I can only dream of having one of these wheels. I watch videos just to see the enjoyment they bring to people and go back to my Logitech g29 at the end of every day lol. Great video. Thanks for all you do for the sim racing world.
Update, I saved like crazy and within 4 weeks I got to purchase my own Fanatec setup. Was suppose to ship out on the 19th but due to China being on lock down, I have to wait until May 12th for it to arrive to Fanatec.
@@THESHADOW97139 yeah a lot of the problems I have seen is the quick realize life breaking, The c clamp not being rotated in the proper positing and not greasing the shaft(that sounded wrong) haha
It's never ending this sim racing lark. Now I've ordered the CSL DD I will need to upgrade my rig. Wish me luck getting that past the Mrs! Very informative and useful video Dave.
Good luck mate! i managed to sneak a CSL elite for two weeks replacing a T150. was only when she walked in and seen the rev lights flashing she noticed! Pedals are a bit easier to get away with!
hey Dave. The default setting for Dynamic damping in ACC is supposed to be 100% actually and road effects is actually meant to add amplificated or "fake" road effects. so 0% is natural and everything more than that is amplificated. It's a useful setting for lower end bases that are too weak to process the natural road textures etc. but for stronger ones this setting should be closer to 0%. That's probably why you felt much more "feedback" in ACC than in iracing
50K and racing towards 100K. Well done Dave!! I was one of many who made the pre-order move, so anxiously awaiting its arrival. You just made me more confident with my decision to go with the 8K boost power.
I ordered a Simagic Alpha mini and I am waiting for it to arrive. After your comments about the DD, I am starting to think I made the correct choice. Congrats on the 50K!! You really deserve it.
From 26mins and 20 secs. With the Boost pack in Raceroom, you set the linearity to 50%. The recommendation - when using >5nm - is 100% So you probably lost some of the dynamic range of the detail with the (over)compressed signal. But nice guide Dave. Thanks.
I will be coming from the CSW 2.5 which is already a bloody good wheel. I really like that you are using it in this setup with the mclaren wheel, since i will be running it the exact same way. I actually love it that you are comparing it to the dd1, gives us insight how close it really is to a much more expensive wheel. As im running the CSW on 60% in acc, this should probs be adequote, even with some headroom in mind :)
Pre-ordered my CSL DD as I'm already well into the Fanatec ecosystem with a CSL Elite base and 3 different wheels and the CSL pedals with loadcell. I'm very excited to get my hands on this and get back on track to see if it makes any difference, in both performance and enjoyment of the sims. Good stuff as always Dave!
I bought the standard 5 Nm and lately got a 300W variable PSU to get the 8 Nm and the difference is massive! I recommend everybody to buy this with the180W PSU, it is ridiculously better.
@@joshuadelellis852 You can kook for others PSU and adapt them , since it connects with a 4pin connector. I got mine from a electric engineer I know for 40€, but it is always ideal to use the official gear just in case.
As a G29 user, hearing that even the basic DD model has double the torque I'm used to is very exciting. Old Pro Dave over there isn't impressed, but ordinary plebs like us I think will be well catered for.
Thanks for the honest review Dave. I'm considering upgrading my TSPC to the CSL DD. I just tried to click your link to help you out but get an error that it no longer exists!!
Great video Dave👍👏 Looks like I made the right decision, with this CSL DD, plus 8nm power pack. That’s some savvy business planning, from Fanatec; to make DD affordable, for a large swath of sim racers; game changer for sure.
I was undecided between this and the alpha mini ... and i chose the VRS ... very happy with my decision (the wallet a little less)! anyway, thanks for your considerations .. congratulations on the 50k sub!
Thanks for your perspective have one on the way :D Good to see you on the Charlotte Practice session tonight, don't usually see anyone being in Aussie time.
I'm setting up interviews with a wide range of sim racers, not sure if you would be interested or have time but let me know. I have a set of general questions I am including in each interview and obviously whatever organic conversation that happens is very welcome. Either way, happy Sim-racing! :)
You will love it. My 35" curved monitor is due tonight, CSL DD with the boost kit and club sport V2 will be here late September, can't wait to add them to my DOF H3. Coming from 3- 27" curved curved monitors and a G29. Big jump but it's my gift to myself for turning 65.
Coming from a T300, this is my next purchase for sure. It's still going to take me some time to put the money together since I'll need a wheel rim too, but this is definitely looking better and better every time I see it reviewed. Nice job hitting 50k. I feel like just last year you were around 15-19k. Great growth. I hope it gets better and better.
@@christopheroconnor4665 I guess it depends. I’m moving from a T300 so even the 5nm would be an upgrade. I would need to get a wheel rim too so realistically it’ll be around a $550 investment without the boost kit.
@@gdoumit Trust me. Spend a bit more get a LOT more. 5nm peak torque vs 8.8nm for the boost kit. The 5nm is just not enough man. Watch Ermin Hamidovic and Random Callsigns reviews on it
It's crazy really. 3 weeks ago I wanted to get back to sim racing and just driving in general (AC mod maps and ets2.) I was about to click buy g29. Then the Fanatec CSL went on sale. I had to buy it. No regrets. Although I definitely feel like it is a proper 8nm Wheelbase. The 5nm is good for starters as you save money But 8nm is where its at!
Another great video mate. So many other videos go into specific specs and build etc. Which is fine but great just to have a video that gets to the point. What's it like to sim on. Cheers mate!
