Direct Drive Wheelbases – Overview and Recommendations

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Direct Drive Wheelbases – Overview and Recommendations

The wheelbase is one of the most important components for a sim racer. It provides force feedback, which is essential for feeling how the cars handle and pushing them to their limits. Direct-drive wheelbases are now available from every major sim racing manufacturer and in virtually every torque range between 4 and 40 Newton-meters. This article will help you get an overview of the market to make your purchasing decision easier.

Criteria

Modern wheelbases these days have to meet many requirements and are no longer just responsible for force feedback. Here are a few factors that may be relevant when making a purchase.

Force Feedback: Of course, force feedback remains the most important factor when making a purchase. Even though modern basses are essentially getting closer and closer in this regard, there are still differences in aspects such as detail reproduction, oscillation behavior, or sheer maximum power, which can ultimately be decisive when making a purchase.
Compatibility: The compatibility category can be roughly divided into two subcategories
- Quick Release: The Quick Release (QR) determines which wheels a base can be used with without an adapter. Within the respective ecosystem, wireless power delivery and data transmission are generally standard. Bases with USB passthrough deserve special mention, as they allow USB-powered steering wheels to be connected directly via the QR.
- Ports: In addition, nearly all current bases feature ports on the back that can be used, for example, for pedals (within the ecosystem) or other peripherals. Some manufacturers now also offer USB hubs here, which provide significant added value.
LEDs: LEDs have also become a common feature on bases. Ideally, these can be controlled and display various telemetry effects.
Dimensions: Another factor that should not be overlooked is the size of the bases. It determines how they can be positioned and aligned on your rig.
Heat: Even though heat dissipation and the resulting thermal throttling of the bases are hardly an issue anymore, they can still play a role, especially under less-than-ideal conditions (such as in a closed installation or a warm attic).
Presets: Especially for beginners, well-configured presets and profiles for various simulations can be a selling point and significantly reduce frustration during the first test runs.

Overview – Table

Here you will find a detailed comparison table of almost all direct-drive bases currently available on the market. You can sort, filter and search the table.

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Model	NM	USB (QR)	Bottom	Side	Front	€ / Nm	Rating	Price
Forte	20	✔	✔	✔	✔	47,45	9,0 DE EN	949 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc
Initium	5	✘	✔	✔	✔	53,45	–	349 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc
Invicta	27	✔	✔	✔	✔	51,81	–	1.399 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc
La Prima	12	✔	✔	✔	✔	62,41	7,0 DE EN	749 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc
DDWB	15	✘	✔	✘	✘	49,93	4,5 DE EN	789 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
Ares	12	✔	✔	✔	✘	49,08	8,5 DE EN	589 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
Ares Apex	8	✔	✔	✔	✘	53,62	8,0 DE EN	429 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
Ares Platinum	20	✔	✔	✔	✘	41,45	–	829 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
CS DD	12	✘	✔	✔	✘	49,99	8,0 DE EN	600 €	VIEW SHOP*
CS DD+	16	✘	✔	✔	✘	49,99	–	800 €	VIEW SHOP*
CSL DD (5)	5,0	✘	✔	✔	✘	65,99	7,0 DE EN	330 €	VIEW SHOP*
CSL DD (8)	8,0	✘	✔	✔	✘	53,74	7,5 DE EN	430 €	VIEW SHOP*
Podium DD	25	✘	✔	✔	✘	43,99	8,5 DE EN	1.100 €	VIEW SHOP*
PRO DD11	11	✘	✔	✘	✘	59,09	–	650 €	VIEW SHOP*
RS50	8	✘	✔	✘	✘	37,49	–	300 €	VIEW SHOP*
R12	12	✔	✔	✘	✘	44,08	8,0 DE EN	529 €	VIEW SHOP*
R21 Ultra	21	✘	✔	✔	✔	38,04	9,0 DE EN	799 €	VIEW SHOP*
R25 Ultra	25	✘	✔	✔	✔	39,96	9,0 DE EN	999 €	VIEW SHOP*
R3	3,9	✘	✔	✘	✘	84,35	7,0 DE EN	329 €	VIEW SHOP*
R9	9	✘	✔	✔	✘	44,33	7,0 DE EN	399 €	VIEW SHOP*
VD10	10	✘	✔	✘	✘	39,9	–	399 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc
VD6	6	✘	✔	✘	✘	56,5	–	339 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc
Alpha	15	✘	✔	✔	✔	53,33	–	899 €	VIEW SHOP*
Alpha EVO	12	✔	✔	✔	✔	54,91	–	659 €	VIEW SHOP*
Alpha EVO Pro	18	✔	✔	✔	✔	46,11	8,0 DE EN	839 €	VIEW SHOP*
Alpha EVO Sport	9	✔	✔	✔	✔	52,22	–	479 €	VIEW SHOP*
Alpha Evo Ultra	28	✔	✔	✔	✔	34,67	–	999 €	VIEW SHOP*
Alpha Mini	10	✘	✔	✔	✔	62,9	–	629 €	VIEW SHOP*
Alpha Ultimate	23	✘	✔	✔	✔	49,95	7,5 DE EN	1.149 €	VIEW SHOP*
2 Pro	25	✘	✘	✘	✔	51,07	–	1.277 €	VIEW SHOP*
2 Sport	18	✘	✘	✘	✔	60,02	8,5 DE EN	1.081 €	VIEW SHOP*
3 Pro	25	✘	✔	✘	✔	66,26	–	1.657 €	VIEW SHOP*
3 Sport	15	✘	✔	✘	✔	85,93	–	1.304 €	VIEW SHOP*
3 Ultimate	35	✘	✔	✘	✔	98,96	–	3.464 €	VIEW SHOP*
T598	5	✘	✔	✘	✘	59,8	–	299 €	VIEW SHOP*
T818	10	✘	✔	✘	✘	59,9	5,5 DE EN	599 €	VIEW SHOP*
Elite	18	✔	✔	✔	✔	49,94	–	899 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
Premier	13	✔	✔	✔	✔	53,76	–	699 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
Supreme	25	✔	✔	✔	✔	47,96	–	1.199 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
Xtreme	32	✔	✔	✔	✔	43,09	–	1.379 €	VIEW SHOP* simracingpc-5
DFP15	15	✔	✔	✘	✔	53,2	–	798 €	VIEW SHOP*
DFP20	20	✘	✘	✘	✔	44,95	–	899 €	VIEW SHOP*

