Fanatec Podium Direct Drive Wheel Bases Thread

[Krassi]

You assume they’ll ship in April? I assume they won’t. What serious company waits till 3 days before shipping preorders to announce a delay? FeelVR? Oh wait I thought we were talking serious companies. This is far from a serious company doing quality work. It’s a amateur company guessing.

The Podium line is the best ever made from Fanatec - so, no matter how you see them - it is logical that they try to do their best. Don`t forget also the F1 offical contract, so not only customers satisfaction is on the line. Their plans are heavily messed with that hardware problem! I know, I know you think another Fanaboy...I am not, just when you are involved in some similar production, you know how many things can mess and change in no time... the difference between FeelVR and Fanatec is prety big. Those of you that saw themselves playing with DD1/DD2 in the holiday season maybe are dissapointed, but the compensation is more than good! And those of you that dont have preorder - well thats your chance to offend Fanatec again! Guys, time will fly to april and you will have your Podium bases on your rigs! Lucky you I will say!

Cheers!

 

[OptiMystik]

As the preorder for PS4 version wasnt open and release date wasnt 12 of december (at least what I saw) - it is obvious that Fanatec didnt delayed their preorders, so it is obvious that the case is different Who knows what will be desicion for their preorders if they delay.

I understand You and your argument is clear.
Nevertheless, real conditions and it's release terms were close to identical:

Products development, products class positioning, DD2 for the first batch and it's terms of delivery. The only "official" difference was "Pre-Order" button absence at P RW page. It's just a formal thing.. that can't be put in a row with non-formal "guest of appreciation".

That's why I regard myself as one of those who pre-ordered Podium base in advance.. and now upset with the news as rest customers, who had opportunity to press treasured button and to pre-order it formaly. I lost enough during these months and will lose much more with it's delivery next year but I will place Pre-Order anyway as soon as they open it. It's just upset their understatement about PS users.. and unfair in the whole

P.S. In general It's some kind of surprising for me that GTPlanet.net community preferred to preorder DD1/DD2 than Podium Racing Wheel.. I thought Gran Turismo series on PlayStation was always it's basis.

 

[Rustyf7]

I would like to see Fanatec do something for those who hadn’t preordered as of yet. Either they were just about to place a preorder or they were waiting on a preorder for a PS4 compatibly. I would think something like if you preorder now get half off any wheel when you order would be nice. At a minimum at this point 5 year warranty should be standard on both DD1 and DD2.

 

[andrewhake]

I would like to see Fanatec do something for those who hadn’t preordered as of yet. Either they were just about to place a preorder or they were waiting on a preorder for a PS4 compatibly. I would think something like if you preorder now get half off any wheel when you order would be nice. At a minimum at this point 5 year warranty should be standard on both DD1 and DD2.

You cannot be serious. You want to be rewarded for doing nothing?

This level of entitlement is truly a sight to behold.

 

[Toto76]

You cannot be serious. You want to be rewarded for doing nothing?

This level of entitlement is truly a sight to behold.

If those people were serious they should have put their money down.

Imagine how many people would claim they were going to pre order and then want a half priced wheel.

 

[Rustyf7]

You cannot be serious. You want to be rewarded for doing nothing?

This level of entitlement is truly a sight to behold.

Uh yeah at this p

You cannot be serious. You want to be rewarded for doing nothing?

This level of entitlement is truly a sight to behold.

Yep at this point given what has happened I am pretty damn serious about the standard warranty being extended.

And yes a discount on a wheel for those who will preorder between now and April would be a great gesture from Fanatec. We will be taking a risk with this unproven base like everyone else. I assume you already got your free wheel so I don’t understand why you care if I make a suggestion like this but whatever.

 

[Toto76]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I fail to see why people who may or may not have been serious about pre ordering should be rewarded for not doing so.

In regards to pre ordering now, if there should be another delay after April, then yes you should receive something, otherwise no as you were not delayed any longer after your purchase than you were told.

As someone who preordered a DD2 the week of the preorders opening, I would not be happy if a DD1 purchaser received a 5yr warranty as the DD2 was priced more expensively to factor that into it. Therefore I would imagine that would be Fanatecs view as well, otherwise they would be refunding a lot of DD2 pre orders the difference in price.

 

[Krassi]

Uh yeah at this p


Yep at this point given what has happened I am pretty damn serious about the standard warranty being extended.