Great video. I've been on the fence about switching for quite a while now. I think the CSL DD has me sold on it. My TM setup has served me pretty well, can't really knock it for what it is, but I've been wanting more detail for a bit now.
Thanks again Dave. This was a very useful review to show the difference in how the CSL DD does with 3 different sims. I'm glad ACC came out on top out of the 3, as ACC and AM2 are the only sims I own. Would be nice to hear your thoughts how it does in AM2 with boost kit and without.
This is exactly the type of perspective I've been waiting to see. I'll be moving to the CSL DD from the CSL Elite when they make a PlayStation compatible version. I know the nm are similar but I'm really looking forward to the detail that a DD provides over belt driven. Thanks for the insight Dave and congrats on 50k...
@@KinGzeDK Actually if you are already in the Fanatec eco system with the CSL Elite this DD wheelbase with the 8nm boost kit for only $480 U.S. is absolutely a deal and great upgrade as you are moving into the fidelity offered by the DD system and the DD1 upgrade will run you $1199 U.S. At a $720 lower price point than the DD1 the CSL DD is an awesome way to move into DD territory! Remember that if you are already in the Fanatec eco system the $350-$480 depending on version will be the total cost for the upgrade to DD! I just got the "order moved to warehouse processing and will be shipping soon" e-mail from Fanatec on my wave one 8nm CSL DD preorder.
@@billwiley7216good advice, I'd think it would be a no brainer to upgrade to CSL DD from a CSL Elite seeing how the resale value of the Elite is very close to the cost of the CSL DD base version. After selling the Elite base it would pay for the CSL DD base, and then if you wanted to buy the 8nm boost kit it would be $130 on top of that, and you'd gain Direct Drive and +3 nm compared to the Elite. My CSL DD arrives tomorrow 08/18/21, I'm in SoCal and Fanatec ships from there. Can't wait to get it on my GT1-EVO. I got the McLaren GT3 V2 and the CSL Pedals to try out with it.
Why did you use the FFB linearity on 50% in Raceroom, when the recommendation is 100% for wheelbases over 5 Nm? Doesn't that flatten out the force feedback and you lose the little extra details you get with a DD wheel? Good informative video anyway. I'm waiting for my pre-ordered 8Nm CSL DD to arrive so I can update from my CSL Elite wheelbase.
Having looked at the CSL DD as a replacement for my Thrustmaster TMX, it's good to know that the 180 power pack is the better option, it is however a shame there is no bundle option ( wheel & base) as the £450 soon becomes twice as much when adding a wheel ( unless you take the McLaren option @ £199) but if you prefer GT3 or formula 1 or other open wheels that use that style of wheel it's looking like a pretty good option all round, £450 + £199 = £650 and for what appears to be a pretty good economy upgrade, the real problem is that the resale of your old wheel is going to be much harder now that a good DD wheel base has entered at the mid price range.
Hey, i thought i'd share some of my thoughts. I currently have a G27, and idk about the TMX but my G27 is not that great force feedback wise. It mostly just vibrates and rattles but it's pretty weak (2.3NM). All of these reviewers come from higher budget wheels (DD1, DD2), proper rigs, etc. It's pretty logical for them to say the 5NM "Isn't enough", but i think that really depends where you come from. So i think it really depends on perspective. I'm personally gonna wait for reviews of G27 users who upgrade to the 5NM CSL DD, that's gonna put more accurate review for people like me. Plus, i don't know how well the table clamp holds up with the 8NM version.
Pretty much what the other "tubers" are saying. I currently have the CSL Elite 1.1 and have been very happy with it. The strength feels fine to me as it's the only FFB wheelbase i've experienced, but i know if i had a DD1 i would probably only use half the strength or less. Due to this when considering the CSL DD I was initially thinking I could get away with the 5 Nm, and upgrade later if I felt I wanted/needed to. That said, the fidelity and feel seems much greater with the 8 Nm, according to yourself and others. Therefore I surmise my decision to order the "Big Baby DD" the other night was a correct decision. Thanks for making me feel content about my purchase. Now just 3 months to wait!!! Great vid as always young man!! 😁😁
@@Dibbdroid did u even read my comment?? I mean seriously, just repeating a utter garbage trope from a decade ago isn’t making a point. Most top sim racers exceed the torque capability of the csl dd with the boost kit. More force equals the capacity for more fidelity.
@@gulfcoaster210 most sim racers do the opposite of what you say but your ego knows best, enjoy being with yourself. Hence fidelity etc. When life gets too hard, reach for your keyboard and click away like you're some sort of knowledge god, or in your case another village idiot gone global thanks to the internet
One thing at a time. I'm happy to hack my G29 pedals to keep using them while I spend what I anticipate to be around 600 quid for the DD base and a basic rim. A lot of money for me but at least it's in the realm of what I can stretch to in comparison the the upper range kit.
Load cell pedals will make you faster than the wheelbase will. A used csl elite (after the csl dd is readily available) would be an option to get you a better base and pedals than what you have now.
Great and honest review, Dave! I am seriously debating stepping up from my G29 to this wheelbase. This review is exactly the information I was looking for. I knew to expect a quality product from Fanatec, but how does a sim racer, who does this on a daily basis (AND is used to something like the DD1), feel about this package. Thank you, congrats on the 50K(!) and as always... looking forward to more content!