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NM: Wheel base torque in newton-meters
USB (QR): The option to connect a USB-powered steering wheel directly via the QR port.
Bottom: Bottom Mount
Side: Side Mount
Front: Front Mount
€ / Nm: Price per Newton-meter of torque
Rating: Rating with link to the review
Price: Price of the base model wheel, including VAT (prices may vary slightly)

Search: The entire table is dynamically searchable by attributes or product names, for example.
Range & Property Filters: The search can be narrowed down to specific results based on individual attributes.
Adjust View: Individual attributes (columns) can be shown or hidden.
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Coupon Codes: Some retailers offer coupon codes that let you save up to 10%.

Recommendations

The recommendations are broadly divided into three categories here, although some bases may fall into the grey areas. As with steering wheels, you can currently buy almost any base without hesitation; there are virtually no complete failures on the market today.

Budget Category (up to €399)

Direct-drive bases are no longer just for die-hard enthusiasts and are now available starting at around 300 Euros. At this price point, you typically get bases with a torque of about 5 Newton-meters, with prices per Newton-meter usually ranging between 40 and 60 Euros. Many manufacturers offer bundles in this price range that include (entry-level) pedals and a matching wheel, which can often be more attractive in terms of price. A recommendation in this price class is still the CSL DD from Fanatec, which can be upgraded to 8 Newton-meters later on with an optional boost kit. From a purely price-based perspective, the PXN VD10 is the best value for money in the under-€400 category. Here, you get a base with 10 Newton-meters of torque, making it suitable for slightly larger and heavier steering wheels.

Asetek Initium: 5 Nm (349 €)
Fanatec CSL DD : 5,0 Nm (330 €)
Logitech RS50: 8 Nm (300 €)
MOZA Racing R3: 3,9 Nm (329 €)
MOZA Racing R9: 9 Nm (399 €)
PXN VD10: 10 Nm (399 €)PXN VD6: 6 Nm (339 €)
Thrustmaster T598: 5 Nm (299 €)

Mid-Range (up to €800)

In the next price range, not only does the raw power of the bases increase, but so do the number of additional features and the variety of options available on the market. Standout models in this category include the Fanatec CS DD+, which stands out thanks to its PS5 compatibility, as well as the MOZA R21 and the CONSIT Ares Platinum, which is €30 above the price range but offers excellent value for money. In the mid-range, you can buy with confidence; only the bases from Thrustmaster (T818) and Cammus (DDWB) fell slightly short of the other manufacturers in their respective tests.

