RESOLVED: Questionable finish on DSD T500 wheel adapter

[RallyFan555]

UPDATE: Derek from DSD sent a replacement adapter that is properly finished and better designed. Scroll down for pictures. I highly recommend this product!


Hello all,

I'm new on the forum and to sim-racing in general. The DSD wheel adapter was my most recent purchase and I wanted to get your feedback on something:

Right as I opened the package I was surprised to find that the item was 3D printed. From the pictures of it I've seen by other users/reviewers, the finish on it did not make me think it was 3D printed. It also wasn't stated in the product description.

Putting my surprise aside, I wouldn't mind if the item was 3D printed if the quality was similar to the photos of the adapters I've seen online but the unit I received appears to be really roughly printed.

The second issue is that the adapter does not seem to make contact with the steering wheel where it matters most- all six areas where the the screw goes through from the wheel into the adapter. The steering wheel rests flat on the center of the adapter, but not on those six points, which makes me question the integrity of it when tightening screws. Again, from photos of older adapter, the top surface of the adapter appears to be completely flat and more supportive of the steering wheel.

As for functionality, I am away from my gear and have not gotten to test it. However, I'm not expecting any problems in that department, except for potential future issues as a result of the constant strain on each of the six adapter prongs.

I guess I was just expecting a product with a little better finish for the amount I paid.

Would love to hear your opinions. Photos are attached for reference.

 

[Gunstar]

If you don't like the new one I have a brand new older one that I'd swap you.

 

[RallyFan555]

If you don't like the new one I have a brand new older one that I'd swap you.

On paper, the new adapter has built-in relieves for nuts and concave center (for horn center emblems?)
I would prefer this new design if printed in the same quality (from photos I've seen) as the old adapter.

If I had the old adapter, I would probably drill the holes through on it and secure the screws with nuts from the back of the adapter. The old adapters appear to have a good "chunk" to them, which may feel more secure.

How is the finish on your adapter as compared to mine?

 

[sesselpupser]

Wow, that does look rough. Still, I'm sure DS knows what he's doing, get in touch with him and:
- See if it's supposed to look that way (it kind of looks like someone may have accidentally sent you a prototype or something!),
- Let him know you're a little concerned,
- Ask if he'll replace it free of charge if it does fail.

Personally, I wouldn't be too worried, ABS (which this probably is) is a tough plastic and who knows, maybe that gentle curve would actually help the rigidity once you have all the screws tightened - there'd be some force there pulling toward the adaptor. The question is, would it end up fatiguing the adaptor in a few years, or would it last forever? But, yeah, I think you're rightly concerned about how much it cost vs. how it looks.

 

[NABeast]

I'm sorry but that looks horrible. I have the old style DSD adapter and I thought it looked a little rough. I mean the mounting surface isn't even flat. Ok I'll stop.

 

[RallyFan555]

I sent out an e-mail to the DSD team. Hopefully they'll correct this issue. I'll post when resolved. Thanks for everyone's feedback!

 

[RallyFan555]

Derek from DSD responded to my email in 5 minutes and advised a replacement adapter will be sent to me by Friday.
Couldn't have wished for better customer service.

 

[Gunstar]

Derek is awesome. Glad you're getting taken care of.

 

[NABeast]

Could you post a picture of the replacement adapter when you receive it? I'm interested in how the new style adapter actually looks.

 

[RallyFan555]

Could you post a picture of the replacement adapter when you receive it? I'm interested in how the new style adapter actually looks.

See attached. Not sure if the result of my feedback alone, but Derek has refreshed the design of the adapter to now have the prongs lay flat against the steering wheel surface. Also, the adapter's mounting appears thicker than the original adapter sent to me.

The 3D print looks to be higher resolution and the adapter performs great.
Dirt Rally with a 330mm real leather steering wheel feels incredible!

 

[NABeast]

That looks great,I will probably order one of those. Thanks for the pictures!