I got mine yesterday and I was excited like a small kid at X-mas time, but after three hours with it I am honestly dissapointed. It is noticably weaker than my CLS Elite PS/4, even with the boost kit. If I press FFB test button in the Fanatec configuration software with the CLS ELite, it shakes the wheel so violently that I need two hands to hold it and I am litterally worried it will damage itself. But with the CLS DD I can easily hold the wheel with one hand when set to 100%. It feels like 50% of the CLS Elite. As for driving it the CLS DD feels slightly more precise and refined, but the overall feeling does not in any way impress me. Only thing is the absence of the FFB deadzone on the CLS Elite near the top position. That's nice. But on the other hand I get so much more power from the Elite that I litteraly have to fight the wheel when set to max FFB. I'll give anothe try today but if I cant get more power out of it, it's going back.
What quick release are you using? I saw somewhere that the plastic quick release that comes with the Mclaren wheel has a built-in button that reduces force feedback when installed. Swapping it out to a metal one will unlock its full potential. With that in mind, was this review done at pull force feedback?
Dave was using iRacing's suggested auto force feedback strength. You can of course set it manually higher than that if you choose. I use iRFFB but it makes no difference to strength - it is all about getting a better/different feel than iRacing's own FFB.
Great video Evad. The million $$ question that I and probably many other sim racers contemplate, is what would the actual car that has been selected truly feel like if we were driving on the selected track and conditions. And what would that equate to in terms of NM's and other misc FFB settings on a DD wheel. I would guess that very high NM FFB settings (15+ MN) could be unrealistic as compared to the real experience in most modern race cars, especially at speed. But since the vast majority of sim racers, myself included will never get behind the wheel of a track car on a track, we should then adjust our wheel bases to the immersion settings that gives us the perceived "feel" that we want or think the real car would be. My $ is on the CSL DD 8 NM. As in many devices "headroom" or lack of it can make or break the desired experience. Peace
Well done on 50K Dave. Well deserved. I'm going from G920 to 5nm - I'm sure it will be an substantial change but by all accounts not as profound as the 8nm. Oh, well - lets see.
At 4:44 the FFB strength is set to 57Nm, but the DD1 only goes to 8Nm max with the boost back, and 5Nm without. So what's that about? So that wobble you get at 5:14, that wouldn't happen in a real car, it would just centre itself. So how do you fix that?
The wobble is the forces that you feel through the wheel. That doesn't happen when you're holding the rim. The FFB strength works the opposite way, so the higher the number the lower 👍
Well pretty much all reviewers come from a DD1 or DD2 etc. None of them come from a G27 or a Trustmaster TMX. I have a G27 and it has like 2.3NM. For me the 5NM would be more than enough. But of course, if you currently have a CSL Elite or a DD1 then the 5NM makes no sense. Most reviewers forget to mention that they're used to very high quality wheels. I'm still waiting for a review of someone coming from the G27/G29.
@@neutraliz3246 CSL elite here which is 5-6nm, on a wheelstand so I thought sticking with 5nm woild be the safest option. Hopefully updated drivers will help with the lack of weight. Also let's not forget the elephant in the room here which is that you are paying 130 bucks for what is in my case the exact same power brick I already own. Something which should value 30 or 40 bucks. Fanatec is thus making all their profit by charging you 100 more just for a modified PSU :D
No battle needed of iRacing vs acc, but, the 488, is also the most numb car in iracing for testing feedback. This is a great entry level dd as dd's are very pricy kits.
Yes I have a G29. Dave isn't blown away by the FFB strength even of the basic pack but it's 5nm whereas the G29/27 is 2.5 so double what we're used to. And at that rate I don't even use full strength on my wheel because I'm afraid of the gears and belts breaking! As I'm sure you know the Logitech wheel can sound as if it's rattling itself to pieces sometimes. Which is not even possible on a DD wheel.
Coming from a g29 do you think the 5nm pack would be enough? I want a little bit of weight to the wheel but I don’t want to spend the extra money for the 8nm pack. At least not right away
Could you do this again on acc with the fanatec recommended settings? And show the clipping? I find the ff to be super week on acc and have to have it at 80% or there’s too much clipping.
Preordered it today with WRC wheel and thé new pedal (waiting for thé load cell test). Mounted on a GT omega apex. I will see what it does as an upgrade from my G27.
I want to start in this world of sim racing, as a sim racer do you recommend this base? Obviously I will go for the 8NM version but is this enough? I mean the difference between this and the DD1 and DD2 is justified for the extra money that you need to spend? Thanks for your video, really helpful!
Just wondering... How do sim racers know how much force feedback is the right amount for cars they have never been in? Everyone seems to think that the most power is the best but I wonder if that is actually true... genuinely asking out of curiosity
I just go off how cars feel that I've actually driven. I'm old enough to remember my old MK2 escort which had no powered steering. Race cars though I wouldn't have a clue 😁
Just skipped through a bit. Why would you put linearity in R3E to 50 in high power mode? Low linearity is for the weakest FFB wheels, amplifying the low range forces. For 5nm+ wheels the recommended setting is at 100.
I can believe that Dave, I can't really get R3E to feel how I want it to. It's a great video anyway Dave. Very helpful and I watched it from Start to finish too without any skipping!
Thanks for the feedback back I like it but the last time I used it my t300 burnt up. Had to by a new base. Going to give it another go when I get my csl dd in November.
Thanks Dave, I'm happy to have preorder the 8nm version. Is the 8nm power enough for your Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R with module button endurance?
If you buy it, buy it with the 8Nm power pack for sure - Fanatec will be happy with this review 😎 I’m not sure after factoring in the 8Nm and a rim it’s not worth saving up for a few more months and picking up a DD1, which you may end up doing after a couple of years anyhow?
