In the world of "accessible" Direct Drives, the Fanatec CSL DD QR2 (5 Nm) is clearly aimed at the heart of the sim racing market. It's neither a basic entry-level unit, nor a power monster for purists. Rather, it's a compact block that promises a real Direct Drive feel, with a restrained but exploitable force for (almost) everyone, and the new QR2 linkage as a bonus for reliability.

What Fanatec is selling here is a smooth transition to Direct Drive: no more belts, no more elasticity, no more softness in the center. The idea is to regain precise, clean steering, with enough torque to feel grip, loss of grip and edges, without the need for a reinforced-concrete cockpit or bodybuilder's forearms.

For my part, I approached this base from a very simple angle: is 5 Nm well exploited, with a good QR2, really enough to transform the experience compared to a belt-driven base or an entry-level flywheel? And above all, does it hold up to regular, even intensive use, without frustrating an improving simracer?

Design and manufacturing

The CSL DD QR2 retains the "compact block" look typical of the CSL range: a ribbed, fairly dense aluminum chassis that exudes solidity rather than flashiness. In hand, the base feels heavy for its size, which immediately gives the impression of a serious product. The walls don't sound hollow, the edges are clean, and there's no perceptible parasitic play when handling it or tightening the fasteners.

Visually, the design remains sober and functional, with no frills. No RGB, no extravagant shapes, but a block designed to be forgotten once mounted on the cockpit. This may seem a little bland compared to some of our more "spectacular" competitors, but for a serious setup, I don't see it as a flaw.

The big change is the presence of QR2, the new generation of Fanatec quick releases. This is where the base really gains in perceived quality. Locking is more straightforward, the connection to the steering wheel more rigid, and there's less of that microplay that could sometimes spoil the experience on the old QRs, especially when you started to build up strength. In hand, you get the reassuring sensation of a more "monobloc" steering column.

What quickly surprises is the overall level of finish for a so-called "mid-range" base. Fittings are clean, ports well integrated and fasteners inspire confidence. We're not at the level of ultra-premium bases machined like timepieces, but we're clearly above an entry-level steering wheel made of lightweight plastics.

What may be a little disappointing is the extreme sobriety and absence of small premium visual details. For someone coming from a more "flashy" setup, this may seem a little austere. Another detail: the compact format is practical, but requires serious assembly. On a light stand, you can feel that the base could cause the structure to vibrate if it's not perfectly tightened.

Compared to other solutions in the same power range, the CSL DD QR2 gives a more accomplished impression than many traditional belt-driven wheels, especially thanks to the aluminum and QR2. It's clearly a serious basic wheel for motivated simulation, not just a decorative "gaming" wheel.

Settings, customization and compatibility

Fanatec offers its usual ecosystem around the CSL DD QR2: in-house software, integrated presets, game-specific profiles. The tuning interface is pretty straightforward once you've understood the logic: you adjust overall strength, filter, damping effects, friction, linearity, and a few other more specialized parameters. Honestly, it's easy to get lost if you want to fine-tune everything to the nearest percentage, but the basics work very well with a few well-chosen key settings.

For an intermediate user, the learning curve is reasonable. The presets already provide a solid base, which can then be fine-tuned. The changes are immediately noticeable: a little more damping to calm oscillations, a little less force to protect the forearms, a slight increase in sensitivity around the center to better read the grip. You don't feel as if you're ticking boxes in a vacuum: each setting has a perceptible effect on the track.

In terms of compatibility, the CSL DD QR2 fits unsurprisingly into the Fanatec ecosystem: the brand's steering wheels, pedals, shifters and handbrakes can all be connected centrally. On PC, you benefit from extensive compatibility with the sims on the market. On consoles, you need to check the version of the base and the steering wheel used, but the general idea remains the same: you can clearly play just as well on a desktop as on a home console, depending on the setup.

The arrival of the QR2 also reinforces the "upgradeable" dimension. You can start with a relatively simple steering wheel, then move on to more specialized wheels (F1, GT, rally) without worrying about a limited mounting system. This base is positioned as a serious entry point into the Fanatec ecosystem, but not as a toy that must be replaced after a few months. For many, it could be your main base for the long term, especially if you're looking for finesse rather than raw power.

Sensations in play

On the track, the CSL DD QR2 (5 Nm) stands out first and foremost for the cleanliness of its force feedback. Compared with a belt-driven system, the steering is immediately sharper in the center and more responsive. The steering seems more "connected" to the tires. You immediately understand what the car is doing. Small grip losses, subtle load transfers and wheel over-turns on corner exits are much more apparent.