Asetek La Prima: 12 Nm (749 €)
Cammus DDWB: 15 Nm (789 €)
CONSPIT Ares: 12 Nm (589 €)
CONSPIT Ares Platinum: 20 Nm (829 €)
Fanatec CS DD: 12 Nm (600 €)
Fanatec CS DD+: 16 Nm (800 €)
Logitech PRO DD11: 11 Nm (650 €)
MOZA Racing R21 Ultra: 21 Nm (799 €)
Simagic Alpha EVO: 12 Nm (659 €)
Simagic Alpha EVO Pro: 18 Nm (839 €)
Simagic Alpha Mini: 10 Nm (629 €)
Thrustmaster T818: 10 Nm (599 €)
VNM Premier: 13 Nm (699 €)
VRS DFP15: 15 Nm (798 €)

Class from 20 Newton meters – High-End

In the premium segment (20 Newtons and up) as well as in the mid-range, there is now a wide selection of products from various manufacturers, each distinguished by unique selling points. The choice here depends largely on your own requirements or preferences and the manufacturer’s other products. Some manufacturers offer special features, such as an integrated USB hub (Asetek) or USB pass-through (various manufacturers), while others focus on a good price-performance ratio. Among the bases listed here, no single manufacturer stands out significantly from its competitors. You can therefore confidently choose based on your own preferences without worrying about making a fundamentally wrong choice.

Asetek Forte: 20 Nm (949 €)
Asetek Invicta: 27 Nm (1.399 €)
CONSPIT Ares Platinum: 20 Nm (829 €)
Fanatec Podium DD: 25 Nm (1.100 €)
MOZA Racing R21 Ultra: 21 Nm (799 €)
MOZA Racing R25 Ultra: 25 Nm (999 €)
Simagic Alpha Evo Ultra: 28 Nm (999 €)
Simagic Alpha Ultimate: 23 Nm (1.149 €)
Simucube 2 Pro: 25 Nm (1.277 €)
Simucube 3 Pro: 25 Nm (1.657 €)
Simucube 3 Ultimate: 35 Nm (3.464 €)
VNM Supreme: 25 Nm (1.199 €)
VNM Xtreme: 32 Nm (1.379 €)
VRS DFP20: 20 Nm (899 €)

Side note: Specified strength of the force feedback

One topic that often causes confusion and for which there is no standardized unit of measurement is the force feedback strength of a wheelbase. This is measured in newton-meters and describes the maximum force a base can generate. However, specifications vary. Most manufacturers now use holding torque as the reference value, while others use peak torque. As a rule, there is also little to no information regarding the effects of temperature from continuous operation on the maximum possible force feedback.

Holding Torque: Holding torque is the force a motor can withstand when it is powered but not rotating. It determines how well the motor maintains a specified steering position under load.
Peak Torque: Peak torque is the maximum force the motor can deliver for a short period of time.
Overshoot Peaks: In addition to peak torque, so-called overshoot peaks may occur upon reaching the target torque. These are generally not noticeable to the driver, as they last for only a few milliseconds.

Even though the specifications vary, they can still be considered a good reference value for the stated strength of the force feedback. Another factor that can often be even more important than the base’s power itself is the steering wheel used. The larger and heavier it is (especially the mass outside the axis), the more dampened the force feedback becomes, and the more power the base must exert to achieve the same effect for the driver.

Wheelbase Glossary

Below is a brief overview of commonly used terms related to sim racing wheelbases:

Begriff	Erklärung
Direct Drive (DD)	Direct drive, where the motor is connected directly to the steering wheel shaft without gears, belts, or a gearbox. Provides precise, detailed, and powerful force feedback with no play or loss of power.
Force Feedback (FFB)	Feeling force in your hands that realistically simulates road and vehicle forces (e.g., curbs, understeer, loss of traction).
Holding Torque	Holding force is the force with which the base can hold the steering wheel in place (especially important during sharp countersteering).
Nm (Newtonmeter)	Unit of measurement for the wheelbase torque. Indicates the maximum strength of the force feedback forces (typically ranging from 5 Nm to 35+ Nm).
Peak Torque	Peak torque is the maximum torque that the base can deliver for a few moments before throttling back.
Quick Release (QR)	Quick-release system for instantly swapping different rims on the same wheelbase.
Servo Motor	A high-precision brushless servo motor (usually three-phase) that ensures fast response and fine detail reproduction in direct-drive bases.
Torque Ripple	Slight fluctuations or vibrations in torque, which can be noticeable in lower-priced motors and make the force feedback feel slightly less smooth.
Wheelbase	The base unit (motor + electronics + housing), to which the steering wheel is attached and which generates all the force feedback.
Clipping	Force feedback overflow. If the simulated force exceeds what the wheelbase can deliver, fine details are lost.
Fidelity	Accuracy of the force feedback: how realistically and sensitively the road surface, tyre grip and vehicle behaviour can be felt (not just raw force).
FFB Filter	Software filters (e.g. damping, friction, inertia) that smooth or amplify forces in the Wheelbase or driver software.
Mounting	Mounting the wheelbase to the rig. This is particularly important for stability when high torque values are involved (usually using aluminum profiles).
Oscillation