You would also need a wheel with the podium so that cost remains equal regardless of the base you choose. The dd1 is still $5-600 more expensive than the 8nm csl dd.
can wait to buy it been using the g29 sense it came out im at a point that i feel i cant get any faster with it.... going to upgrade the pedals firts because the g29 pedals are a huge limit for me.
T500 is a belt drive isn’t it? There must be a difference, no slack due to no belt? I’m just guessing. Currently I see this as my upgrade path from g29. Can you use g29 pedals?
I have my G29 pedals connected to a Bodnar USB cable, which turns them in to a separate peripheral. You can do the same with the 6-speed shifter if you have one.
I'm surprised you didn't say you'd prefer it to your DD1. Some of the other youtubers out there have ditched their DD1's (or so they say), in favor of this. Would you say there is actually some possibility of switching over from the DD1, to this for good ? Maybe after some extensive testing ?
Thanks and Can you help with this,...... I want to buy a button box that you show in your channel (the custom sim engineering) for dd1. Can you check please if it can added to csl DD and don't disturb for the (on/off) button. Because I want to order it but I'm not sure if it compatible or not. Thanks for the videos
Yes the problem is I like the right side, but the problem is the (on/off) button. I contact with the web site and they will make a new model for CSL DD in chistmas time, maybe is better wait until new model is coming. Thanks a lot Dave and congrats for 50k very nice and very high quality content in your channel.
Great review Dave, So thanks heaps. One query though mate, would you recommend upgrading from the CSW 2.5 to the CSL DD, is the extra detail worth it given they have the same strength (with boost pack)? Cheers Andy
![The Fanatec CSL DD Is NOT What You Thought [FULL REVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hvc6wifmp0A/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Fanatec CSL DD Is NOT What You Thought [FULL REVIEW]](/img/tr.png)
![Testing The New Fanatec CSL DD Direct Drive Wheel [First Look]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gUEJUdssUk0/mqdefault.jpg)
Congrats on 50k mate!
Thank you Will 😁
@@davecamyt csl dd give away?
@@hmangaming4799 nice try haha
Congrats on 50k, Dave. Nice job shooting the intro with the counter in the sweet spot!
Congrats on 50,000. That's a lot of us following you!
I can only dream of having one of these wheels. I watch videos just to see the enjoyment they bring to people and go back to my Logitech g29 at the end of every day lol. Great video. Thanks for all you do for the sim racing world.
Update, I saved like crazy and within 4 weeks I got to purchase my own Fanatec setup. Was suppose to ship out on the 19th but due to China being on lock down, I have to wait until May 12th for it to arrive to Fanatec.
@@kevinpowell6801 I was going to tell you, switch to the T300 😅
@@THESHADOW97139 do you believe the T300 is better than the CSL DD?
@@kevinpowell6801 Of course not !!!
Comparaison is impossible .
But fanatec's dd has some problems since its release...
@@THESHADOW97139 yeah a lot of the problems I have seen is the quick realize life breaking, The c clamp not being rotated in the proper positing and not greasing the shaft(that sounded wrong) haha
It's never ending this sim racing lark.
Now I've ordered the CSL DD I will need to upgrade my rig.
Wish me luck getting that past the Mrs!
Very informative and useful video Dave.
Good luck mate! i managed to sneak a CSL elite for two weeks replacing a T150. was only when she walked in and seen the rev lights flashing she noticed! Pedals are a bit easier to get away with!
hey Dave. The default setting for Dynamic damping in ACC is supposed to be 100% actually and road effects is actually meant to add amplificated or "fake" road effects. so 0% is natural and everything more than that is amplificated. It's a useful setting for lower end bases that are too weak to process the natural road textures etc. but for stronger ones this setting should be closer to 0%. That's probably why you felt much more "feedback" in ACC than in iracing
Exactly what I came to say lol
Csl elite to CsSL DD PRO for PS5!!! March is too far!!!! Glad for all those who got it “Early”! I am Fanatec For Life!!!Great Video!!!
50K and racing towards 100K. Well done Dave!!
I was one of many who made the pre-order move, so anxiously awaiting its arrival. You just made me more confident with my decision to go with the 8K boost power.
I ordered a Simagic Alpha mini and I am waiting for it to arrive. After your comments about the DD, I am starting to think I made the correct choice.
Congrats on the 50K!! You really deserve it.
That Alpha mini is a way better choice
Yeah but the price isn’t even comparable...
Congrats on the milestone dave, well deserved, genuine passion for our hobby and valued part of the community.
Thank you for doing feedback on different simulators instead of a general review!
From 26mins and 20 secs. With the Boost pack in Raceroom, you set the linearity to 50%. The recommendation - when using >5nm - is 100% So you probably lost some of the dynamic range of the detail with the (over)compressed signal. But nice guide Dave. Thanks.
Yep, saw that as well 😊
50K Congrats Dave, Great video
What a superb review!
I will be coming from the CSW 2.5 which is already a bloody good wheel. I really like that you are using it in this setup with the mclaren wheel, since i will be running it the exact same way. I actually love it that you are comparing it to the dd1, gives us insight how close it really is to a much more expensive wheel.
