Fanatec Reveals Direct Drive ClubSport DD and DD+ Wheel Bases: Available to Pre-Order Now

[AshenGraey]

Got it. Thanks for the clarification. I was not aware of that.

Regarding their logistical delays, while I am well aware of the issues with ocean traffic via the suez canal and the red sea, I'd be curious to know their container volumes because perhaps they should really look into tweaking their logistics network and/or change their distribution points.

 

[Nightwing24]

Regarding their logistical delays, while I am well aware of the issues with ocean traffic via the suez canal and the red sea, I'd be curious to know their container volumes because perhaps they should really look into tweaking their logistics network and/or change their distribution points.

You don’t need to go that far and see their data, just look at all of Fanatecs competitors.

In the entire sim racing community there is only one manufacturer/company having issues this severely despite worldwide issues affecting everyone to the point of causing mass discontent with their own consumers.

 

[Skinny McLean]

DD+ shipments are delayed due to Sony approval process

No, they are delayed entirely due to Fanatec's clownish incompetence.

This might sound really far out to some of you; but what about if Fanatec secured Sony's approval before they started marketing their "Officially Sony Licensed" products? They've been selling these unlicensed bases (and charging customers) since October.

And how ironic how this happens just after they accused customers of "acting in bad faith" during their "Black Friday" week.

 

[rsspyder21]

No, they are delayed entirely due to Fanatec's clownish incompetence.

This might sound really far out to some of you; but what about if Fanatec secured Sony's approval before they started marketing their "Officially Sony Licensed" products? They've been selling these unlicensed bases (and charging customers) since October.

And how ironic how this happens just after they accused customers of "acting in bad faith" during their "Black Friday" week.

I don't normally get as bent as some people do about Fanatec's antics, and in this case I figure, oh well, I'll get mine when I get it, I can be patient. But man, I had the exact same thought as you when I received that email this morning. Promoting and pre-selling a product–for 2+ months now, no less–that hasn't passed the final boss? I guess that's one way to do business

 

[Nightwing24]

I think the message means that they are out of stock and don't know when they will get the next batch.

Pretty sure it just means temporarily out of stock. Why would they engineer a new base just to sell for a single pre-order period? You’ll be able to buy these in the future.

There was never a PS compatible DD2 and the PS DD1 has been discontinued for about a year now maybe longer.

It's not the same. The PS-compatible DD1 F1 bundle is not only sold out, but also discontinued. CS DD+ is simply sold out at the moment.
View attachment 1314711 View attachment 1314712

They ran into the same issue with the DD Pro, and the DD1 when they first got released. Fanatec is by far the most popular manufacturer for sim racing bases and rims. Of course they’re going to have supply chain issues

Exactly. When the DD1 PS was on sale the last time (earlier this year/late last year?), if I remember correctly, Fanatec communicated that it was going out of stock and will probably be the last time it is available for sale.

The DD+ is a new product - it's not going to be discontinued anytime soon. It's clear that they already have way more orders than they can fulfill anytime soon. In cases like this it's common to disable the order option for said products so that a) they have a stable amount of orders in the backlog that they can get to work on fulfilling (instead of a steadily growing amount) and b) they don't get more unnecessary backlash in public because they push delivery dates again and again.
(Unneccessary in this case doesn't mean that the backlash is wrong (not being able to hold dates is always bad), just that it could have been avoided by disabling the order option for the product, as they did now.)

And as @Yard_Sale mentioned, it happened in the past as well. It's definitely something that they need to work on in the future.

errr..

You’ve missed all of those stories about yemen rebels attacking shipping lanes for the past few weeks?

There isn’t one logical reason to even think these bases won’t be available for years to come. They are Fanatec’s new line of volume bases for serious sim racers. They aren’t limited-run items, period. Now, who knows how long it will take to restock them, but they will absolutely restock at some point. All you can do now is be ready when they do.
I ordered mine two months ago. Looking forward to receiving in the next week or two.

