The 7 Best Sim Racing Direct Drive Wheel Bases in 2022

If you’re looking for some of the most premium and authentic sim racing wheels, don’t look any further than direct drive wheels.

These components will take your sim racing to the next level since they offer exceptionally precise force feedback as well as leading to some unbelievable immersion.

But there is a variety to choose from and this does not mean the price will go down. Despite the fact there are plenty of direct drive wheel bases, they can be quite incredibly expensive, so make sure you make the right choice.

Thankfully, that is why we have created this content, to help choose the best sim racing direct drive wheel base for different platforms.

In this review, we have included the seven best products on the market, and each of them has its own pros and cons. However, in order for this list to be helpful, you need to understand what to look for in a great direct drive wheel base.

Simcube 2 Pro

To start off our list is the Pro version of the still popular Simucube 2 Pro.

Coming with one of the highest maximum torque of a drive sim racing wheelbase, this setup provides an entirely unique immersion for seasoned racers.

The Simucube 2 Pro is guaranteed to offer you an implausible immersive experience. The detail you feel when racing is also incredible.

With lots of rotation options, the high price of this wheel base should not discourage you if you really want equipment that will offer the most realistic experience in sim racing.

Featuring an anodized metal finish, this equipment is made from premium materials. So it is not only durable but also incredibly aesthetic.

But its well-construction sacrificed portability because the Simucube 2 Pro is among the heaviest on the market, weighing more than 11 kg.

With this weight, you also want to ensure your rig is capable of handling not only the weight but also the power.

One of the many great features of this wheel base is the integrated quick release system that lets you replace the racing wheel instantly if the need arises or just save up some space when not using it.

This wheel base for sim racing is a great choice for those looking for equipment that offers value for money.

Price

The price of Simucube 2 Pro starts from €1,199, which means depending on where you buy it, that price can increase. Shipping costs, duties, and taxes will affect the final price.

Performance

The Simucube 2 Pro is incredible equipment for sim racing and is one of the slickest and by some extension, the most intuitive wheel bases you will ever use. You can drive consistently and precisely with the Simucube 2 Pro.

The feedback of the system makes loads of sense and the construction is top of the line. The 25 Nm torque is more than enough to provide you with full immersion with any car, track, or condition.

You will immediately forget that you are in a simulation.

Coupled with an incredibly high torque response rate Pro motor, the Simucube 2 Pro will deliver the sharpest kinks at a precision not seen in any direct drive wheel base for sim racing.

But the torque response rate can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Compatibility

• PC: Yes
• Xbox: No
• PlayStation: No

Where to buy

I recommend buying Simucube 2 Pro directly from Simucube.com to avoid paying extra charges.

Extra features

• Large rugged power mechanisms
• Robotics-quality angle sensor
• Passive cooling
• Remote torque off knob

Fanatec podium DD2

For those looking for the ultimate force feedback experience, let me introduce you to the Fanatec Podium DD2. Featuring cutting-edge technology, this wheel base for sim racing offers one of the most incredible performances you can ask for in a direct drive wheel base.

Although the previous model, the CSL Elite, was still very popular among sim racers, the Podium DD2 is definitely head and shoulders above thanks to the higher peak torque, more detailed force feedback.

The Podium DD2 is a little bit high-end compared to other sim racing wheel bases.

This means people with more experience in sim racing. And that is not all, when you hit a barricade whilst holding firmly onto the wheel, the maximum torque of the wheelbase is 25nm, which might be a little bit too much for an inexperienced racer.

Price

Fanatec Podium DD2 goes for €1, 499

Performance

If you have used the DD1, you will realize the DD2 is not notchy and binary in terms of its feedback. The Podium DD2 is a really great sim racing wheel base.

Once you gain experience with the torque, you will realize just how smooth and progressive this wheel is, with further modification available for new racers.

While it can be sensitive to small adjustments, this wheel base comes with real strength. The pressure feedback is quite smooth and there is no notchy-ness like the preview version and other belt-drive models.

The feedback mimics that of a real car. In other models, the feedback can be a little bit too late, which can make for a rather stressful experience and lots of puzzling sensations when racing.

