Fanatec ClubSport DD+: a Direct Drive base that does it all

The Fanatec ClubSport DD+ enters an already highly competitive segment: that of "high-end" Direct Drive steering wheels, designed for the demanding sim racer who isn't necessarily ready to switch to pure racing equipment. It promises generous torque, broad compatibility (especially with consoles) and a more refined experience than previous generations of Fanatec bases.

What attracts is this hybrid positioning: powerful enough for the confirmed simracer, accessible enough for a console gamer who wants to move seriously into Direct Drive. The idea is clear: a single product to cover the majority of needs, from endurance GT to Formula 1 and a little rally.

For my part, I approached this chainstay with three questions in mind: the real precision of the force feedback, the finesse of the information transmitted compared to more affordable chainstays, and the ability to remain comfortable over long sessions. I also focused on the coherence of the Fanatec ecosystem around it: steering wheels, cranksets, shifters, and above all the software, often underestimated but crucial.

This is clearly a product that aims to "elevate" an existing setup without tipping over into extreme delirium. The ambition is strong: to make the powerful Direct Drive more readable, more usable, and more plug and play than before. This is what I set out to verify in detail.

Design & manufacturing: serious, solid, no frills

The ClubSport DD+ gives an immediate impression of density. The metal chassis exudes rigidity, the surfaces are clean, the edges well finished, and the whole has that "compact block" feel I've come to expect from a Direct Drive base of this level. You get the feeling that this isn't a disposable product, but a setup centerpiece that's meant to last.

In hand, the feeling of solidity is unmistakable. When you manipulate the axle or the quick release, nothing moves, nothing cracks, no parasitic flex. On a rigid cockpit, the base remains perfectly in place, even when pushing the torque. The structure manages lateral and vertical forces very well, which is essential to maintain a consistent steering feel.

What's surprising is the compromise between compactness and power. For a base model with this level of torque, the size remains reasonable. Visually, it doesn't take up all the space on the chassis, and can be integrated into cockpits that aren't necessarily monstrous, as long as the mounting is correct.

There are, however, a few details that are slightly disappointing. Certainly not the rigidity, but rather certain aesthetic or practical choices: some plastic surfaces that stand out a little from the rest, cable management that could be better thought out, and a rather sober, almost cold overall design. It's not ugly, it's simply very functional, with no real "wow" factor.

Compared with less expensive bases such as the entry-level Direct Drive, the ClubSport DD+ is clearly a cut above in terms of perceived quality and sturdiness. Faced with even more premium bases, we sense that Fanatec has sought a balance: the emphasis is on structure and engine, less on aesthetic sophistication.

Settings, customization & compatibility

As far as settings are concerned, we're in the modern Fanatec tradition: lots of options, but an interface that remains usable if you take the time to understand the logic. Menus integrated into the base and settings via PC software allow adjustment of maximum torque, filtering, linearity, minimum force, friction and inertia effects, and various damping parameters.

What I found most useful was the ability to define presets by game and car type. You can easily switch from a GT profile with a heavier, more filtered FFB to a livelier, more raw Formula profile, without having to re-set everything each time. There's a learning curve, especially for those new to Direct Drive, but you're not drowned. Starting with a reasonable "default" Fanatec preset, all you have to do is gradually adjust according to your tastes.

On PC, compatibility is naturally very broad. The big advantage of this base is its console compatibility (depending on the version chosen, notably for the PlayStation ecosystem), which makes it interesting for players who alternate between PC and console without wanting to multiply the bases. Integration with Fanatec wheels is seamless, and the rim ecosystem covers virtually all types of discipline.

With Fanatec cranksets and shifters, integration is generally plug and play via the base electronics or dedicated ports. With a well-thought-out cockpit, the result is a coherent, clean package, with no need for additional boxes or gasworks.

In terms of upgradeability, I see the ClubSport DD+ as a durable base rather than a simple entry point. You can clearly build a setup around it and make it evolve (new steering wheel, better crankset, stiffer cockpit) without feeling that the base limits the rest. We're on a solid foundation, not a transitional stage before a much stronger model.

Sensations at play: where ClubSport DD+ stands out

On the track, the first thing that stands out is the precision of the force feedback. The base doesn't just push hard, it pushes "just right". You can clearly feel the difference in load in the steering wheel when you enter the corner, when you reach the chord point and when you come back out on the throttle. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

Grip reading is a real highlight. As you approach the grip limit, the FFB doesn't just get lighter or heavier: it "talks". Micro-variations in torque give an indication of what's going on under the tires. On a well-modeled car/track combo, it's easier to distinguish when the front end starts to slip, or when the rear end threatens to roll. It makes you want to push a little harder, because you feel better equipped to correct.

