The weather in Germany has certainly been good over the past few months. Fanatecthe legendary manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals, is in top form, and is showering us with new products. Not so long ago, just a few weeks ago, Fanatec presented its new Quick Release system, following a prototype released just over a year ago. It has to be said that the German brand had fallen behind in the segment, and it would appear that it had even lost some market share, and its range was to blame.

As you know, Fanatec has a complete ecosystem of sim-racing peripherals, but it’s starting to show its age. Between entry-level and high-end Direct Drive bases only, plus a QR that’s not up to the competition’s standards, Fanatec had to innovate if it was not to lose its flame. And “Oh boy”, as the English say, this is the quarter of innovation and new releases at Fanatec.

After a QR2 available in 3 variants and a brand-new Base Side that promises no flex on the driveshaft, it’s now time to fill a rather large gap in Fanatec’s range of bases. Out of nowhere, without an ounce of information having leaked onto the web, the German giant has brought us 2 new Direct Drive bases designed to position themselves opposite the Moza Racing R12 and R16, the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel, the Sim-Lab Alpha and the Thrustmaster T818. These are the ClubSport DD and DD+, and we’re going to take a closer look at these two new sim-racing peripherals.

Competitors who seized the opportunity

Currently, and without Fanatec’s new releases, the German manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals offers only 4 bases in its catalog: the CSL DD and DD Pro, and the Podium DD1 and DD2with 5, 8, 20 and 25 nm of torque respectively. Any good racer will know that this range doesn’t cover the whole spectrum of Direct Drive base requirements. Even if the sweet spot is between 8 and 10 nm of torque for most racers, many budding riders want a little more power and a little more margin for clipping.

As a result, many sim-racing players have taken advantage of the opportunity to develop and market bases developing between 10 and 16 nm of torque. I’m talking about Logitech (11 nm), Thrustmaster (10 nm), Moza Racing (12 and 16 nm), Sim-Lab (15), and so on. And in all this little world, Fanatec isn’t invited to the party, and finds itself stuck on 2 different segments, with a gap in the middle.

A single objective for Fanatec: new products to regain market share

The void in Fanatec’s range has hurt the company, as many riders are turning to bases a little more powerful than those offered by the German giant. And I’m not even talking about production, which can’t keep up with demand; as a result, Fanatec’s catalog contains products that don’t exist, and those that do, suffer from sometimes lengthy stock-outs.

Stock-outs are difficult to remedy, unless you look for other suppliers of parts and components. For non-existent products, Fanatec has secretly been working on the development of 2 new bases developing respectively 12 and 15 nm of constant torque, not max. These two products are ClubSport DD and ClubSport DD+.

ClubSport DD

The ClubSport DD is a mid-range base that takes up the stylistic code of the CSL DD, being larger and, above all, heavier, with a design that I find a little round and “boxy”. As far as I’m concerned, it’s beautiful, like the other Fanatec bases, and it’s sober too. The base’s all-black coat gives it an all-purpose look.

In terms of power, we’re talking about a constant 12 nm of torque, thanks to a new motor and, above all, a new FullForce system that makes the most of the motor. What’s more, this base comes as standard with Fanatec’s new QR2 Base Side, enabling compatibility with the manufacturer’s entire ecosystem, provided you have the Wheel Side of course.

In terms of availability, the ClubSport DD is available for pre-order at €699.95, with deliveries due to start on November 7. As for platform compatibility, this base will work on PC and Xbox only.

The ClubSport DD+

Visit ClubSport DD+ is here to compete with the Sim-Lab Alpha and Moza R16. Developing 15nm of constant torque, this base features the same design as the ClubSport DD, with the only difference being a blue ring and ignition button, indicating compatibility with Sony consoles.

The DD+ also incorporates the same technologies as its smaller sibling, notably FullForce for 15 nm of constant torque from the motor. For Quick Release, it’s the QR2 that comes as standard, which is logical given that Fanatec intends to replace its QR1 eventually.

For price and availability, expect to pay €999.95 for the ClubSport DD+, with an as-yet undisclosed on-sale date.

My opinion on these new ClubSport bases

I’ve been waiting for something new from Fanatec for some time now, and I’m not at all disappointed. With the QR2 and these new chainstays, the German brand wants to reinvent itself and, above all, arm itself to face up to the competition, eventually regaining market share and lost customers. I’m looking forward to testing these new chainstays, which will delight many riders, myself included.