Fanatec has put a fresh coat of paint on virtually its entire range of sim-racing peripherals since the takeover by Corsair. With Direct Drive bases, steering wheels, accessories and, in the near future, cranksets, racers who are fans of the German brand are in for a treat.

At present, Fanatec’s range of DD bases covers all spectrums of virtual drivers, whether you’re looking for a low-powered device(CSL DD), a satisfying base(ClubSport DD), or one that develops a lot of torque (Podium DD), nothing is left by the wayside.

As part of its renewal project, Fanatec has just launched the new Podium DD, a high-end base that replaces the Podium DD2 in terms of power, but still retains the name of the standard 20 nm torque Podium DD. I know, it’s confusing, and that’s why I’m going to use the name “new Podium DD” in what follows. Let’s place this base on our setup and see what it has to offer.

Main and technical characteristics of the base

• Continuous torque of 25 nm, with overboost function for momentary torque of 33 nm
• Similar design to ClubSport DD/DD+.
• Full aluminum structure
• Compatible with PC and Xbox
• Supplied with QR2 and 10 cm drive shaft extension
• FullForce technology for maximum feedback to the steering wheel
• 2520° rotation angle
• Compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem

Podium DD design

If you’ve already seen the ClubSport DD and DD+, then the new Podium DD won’t seem at all foreign to you. It’s visually identical to the mid-range basics, with the only difference being a larger size (logical for the power developed), and a heavier weight too.

So we end up with a fairly square base, painted entirely in black and minimalist in design. It’s beautiful, simple and goes perfectly with any sim-racing setup.

Customized assembly

The new Podium DD uses the same mounting system that has been used on Fanatec bases for some time, notably the CSL DD and ClubSport DD. There are 3 ways to mount this base on your setup: the sides with T-nuts, the bottom with the same nuts, and the front.

Whatever type of mounting you use, just make sure your deck is compatible with the latest Fanatec bases, and you’ll have no worries on that score.

Manufacturing and finishing

Fanatec obliges, and a Podium peripheral at that, and this new base uses metal for the entire casing. It’s well made, using aluminum and CNC machining, well assembled with parts that fit perfectly together, and above all, well finished.

In this segment, Fanatec is ahead of its direct competition from Moza, even if the latter’s bases are less expensive than the new Podium DD. The difference lies not only in the force feedback algorithm, but also in the build quality and finish of the peripherals. The Podium DD is just more premium than the Moza R25 Ultra, that’s all.

Database settings

Well, let’s address one of the minor shortcomings of this Fanatec base. As a reminder, the new Podium DD develops 25 nm of constant torque, and can go up to 33 nm thanks to its overboost. As a result, the base’s behavior changes in full race, as the torque is delivered in a different way to that of the Podium DD2, which developed 25 nm of peak torque. On the new Podium DD, we gain 8 nm at peak, and keep the 25 nm constant.

Fanatec offers many predefined settings for its base, and these are superb for riders who aren’t looking to have a riding experience of their own. If you just want to do some laps on the Green Hell for fun, this is a great base to do just that with “out of the box” settings.

But if you’re the sort of person who looks for your own settings for feedback, I’d advise you to be patient when tuning the new Podium DD. It’s not that the software is limited, not at all. It’s just that the engine is so powerful that the slightest change in one aspect of the feedback will give you a whole new feeling. Basically, everything about force feedback is increased tenfold.

Sensations during play

Some time ago, the ClubSport DD and DD+ really appealed to racers thanks to their constant torque, rather than the peak torque of most competitors. For the new Podium DD, Fanatec goes back to the drawing board and offers us a base that develops 25 nm of constant torque, and 33 at peak.

The feel of the new Podium DD is excellent when racing, providing powerful feedback without clipping or engine saturation. It’s fine, rich in sensation, communicative and above all highly immersive when you use Fanatec’s predefined settings. If you set your own parameters, the sensations can be greatly accentuated on track, as the motor still develops 25 and 33 nm of torque.

However, where the new Podium DD still shines is in the settings. So yes, its problem (I wouldn’t go so far as to say its flaw), namely its sensitivity to small changes in settings, is also its greatest asset. If you invest a little time, you’ll be able to find the perfect feedback balance, turning the Podium DD into a Swiss Army knife that can do it all.

On the one hand, I think this new base has lost some of its mainstream accessibility, and on the other, I think it’s for the best, as you still have ClubSport DD and DD+ if you’re looking for a no-fuss base.

Base compatibility

The new Podium DD is compatible only with PC and Xbox, provided you have the steering wheels that go with Microsoft consoles.

As far as the brand’s ecosystem is concerned, well, all the products currently offered by Fanatec, as well as older peripherals, work with this base. Whether steering wheels, pedals, shifters or handbrakes, Fanatec’s ecosystem is complete and highly compatible with its own products.

Value for money

The price/performance ratio of the new Podium DD came as a real surprise to me, as I was expecting a bill that would be identical to the Podium DD2, or even a higher asking price. But no, the new Podium DD is less expensive than the Podium DD2, listed at €1,100 on the Fanatec store.

It’s well-built, high-performance with a fairly high racing limit, premium quality, and attractively priced.

My verdict on the Podium DD base from Fanatec

Fanatec is on track to reclaim its title as the king of sim-racing with this new Podium DD. The base brings power, control, feel, build quality and high customization to the table, all packaged in an ultra-attractive and competitive selling price.

If you’re on the PC or Xbox platform and you’re looking for a base that develops more than 20 nm, look no further than the new Podium DD. And if you’re on Playstation, there’s always the 15nm ClubSport DD+. It’s less powerful, of course, but immersive all the same.