But with Podium DD2, the feedback is pretty finer, earlier, and has better sensitivity to allow for easier reaction. In fact, you can catch a slide and still drive the car very fine.

If you ask me, this will be money well spent. In terms of performance, it is noticeably an upgrade of Podium DD1. And with good pedals, you can further enhance the performance of this wheel base.

Compatibility

• PC: Yes
• Xbox: Yes, Xbox one
• PlayStation: No

Where to buy

You can buy Podium DD2 from the brand directly or any reputable online store such as Amazon.

Extra features

• Custom servo motor
• Ultra-low torque ripple for minimal mechanical distractions
• Built-in 2.7” 256 x 64 resolution OLED display
• All-Aluminum housing
• Upgraded tuning menu
• Removable polished aluminum cover plates

SimSteering 2

Manufactured by Leo Bodnar, the SimSteering 2 is considered to be among the best sim racing direct drive wheel bases on the market. But don’t take our word for it, when you get this wheel base, you will immediately realize how magnificent it really is.

The wheel base offers up to 20.5 Nm torque that is pretty much above the average of wheel bases torques. Designed towards more advanced drivers, this wheel base is compatible only with PC.

The force feedback resolution is incredible and the detail you feel when using the wheel base is incomparable to any belt driving wheel or gear wheel.

Additionally, the SimSteering 2 offers more detail compared to other direct drive wheels thanks to the Kollmorgen AKM53 servo motor.

If you are a beginner you will find this wheel base rather friendly to you in terms of setup and compatibility, because you don’t need any plugins or drivers.

All you are required to do is plug the wheelbase into your PC and you are good to go!

The wheelbase is compatible with DirectX, a program used in plenty of racing simulators, which means you don’t need too many configurations.

It weighs less than most direct drive wheel bases on the market, with 7.5 kg.

This makes it one of the lightest wheel bases you can find, even when you include the 4.5 kg of the control box.

This makes it ideal for less robust racing setups. However, you still need sturdy support for the powerful torque that it offers.

But it is one of the most expensive direct drives on the market. However, you will immediately realize that the wheel base is worth every cent once you taste its quality and experience.

Price

As mentioned above, the SimSteering 2 is one of the most expensive wheelbases on the market. It sells between €3,703 and €4,166.

Performance

Setting up this wheel base is easy and quick and in just a matter of minutes, you will get to test it in key sims.

Once you have mounted the motor and plug-in all the cables you can simply switch it on and start using it.

No plugins or drivers are needed. The wheel base is standard force feedback working via DirectX, which means if a game outputs pressure feedback, it is highly likely that it will work instantly.

Compatibility

• PC: Yes
• Xbox: No
• PlayStation: No

Where to buy

You can buy this unit from Amazon as well as other reputable online stores across the world.

Extra features

• Detailed force feedback
• Lightweight
• Too much torque
• Compatible with PC

Fanatec Podium F1

Designed for both PC and consoles, the Podium F1 from Fanatec brings the supremacy of direct drive to simulation.

It is dubbed the best money can buy in terms of cross-compatible direct-drive sim racing wheel.

This is because it is so far the only complete cross-compatible direct drive wheel you can find on the market today.

Just like many other direct drive wheels from the Podium range, the F1 is also engineered to bring the wrist-breaking power of direct drive to your simulation rig.

Before this product, Fanatec’s wheel bases were only compatible with PC, but now the brand has the F1, which is cross-compatible.

Moreover, it is also one of the aesthetically fine systems you can get your hands to. The F1 is a completely licensed F1 version of the Fanatec’s Podium series of sim racing wheel bases and has 20 Nm of torque.

Price

The Podium F1 comes at €1,799 and while you can get an old second-hand vehicle with this amount, you will soon realize the wheel base is worth it.

Performance

When you consider the increased force feedback detail, you can learn tracks and cars in a manner that is not possible with other types of racing wheels. That extra detail can let you adjust your racing style as well as learn about circuit limitations better compared to a belt-driven wheel.

If you have already done it at a high level, then you probably won’t save tenths of a second by shifting to a direct drive wheel base.