In fast corners, the base's stability is reassuring. Even at high torque, it doesn't stall or vibrate inconsistently. You can hold a long lean without struggling against an uncontrollable flywheel. The return is firm but constant, with a natural progression of force. You don't feel like you're fighting against a machine, but in dialogue with the car.

On the vibrators, the Direct Drive's finesse is evident. You can feel the texture, the number of bands, the difference between a flat and an aggressive vibrator. ClubSport DD+ renders this information without turning it into exaggerated tremor or parasitic noise. It's clean, legible, but not cartoonish. It's easy to understand where to place the wheels to save time without getting thrown off.

The engine reacts quickly to fast corrections, especially when exiting a bend or when the rear end is slightly lost. The maximum torque is more than enough to send back the information and offer credible resistance, but the base does not give the sensation of "overdoing it". You correct, bring the car back on axis, and the steering wheel refocuses with controlled fluidity. This is where the base really changes the experience: self-correction becomes more instinctive.

On long sessions, consistency is key. Torque remains stable, warm-up is well under control, and I didn't feel any gradual drop in strength or strange behavior over time. What does change is the rider: fatigue arrives more or less quickly, depending on the level of force chosen. With a reasonably set FFB, you can ride for a long time without any forearm pain, while maintaining a very good level of information.

Compared with a less powerful base (such as an entry-level Direct Drive or a heavy-duty belt-driven base), we gain in legibility and dynamics. Load transitions are quicker, small details are more present, and the steering wheel responds more exactly to what the car is doing. There's less "blur" in the middle and fewer artificial effects.

Compared to much more powerful bases, the ClubSport DD+ is in an interesting zone: more than enough power for committed riding, without falling into the "too much" trap that makes tuning tricky and fatigue very quick if you're trying to use the full potential. It lacks the brutality of some high-end monsters, but that's not what it's trying to offer. The aim seems to be power that can be exploited by an advanced simracer without turning into a hardcore preparation tool.

In practice, what I remember is the combination of three elements: generous torque, fine information and consistent behavior over time. You find yourself driving cleaner, because the signals are clearer. You drive less "visually" and more "by feel".

Who's it for? What we like, what we don't like

The ClubSport DD+ appeals to two main profiles: the intermediate simracer who comes from a belt-driven base or a small Direct Drive and wants to go seriously upmarket, and the experienced console or PC gamer who's looking for a unique, powerful, durable base, without switching to overly extreme hardware. For a total beginner, this is a bit ambitious, but a truly motivated beginner can also find his or her feet in the long term.

What I appreciate most is the quality of the force feedback. The steering wheel doesn't just pull hard, it tells you what's going on. Then there's the coherence of the Fanatec ecosystem around it: steering wheels, cranksets, shifters, everything integrates neatly, which makes life easier when building a complete setup. Finally, the feeling of durability: you can feel that this base is designed to last for years, and to support the evolution of the rider and the rest of the equipment.

There are also a few nuances. The first is price and the notion of overall investment. The base, plus a good steering wheel, plus possibly a suitable crankset, will quickly run up the bill. In terms of perceived value, it's coherent for what it offers, but it's clearly not an impulse buy. The second point is the potential complexity of the settings for an audience unaccustomed to Direct Drive: even if the presets help, it's easy to get lost looking for the "perfect tune". Thirdly, there are a number of material constraints: the need for a sufficiently rigid cockpit, binding management, physical space and power supply all need to be taken into serious consideration.

For an occasional player, or someone who mainly uses the joystick, the difference in budget and complexity may not be justified. But for a simracer who rides regularly, who wants to feel his precision and timing improve, the investment/benefit ratio becomes much more interesting.

Verdict: a pivotal base for a serious setup

The Fanatec ClubSport DD+ brings a real qualitative leap to a setup. It is the ideal replacement for a belt drive or a small Direct Drive, providing more torque, finer information and, above all, confidence-boosting consistency. It's the centerpiece that transforms a good setup into a serious one, capable of keeping up with an improving rider.

On the market, it's at the top end of the mid-range, bordering on premium. Not as extreme as the torque monsters designed for ultra-specialized simulators, but clearly above the more "mainstream" solutions. It's aimed at those who want credible equipment to work on their trajectories, grip management and long sessions, without tipping into an unreasonable budget.

I clearly recommend it to intermediate and advanced sim racers, both PC and console, who ride regularly and want a solid anchor point for the years to come. For someone who is just discovering sim racing or who rides very infrequently, a simpler, less expensive base will make more sense before eventually moving on to this type of product.

If you're looking for a Direct Drive base that's powerful, precise, compatible with a wide ecosystem and capable of upgrading your steering, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.