I wish you all were correct, unfortunately for my desire to have the DD+, time has thus far proved my fears valid so far.

Here’s to hoping Sony doesn’t bother googling or investigating in any way the companies they do business with and associate themselves with so they actually approve the DD+

 

[FMW]

Like a lot of folks, but not all, I can be patient. Product delays are a first-world problem. However, this optically doesn’t help Fanatec’s public perception. You would think any company who is licensing an IP (In this case PlayStation compatibility) would have all the T’s crossed and all the I’s dotted before even thinking of pre-selling the product. This is pure speculation on my part, but it may have been a calculated risk to pre-sell the CS DD Plus to make year-end sales goals, knowing that final approval was coming, but it was coming down to the wire. What they didn’t bank on are those unforeseen hick ups, like the person signing the final paperwork going on vacation during the holidays, someone being out sick, or even a last minute unforeseen final approval. I work for a well-known Japanese company, and I’m here to tell you when it comes to approval for licensing, it moves at a snail’s pace, especially from the Japanese side. FANATEC may have taken a calculated risk, but this is not their first time dealing with SONY, so they should have planned for the worst knowing they are dealing with a Japanese company.

Moral of my speculation…Year-end sales goals can be a BEE-OTCH, especially if things go wrong.

 

[rsspyder21]

Like a lot of folks, but not all, I can be patient. Product delays are a first-world problem. However, this optically doesn’t help Fanatec’s public perception. You would think any company who is licensing an IP (In this case PlayStation compatibility) would have all the T’s crossed and all the I’s dotted before even thinking of pre-selling the product. This is pure speculation on my part, but it may have been a calculated risk to pre-sell the CS DD Plus to make year-end sales goals, knowing that final approval was coming, but it was coming down to the wire. What they didn’t bank on are those unforeseen hick ups, like the person signing the final paperwork going on vacation during the holidays, someone being out sick, or even a last minute unforeseen final approval. I work for a well-known Japanese company, and I’m here to tell you when it comes to approval for licensing, it moves at a snail’s pace, especially from the Japanese side. FANATEC may have taken a calculated risk, but this is not their first time dealing with SONY, so they should have planned for the worst knowing they are dealing with a Japanese company.

Moral of my speculation…Year-end sales goals can be a BEE-OTCH, especially if things go wrong.

I'm not losing my mind over any of it, as it's pointless. Plus, it's just a video-game steering wheel at the end of the day LOL
But it sure does look strange. Pretty ballsy of Fanatec to say what it said two weeks ago (that shipping delays were the issue and would be resolved quickly), only to come back today with this Sony approval problem seemingly out of left field. That is, if it really did take our money and promote the dates it promoted and then the shipping story email from a few weeks back, all the while not knowing when it would get Sony approval. Makes me wonder if your point about someone going on vacation or whatever isn't closer to reality than you think LOL.

 

[Mr Latte]

I would not be one bit surprised if Fanatec compensate / offer discount coupon or free gift for those that PRE ORDERED and have been left waiting.

 

[Skinny McLean]

Product delays are a first-world problem.

And "X is a first-world problem" is one of the most ridiculous and trite ways of attempting to shut down legitimate complaints. From my understanding people are mainly upset about unfulfilled promises ("in stock, 4 to 7 days shipping") after having their accounts charged minutes after ordering, and then waiting for months without receiving their supposedly "Completely Shipped" goods.

But maybe Fanatec should just email their disappointed customers "Sehr geehrte Herr/Frau! If you aren't about to die from hunger, thirst or war, we don't want to hear about your first-world problems!"

 

[Kriptical]

I wish you all were correct, unfortunately for my desire to have the DD+, time has thus far proved my fears valid so far.

Here’s to hoping Sony doesn’t bother googling or investigating in any way the companies they do business with and associate themselves with so they actually approve the DD+

Yep.

Have to admit that wasn’t on my bingo card.

 

[rsspyder21]

I wish you all were correct, unfortunately for my desire to have the DD+, time has thus far proved my fears valid so far.

