Fanatec CSL DD review: The Ultimate Direct Drive For Beginners?

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

Fanatec CSL DD Pro

Earlier this year, it surprised Fanatec the sim racing world with a really good 1 April joke: a Fanatec Direct Drive wheelbase for just €349.99. So this was - we thought - too good to be true. Not much later, the Fanatec CSL DD officially announced by Fanatec. Now, several months later, the first signals, reviews and experiences are extremely positive. So now is the time to put this CSL DD to the test ourselves! Direct - watuh -Drive? Well, before we really go into depth, first some background information on what makes this new system so unique.

What is a Fanatec Direct Drive?

In recent months, Fanatec has been introducing one innovation after another to the market: The Bentley GT3, the revolutionary CSL Load Cell pedals and the BMW M4 GT3 are some examples of this. Fanatec's new flagship product is the CSL DD (Direct Drive). Or, as they call it themselves, The New StandarDD. 

Deze nieuwe CSL wheelbase met Direct Drive technologie houdt in dat er een motor in de wheelbase zit die de kracht direct overbrengt naar je stuur. Dit zorgt, in vergelijking met de traditionele riem- of tandwielaandrijving, voor een super realistische weg- en race-ervaring. En dat dus voor het eerst in hun CSL lijn! Het resultaat? Een betaalbaarder alternatief ten opzichte van zijn – vele duurdere – broertjes uit de Podium lijn: de DD1 en DD2. De Direct Drive technologie komt hierdoor beschikbaar voor een veel bredere doelgroep. Fanatec springt hiermee in een uitermate interessante markt voor de startende en semiprofessionele simracers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

Fanatec CSL DD: The new standard DD

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]*Text continues below video*[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCT2728F-rY”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

The design of the Fanatec CSL DD

What immediately stands out about the new Fanatec CSL DD is its extremely compact design. Especially when compared to its bigger brothers. The new compact design is many times smaller and lighter in terms of size and weight. Personally, I like this smaller size, although it also makes the product look a bit ‘fragile’ and well-run. The Fanatec DD1 and DD2 look much more solid and reliable. Although I think this is mainly due to the larger dimensions. But, these are then also 3 or 4 times more expensive. So this comparison is not entirely fair 😉

Wellicht is dit kleine en compacte formaat nog even wennen en denk ik er over een tijd anders over. De behuizing van de CSL DD bestaat uit aluminium gefreesd profiel, dat direct zorgt voor de koeling van de motor. Dit zorgt voor een fris en stoer uiterlijk.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flickity_static_height_style” images=”6143,6144,6145,6146,6147,6148″ flickity_spacing=”default” flickity_controls=”pagination” flickity_overflow=”hidden” flickity_wrap_around=”wrap” flickity_box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” onclick=”link_no”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

Fanatec Bundle

The CSL DD Wheelbase is available with the standard 5Nm power supply from Fanatec for only €349.95 excl. shipping. This will get you a very fine, extremely robust and smooth Direct Drive wheelbase that you absolutely won't regret! The CSL DD with Boost Kit 180 bundle is available for €479.95 excluding shipping. The CSL DD Boost Kit 180 is ook los verkrijgbaar voor €149,95 exclusief verzending. Hiermee boost je de standaard 90W variant met 5Nm om naar 180W (8Nm).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

Fanatec CSL DD: our conslusion

We are extremely excited about the new CSL DD. So is it the ultimate Direct Drive system? No, it isn't. It is a marked improvement over the belt-driven CSL V1. The Fanatec CSL DD, especially in combination with the Boostkit 180, is a very competitive wheelbase that, given its hugely competitive price, jumps into a gap in the market where other manufacturers are not (yet) present. With this, Fanatec makes sim racing even more accessible to a wider audience! It is a very good wheelbase and entry-level product to enter the Fanatec ecosystem. With this, Fanatec therefore puts out a competitive and extremely good product.

What surprises me most about the CSL DD, apart from its minimal size, is that it is extremely responsive and detailed. It is absolutely a joy to drive and makes for tremendous fun!

Although it is a Direct Drive system, the standard 5Nm variant falls just a little short of power to compete with the DD1, DD2 or Simucube 2 Sport or Pro. Do you already have such a system? Then the CSL DD is not for you, as it cannot keep up with its big brothers in terms of performance. Do you own an older CSL, CSW, T300 or a belt-driven Logitech G29, dan is een upgrade naar absoluut de moeite en het geld waard! The New StandarDD? Wat ons betreft een volmondige ‘Ja!’.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Fanatec CSL DD Bestellen” url=”https://fanatec.sjv.io/csl-dd-5nm”][/vc_column][/vc_row]