But what you are guaranteed to get is more fun! The extra details you get from this wheel will immerse you into your simulation game than ever.

Compatibility

• PC: Yes
• Xbox: Yes with Xbox compatible wheel rim
• PlayStation: Yes

Where to buy

Buy this mighty wheel base for sim racing directly from Fanatec or any reputable online store.

Extra features

• Cross compatibility
• Plenty of available torque
• Features a wheel

AccuForce Pro V2

This direct drive wheel comes with a slightly lower torque of just 13Nm, and therefore if power is not your main concern, then this could a great choice for you.

What it lacks in torque it makes it up in rotation ranges, with 4500 degrees, which is one of the highest on the market.

The AccuForce is one of the best direct drive wheel bases for beginners since it comes with some easy to select modes that allow you to have perfect control over your driving experience with only a touch of a knob.

Price

The AccuForce costs around €1,151.

Performance

This direct drive wheel base is extremely beginner-friendly and features some easy-to-use modes that give the driver control over the experience. There is also a child mode that reduces the torque to make it suitable for families.

Nevertheless, it offers some of the most realistic racing experiences you can find in any sim racing.

Compatibility

PC: Yes

Xbox: No

PlayStation: No

Where to buy

You can buy the AccuForce Pro V2 online, just be careful with the site you purchase from.

Extra features

• Plenty of customization
• Huge rotation range
• Lots of modes

Simplicity SW20 V3

Having been around for about four years, the Simplicity SW20 V3 wheel base is one of the most affordable on the market. It is easy to install hardware and software, and you don’t need to read the user manual.

With this wheel base, you can hook it up to just about any sim and it will work very well, including iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Assetto Corsa as well as Dirt2.0.

If you are looking to experience real racing in a simulation without coughing up huge amounts of money, then the Simplicity SW20 V3 might be an ideal choice for you. Anyone that gets this wheel base will be happy with it and its performance.

Price

The Simplicity SW20 V3 is the cheapest wheel base on our list, costing just €770, which is half the price of most wheel bases on this list.

Performance

Its force feedback is pretty good and has extremely high intuitive settings, which will be noticeable if you have used DD wheel bases before and or sim racing in general. Although it supports a range of sims, I found that the Simplicity SW20 V3 performed better with Dirt2.0.

Compatibility

• PC: Yes
• Xbox: No
• PlayStation: No

Where to buy

Buying this wheel base directly from the manufacture means you get it at a fair price.

Extra features

• Supports a wide range of sims
• Extremely affordable
• Emergency stop

SIMAGIC Alpha

With a torque of 15 Nm, the Simagic Alpha uses a servo motor that is designed for sim racing and offers a torque response that is more than the preview models.

The servo motor is designed to maintain high torque even under extremely high wheel speeds.

The smooth metal finish is aesthetically pleasing in addition to being very high quality.

Since it doesn’t come with an integrated cooling fan, the wheel base is passively cooled and the motor is cooled when it comes into contact with its outer casing.

Price

The SIMAGIC Alpha costs around €1,328 but it depends on your region.

Performance

This wheel base comes with the same quick release and shaft as its predecessor, the M10, which means that GT4 and GT1 rims fit and connect wirelessly via Simagic’s wireless equipment.

It has a quick release and pretty good force feedback. It provides the most immersive simulation racing experience you will rarely come across.

From the moment you hook the Alpha to your sim and begin racing, you will be stunned by the experience and performance that you will not be able to wipe the smile from your face.

It is easily one of the best performing direct drive wheel bases you can find in the market. You will be able to feel every crash, turn, slide, and bump.

The performance of this wheel base is controlled by three CPUs!

Compatibility

• PC: Yes
• Xbox: No
• PlayStation: No

Where to buy

You can get the SIMAGIC Alpha direct wheel base from any reputable online store in your region or if you can buy it directly from the brand.

Extra features

• Twelve-month warranty
• Plug-n-play USB-B connection
• Quick release system
• Ultra-low latency

Conclusion:

So, if you’re looking to buy a direct drive wheel base, any of the ones on this list will serve you well.

Just be sure to do your research and pick the one that best suits your needs.

And most importantly, enjoy your sim racing! 😉

 

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