Fanatec DD2
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ 25 Nm torque.
✅ KillSwitch
✅ High-quality construction and design
❌ Its price is very high
❌ I don’t think there’s such a big difference with the DD1
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I recently told you about one of the flagship products of the Podium series from Fanatec (the base DD1), so it was only logical that I should give you a brief review of its successor, which I also had the privilege of testing: the Fanatec Podium DD2 base.
If you keep up with what’s coming out each year on the Sim-racing market regarding gaming products and accessories, you’ve undoubtedly heard of this model.
Let’s face it: it’s not for everyone, the proof being that for me to be able to test it, I had to struggle a bit, and it’s not a steering wheel base I could afford. But it is a model that has received and continues to receive, a lot of praise. Very positive reviews, so I had to give you my opinion.
Fanatec DD2 main and technical features
- Direct Drive force feedback with a maximum torque of 25 Nm.
- Unlimited angle of rotation.
- It is equipped with a 2.7″ resolution OLED screen.
- Equipped with KillSwitch.
- It is equipped with a QuickRelease system.
- Compatible with PC and all Xbox systems.
- Dimensions: 51 cm x 26 cm x 28 cm (L x W x H)
- Weight: 13 kg
- 5-year warranty.
State-of-the-art features and technology
Regarding features and technology, Fanatec Podium DD2 base I, I don’t think anyone will be surprised if I say this is the best.
The DD2, with its outrunner Direct Drive motor, achieves the most sublime and impressive torque levels I’ve ever tested. With a group maximum torque of 25 Nm, The base reproduces the same level of performance I’d expect from a real racing car with power steering. DD2 holding torque levels never fall below 18 Nm, even in the most challenging racing conditions.
La base Podium DD2 also offers an unlimited rotation angle, so you can’t beat it. And to top it all off, the USB update rate is ultra-fast, with an update rate of 1000 Hz. You can finally put a cross on input offsets!
Moreover, so as not to spoil my pleasure and that of many players, the Fanatec brand has considered the criticisms concerning the base. Fanatec Podium DD1 offers us on the DD2 the famous Kill Switch button we’ve been asking for! Combined with the QuickRelease from Fanatec, say goodbye to cables and hello to headache-free installation!
Construction and Design
The build quality of the Fanatec DD2 base never failed to amaze me. I’m an unconditional fan of this manufacturer, which puts its heart into offering high-quality sim-racing products.
The DD2, once again, is no exception.
From interchangeable brushed aluminum to automotive-grade QuickRelease, this base has all the features of a simulation machine top-of-the-range.
And what’s more, I think she’s elegant with its magnificent carbon finish!
To cut a long story short, with a satisfying weight of 13 kg, I found the build quality of both internal and external materials to be impeccable.
Gameplay
I’m pleased to have had the privilege of testing the base Fanatec Podium DD2 and to tell you a little about how I felt while trying it. First, let me mention (once again) that the Direct Drive is, in my opinion, the ultimate in simulation. And the DD2 base is not far from perfection! It offers a unique force feedback sensation, with smooth, powerful, and precise feedback simultaneously, enabling me to feel every last detail of the car and the track.
Integrated OLED display features are available from the screen, including real-time engine display, force feedback data, torque curve, and more. The advanced on-screen rotation menu lets us fine-tune force feedback characteristics to suit our driving preferences. We can also modify parameters on the fly without interacting directly with the Fanatec, which I find handy when you’re in a very intense race.
But honestly, if you’re not an expert or a professional player like me, I’m afraid the 25 Nm torque is just too much… I couldn’t even push the force feedback torque to the maximum; I think I went up to 70-80% at most. So, if you’re the same kind of player as me, you might not appreciate the difference between the DD2 and the DD1, which is ultimately a model more suited to players of my level.
Compatibility
The base Fanatec Podium DD2 is compatible with PC and all Xbox systems, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, but only if used with an Xbox-compatible steering wheel.
Once again, PlayStation fans are left out in the cold, as the DD2 is incompatible with this platform. At least for the moment…
I think the message is pretty straightforward: Fanatec has favored PC compatibility, especially with the addition of new software specially designed for the Podium and PC series.
What I like is that the DD2 is fully compatible with previous versions. Sound QR system (QuickRelease) has been updated with a new locking system, which maintains compatibility with all existing Fanatec handwheels while being completely interchangeable.
I understand that all new steering wheels and wheelbases will be equipped with this new technology.
Of course, they will; the DD2 base of the Podium series is compatible with a large part of the Fanatec ecosystem.
It also works with most games, such as F1 2017, Dirt Rally, Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 2, or rFactor 2.
Value for money
The base Fanatec Podium DD2 is by no means a steering wheel base that is financially accessible to all. But I also have to admit that the level of performance and aesthetics of this base can’t be found in any of the competing models on the market today.
For me, it’s a model designed by Fanatec for truly passionate gamers or even for professional players.
It’s costly, but with a 5-year warranty included, it has been designed to last you for many years.
In comparison, it costs a third more than its predecessor, the DD1, or the Accuforce V2. Ultimately, I think it’s up to you to decide whether you believe it’s worth spending so much on this model.
My verdict
The base Fanatec Podium DD2 is possibly one of the most impressive Direct Drive bases in the sim racing world. But I believe that it’s not the best option for everyone.
For a player like me, for example, the base Fanatec DD2 doesn’t have an incredible impact compared to the DD1 since I cannot take full advantage of all it has to offer. But if you’re a competitive sim racer with far more experience (and budget) than me, I’m sure it’ll seem like the crème de la crème!
