Fanatec's top-of-the-line features all in one steering wheel

The Podium Steering Wheel R300 isn't just an entry-level steering wheel in disguise. It’s a complete package that brings together, all at once, Fanatec’s most advanced rim offerings: the Podium Wheel Rim R300, the Podium Hub, the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, and two ClubSport Button Cluster Packs. So you’re buying a finished steering wheel, ready to be mounted on a base, rather than a bare rim that needs to be outfitted piece by piece. For anyone who was torn between several Fanatec modules, this bundle settles the matter by bringing together the most comprehensive setup in the Podium catalog.

Brushed aluminum, leather, and gold accents

The rim measures 30 cm in diameter, a deliberately versatile size that is suitable for GTs as well as prototypes and, to a certain extent, single-seaters. The rim is made of brushed and anodized aluminum, covered in premium smooth leather with gold stitching, and comes with gold-anodized bolts. The Podium Hub, meanwhile, features a cage-like structure that encloses the electronics to minimize weight, with the central body machined from a single block of anodized aluminum for rigidity. The entire unit weighs in at 1,776 g, a weight that clearly reflects the design choice to use high-quality materials rather than lightweight plastic.

The Podium Advanced Paddle Module: The Key Selling Point

This single component alone justifies the positioning of this steering wheel. The Podium Advanced Paddle Module features four magnetic paddles and two analog paddles. The shifters rely on magnets and Hall-effect sensors, delivering that signature magnetic click that provides a crisp, distinct feel with every gear change. Most importantly, the module isn’t limited to shifting: it offers four operating modes, namely an advanced clutch slip point mode, a clutch or parking brake mode, a brake and throttle mode, and a mappable axis mode. In practice, the analog paddles can function as a progressive clutch, a handbrake, or custom-mapped controls depending on the game genre, which explains the system’s multi-purpose design.

Two clusters of buttons that are repositioning themselves

The R300 comes with two ClubSport Button Cluster Packs, each with three buttons. Their key feature is their mounting: they line up and slide along the front rails of the Podium Hub, allowing you to adjust their position based on hand size and control preferences. The design prioritizes a deliberately minimalist control layout rather than a dashboard cluttered with encoders, in keeping with the spirit of a driving-oriented rim. Note that this configuration does not include a dedicated button for the settings menu.

Required base and compatibility to be verified

Something to keep in mind before purchasing: the R300 is a wheel rim, not a complete system. A compatible Fanatec base is required for it to work, and it is not included. The QR2 connector on the steering wheel side is included, bringing it in line with the brand’s latest mounting standard. In terms of platforms, it works with full functionality on PC and on PlayStation, with limited compatibility on PS4. However, it is not compatible with Xbox One. This last point is crucial: Xbox players should look elsewhere, regardless of which base they’re considering.

Who Is This Steering Wheel Designed For?

The Podium Steering Wheel R300 is designed for drivers who already own—or are about to purchase—a Fanatec base and want a single, high-end, versatile steering wheel without having to buy multiple specialized rims. The 30-cm size, the comprehensive paddle module, and the high-quality materials come together to form a cohesive package for tackling a variety of game genres on PC or PlayStation. That said, the price is at the very high end of the spectrum, and the ecosystem is closed: you have to commit to staying within the Fanatec ecosystem and forgo Xbox to get the most out of it.