As im running the CSW on 60% in acc, this should probs be adequote, even with some headroom in mind :)
my main gaim is acc on a v2.5 with a mclaren and at 60 aswell and i am so curious
@@kennymartinez774 How funny, just got my shipping confirm for this bad BWOY
@@Bob-huisbaas i passed on first wave ,second and third ,ordered today at lunch with boost pack .waiting on date now
Great to see your approach to it. And I'm glad i preordered 8nm version :)
Pre-ordered my CSL DD as I'm already well into the Fanatec ecosystem with a CSL Elite base and 3 different wheels and the CSL pedals with loadcell. I'm very excited to get my hands on this and get back on track to see if it makes any difference, in both performance and enjoyment of the sims. Good stuff as always Dave!
My first exposure to fanatec I’ve been a fan for years and had to pull the trigger, I’m coming from the g920. Honestly can’t wait!
@@br4nd0n79 Fanatec make great stuff! I'm sure you'll enjoy the new gear.
I bought the standard 5 Nm and lately got a 300W variable PSU to get the 8 Nm and the difference is massive! I recommend everybody to buy this with the180W PSU, it is ridiculously better.
Is it possible to use your own psu?
@@joshuadelellis852 You can kook for others PSU and adapt them , since it connects with a 4pin connector.
I got mine from a electric engineer I know for 40€, but it is always ideal to use the official gear just in case.
@@joshuadelellis852 this voids the warranty unfortunately
Congrats mate 50k woho
Hey Dave! Love the commentary and love the review. Can't wait to try my bundle out I got for GT7. First buy for a SIM rig!
Using a g29 at the moment, can't wait to get my hands on this. Top review @davecam straight forward. Congrats on the 50k subs 😎
As a G29 user, hearing that even the basic DD model has double the torque I'm used to is very exciting. Old Pro Dave over there isn't impressed, but ordinary plebs like us I think will be well catered for.
@@goodlookinouthomie1757 I went with the big power pack. 😁
great review. lots of effort to put this together. thanks!
Thanks for the honest review Dave. I'm considering upgrading my TSPC to the CSL DD. I just tried to click your link to help you out but get an error that it no longer exists!!
Congrats on 50k!
Great video Dave👍👏 Looks like I made the right decision, with this CSL DD, plus 8nm power pack. That’s some savvy business planning, from Fanatec; to make DD affordable, for a large swath of sim racers; game changer for sure.
Think I will go for this then. I do a lot of track days, which is very expensive - this will be my first wheel base.
congrats to the 50k milestone💪
I was undecided between this and the alpha mini ... and i chose the VRS ... very happy with my decision (the wallet a little less)!
anyway, thanks for your considerations .. congratulations on the 50k sub!
Congrats on 50k
Thanks Andy 😁
Thanks for your perspective have one on the way :D Good to see you on the Charlotte Practice session tonight, don't usually see anyone being in Aussie time.
congrats on 50k dave
I'm setting up interviews with a wide range of sim racers, not sure if you would be interested or have time but let me know. I have a set of general questions I am including in each interview and obviously whatever organic conversation that happens is very welcome. Either way, happy Sim-racing! :)
Depends when it is Douglas. Send me a DM somewhere and we'll try and sort something 👍
You will love it. My 35" curved monitor is due tonight, CSL DD with the boost kit and club sport V2 will be here late September, can't wait to add them to my DOF H3.
Coming from 3- 27" curved curved monitors and a G29. Big jump but it's my gift to myself for turning 65.
Coming from a T300, this is my next purchase for sure. It's still going to take me some time to put the money together since I'll need a wheel rim too, but this is definitely looking better and better every time I see it reviewed. Nice job hitting 50k. I feel like just last year you were around 15-19k. Great growth. I hope it gets better and better.
Please tell me you've bought or are planning to get the 8nm! That 5nm isn't enough
@@christopheroconnor4665 I guess it depends. I’m moving from a T300 so even the 5nm would be an upgrade. I would need to get a wheel rim too so realistically it’ll be around a $550 investment without the boost kit.
@@gdoumit Trust me. Spend a bit more get a LOT more. 5nm peak torque
vs 8.8nm for the boost kit. The 5nm is just not enough man. Watch Ermin Hamidovic and Random Callsigns reviews on it
Did you upgrade ?
Thanks once again Dave!
Good disclaimer at the beginning!
50K Subbies!! i remeber you using the csw 2.5 and couple of thousand subs . Well Done Dave !!! you earned it
It's crazy really. 3 weeks ago I wanted to get back to sim racing and just driving in general (AC mod maps and ets2.) I was about to click buy g29. Then the Fanatec CSL went on sale.
I had to buy it.
No regrets.
Although I definitely feel like it is a proper 8nm Wheelbase.
The 5nm is good for starters as you save money
But 8nm is where its at!
Another great video mate. So many other videos go into specific specs and build etc. Which is fine but great just to have a video that gets to the point. What's it like to sim on. Cheers mate!
I LIKE THIS GUY
YOU KNOW
just the video i needed, investing very soon :D
Great video. I've been on the fence about switching for quite a while now. I think the CSL DD has me sold on it. My TM setup has served me pretty well, can't really knock it for what it is, but I've been wanting more detail for a bit now.
There will be a thrustmaster DD base system u do not need to change ur eco system
@@legi0n3r source?
Damn! I wish you _were_ a gear reviewer. Useful info here, not just opinion or unexplained prejudice.
Great video Dave !
Thanks again Dave. This was a very useful review to show the difference in how the CSL DD does with 3 different sims. I'm glad ACC came out on top out of the 3, as ACC and AM2 are the only sims I own. Would be nice to hear your thoughts how it does in AM2 with boost kit and without.