In slow bends, the torque available is more than enough to compensate for the weight of the car, the increase in effort, and then the unloading when the rear begins to unload. You can dose a countersteer without fighting with the base. Quick corrections are made with a real feeling of control: the wheel starts quickly, but remains tame, without any absurd hammering. This is what gives the impression of "quiet mastery" that makes you feel confident.

In fast corners, you can feel the slight compression of the suspension, the hardening of the steering wheel, and that little float when the car is at the limit. The base doesn't have the power of a top-of-the-range Direct Drive, but it makes the most of what it does have. The FFB remains readable, never muddled, and no information is lost in a maelstrom of excessive force. This is where the 5 Nm range comes into its own: strong enough to be credible, not so violent as to become exhausting.

On the vibrators, the feel obviously depends on the settings, but the base manages to tell the difference between a flat vibrator and an aggressive one. You can feel the edges, the irregularities, without turning the cockpit into a jackhammer. It's not as detailed as a very high-end Direct Drive pushed to its limits, but the level of detail remains far superior to a belt-driven wheel of the same budget.

In terms of grip, reading the grip is a real strength. You can tell quite early on when the front is slipping, or when the rear is starting to stall under power. The center is lively, without being nervous, which helps to correct the situation before it gets out of hand. On demanding simulations, this translates into greater confidence in the car, and paradoxically, cleaner driving, as you anticipate better.

Over long sessions, consistency is very good. The base does not "tire" or change its behavior over time. The 5 Nm are manageable over time, provided you don't set the force to maximum all the time. The body gets used to it, and you can ride for several hours without being broken in half, especially if the steering wheel is well positioned. For a simracer who plays often, this is a real plus.

Compared with a less powerful base (gear or light belt), the gain is clear: more detail, better linearity, fewer dead zones, much greater precision in corrections. Compared to a more powerful Direct Drive base, the CSL DD QR2 obviously appears less physically impressive. There's less punch in big impacts, less brutality in total grip loss. But for many players, this relative "moderation" makes the base more usable on a daily basis. You can enjoy Direct Drive without going overboard.

Who's it for? What we like / What we don't like

The ideal profile for a Fanatec CSL DD QR2 (5 Nm) is that of a serious or improving player who wants to enter the world of Direct Drive without blowing his budget or having to reinforce his house to fix the base. A highly motivated beginner can also consider it a medium-term investment, especially if he or she already knows that he or she won't be sticking with a simple "casual" steering wheel. On the PC, it comes into its own with access to numerous cutting-edge simulations. On consoles, it remains relevant for those who want a solid but reasonable setup.

Among the really appreciable points, the quality of the Direct Drive feel at this power is at the top of the list. The base manages to be precise, clean and informative, without appearing soft. The QR2 also changes the game: more rigidity between the base and the steering wheel, less play, more confidence, especially during quick corrections. Last but not least, its compactness and broad compatibility within the Fanatec ecosystem make it a coherent product for building a long-term setup, with the possibility of adding progressively more advanced cranksets, shifters, handbrakes and so on.

Conversely, there are limits to keep in mind. The 5 Nm limit may prove too much for enthusiasts who want very high forces, especially on prototypes or high-speed single-seaters with a very heavy FFB. In this case, the base's ceiling is reached more quickly, and the return can seem a little "compressed" if you force the power too much. The sobriety of the design and the absence of aesthetic touches may also leave those who like very premium products visually wanting more. Finally, to really get the most out of the base, a cockpit or rigid stand becomes almost mandatory: on a light desk, some of the potential is lost.

In terms of value, the CSL DD QR2 is an intelligent investment: you're paying for real Direct Drive technology, a modern QR and a solid ecosystem, not for gadgets. We're not in the low-cost business, but in an area where the gain in sensations per euro spent remains very interesting for someone who plays regularly.

Verdict

The Fanatec CSL DD QR2 (5 Nm) doesn't aim to be the most spectacular, but to be the most consistent possible for a wide range of simracers. It offers a real qualitative leap over belt- or gear-driven flywheels, while remaining usable in a reasonable domestic setup. In an already equipped cockpit, it clearly becomes the centerpiece that takes steering into another dimension.

On the market, it occupies a pivotal position: a mid-range Direct Drive base, serious enough to satisfy demanding gamers, without the constraints and excessiveness of very powerful models. For PC or console users who want to take immersion up a notch, without going for the very high-end, it's a particularly logical option.

I'd recommend it above all to intermediate and experienced players who prefer precision and consistency to brute force, and to those who want to make a lasting contribution to the Fanatec ecosystem. On the other hand, if your objective is ultra-violent force feedback, or if you occasionally play on a light desktop, this may not be the best choice.

If you're looking for a true Direct Drive that's compact, clean in feel, scalable and credible as the central base of your setup, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.