Here’s to hoping Sony doesn’t bother googling or investigating in any way the companies they do business with and associate themselves with so they actually approve the DD+

Yep.

Have to admit that wasn’t on my bingo card.

This is definitely a clownshow but ultimately everyone is going to get their wheelbases, and the wheelbases will become available again. I have zero worries about it at that level. Sucks and is super annoying, but in the grand scheme …
I’ve been waiting to receive a Porsche Classic radio upgrade for my first-gen Cayman S that I paid $1400 for back in August, with no delivery date in sight. Now THAT’S extra annoying 🤣

 

[YZRider926]

@Nightwing24 do you not have a wheel currently or did you sell in anticipation for this base?

I understand everyone being frustrated with the delays and for the lack of information from fanatec and the all around issues. I would be a pissed of I pre-ordered, not so much for not having it by now, but for the fact that I paid for it months ago and then to find out it’s not even approved to be sold yet.

 

[Nightwing24]

@Nightwing24 do you not have a wheel currently or did you sell in anticipation for this base?

I understand everyone being frustrated with the delays and for the lack of information from fanatec and the all around issues. I would be a pissed of I pre-ordered, not so much for not having it by now, but for the fact that I paid for it months ago and then to find out it’s not even approved to be sold yet.

I’d like to start off replying by stating this question is irrelevant and logically only serves to try and qualify (disqualify really) my complaints by judging my personal situation and reeks of a victim blaming set up.

My personal situation has no bearing or effect to the issue at hand which is Fanatecs poor business practices and lack of accountability in this situation that I and countless other customers are experiencing right now. Full stop



With that out of the way, to satisfy curiosity, I currently have a GT DD Pro. I also have enough peripherals that I only need another wheelbase to complete a second sim rig set up.

My brothers Logitech he purchased years ago second hand has been having issues and he has to reset it 2 or 3 times per session and has been needing a replacement now for months. Hence why I have been saving and watching to purchase the DD+ now during holidays and new year to gift him my full 8nm GT DD Pro bundle after my upgrade. So his is issue is what is making it time sensitive for me, as he is the one currently suffering without a working wheel unable to sim race.

 

[YZRider926]

I’d like to start off replying by stating this question is irrelevant and logically only serves to try and qualify (disqualify really) my complaints by judging my personal situation and reeks of a victim blaming set up.

My personal situation has no bearing or effect to the issue at hand which is Fanatecs poor business practices and lack of accountability in this situation that I and countless other customers are experiencing right now. Full stop



With that out of the way, to satisfy curiosity, I currently have a GT DD Pro. I also have enough peripherals that I only need another wheelbase to complete a second sim rig set up.

My brothers Logitech he purchased years ago second hand has been having issues and he has to reset it 2 or 3 times per session and has been needing a replacement now for months. Hence why I have been saving and watching to purchase the DD+ now during holidays and new year to gift him my full 8nm GT DD Pro bundle after my upgrade. So his is issue is what is making it time sensitive for me, as he is the one currently suffering without a working wheel unable to sim race.

Haha yeah wasn’t trying to lay any blame or defend fanatec. Was more out of curiosity to see where you were coming from.

I definitely understand the frustration.

I’m looking at getting this wheel base as well, and like you currently using the GT DD Pro. Definitely sucks for people that pre-ordered and even sold off existing bases to fund it.

 

[rsspyder21]

Haha yeah wasn’t trying to lay any blame or defend fanatec. Was more out of curiosity to see where you were coming from.

I definitely understand the frustration.

I’m looking at getting this wheel base as well, and like you currently using the GT DD Pro. Definitely sucks for people that pre-ordered and even sold off existing bases to fund it.

Fanatec or anyone else, this is why I never sell something until I have the intended replacement in hand. And no, I'm not victim blaming or any kind of blaming anyone who did so.

 

[super_gt]

 

[Adrenaline]

Haha yeah wasn’t trying to lay any blame or defend fanatec. Was more out of curiosity to see where you were coming from.

I definitely understand the frustration.