How fast did you bolt the DD1 back onto your rig???
This is exactly the type of perspective I've been waiting to see. I'll be moving to the CSL DD from the CSL Elite when they make a PlayStation compatible version. I know the nm are similar but I'm really looking forward to the detail that a DD provides over belt driven. Thanks for the insight Dave and congrats on 50k...
Had the same thoughts but feel like it'll be a very small upgrade but rather expensive. If I'm upgrading it'll be to a podium DD wheel.
@@KinGzeDK Actually if you are already in the Fanatec eco system with the CSL Elite this DD wheelbase with the 8nm boost kit for only $480 U.S. is absolutely a deal and great upgrade as you are moving into the fidelity offered by the DD system and the DD1 upgrade will run you $1199 U.S.
At a $720 lower price point than the DD1 the CSL DD is an awesome way to move into DD territory!
Remember that if you are already in the Fanatec eco system the $350-$480 depending on version will be the total cost for the upgrade to DD!
I just got the "order moved to warehouse processing and will be shipping soon" e-mail from Fanatec on my wave one 8nm CSL DD preorder.
@@billwiley7216good advice, I'd think it would be a no brainer to upgrade to CSL DD from a CSL Elite seeing how the resale value of the Elite is very close to the cost of the CSL DD base version. After selling the Elite base it would pay for the CSL DD base, and then if you wanted to buy the 8nm boost kit it would be $130 on top of that, and you'd gain Direct Drive and +3 nm compared to the Elite. My CSL DD arrives tomorrow 08/18/21, I'm in SoCal and Fanatec ships from there. Can't wait to get it on my GT1-EVO. I got the McLaren GT3 V2 and the CSL Pedals to try out with it.
This will be perfect especially for people like me who are going up from a G29. And then use the boost late tomorrow if it’s really needed.
Nice one Dave! As always ;-)
Good and complete review Dave, now I need to start a crowfunding to update my poor g27 ;-). Cheers from Barcelona.
Why did you use the FFB linearity on 50% in Raceroom, when the recommendation is 100% for wheelbases over 5 Nm? Doesn't that flatten out the force feedback and you lose the little extra details you get with a DD wheel? Good informative video anyway. I'm waiting for my pre-ordered 8Nm CSL DD to arrive so I can update from my CSL Elite wheelbase.
I had pre ordered just DD without the 8nm power pack, guess I'll go order one now
@@kamran2035 Indeed surprises me nobody is really talking about that haha
Having looked at the CSL DD as a replacement for my Thrustmaster TMX, it's good to know that the 180 power pack is the better option, it is however a shame there is no bundle option ( wheel & base) as the £450 soon becomes twice as much when adding a wheel ( unless you take the McLaren option @ £199) but if you prefer GT3 or formula 1 or other open wheels that use that style of wheel it's looking like a pretty good option all round, £450 + £199 = £650 and for what appears to be a pretty good economy upgrade, the real problem is that the resale of your old wheel is going to be much harder now that a good DD wheel base has entered at the mid price range.
Hey, i thought i'd share some of my thoughts.
I currently have a G27, and idk about the TMX but my G27 is not that great force feedback wise. It mostly just vibrates and rattles but it's pretty weak (2.3NM). All of these reviewers come from higher budget wheels (DD1, DD2), proper rigs, etc. It's pretty logical for them to say the 5NM "Isn't enough", but i think that really depends where you come from.
So i think it really depends on perspective. I'm personally gonna wait for reviews of G27 users who upgrade to the 5NM CSL DD, that's gonna put more accurate review for people like me. Plus, i don't know how well the table clamp holds up with the 8NM version.
@@neutraliz3246 good point, not all of us can desk mount or having top of the line cockpits
Pretty much what the other "tubers" are saying. I currently have the CSL Elite 1.1 and have been very happy with it. The strength feels fine to me as it's the only FFB wheelbase i've experienced, but i know if i had a DD1 i would probably only use half the strength or less. Due to this when considering the CSL DD I was initially thinking I could get away with the 5 Nm, and upgrade later if I felt I wanted/needed to. That said, the fidelity and feel seems much greater with the 8 Nm, according to yourself and others. Therefore I surmise my decision to order the "Big Baby DD" the other night was a correct decision. Thanks for making me feel content about my purchase. Now just 3 months to wait!!! Great vid as always young man!! 😁😁
Coming from an old DFGT .. I think it's gonna be good enough ^^!
Thank you for this review !
I had one of those for 10 years. It's good for what it is but you're gonna love the upgrade!
Sounds like they should've made the base force 8NM and just made the wheel $50 more expensive.
Top sim racers want fidelty not force
@@Dibbdroid more power means more dynamic range means more fidelity. 5nm isn’t remotely enough power to emulate a real car in the slightest.
@@gulfcoaster210 Top sim racers want fidelty not force
@@Dibbdroid did u even read my comment?? I mean seriously, just repeating a utter garbage trope from a decade ago isn’t making a point. Most top sim racers exceed the torque capability of the csl dd with the boost kit. More force equals the capacity for more fidelity.
@@gulfcoaster210 most sim racers do the opposite of what you say but your ego knows best, enjoy being with yourself. Hence fidelity etc. When life gets too hard, reach for your keyboard and click away like you're some sort of knowledge god, or in your case another village idiot gone global thanks to the internet
I'm defo thinking about getting 1 only with the boost pack like 👍 great vid and congrats on 50k
You were able to stay on the limit longer with the 8Nm power pack. I’m sold lol
I feel this was marked as a budget wheel but when u add a wheel the pedals and of course the 8nm pack it no longer becomes budget does it ?????
