I recently told you about one of the flagship products in Fanatec’s Podium series (the DD1 base), so it was only logical that I should give you a brief review of its successor, which I also had the privilege of testing: the Fanatec Podium DD2 base.

If you keep up with what’s coming out each year on the Sim-racing market, in terms of gaming products and accessories, you’re bound to have heard of this model.

Let’s face it, it’s clearly not for everyone. The proof is that I had to struggle a bit to test it, and it’s not a steering wheel base I’ll be able to afford. But it’s a model that has received, and continues to receive, very positive reviews, so I had to give you my opinion on it.

Fanatec DD2 main and technical features

• Direct Drive force feedback with maximum torque of 25 Nm.
• Unlimited angle of rotation.
• Equipped with a 2.7″ resolution OLED display.
• Equipped with KillSwitch.
• Equipped with QuickRelease system.
• Compatible with PC and all Xbox systems.
• Dimensions: 51 cm x 26 cm x 28 cm (L x W x H)
• Weight: 13 kg
• 5-year warranty.

State-of-the-art features and technology

As far as the features and technologies of the Fanatec Podium DD2 are concerned, I don’t think anyone will be surprised if I say that it’s the best available today.

The DD2, with its outrunner Direct Drive engine, clearly achieves the most sublime and impressive torque levels I’ve ever tested. With a maximum torque level of 25 Nm, the base engine reproduces the same level of torque I’d get in a real race car using power steering. Even in the toughest racing conditions, the DD2’s holding torque levels never fall below 18 Nm.

The Podium DD2 base also offers unlimited rotation angle, so you can’t beat it. And to top it all off,the USB update rate is an ultra-fast 1000 Hz. You can finally put an end to input lag!

What’s more, so as not to sulk my pleasure and that of a good number of gamers, Fanatec has taken into consideration the criticisms of the Fanatec Podium DD1 base and offers us on the DD2 the famous Kill Switch button we’ve been asking for! Combined with Fanatec’s QuickRelease system, say goodbye to cables and hello to headache-free installation!

Construction and Design

The build quality of the Fanatec DD2 base never failed to amaze me. I’m an unconditional fan of this manufacturer, which clearly puts its heart and soul into its high-quality sim-racing products.

Once again, DD2 is no exception to the rule.

From interchangeable brushed aluminum to automotive-grade QuickRelease, this base has all the features of a high-end simulation machine.

And what’s more, I think it’s very elegant, with its magnificent carbon finish!

To cut a long story short, with a satisfying weight of 13 kg, I found the build quality of both internal and external materials to be, frankly, impeccable.

Gameplay

I’m really delighted to have had the privilege of testing the Fanatec Podium DD2 base, and to be able to tell you a bit about how I felt about it. First, let me mention (once again) that the Direct Drive is, in my opinion, the ultimate in simulation. And the DD2 base is clearly not far from perfection! It offers a truly unique force feedback sensation, with smooth, powerful and precise feedback all at once, allowing me to feel every last detail of the car and the track.

With the integrated OLED display, many features are available from the screen, including real-time engine display, force feedback data, torque curve and more. The advanced on-screen rotation menu also lets us fine-tune force feedback characteristics to suit our riding preferences. We can also modify parameters on the fly, without having to interact directly with Fanatec‘s software. Which I find really handy when you’re in the middle of an intense race.

But in all honesty, if, like me, you’re not an expert or professional player, I’m afraid the 25 Nm torque is ultimately too much… Personally, I couldn’t even push the force feedback torque to the maximum, I think I went, at most, up to 70-80%. So if you’re the same kind of player as I am, you may not appreciate the difference between the DD2 and the DD1, which is ultimately a model more suited to players of my level.

Compatibility

The Fanatec Podium DD2 base is compatible with the PC and all Xbox systems, including Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, but only if you use it with an Xbox-compatible steering wheel.
Once again, PlayStation fans are left out in the cold, since the DD2 is not at all compatible with this platform. At least for the moment…

I think the message is pretty clear, Fanatec has prioritized PC compatibility, especially with the addition of new software specially designed for the Podium and PC series.

What I like about the DD2 is its total compatibility with previous versions. Its QR (QuickRelease) system has been updated with a new locking system, which maintains compatibility with all existing Fanatec steering wheels, while being completely interchangeable.

From what I understand, all new steering wheels and wheel bases will be equipped with this new technology.

Of course, the DD2 base of the Podium series is compatible with most of the Fanatec ecosystem.

It also works with most games available on the market, such as F1 2017, Dirt Rally, Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 2 or rFactor 2, among others.

Value for money

The Fanatec Podium DD2 base is by no means a steering wheel base that is financially accessible to all. But I must admit that the level of performance and aesthetics of this base can’t be found in any of the competing models on the market today.

In my opinion, this is a model designed by Fanatec for truly passionate players, and even for professional players.

It’s very expensive, but with a 5-year warranty included, it’s made to last you many years.

In comparison, it costs a third more than its predecessor, the DD1, or the Accuforce V2, for example. In the end, I think it’s up to you to decide whether you think it’s worth spending so much money on this model.

My verdict

The Fanatec Podium DD2 base is possibly one of the most impressive Direct Drive bases in the world of Sim-racing. But I don’ t think it’s the best option for everyone.

For a gamer like me, for example, the Fanatec DD2 base doesn’t have an incredible impact compared to the DD1, since I’m not able to take full advantage of everything it has to offer. But if you’re a competitive simracer, with far more experience (and budget) than me, I’m sure it’ll seem like the crème de la crème!