I’m looking at getting this wheel base as well, and like you currently using the GT DD Pro. Definitely sucks for people that pre-ordered and even sold off existing bases to fund it.

My T300 pedals broke in October, so I decided to upgrade to Direct drive. Researched wheels, and was going to just grab the GT DD Pro... but news was the DD+ was coming soon. So I waited for the announcement. When it went live, I preordered with a December 12th shipment. At the time that was only 6 weeks, I decided I could wait that long, and to buy the new model rather than the DD Pro. Sold my T300 base and started waiting.

Then it was delayed to Dec 19th. Well, too late I already ordered, it's just a week, I'll still have it before Christmas and New Year's time off.
Then Dec 26th.
Now mid January allegedly, assuming they even work things out with Sony or the next excuse.

Suddenly I've been waiting 3 months when if I knew this in October I would have just bought the DD Pro because there was a balance of patience, money, and quality.

It's too late to go back now, so I'm just stuck waiting indefinitely for something that doesn't even have Sony's approval.

I'm fine, but I much rather would have had a DD Pro and been racing for 3 months than an upgraded wheel in February.

We have to make decisions based on the information available to us, so when a company gives inaccurate information and can't deliver on their word after payment is processed, it's incredibly frustrating.

Just for perspective and venting purposes.

 

[330_D]

Problem is, they have a solution to a problem that fills a gap no other real DD wheel fills (for consoles anyway) with both the DDpro and the plus. A full ecosystem. I almost got a Logitech wheel when I got my DDPro but I'm certainly glad I didn't even with all the hassle that Fanatec can be.

I have a couple wheels for my setup. I'm able to upgrade pedals to whatever I want. To me, that's the thing. No one else really has that.

I'm not defending their **** business practices because they are just that, but we are all here because they have a thing we want.

Sucks for you guys underneath it for sure. I hope it turns around soon.

 

[PaMu1337]

My DD+ availability just got updated to Jan 17.
Let's see if they actually ship it this time or if it's on to the next excuse.

 

[rsspyder21]

My DD+ availability just got updated to Jan 17.
Let's see if they actually ship it this time or if it's on to the next excuse.

Same here, and I see Fanatec changed the DD+ to open for pre-orders again and the availability says 1/17 on the actual Fanatec site's product page. Fingers crossed.

 

[FMW]

Same here, and I see Fanatec changed the DD+ to open for pre-orders again and the availability says 1/17 on the actual Fanatec site's product page. Fingers crossed.

Ditto. I bet the SONY licensing guys in Japan came back from holiday, realized they had left over paperwork to sign and now we wait for our delayed Christmas gifts to ourselves. =)

 

[scooterlord]

So, I saw that today the DD+ is open for preorders again. Have been looking into the steering wheels and have some additional questions.

So, I like this wheel for example:

CSL Steering Wheel 320 V2

This product is a bundle of the ClubSport Wheel Rim 320 and the CSL Universal Hub V2.

fanatec.com

The problem is that I don't like the fact that the buttons are 'too specific' and too oddly placed.

Currently on my CSL wheel, I have the buttons to look back, or quit game etc on the wheel itself like on this wheel:

CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2

With the CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2, we’ve made a fully featured wheel at the lowest price that doesn’t compromise on performance. It is an ideal starter wheel for the CSL DD.

fanatec.com

Currently the buttons work out of the box in both PC and PS5 and are pretty much used in the same way in all games.

If I am not mistaken, the wheel closest to what I am looking for would be this one, right?

ClubSport Steering Wheel RS

Stylish 320 mm steering wheel with fully round shape and genuine smooth leather. Authentic materials and a stunning design means you'll feel like you're sitting in a real car.

fanatec.com

...which is darn expensive and too heavy* as well, but would the buttons be recognized by PC/PS games? I still don't get how the compatibility thing works, but am almost certain you would have to manually set stuff. And I also need to buy a QR2 non-lite wheel adapter, right?