It was never marketed as a budget option. It was always marketed as having a high performance per dollar in the mid-range.
One thing at a time. I'm happy to hack my G29 pedals to keep using them while I spend what I anticipate to be around 600 quid for the DD base and a basic rim. A lot of money for me but at least it's in the realm of what I can stretch to in comparison the the upper range kit.
Load cell pedals will make you faster than the wheelbase will. A used csl elite (after the csl dd is readily available) would be an option to get you a better base and pedals than what you have now.
@@aaronjacobtrent Agreed about the load cell pedals, at least with respect to laptime.
DD wheels do add a lot of immersion, of course.
Dave, Not sure if you ever used the Fanatec 2.5 base , which is what i use. Is it worth it from the 2.5 ? Thanks :)
Yes I had a 2.5. Yes it's much better, even more so with the boost kit.
The force is strong in that one
Great and honest review, Dave! I am seriously debating stepping up from my G29 to this wheelbase. This review is exactly the information I was looking for. I knew to expect a quality product from Fanatec, but how does a sim racer, who does this on a daily basis (AND is used to something like the DD1), feel about this package.
Thank you, congrats on the 50K(!) and as always... looking forward to more content!
Thank you, appreciate it 😁
Dave, in your opinion, is it worth upgrading from a CSL Elite to the CSL DD with power pack? Is there a big difference between the two?
I got mine yesterday and I was excited like a small kid at X-mas time, but after three hours with it I am honestly dissapointed.
It is noticably weaker than my CLS Elite PS/4, even with the boost kit.
If I press FFB test button in the Fanatec configuration software with the CLS ELite, it shakes the wheel so violently that I need two hands to hold it and I am litterally worried it will damage itself. But with the CLS DD I can easily hold the wheel with one hand when set to 100%. It feels like 50% of the CLS Elite.
As for driving it the CLS DD feels slightly more precise and refined, but the overall feeling does not in any way impress me. Only thing is the absence of the FFB deadzone on the CLS Elite near the top position. That's nice. But on the other hand I get so much more power from the Elite that I litteraly have to fight the wheel when set to max FFB.
I'll give anothe try today but if I cant get more power out of it, it's going back.
You sure you have the boost kit?
What did you end up doing?
I race on PC and PlayStation so I'm on this as soon as the PS version is available.
What quick release are you using? I saw somewhere that the plastic quick release that comes with the Mclaren wheel has a built-in button that reduces force feedback when installed. Swapping it out to a metal one will unlock its full potential. With that in mind, was this review done at pull force feedback?
Will arrive tomorrow but can only get back home Friday 🤦♂️ hyped af
Congrats on 50k mate l;)
Thank you 😁
Would you think that iRacings force feedback may have more strength with irFFB?
Dave was using iRacing's suggested auto force feedback strength. You can of course set it manually higher than that if you choose. I use iRFFB but it makes no difference to strength - it is all about getting a better/different feel than iRacing's own FFB.
Great video Evad. The million $$ question that I and probably many other sim racers contemplate, is what would the actual car that has been selected truly feel like if we were driving on the selected track and conditions. And what would that equate to in terms of NM's and other misc FFB settings on a DD wheel. I would guess that very high NM FFB settings (15+ MN) could be unrealistic as compared to the real experience in most modern race cars, especially at speed. But since the vast majority of sim racers, myself included will never get behind the wheel of a track car on a track, we should then adjust our wheel bases to the immersion settings that gives us the perceived "feel" that we want or think the real car would be. My $ is on the CSL DD 8 NM. As in many devices "headroom" or lack of it can make or break the desired experience. Peace
Great vid mate!
I'm not sure, but did you set the max force in the FFB settings to 5 and 8 Nm respectively? you won't get the max force otherwise!
Yes mate I did 👍
@@davecamyt Awsome job mate!
Well done on 50K Dave. Well deserved.
I'm going from G920 to 5nm - I'm sure it will be an substantial change but by all accounts not as profound as the 8nm. Oh, well - lets see.
You'll be happy I promise 😁
I'm gonna upgrade to the 5nm as well from a G27, i think it would be night and day but let me know :D
@@davecamyt And I am so happy!!
how is the 5nm, ive been thinking about getting it
@@jxc7343 It is great - I have it set at 60% in game as it is still too strong for me but I'm 70 yrs old and don't have a lot of upper arm strength. 😮
At 4:44 the FFB strength is set to 57Nm, but the DD1 only goes to 8Nm max with the boost back, and 5Nm without. So what's that about?
So that wobble you get at 5:14, that wouldn't happen in a real car, it would just centre itself. So how do you fix that?
The wobble is the forces that you feel through the wheel. That doesn't happen when you're holding the rim. The FFB strength works the opposite way, so the higher the number the lower 👍
Another review that says the 5NM isn't enough. Glad I went 8NM! Can't wait for mine next month
Same here looking forward to getting mine and putting the G29 back in its box 😀
Well pretty much all reviewers come from a DD1 or DD2 etc. None of them come from a G27 or a Trustmaster TMX. I have a G27 and it has like 2.3NM. For me the 5NM would be more than enough. But of course, if you currently have a CSL Elite or a DD1 then the 5NM makes no sense.
Most reviewers forget to mention that they're used to very high quality wheels. I'm still waiting for a review of someone coming from the G27/G29.
