Direct drive without a four-digit price tag

It has long been said that direct drive is reserved for gamers with a serious cockpit setup and a large budget. The CSL DD Ready2Race for PC exists precisely to dispel that notion. In a single box, Fanatec bundles the CSL DD base set to 5 Nm, the P1 V2 round steering wheel, and the CSL two-pedal set, with the QR2 quick-release mount already installed on both sides. In other words, you take it out of the box, screw it together, plug it in, and you’re off to the races with true direct drive—no belts or gears to dilute the feedback. It’s this positioning that makes this bundle one of the most popular entry-level options on the market, and after our test sessions, we can see why.

What the package actually puts on the desktop

At its core is the CSL DD base with its FluxBarrier technology, a contactless Hall-effect position sensor, and an adjustable rotation range of up to 2,520 degrees. The housing combines aluminum and composites, the shaft is reinforced with carbon fiber, and cooling is fanless, so the unit remains silent when idle. Next is the P1 V2 steering wheel, a 300-mm rim with a rubberized coating, featuring metal paddles with snap-dome contacts, a directional pad, a multicolored RevStripe, and a small three-digit LED display for telemetry. The CSL pedal set rounds out the package with two steel-framed pedals, 12-bit Hall effect sensors on both axes, and a brake system featuring progressive feedback thanks to a stiffer spring combined with a PU foam damper. There’s nothing extravagant about the details, but everything works seamlessly right out of the box.

With the controller in hand, here's what CSL DD has to say

It’s on the track that this package really comes into its own. From the very first laps, the base unit impresses with its responsiveness and quiet operation. The feel of the direct drive is there—clear and distinct—a far cry from what you’d experience with a belt- or gear-driven steering wheel. You can distinctly feel the front end sliding when you enter a turn too hard, you sense the rear end starting to slip, and every speed bump or bump in the road is transmitted to your hands with great clarity. In fast corners, you feel the suspension compress, the steering wheel stiffen under pressure, and then that slight wobble when the car reaches its limit. In slow corners, the 5 Nm is enough to convey the weight transfer and control countersteering without ever fighting the chassis.

What stands out is the nature of the feedback. The torque doesn’t hit you like a slap in the face; rather, it feels like a hand firmly resting on your shoulder. In responsive cars, you can sense when the car is about to lose traction and recover smoothly, with a sense of calm control that instills confidence. Quick corrections are smooth, without any jarring feedback; the steering wheel returns quickly but remains responsive. For a driver coming from a manual or belt-driven system, it’s a revelation, and for a seasoned driver, it remains a perfectly usable tool. During long sessions, the base doesn’t tire the forearms or get uncomfortably hot, which helps you string together stints without losing your rhythm.

5 Nm—should we already be looking toward 8 Nm?

Let's be clear about the nuance that everyone—including us—keeps coming back to. The 5 Nm provides a compelling taste of direct drive, but you quickly hit a limit as soon as you mount a heavier steering wheel or tackle demanding cars like heavy GTs or powerful single-seaters. In these cases, we’d like more headroom under heavy input, where higher torque would give more substance to peak forces. The good news is that the base model is designed to be upgraded. The optional Boost Kit 180 brings the total to 8 Nm, and this increase is immediately noticeable, with significantly more consistent handling. For an adult who’s serious about performance, planning to upgrade to 8 Nm in the medium term is a logical step. To get started and learn the line, the 5 Nm is more than enough.

The P1 V2 steering wheel: decent but not perfect

The 300-mm handlebar fits comfortably in the hand, the rubberized grip provides good traction, and the riding position feels natural across most disciplines. The LED display and RevStripe are helpful for gear-shift indicators. However, this is where the entry-level nature of the bike becomes apparent. There’s a bit of flex in the paddles and the rim, and on our unit, a slight plastic creak when pressing on one side. The front buttons feel a bit tight to the touch. Nothing that would prevent you from driving, but it’s easy to see why this steering wheel is the most affordable in the Fanatec lineup. In practice, it gets the job done without standing out, and it can later be swapped out for a more premium steering wheel thanks to the QR2 quick-release mount.

The CSL Pedal set: Steel Before Sophistication

The pedal set is a pleasant surprise for an entry-level package. The steel construction inspires confidence, the layout is adjustable, and the whole unit stays firmly in place once secured. The throttle pedal is smooth, with a generous travel, though we would have liked just a touch more resistance. The brake relies on a dense foam damper rather than a load cell. It’s simple, but surprisingly effective for learning to modulate pressure, and it remains progressive. Purists will regret the lack of a stock load cell, and this is the most noticeable weakness for anyone aiming for pure lap times. On the plus side, both the brake and the pedal set can be upgraded to a three-pedal setup or a load cell kit later on. It’s also worth noting that the plastic footrests remain a bit slippery when wearing socks.

Compatibility and scalability: Check these before buying

Watch out for the classic platform pitfall. This bundle is indeed the PC version; the base unit and the P1 V2 steering wheel work on a computer. The CSL DD base unit is also compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series, provided you use an Xbox-licensed steering wheel—which is not the one included in this bundle. However, the set is not compatible with PlayStation, so Sony console gamers will need to look elsewhere. In terms of expandability, everything is designed to grow with you. You can increase the torque to 8 Nm, upgrade to a higher-end steering wheel via the QR2, add a third pedal or a load cell kit, and Fanatec covers it all with a three-year warranty. It’s an ecosystem where you can start at the entry level without ever feeling stuck.

Who is this package really designed for?

This Ready2Race is primarily aimed at those who want to try direct drive for the first time, offering a complete, cohesive, and immediately playable kit. Beginners will find it to be a precise and reassuring learning tool—without breaking the bank. Intermediate players will see it as a clean entry point into the Fanatec ecosystem, even if they end up adding the Boost Kit and a better brake later on. Those already chasing tenths of a second in heavy GTs or single-seaters will feel the 5 Nm torque limit and the lack of a load cell, and should budget for upgrades from the start. For everyone else, it’s one of the smartest ways to get started in sim racing with the authentic feel of direct drive.