* A wheel being too heavy leads to another issue - I am playing using the WheelstandPro base, which holds my CSL Elite PS4 base nicely, but the DD+ itself is twice the weight on its own, so adding extra weight from the wheel is not a really good idea.

Hopefully you understand my needs - what would you guys recommend for my case?

 

[super_gt]

I am playing using the WheelstandPro

CS DD+ and Wheel Stand PRO is a very bad combination.

And I also need to buy a QR2 non-lite wheel adapter, right?

Yes.

Best look at the button mapping between the different steering wheels.

https://fanatec.com/media/pdf/21/b3/fb/CSL-SW-P1-V2R-QG-Global-Web.pdf

https://fanatec.com/media/pdf/58/2d/fe/CSL-UH-V2-QG-Global_Web_08.pdf

https://fanatec.com/media/pdf/77/63/33/P2013-CS-SW-RS-QG-Global_Web_06.pdf

 

[scooterlord]

CS DD+ and Wheel Stand PRO is a very bad combination.

Yes.

Best look at the button mapping between the different steering wheels.

https://fanatec.com/media/pdf/21/b3/fb/CSL-SW-P1-V2R-QG-Global-Web.pdf

https://fanatec.com/media/pdf/58/2d/fe/CSL-UH-V2-QG-Global_Web_08.pdf

https://fanatec.com/media/pdf/77/63/33/P2013-CS-SW-RS-QG-Global_Web_06.pdf

Thanks again for the wonderful response. I didn't think of checking the manuals for the button mapping. Thanks.

During this time, I decided to go for a clubsport bundle like this:

ClubSport Steering Wheel GT V2

Many supercars of the GT series use a very similar steering wheel. It's just the right size and has incredible grip.

fanatec.com

Well, I am going to enjoy the higher quality, so the hell with the extra cost. I don't know if I should wait just a bit though to let it come with QR2 out of the box.

The wheelstand pro is a major issue the way I see it. I can only play in the living room and it's portable enough for me to carry it back and forth behind the couch when I am about to play - which I sometimes skip because I have to carry it. I am reviewing other stands at the moment, but that's additional cost and none of the ones I saw are portable enough for my use case.

Super_gt can you share more specifics about a similarly strong DD wheel and the wheelstandpro that you can share?

 

[330_D]

I've got a DD Pro on a playseat challenge and I've got the Clubsport RS that I really like a lot. It is heavy and loses a little feel because of the flex of my seat. You won't dislike the wheel if you end up with that one. It's really nicely built.

 

[super_gt]

Super_gt can you share more specifics about a similarly strong DD wheel and the wheelstandpro that you can share?

I have no experience with the Wheel Stand PRO, but CS DD+ is a very powerful, heavy and fast base and I doubt the Wheel Stand PRO will live long unless you use pretty low FFB settings.

 

[Kriptical]

I just swapped to the https://nextlevelracing.com/products/next-level-racing-wheel-stand-dd-for-direct-drive-wheels/
And its pretty solid for the 8nm dd pro. However, that’s only true because i have an ottoman wedged behind it. Without that it slides across the room when braking. Granted, i have the cheapo pedals which are stiff as a board 7 months later.

..finding a place to stick the rig is hard!

 

[AshenGraey]

Availability date for the DD+ has been updated on Fanatec website. now it is showing Feb 29, 2024 but still open for pre-orders

 

[rsspyder21]

Availability date for the DD+ has been updated on Fanatec website. now it is showing Feb 29, 2024 but still open for pre-orders

Sheesh. Well, still says Jan. 17 in my actual account where it lists my order details. Really hope we're not waiting another seven weeks till the end of February.

 

[Nathaniel_Wu]

Availability date for the DD+ has been updated on Fanatec website. now it is showing Feb 29, 2024 but still open for pre-orders

Sheesh. Well, still says Jan. 17 in my actual account where it lists my order details. Really hope we're not waiting another seven weeks till the end of February.

Still says Jan 17 on my order as well. Either the new date is for new orders, or they haven’t updated existing orders.