If you want to build a home simulator that realistically reproduces the steering feel of your track car, you’ll probably want to get a Direct Drive steering wheel to get the most out of your simulator seat time. At this time, the best “bang for your buck” Direct Drive system is probably the Accuforce “Your Way” kit that’s currently retailing for $699 USD.
Direct drives wheels are the most powerful and most accurate on the market. These are PC only, real-car-wheel compatible, hardcore wheel bases. Some Fanatec sets may touch on direct drive prices but they won’t give you direct drive feel. These wheels aren’t for the faint of heart… or the low-funded. If you want more info on direct drive wheels, here’s a more detailed explanation.
This is Fanatec’s entry into the direct drive market. Comes in two flavors, the DD1, the $1,000 “entry-level” model, and the DD2, the $1,500 stronger variant, which includes a 5-year warranty. While their base prices are listed, it seems like they’re being auctioned off instead of being able to be bought directly, so prices may vary.
Wheel sold separately
Degrees of rotation not listed
Resolution not unknown
Brushless motor
Direct-drive system
20 or 25 Nm torque
Third party parts plug directly into USB, Fanatec’s parts plug directly into base, compatible with any upgrade; pedals sold separately
Open source DD motors. Intended to be for DIY wheels; you’re given the motor, but you handle all of the electronics yourself and essentially build it from scratch (experts only). However, these are utilized for pre-built systems by vendors like Sim Racing Bay or Simplicity as well.
Wheel sold separately
Varying rotation
13.2877-bit resolution (10,000 steps) or 14-bit resolution (16,384 steps), depending on the motor)
Brushless motor
Direct-drive system
20, 29, or 30 Nm torque
Parts plug directly into USB, compatible with any upgrade; pedals sold separately