And yes a discount on a wheel for those who will preorder between now and April would be a great gesture from Fanatec. We will be taking a risk with this unproven base like everyone else. I assume you already got your free wheel so I don’t understand why you care if I make a suggestion like this but whatever.

If the base is unproven you can wait first reviews and feedbacks and around august to buy your without risk... so, simple!

 

[kikie]

If the base is unproven you can wait first reviews and feedbacks and around august to buy your without risk... so, simple!

Most logical answer on this page!

I agree, why do people always want things for free as well if they missed out on a gesture?

The way I see it:

• @Fanatec... wanted to release the Podium wheel in December but because this wheel is still in development, Fanatec found a design flaw and want to fix this before releasing this wheel. Which is a good thing because upon release next year, the Podium wheels will be less prone to failure. So > win, win situation. Win for Fanatec and win for future customers.
• People who pre-ordered before the announcement that the release of the wheel is delayed get a free steering wheel because these people already paid (I think because I never pre-ordered something). Fanatec did a gesture and give these people a free steering wheel.
  
• People who didn't pre-order before the announcement don't deserve a free steering wheel (me included) because we didn't put down a deposit for a DD wheel.
• If Fanatec was going to release a DK1 DD wheel for pre-order, it would be logical that these wheels would come with a discount. But because Fanatec is trying to release a good and final functioning wheel, pre-orderers (after the announcement of the delay) don't deserve a free steering wheel or discount.
• Maybe if you pre-order now and next year in April Fanatec announces a second delay, you could probably get a free steering wheel as well as a gesture from Fanatec.

Jealousy is an ugly thing.

 

[OptiMystik]

You deeply wrong, pal. It's not a jealousy or will to get things for free. I'm ready to pay and I will. In advance I knew the PRW will cost more expensive than DD1 due to license and F1 rim and nevertheless I preferred to wait for it. I don't want to use drivehub or something like that - I want my gears work properly right as Fanatec intended, and that's why I don't complain about delay.
I just was vexed with the way Fanatec ignored potential PRW customers. At the moment it's really impossible to understand who wanted to pre-order or just to comment it. I just call to justice for PS users who was waiting for their future PRW at December right as PC users. And now PC users are pretty happy with such kind of delay.. I'm glad for them and many thanks Fanatec for that. But I and other potential customers of Podium base for PS4 have to keep waiting for another 5 months right like last months. Our Xmas plan is frustrated as well. PC users were allowed to place a pre-order and to wait it serenely, but I as PS4 user have to check Podium RW page daily.. because pre-orders start "soon" so keep checking That's what I call unfair.

 

[Krassi]

You deeply wrong, pal. It's not a jealousy or will to get things for free. I'm ready to pay and I will. In advance I knew the PRW will cost more expensive than DD1 due to license and F1 rim and nevertheless I preferred to wait for it. I don't want to use drivehub or something like that - I want my gears work properly right as Fanatec intended, and that's why I don't complain about delay.
I just was vexed with the way Fanatec ignored potential PRW customers. At the moment it's really impossible to understand who wanted to pre-order or just to comment it. I just call to justice for PS users who was waiting for their future PRW at December right as PC users. And now PC users are pretty happy with such kind of delay.. I'm glad for them and many thanks Fanatec for that. But I and other potential customers of Podium base for PS4 have to keep waiting for another 5 months right like last months. Our Xmas plan is frustrated as well. PC users were allowed to place a pre-order and to wait it serenely, but I as PS4 user have to check Podium RW page daily.. because pre-orders start "soon" so keep checking That's what I call unfair.

Things are very simple - when the preorder is not started - the preorder is not started! You dont gave your money to Fanatec and Fanatec dont delay your purchase, for which delay when preorder was done Fanatec added F1 rim to all customers! The case with promised preorder which was planed to start is absolute different situation. We wait for many products to be released and preorders or sales to start. Fanatec cant give free rims to everyone on the planet preordered + potential planning preorder + Vanilla Ice Cream lovers + all guys with names start with letter F +... and so on. What kind of product prices will be then, if you can give free rims for everyone? Nothing is free on this planet - at the end of the day someone need to pay the bill...What kind of company will survive this? Seriously, I`ve never heard so generous compensation in the simracing world for delayed preorder - and if you are not from preorders better be next time!

Cheers

 

[Corsa]

Well I preordered Assetto Corsa Competizione and I swear if it's delayed Kunos will give me a Mercedes AMG GT3, delivered, in my driveway.
And I won't pay for shipping.

I think Fanatec has been very generous you could feel the hurt in his words within that email. I think no one is more upset about it then Thomas.

