Fanatec DD wheel confirmed for 2017

[Brainling]

http://simracingpaddock.com/fanatec/fanatec-direct-drive-wheel-confirmed/

Seems the rumors have been true. Fanatec's next wheel will be direct drive and isn't meant to replace the CSP v2, but be an entirely new higher end product. Curious to see what price point this ends up at. Most current DD wheels are 1500+, even if you go the OSW route. If Fanatec can come in closer to 1G, I think they may have a winner.

In the mean time, the CSP v2 just got dropped 100 bucks to 499, so that will probably be my wheel upgrade in a few months. I don't have the rig to handle a DD wheel right now.

 

[Kinger]

The CSPV2 is no slouch. While it's not direct drive, it's pretty awesome in comparison to most other things on the market. In fact, I wouldn't have an OSW more than likely if my V2 didn't need to be repaired at one point and I got itchy for a replacement..........

 

[Brainling]

The nice thing is the rims will fit the new DD. So if at some point I decide to go DD and go with Fanatec's base, any wheels I get for my eventual CSP v2 will work. I'm going to start with the Formula Carbon, but I plan to get the Porsche 918 RSR wheel at some point as well. Would be nice to be able to just swap them to a DD wheel base someday when I have a rig that can actually handle such a thing.

 

[Skid_Marc_]

http://simracingpaddock.com/fanatec/fanatec-direct-drive-wheel-confirmed/

Seems the rumors have been true. Fanatec's next wheel will be direct drive and isn't meant to replace the CSP v2, but be an entirely new higher end product. Curious to see what price point this ends up at. Most current DD wheels are 1500+, even if you go the OSW route. If Fanatec can come in closer to 1G, I think they may have a winner.

In the mean time, the CSP v2 just got dropped 100 bucks to 499, so that will probably be my wheel upgrade in a few months. I don't have the rig to handle a DD wheel right now.

This is Fanatec we're talking about, so they will definitely NOT come in as the lowest bidder.. Don't expect it to be a cheaper option than the OSW unless it is an inferior product.. and while Fanatec usually creates a quality product eventually (CSW V2), I wouldn't recommend jumping in on the first batch, or even the first version of their DD wheel. This is coming from someone who has been loyal to Fanatec for over four years, and enjoy their products on a daily basis, but they do have a spotty track record and it cannot be ignored.

 

[Kinger]

I'll be very interested to see how they incorporate some form of QR into this DD offering as I don't think the current system of small pins being placed into the hub is going to stand up to the forces in a direct drive application.

 

[Brainling]

This is Fanatec we're talking about, so they will definitely NOT come in as the lowest bidder.. Don't expect it to be a cheaper option than the OSW unless it is an inferior product.. and while Fanatec usually creates a quality product eventually (CSW V2), I wouldn't recommend jumping in on the first batch, or even the first version of their DD wheel. This is coming from someone who has been loyal to Fanatec for over four years, and enjoy their products on a daily basis, but they do have a spotty track record and it cannot be ignored.

Yeah, I know about the Fanatec V1 issues. I wouldn't buy in at product version 1.

That said, I think if they are more expensive than an OSW they won't sell many. People can get pre-built OSW's now from reputable builders for really good prices. If they aren't competitive with that market, I don't think they'll be competitive...but that's just my opinion.

 

[Nejtun]

Yeah, I know about the Fanatec V1 issues. I wouldn't buy in at product version 1.

That said, I think if they are more expensive than an OSW they won't sell many. People can get pre-built OSW's now from reputable builders for really good prices. If they aren't competitive with that market, I don't think they'll be competitive...but that's just my opinion.

I would personally pay a bit more for a fanatec product than someone not as well known, I use fanatec stuff now and some of it has broken before but the EU customer service is incredible. I don't think they will be short on customers even if they are more expensive ( within reason, i wont pay double )

 

[Brainling]

The problem is if you go much more expensive than an OSW, now you're getting in to AccuForce and Leo Bodnar territory. Do you really think Fanatec is going to be able to compete at that level? I personally don't. If I had 2000 bucks to blow on a wheel I'd definitely go with something like an AccuForce over a Fanatec product.

I like Fanatec, a lot, my pedals are boss...but if they tried to charge HE Pro/Ultimate prices for them, I'd just go with HE's.

 

[Nejtun]

you also really need to compare like for like here though:
so lets assume everything is brand new.

OSW complete kit from simucube is $1200 (no wheel) , wheel and buttons converted or otherwise is (very roughly $300 to $500)

Accuforce pro kit ready to go is $1750 (plug and play)

accuforce DIY kit (you supply the wheel once again or whatever you do) is $1000

with the accuforces you also get simvibe software or the money off if you already own it.

the fanatec stuff will use the current range of wheels( if the thread where this all started on iracing is anything to go by) so if their base only kit is ~$1200 then although that is double the price of a V2 it is still comparable with the other heavy hitters.

Bodnar doesn't even come into the deal for most of us mortals as the V2 is about $4-5k and well.... it better be bloody fantastic for that price!

 

[Deb]

I think Thrustmaster is suppose to come out with a DD wheel as well. Looks like we'll have more choices for DD. Good news!!!!!