In the Fanatec range, the Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 clearly plays the "classic premium" card for Direct Drive bases. It's a round steering wheel, with a look inspired by old-generation touring cars and GTs, designed for those who want an authentic, clean feel, without an overload of gadgets. It promises a rare combo: top-of-the-range finish, a very clean feel on Direct Drive, and easy-to-learn ergonomics.

On paper, it's a product that speaks as much to analog driving enthusiasts (H-pattern, heel-toe, rally, old-school) as it does to GT drivers who want a round steering wheel that's more versatile than a modern GT3 flat. What's really appealing is this blend of meticulous retro styling and Podium technology, with broad compatibility within the Fanatec ecosystem.

My angle for this test is simple: does this wheel really add to the feel, comfort and control of the brand's other round wheels, especially the more affordable models? Do you feel the difference on long sessions, on powerful bases, and is the investment logical in an already strong setup? That's what I've been focusing on.

Design & manufacturing

Visually, the Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 is immediately a "serious piece". Round hoop, generous diameter, leather or alcantara depending on the version chosen, visible metal temples: the style is deliberately sober, almost timeless. In hand, the first sensation is density. You can feel that the hub, chainring and components are not there for show: they exude rigidity.

The leather is tight, wrinkle-free, with clean stitching. The grip is fairly thick, giving an immediate sense of control, especially when riding hard. The metal temples don't flex, even when forcing them during heavy corrections or rally support. Honestly, overall rigidity is on a par with what you'd expect from a Podium steering wheel: zero parasitic play, zero strange creaks. And when you lock the steering wheel onto a Direct Drive base, the whole thing comes together.

The buttons and encoders, integrated into the central area, are well integrated: the click is clear, the travel is short, and you don't get the impression of cheap plastic. Nothing moves, nothing feels hollow. The rear paddles (if present, depending on the hub used) have a satisfying metallic feel, with a dry but not brutal return. This inspires confidence for the long term.

What's immediately surprising is the blend of vintage look and modern feel. It really feels like a pure analog steering wheel, mounted on a very up-to-date sim racing interface. Compared to a more accessible round ClubSport steering wheel, the feel in terms of solidity and adjustment is clearly superior. Less flex, more precision in construction. The downside is a slightly heavier feel, especially on less powerful or lightly tuned bases.

The only downside is that the minimalist styling implies less visual wow factor than some GT steering wheels crammed with LEDs, screens and knobs everywhere. If you're looking for the spaceship feel of an LMP or F1, this isn't the right profile. Here, we're dealing with an effective classic, almost sober for a premium product.

Settings & customization + compatibility

As is so often the case with Fanatec, the tuning experience is primarily through the base and the software, but the Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 is designed to integrate easily into this ecosystem. Presets on Fanatec bases let you get started without any headaches, and then adjust strength, filtering and response to suit your riding style.

On this particular wheel, the settings that really change the experience are the overall strength of the FFB, the artificial friction and the level of damping. As this steering wheel is a little heavier than some of the more compact models, it responds very well to a clean FFB and a slight damping to avoid an overly nervous feel. Once properly calibrated, the result is very natural, in keeping with its classic look.

Buttons are well placed to map essential functions without constant juggling: headlights, wipers, ABS, traction, fuel mix, reset, everything finds its place without having to take your hands off the wheel. Encoders can be used to fine-tune a few settings as you go. The learning curve is gentle: there's no need to spend hours figuring out how everything works, you'll soon get the hang of it.

In terms of compatibility, the steering wheel fits logically into the Fanatec ecosystem: Direct Drive bases, consoles depending on the base used, and PC without any particular worries. It works with the brand's cranksets, shifters and handbrakes, so we're talking about a coherent setup. Console compatibility depends on the base it's attached to, but in practice, for mixed PC/console use, it does the job very well.

As far as customization is concerned, we're sticking with something more discreet than a "naked hub" type modular steering wheel. You can adjust your mapping, your basic settings, your general feel, but the platform itself is fairly fixed: it's not a steering wheel with interchangeable modules on the front. On the other hand, as a premium round steering wheel in a Fanatec setup, it's clearly a durable part: you can change your base, pedals and cockpit, but the steering wheel can stay with you for a long time without becoming obsolete.

Sensations in play

It's on the track that this steering wheel shows why it belongs in the Podium range. The first strong point is the FFB reading. The diameter and round shape make for a very progressive driving experience, especially in long turns and fluid trajectories. Load transfers are read very clearly, with a natural transition between corner entry, mid-corner and go-around.