 

[Jason Yu]

It's a very difficult situation. Obviously this is not what Fanatec wants

In my opinion, I'm really glad they are taking the time to make it right. It's their flag ship and will ultimately define their entry into the DD domain.

Plus, I'm grateful for the gift and I feel it's unfortunate for the PRW's timing. It also takes a lot to admit that there is an issue and to compensate for it.

I don't agree on extending the warranty for the DD1 to match the DD2 though, I don't think that would be fair at this point.

Idk, difficult situation.

 

[PocketZeven]

Fanatec made it much to complicated for themselves. they should just have presented the product and anounce a preorder date when the Product was 100% ready for production. They rushed themselves too much. A good gesture though in giving away a wheelrim.

 

[Sprocket]

Most logical answer on this page!

I agree, why do people always want things for free as well if they missed out on a gesture?

The way I see it:

• @Fanatec... wanted to release the Podium wheel in December but because this wheel is still in development, Fanatec found a design flaw and want to fix this before releasing this wheel. Which is a good thing because upon release next year, the Podium wheels will be less prone to failure. So > win, win situation. Win for Fanatec and win for future customers.
• People who pre-ordered before the announcement that the release of the wheel is delayed get a free steering wheel because these people already paid (I think because I never pre-ordered something). Fanatec did a gesture and give these people a free steering wheel.
  
• People who didn't pre-order before the announcement don't deserve a free steering wheel (me included) because we didn't put down a deposit for a DD wheel.
• If Fanatec was going to release a DK1 DD wheel for pre-order, it would be logical that these wheels would come with a discount. But because Fanatec is trying to release a good and final functioning wheel, pre-orderers (after the announcement of the delay) don't deserve a free steering wheel or discount.
• Maybe if you pre-order now and next year in April Fanatec announces a second delay, you could probably get a free steering wheel as well as a gesture from Fanatec.

Jealousy is an ugly thing.

What does make me wonder is, why-why-why didn't Fanatec announce the delay sooner? In all reality, you don't finish development of your complicated electronic product 3 days before it's intended to ship internationally. So they either have a warehouse full of "defective" Podium wheelbases, or someone isn't telling us the honest truth.

 

[kikie]

You deeply wrong, pal.

If you say so but I know I'm right.

It's not a jealousy or will to get things for free. That's what I call unfair.

Of course you want things for free. You mentioned it clearly enough on the previous page. It is clearly jealousy and frustration at the same time. No insult intended and I understand your feelings but it is what it is and you can't do anything about it.

yes, I read it. The matter is PS4 owners have to wait as well as others for April release but won't recieve "a gesture of appreciation"

You see, you want stuff for free.

To be honest It wasn't a big surprise today. But their "gesture of appreciation" confused so much.. I'm glad for those who preordered DD1, but I was waiting for Podium Racing Wheel pre-order as others since September and now nothing: no pre-orders, no apologies, no free F1 wheel.. I find it some kind of unfair to PS4 players - It's not my fault that I could not place a pre-order =(

Definitely jealousy. You want a free steering wheel.
Again no insult intended. Emotions are a very strange thing. You are frustrated that you weren't able to pre-order the PS4 DD wheel and you are jealous that you won't get a free steering wheel and the others are.

 

[Fanatec...]

What does make me wonder is, why-why-why didn't Fanatec announce the delay sooner? In all reality, you don't finish development of your complicated electronic product 3 days before it's intended to ship internationally. So they either have a warehouse full of "defective" Podium wheelbases, or someone isn't telling us the honest truth.

We simply waited as long as possible in order to be able to announce a new shipment date to be as realistic as possible.

 

[bluepeter]

What is sorely lacking in this whole affair is honesty. No company and I mean no company would announce 3 days prior to shipping that they'd discovered a major defect and were withholding shipment for 5mths. These have not even been manufactured yet. Come on Thomas, put your money where your mouth is and show us the boxes sitting in the warehouse, labelled and ready to go. Vaporware, pure vaporware. This smacks of a company with cashflow problems needing a sub to get them made. Someone mentioned earlier of no launch date/preorder for a Sony licensed version, how much nerve do you think the man has to rub Sony up the wrong way - drop the ball with them and he can say goodbye to his business.

No what he has here are individuals who have no other choice than be bought off with a promise of a rim or cancel. Why did they go on taking people's money when they knew they had no chance of fulfilling the shipment date other than making a land grab. This is grubby Fanatec, very grubby mugging folk off like this.

