When it comes to sim racing gear, a common question for potential new racers is how powerful their wheel base should be. There are several options at different price points, with stronger bases usually at the upper end. Fanatec offers a wide range of options, from 5 Nm torque with the entry level CSL DD and Gran Turismo® DD Pro up to the Podium Wheel Base DD2 – delivering a whopping 25 Nm torque.
Newton meters (Nm), torque, and force feedback (FFB)
The force, or torque, generated by your wheel base’s motor is measured in Newton-meters (Nm). Generally speaking, if the base’s motor delivers more Nm, fidelity of the feedback can increase and create a more immersive and realistic feeling for the driver.
But more Nm doesn’t automatically mean a better experience. One crucial component is how the wheel base itself translates the telemetry data it gets from a sim and outputs it to the driver’s hands. Another point to keep in mind is that every game has a different physics engine and force feedback implementation. In some cases, increasing FFB might not give you a more nuanced feeling for the car, but can make everything just feel “heavier” instead.
What options do I have with the CSL DD and Gran Turismo® DD Pro?
The CSL DD and Gran Turismo® DD Pro are available in two configurations. A 5 Nm variant including a 90W power supply, or with the Boost Kit 180 – a 180W power supply which enables the wheel bases to output 8 Nm of torque. The Boost Kit can also be bought separately if you later find out that 5 Nm of torque might just not be enough for you. (Note: The standalone Gran Turismo® DD Pro Wheel Base already comes with the Boost Kit 180 included out of the box.)
What makes sense for me – 5 Nm or 8 Nm?
If you're new to sim racing or transitioning from a lower-end belt or gear-driven wheel base, a 5 Nm direct drive base will likely be more than sufficient. Despite the seemingly modest torque, it still offers a substantial upgrade—not just in strength, but also in force feedback clarity and precision. It’s important to remember that you’ll need to physically manage that force. Even at lower torque settings, high-force feedback scenarios can feel intense and, over longer sessions, physically demanding.
If you are already a more expereinced driver or want to get better force feedback from the start, 8 Nm with the Boost Kit 180 might be a better fit for you. Even if you lower the FFB in the Fanatec Tuning Menu – the extra headroom provided will result in a more nuanced driving experience, since sudden spikes in FFB can be handled better that way.
Also, if you plan on using heavier or larger-diameter steering wheels like the ClubSport Steering Wheel Classic 2 V2, consider going with the Boost Kit 180 from the get-go. Compared to smaller steering wheels, more weight and a larger wheel radius need more torque to operate for you to feel the same feedback in your hands.
PRODUCTS IN ARTICLE