introduced QR system, which makes USB steering wheels from third-party manufacturers directly compatible. The range of in-house steering wheels, on the other hand, has so far been limited to a Formula wheel. For just over 1000 €, you get 18 Newton metres here.
• Fanatec DD1 (review): The DD1 from Fanatec is still worth a recommendation in 2023. It is the only model equipped with a display for telemetry or FFB data, for example, and delivers 20 Nm at a price of 1200€. The built-in QR is a bit outdated, but you are rewarded with a large selection of steering wheels directly from Fanatec. However, an additional podium hub is required for steering wheels from other manufacturers.
• Simucube SC2 Sport (review): Simucube’s Direct Drive Wheelbases are a force to be reckoned with in the simracing market. The probably indestructible massive design (of both the base and the QR system), the good software and the compatible wireless wheels from various manufacturers make for a successful overall package. For a little over 1200€, you get 17 Newton metres of torque, although you will have to look for affordable (wireless) wheels for awhile.
• VRS-DD (review pending): The VRS-DD from the manufacturer of the same name is another direct drive base. For 900€, you get 20 Newton metres here, although you have to plan for a Base Side QR (from 50€), which is already included with the other suppliers. Currently, there is only one steering wheel (Formula) available directly from VRS.