If the person who quoted figures of approximately 3000 DD1 & 1000 DD2 is correct then Fanatec have raised 4.5million euros (approx) they can get them made now. I've worked in the aircraft industry for over 35yrs, if we could achieve failure rates of 0.07% we'd throw a party weekly and every aeroplane would reach it's destination.

So, let's see the goods, then I might consider allowing you to sit on the £1600 of my money you currently have. Wise up folk, stop being such sycophants and demand a better response from Fanatec..... Remember, this is not a crowd funded project.

 

[super_gt]

Announcing the Podium Racing Wheel F1 for PS4 and Podium Advanced Paddle Module

Now for some good news: I’m proud to reveal the full details of our Podium Racing Wheel F1® - Officially Licensed for PS4™!

The first ever direct drive system for PS4 completes the lineup of our three Podium Series Direct Drive systems, and this is my favourite!

Officially licensed by Formula 1™, the Podium Racing Wheel F1® is based on our DD1 technology, bringing unprecedented performance to the Sony platform. It is quite simply the most realistic force feedback system ever on a console, working seamlessly with all PS4™ and PS4™ Pro systems. Compatibility is tested and certified. It is fully backwards compatible to all titles supporting the CSL Elite Racing Wheel.

A new ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® PS4™ is included, an F1®-style wheel with a huge number of features and controls, including 12-way multi-position switches, thumb encoders, rocker switches, RGB RevLEDs and FlagLEDs. It uses the same technology and materials of the F1 2018 steering wheel and will not be offered separately at this point.

And we’re including the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, which provides two magnetic shifters that generate a solid, positive feel to every shift and two additional magnetic paddles for functions like DRS. Dual analogue clutch paddles allow F1®-style launch control by pre-defining the clutch bite point. Automotive grade quality, with real carbon fibre paddle plates, and an aluminium cage. You have to feel it!

The P APM is available for pre-order from today for 179,95 Euro/ USD and will launch together with the Podium Racing Wheel at the end of April. You can even upgrade your existing Universal Hub for Xbox One with it.

The Podium Racing Wheel F1® is available to pre-order for 1499,95 USD / Euro from today. Please check out the webshop for all the details.

 

[Deano-gt]

And everyone back on board the hype train

 

[bluepeter]

We simply waited as long as possible in order to be able to announce a new shipment date to be as realistic as possible.

Hogwash.

 

[Sprocket]

Announcing the Podium Racing Wheel F1 for PS4 and Podium Advanced Paddle Module

Now for some good news: I’m proud to reveal the full details of our Podium Racing Wheel F1® - Officially Licensed for PS4™!

The first ever direct drive system for PS4 completes the lineup of our three Podium Series Direct Drive systems, and this is my favourite!

Officially licensed by Formula 1™, the Podium Racing Wheel F1® is based on our DD1 technology, bringing unprecedented performance to the Sony platform. It is quite simply the most realistic force feedback system ever on a console, working seamlessly with all PS4™ and PS4™ Pro systems. Compatibility is tested and certified. It is fully backwards compatible to all titles supporting the CSL Elite Racing Wheel.

A new ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® PS4™ is included, an F1®-style wheel with a huge number of features and controls, including 12-way multi-position switches, thumb encoders, rocker switches, RGB RevLEDs and FlagLEDs. It uses the same technology and materials of the F1 2018 steering wheel and will not be offered separately at this point.

And we’re including the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, which provides two magnetic shifters that generate a solid, positive feel to every shift and two additional magnetic paddles for functions like DRS. Dual analogue clutch paddles allow F1®-style launch control by pre-defining the clutch bite point. Automotive grade quality, with real carbon fibre paddle plates, and an aluminium cage. You have to feel it!

The P APM is available for pre-order from today for 179,95 Euro/ USD and will launch together with the Podium Racing Wheel at the end of April. You can even upgrade your existing Universal Hub for Xbox One with it.

The Podium Racing Wheel F1® is available to pre-order for 1499,95 USD / Euro from today. Please check out the webshop for all the details.

I'm sure the PS4 users will be thrilled with the 1500€ pricetag... But it's actually very good value, for a direct drive wheel system.

 

[Fanatec...]

I'm sure the PS4 users will be thrilled with the 1500€ pricetag... But it's actually very good value, for a direct drive wheel system.

It actually has the best value of all our DDs because it comes with a 350.- steering wheel and the 180.- magnetic shifter paddles. And on top you get the PS4 license with no extra cost in comparison to the DD1.