The precision of the feedback is excellent when combined with a Direct Drive base. The steering wheel doesn't "drool": every micro-vibration, every change of grip, every bump on the track comes back cleanly, without being drowned in an artificial blur. On the racetrack, you can feel exactly when the front end starts to slip, and at what point you can still steer or give back. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

In tight corners and hairpins, the round steering wheel requires a little more arm movement than a flat GT steering wheel, but you gain in fine control. For light drifting, rear-wheel drive oversteer corrections or rally/gravel passages, this format is particularly enjoyable. The steering wheel lets you drift smoothly in your hands, then catches up with precision. Fast corrections remain manageable, as long as the FFB is not set too high.

On vibrators, the information is well detailed without becoming aggressive. You can feel the texture, when you're going up and when you're going down, without the steering wheel banging unnecessarily. This is very pleasant over long sessions, as the steering wheel doesn't tire as much as some more aggressive models. After several hours, hands stay cool, forearms don't burn, and that's a real plus for endurance.

In terms of grip, the Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 gives a very precise reading of the grip limit. You can feel the micro-loss of grip at the front, the onset of understeer, then the transition to slippage. For clean driving, it's ideal: you're better able to dose your entry, degressive braking and go-around. The steering wheel doesn't mask information with a "toy" or soft feel, so you stay connected to what the car is doing.

Compared to a less high-end, entry-level or mid-range steering wheel, the difference is mainly in the consistency of the feedback. There are no dead zones, no parasitic sensations, and no suspect mechanical noise. On a powerful base, the flywheel takes the strain without flinching, even at high torque. The rigidity of the hub and structure prevents small twists that can break the immersion.

Compared with some more extreme or purely competition-oriented steering wheels (ultra-light GT or F1 steering wheels), we lose a little in raw responsiveness, simply because the steering wheel is heavier and wider. As a result, steering feels a little softer and more "analog". This isn't a fault, it's a character: this steering wheel favors finesse and comfort over permanent attack. For mixed use (GT, touring, rally, road), this compromise works very well.

In total immersion, the combo of classic looks + very clean feedback has its effect. You get the feeling of driving a real car rather than an ultra-futuristic racing machine. On old GTs, touring cars, road mods or rally cars, the match is almost perfect. This is where the steering wheel really changes the experience.

For whom? + What we like / What we don't like

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 is clearly aimed at the intermediate to advanced driver, already equipped with a serious base (ideally Direct Drive), who's looking for a top-of-the-range round steering wheel for a variety of uses. If you're a modern GT, F1 or prototype racer with a taste for dashboards, screens and LEDs everywhere, this won't be the best match for you. On the other hand, if you do a lot of touring, old GTs, rallying and even simulated road racing, it really makes sense.

Among the strong points, the first is the build quality. In the hand, it's solid, dense and reassuring. You really feel you're holding a steering wheel worthy of a premium product, built to last. Secondly, driving sensations are very natural: feedback is clean, legible and unadorned. You're not drowning in gimmicky effects; everything you feel makes sense on the track. The third advantage is versatility: with just one round steering wheel of this type, you can cover a huge number of different disciplines, from rallying to classic GT, not forgetting simulated road driving.

As for limitations, the first is obvious: this is not an entry-level wheel. The investment is real, especially if you come from a more basic setup. The perceived value is good if you already have a strong base and want to move upmarket, but for a first steering wheel, it can seem outrageous. Second point: the slightly heavier weight than some of the more racing wheels can be felt on less powerful bases or if you're riding with a very low FFB. Steering will feel a little softer, a little less responsive. The third limitation is its sober positioning: no display, no RPM LEDs integrated on some hubs, so less direct visual information if you're used to ultra-equipped wheels.

In terms of value for money, this steering wheel makes perfect sense in an already structured setup: Direct Drive base, good crankset, stable cockpit. In this context, it becomes a coherent upgrade, bringing a real gain in sensations and driving pleasure. For more occasional users, however, the price and premium positioning may be harder to justify.

Verdict

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 doesn't overturn the philosophy of sim racing, but it clearly changes the level of seriousness of a setup. This is the kind of wheel that takes your setup from "fun" to "truly credible". Its construction, feel, rigidity and precision make it a centerpiece for a driver who loves round steering wheels and analog driving.

On the market, we're talking about a premium product, in line with the Podium range: it's not the accessible mid-range, but a piece designed for those who know what they want in terms of sensations and who already have a serious base. It won't replace an F1 or GT racer steering wheel for fans of ultra-modern ergonomics, but as a high-end round steering wheel, it's very well placed.

I clearly recommend it to intermediate to advanced simracers who drive often, who like a variety of disciplines, and who prefer the purity of driving to the overkill of gadgets. For a complete beginner or a very occasional player, the investment is likely to be oversized in relation to actual use.

If you're looking for a premium, rigid, versatile round steering wheel that faithfully transmits what the car is doing without blowing up your hands, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.