In this article we compare the Fanatec Clubsport DD vs CSL DD bases. These are two Fanatec branded bases that mainly differ in engine strength, which as you may know, the Clubsport DD is stronger than the CSL DD, but what else are the differences between these two simracing bases?
Both are among the best simracing steering wheels.
If you want more information, the Fanatec CSL DD base has already been reviewed in the following article -> Fanatec CSL DD
Fanatec Clubsport DD vs CSL DD
Fanatec CSL DD QR2
Fanatec Clubsport DD
Our Verdict
Of course, the Fanatec Clubsport DD is better than the CSL DD, which is why it costs twice as much.
The major difference between the two bases is the power, the Clubsport DD has a maximum torque of 12 Nm while the CSL DD has only 5 Nm, which can be increased to 8 Nm.
If you are wondering if it is worth the price difference, the truth is that it is worth it if you are going to compete professionally, since the 8 Nm of the Fanatec CSL DD is a little short and you can have clipping in some curves that makes you do not receive all the information from the steering wheel.
Comparison Chart – Fanatec CSL vs Clubsport
Product | Fanatec Clubsport DD | Fanatec CSL DD |
Image | | |
Plataform | PC and XBOX | PC and XBOX |
Force Feedback | Direct Drive | Direct Drive |
Force | 12 Nm | 5 Nm (boost 8 N·m) |
Pedals | No | No |
Wheel included | No | No |
Price | 999$ | 549$ |
Rating | 9.5 | 8.9 |
The most important differences are found in the price as there is a difference of 450€, the Fanatec CSL DD is cheaper. And the truth is that it is a lot of difference and you can consider whether it is worth it.
As for the platforms each wheel works on, both wheels work on PC and are compatible with Xbox One® and Xbox Series X|S when used with any Fanatec Xbox-licensed steering wheel. Unfortunately, these steering wheels are not compatible with Playstation.
If you want the base to be PS5 compatible you can go for the 15Nm Fanatec Clubsport DD+.
If you want Fanatec steering wheels compatible with Playstation here you go -> Fanatec PS Steering Wheels
Here is a summary of the features:
- Torque:
- CSL DD: 5 N m extendable up to 8Nm with boost kit.
- Clubsport DD: 12 N m.
- Quick release:
- SL DD: QR1 handwheel connection system
- Clubsport: QR2 steering wheel connection system more advanced and faster than QR1
- Feedback
- Both: Force feedback direct drive that transmits power directly to the flywheel without gears.
- Platforms:
- Both: Compatible with XBOX and PC.
- Price:
- CSL DD: Price around 349€ the basic 5 Newton / meter and 149€ extra to increase the power to 8Nm. In total 508€.
- Clubsport: The price of only the base is 799€.
Outstanding Common Features:
- Direct drive: both simracing steering wheel bases feature direct drive technology, which is the best for simulation steering wheels.
- Both: no pedals, no hoop included, so you will have to look for Fanatec compatible hoops. All Fanatec hoops are compatible with all bases so you have nothing to worry about.
Driving sensations
The truth is that there is a difference between these two flywheels when you test them. In the case of the Fanatec CSL DD I tested it with the 8Nm boost because 5Nm is too little as I am used to play with a 9Nm Moza R9.
The CSL DD with 8 Nm works much better than I thought it would. The information it provides from the road is very good and you can practically know instantly when the car is skidding allowing you to correct the steering quickly. This has been a pleasant surprise.
So if you are an amateur player I recommend you to buy the CSL DD and you will save a lot of money.
Now, once I connected the Fanatec Clubsport DD I put it at 100% and the truth is that it was a mistake, because it has a devilish force. In the end I had to put it at 80% because it is too much force. to control the car with precision.
With the Clubsport DD at 80% I played Assetto Corsa and GT7 and the truth is that it’s awesome, I’m considering selling my R9 and move to Fanatec.
For me it is worth the Clubsport despite the price difference.
Flexibility and Adjustments: Customization is Everything
Fanatec CSL vs Clubsport? The application to change the steering wheel parameters and force feedback strength is the same on both steering wheels.
So in this section we do not have much more to add. Just add that Fanatec does a very good job offering that screen where you can modify parameters without leaving your driver zone. Something extremely important for those last-minute adjustments prior to a race.
Fanatec has always had a solid system. Also, with Corsair’ s acquisition of Fanatec, it is expected that there will be good software upgrades due to the capital injection from this purchase.
Here is the Fanatec CSL DD configuration for the EA Sports WRC game-> Fanatec CSL DD EA WRC Settings
Fanatec Clubsport DD vs CSL DD: Final Recommendation
Fanatec Clubsport DD vs CSL DD? No matter which sim base you choose, both are an excellent choice.
Obviously, if you can afford the Clubsport DD, I recommend it. You will be able to play for years without outgrowing it.
If you have a tighter budget and you are a beginner, the answer is clear, buy a CSL DD and you will enjoy simracing to the fullest. In a couple of years you won’t outgrow this wheel.
As for where to buy the wheel I recommend you look at the official Fanatec website which has now been acquired by Corsair and is starting to offer much better customer service than they did before.
Besides, when you buy directly from fanatec, you will save the commissions of the intermediaries.
Fanatec CSL DD QR2
Fanatec Clubsport DD
Here you have more comparisons about CSL DD -> Fanatec CSL DD vs Moza R5