 

[Deano-gt]

I'm sure the PS4 users will be thrilled with the 1500€ pricetag... But it's actually very good value, for a direct drive wheel system.

Please don't take this as complaining. Why must accessories related to a console look garish compared to PC? For $1500 I'd prefer it not look toyish. Again, just my opinion and I will buy it down the road.

The more I look at the blue, the more it's growing on me. da--it.

 

[PzR Slim]

We simply waited as long as possible in order to be able to announce a new shipment date to be as realistic as possible.

Sorry Thomas but I just don't believe that. I've been a huge supporter of yours over the past 10 years defending Fanatec on forums from unwarranted and unjustified attacks. I've spent a great deal of money with you, four wheel bases, 4 wheel rims, handbrakes and shifters. This whole debacle really has left me questioning my loyalty to Fanatec. I can understand delays as a result of product development or genuine mistake but I cannot abide being lied to and that is how this whole situation is making me feel. You've got somewhere in the region of 4 million Euros from a bunch of sim enthusiasts and it just feels like we have all been kept in the dark and let down at the very last minute.

 

[Fanatec...]

Sorry Thomas but I just don't believe that. I've been a huge supporter of yours over the past 10 years defending Fanatec on forums from unwarranted and unjustified attacks. I've spent a great deal of money with you, four wheel bases, 4 wheel rims, handbrakes and shifters. This whole debacle really has left me questioning my loyalty to Fanatec. I can understand delays as a result of product development or genuine mistake but I cannot abide being lied to and that is how this whole situation is making me feel. You've got somewhere in the region of 4 million Euros from a bunch of sim enthusiasts and it just feels like we have all been kept in the dark and let down at the very last minute.

Until 2 weeks ago we planned to ship the first units at the end of December to customers and continue production so that by end of January everybody would have received their products.

After we knew that there will be a delay we waited as long as we could because just saying that it will be delayed without giving a date is the worst we could do.

We still plan to start the production in late December and theoretically might be able to ship units to customers in January but there is no way I would promise that. We need to work hard and see if we get the desired test results. It is what it is. Sorry.

 

[Deano-gt]

Until 2 weeks ago we planned to ship the first units at the end of December to customers and continue production so that by end of January everybody would have received their products.

After we knew that there will be a delay we waited as long as we could because just saying that it will be delayed without giving a date is the worst we could do.

We still plan to start the production in late December and theoretically might be able to ship units to customers in January but there is no way I would promise that. We need to work hard and see if we get the desired test results. It is what it is. Sorry.

Does the comment of shipping earlier if possible include the PS4 DD1 also or only existing DD1/DD2 pre-orders?

 

[PzR Slim]

Until 2 weeks ago we planned to ship the first units at the end of December to customers and continue production so that by end of January everybody would have received their products.

After we knew that there will be a delay we waited as long as we could because just saying that it will be delayed without giving a date is the worst we could do.

We still plan to start the production in late December and theoretically might be able to ship units to customers in January but there is no way I would promise that. We need to work hard and see if we get the desired test results. It is what it is. Sorry.

I appreciate your reply Thomas so thank you. Unfortunately my faith has been shaken and it will take quite a bit to get that back. All I ask is that you regularly communicate with us through the process of fixing the issue.

 

[Sprocket]

It actually has the best value of all our DDs because it comes with a 350.- steering wheel and the 180.- magnetic shifter paddles. And on top you get the PS4 license with no extra cost in comparison to the DD1.

I completely agree! I wasn't being sarcastic.

I ordered a Podium DD2 in July, but I seriously considered switching my order after seeing the Podium PS4 version. However, theres limited time left before the Playstation 4 is replaced with a new console, and I know there's no guarantee of compatability with the ''PS5''. GT Sport was always supposed to be a gap filler until GT 7 is finished, so I definitely wouldn't by a €1500 wheel for the sake of PS4/GT Sport.

It actually has the best value of all our DDs because it comes with a 350.- steering wheel and the 180.- magnetic shifter paddles. And on top you get the PS4 license with no extra cost in comparison to the DD1.

Just a question: Will the 2019 F1 wheel rim promised to existing DD2 and DD1 pre-orders include the Podium magnetic shifters?

 

[Bearone]

If you do the math, you see the paddles will not be included in the F1 2019 compensation. But another important question: I love these F1rims but I probably won’t be needing two, but it would have been nice to see the 2019 design before I make up my mind :-)