Fanatec DD1
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Direct Drive technology and 20 Nm torque.
✅High-end design and materials.
✅It offers incredible customization.
❌ Its price.
❌The presence of fans.
❌I would have appreciated a KillSwitch.
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Remember the days when the only thing we had at our disposal to play racing games were undeveloped controllers? It seems like a long time ago now.
I know I’m not the only one who doesn’t miss those days! Because as far as the world of Sim-racing is concerned, it’s been a win-win situation! I’m a fan of new technology. I can tell you that what’s currently on the market in terms of bases, steering wheels, pedals, etc., makes me very happy!
And even if I don’t have the wallet to afford everything, I occasionally have the honor and pleasure of being able to test certain products. Recently, I had the right to try a steering wheel base from the famous brand Fanatec, which I love: the Fanatec DD1 base. It didn’t leave me indifferent, and I wanted to tell you a little about my experience and my opinion of it.
Main features and technical specifications of the Fanatec DD1
- Direct Drive force feedback with a maximum torque of 20 Nm.
- Unlimited angle of rotation.
- It is equipped with a 2.7″ OLED display.
- First, fully Plug And Play the Direct Drive base.
- Compatible with Xbox and PC.
- Wireless QR technology.
- Dimensions: 51 x 26 x 28 cm (L x W x H)
- Weight: 13 kg
State-of-the-art features and technology
The base Fanatec DD1 belongs to the Podium series where. All the brand’s products demonstrate engineering and design prowess.
Beyond technology Direct Drive, which, for me, is already a sign of quality, this model can reach a maximum torque of 20 Nm and, with its outrunner, offers an infinite rotation angle.
For people like me who like to have different wheels at home and be able to switch quickly between races, you’ll enjoy the new system. QuickRelease wireless equipped with base DD1. Yet another innovation from Fanatec that I greatly appreciated. No more trailing cables between the floor and the steering wheel!
Of course, I will not forget to mention its 2.7-inch OLED display, which can be customized via the FanaLab software.
There are two minor negative points: firstly, the cooling system only works with fans I’m not a fan of.
And I find a KillSwitch would have been a welcome addition here, even though players can set the torque via PC software or using the OLED screen menus on the base (a faux pas corrected with the Fanatec DD2 base).
Construction and design
At first glance, the build quality and the care the brand has taken with the choice of components jumped out at me. The materials chosen are excellent quality inside and out—Fanatec DD1 base.
In terms of design, I find that this model is classy. And no more plastic! I have to tell you that I’m particularly delighted, because it’s a material that I don’t like and that, in my opinion, doesn’t transmit a perfect image—A feeling of quality.
Installation
On the installation side, the Fanatec Podium DD1 base is straightforward to install. I spent very little time on it, which allowed me to get straight to the point and test it for a short run.
It has to be said that the DD1 was the very first Direct Drive base, which is truly plug-and-play. And I’m not just referring to the Fanatec brand, but to all the brands on the Sim-racing market.
On the other hand, I recommend that you don’t neglect the place where you’re going to install your base. With Direct Drive, you must remember you need a solid mounting on your cockpit simulation.
This model has two side mounting holes and mounting holes under the base. However, the mounting brackets are not included. You can find them on the Fanatec site or even from other manufacturers if you need them (I believe SimLab offers various compatible options, for example). I’d recommend using the side brackets.
Customization
For me, one of the most significant assets of the Fanatec DD1 base is all the personalization it offers.
I love his OLED screen, which gives us an incredible level of live data retrieval, helping us further personalize our steering wheel and race.
With the settings menu, you can adjust almost anything the power of the force feedback torque, of course, but also the shock absorber, ABS, shock, spring, or steering lock (and much more besides…)!
I guarantee nothing better than a base offering all these adjustments to enhance your playing experience.
With Fanatec’s FanaLab software with FanaLab, you can access even more options via the PC. I’m not 100% satisfied with the software, which can sometimes leave something to be desired, but it gives you a wide choice of options and is not that difficult to use.
Compatibility
The Fanatec Podium DD1 is compatible with all the brand’s steering wheels, which allowed me to test it. As well as on PC and Xbox. PlayStation fans are indeed a bit left out… But if you have a PC, I can guarantee this will be pure bliss for you!
With its new QuickRelease wireless, the DD1 retains the advantage of compatibility with all existing Fanatec flywheels. It also offers the possibility of upgrading to a new QR system, making it ready for any future innovation the Fanatec brand may come up with. Pretty cool.
Sure is; the DD1 base is compatible with all accessories from the Fanatec range. The Fanatec range offers various accessories, including steering wheels, pedals, gearshifts, and more. This model can even be paired with accessories from competing brands, such as Logitech or Thrustmaster, which gives you a wide choice of products and should enable you to keep it for many years.
Value for money
If I hadn’t had the opportunity to test the Fanatec DD1 base before today, it’s not for nothing… It’s because it’s costly, and I can’t afford it.
It stays a high-end product; inevitably, prices tend to rise very quickly. But it’s still about average, given its features and benefits.
But it’s not an accessory everyone can afford… Not yet, anyway! We’re allowed to dream a little!
My verdict
The only question you need to ask yourself if you’re considering buying the Fanatec DD1 base is: is it worth it? If you can afford it, the answer is more than obvious: Yes, the Fanatec DD1 is worth it. I think it’s tough to find anything better on the Direct Drive market at this price right now.
And the base Fanatec DD2? If you’re interested, I’ve also had the opportunity to test it, and you can find out what I think right here… But if I can tell you one thing, if you’re on a tight budget, then the DD1 base remains the best option.