I've had a G29 and the upgrade would be immense 👍
@@neutraliz3246 CSL elite here which is 5-6nm, on a wheelstand so I thought sticking with 5nm woild be the safest option. Hopefully updated drivers will help with the lack of weight. Also let's not forget the elephant in the room here which is that you are paying 130 bucks for what is in my case the exact same power brick I already own. Something which should value 30 or 40 bucks. Fanatec is thus making all their profit by charging you 100 more just for a modified PSU :D
@@misterdog7 Yes i agree
No battle needed of iRacing vs acc, but, the 488, is also the most numb car in iracing for testing feedback. This is a great entry level dd as dd's are very pricy kits.
The same thing I was thinking . The 488 GT3 con IRACING Is almost the worst car in terms of ffb
Try the Nextgen Nascar lol
I still use a g27. so I have pre ordered this. new pedals, gear stick. so I should see a massive difference now.
Yes I have a G29. Dave isn't blown away by the FFB strength even of the basic pack but it's 5nm whereas the G29/27 is 2.5 so double what we're used to. And at that rate I don't even use full strength on my wheel because I'm afraid of the gears and belts breaking! As I'm sure you know the Logitech wheel can sound as if it's rattling itself to pieces sometimes. Which is not even possible on a DD wheel.
@@goodlookinouthomie1757 I ordered the boost pack so 8nm should be a big improvement.
Hi Dave, thx for the review! I was wondering what FFB damper mode do you suggest in iRacing app.ini please? Thx
Coming from a g29 do you think the 5nm pack would be enough? I want a little bit of weight to the wheel but I don’t want to spend the extra money for the 8nm pack. At least not right away
For comparison your g29 has 2.1Nm so it is over double the power
Cool to see how it looks on the RSR-21.
Could you do this again on acc with the fanatec recommended settings? And show the clipping? I find the ff to be super week on acc and have to have it at 80% or there’s too much clipping.
Good review Dave, thanks a lot. I’m looking to upgrade from the G29 and pedals. What load cell pedals would you recommend? Cheers.
Preordered it today with WRC wheel and thé new pedal (waiting for thé load cell test). Mounted on a GT omega apex. I will see what it does as an upgrade from my G27.
I want to start in this world of sim racing, as a sim racer do you recommend this base? Obviously I will go for the 8NM version but is this enough? I mean the difference between this and the DD1 and DD2 is justified for the extra money that you need to spend? Thanks for your video, really helpful!
Just wondering... How do sim racers know how much force feedback is the right amount for cars they have never been in? Everyone seems to think that the most power is the best but I wonder if that is actually true... genuinely asking out of curiosity
I just go off how cars feel that I've actually driven. I'm old enough to remember my old MK2 escort which had no powered steering. Race cars though I wouldn't have a clue 😁
Just skipped through a bit. Why would you put linearity in R3E to 50 in high power mode? Low linearity is for the weakest FFB wheels, amplifying the low range forces. For 5nm+ wheels the recommended setting is at 100.
I tried it and it didn't feel much different tbh
Yeah Dave got that bit the wrong way around when he was setting it.
Tried it both ways, didn't really make a great deal of difference 👍
I can believe that Dave, I can't really get R3E to feel how I want it to. It's a great video anyway Dave. Very helpful and I watched it from Start to finish too without any skipping!
Dave please answer. Why don't you use IRFFB. Want to know your answer I'm afraid it will break my t300
I'm not keen on the effect it has on the ffb. Feels too artificial to me
Thanks for the feedback back I like it but the last time I used it my t300 burnt up. Had to by a new base. Going to give it another go when I get my csl dd in November.
Thanks Dave, I'm happy to have preorder the 8nm version. Is the 8nm power enough for your Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R with module button endurance?
Yes it's perfectly fine 😁
@@davecamyt Good to know thanks because it's a heavy one!
Awesome review... I'm on Xbox SX but still looking for a wheel.
Zolder looks quite a bit different to ACC on Xbox though 🤔
Hi Dave thanks for the review. Any guesses on performance gain over belt driven wheel? Would it improve lap times?
You can feel much more than a belt driven wheel, so over time I'd say you'd be much more consistent 👍
Hey Dave,
is it worth switching from Thrustmaster TS-XW to the CSL DD 5nm (will upgrade later to 8nm)?
I'd say an upgrade from any belt driven wheel to the CSL DD would be worth it. The extra detail alone is a huge leap.
@@davecamyt thank you so much for the quick response
Have a nice day
You're welcome buddy. You too 👍
If you buy it, buy it with the 8Nm power pack for sure - Fanatec will be happy with this review 😎
I’m not sure after factoring in the 8Nm and a rim it’s not worth saving up for a few more months and picking up a DD1, which you may end up doing after a couple of years anyhow?
You would also need a wheel with the podium so that cost remains equal regardless of the base you choose. The dd1 is still $5-600 more expensive than the 8nm csl dd.
VRS has double the NM at the same price and no doubt better quality in production , as per the sim garage's review shows if you bother to look
Same price as what?
can wait to buy it been using the g29 sense it came out im at a point that i feel i cant get any faster with it.... going to upgrade the pedals firts because the g29 pedals are a huge limit for me.
T500 is a belt drive isn’t it? There must be a difference, no slack due to no belt? I’m just guessing. Currently I see this as my upgrade path from g29. Can you use g29 pedals?
I have my G29 pedals connected to a Bodnar USB cable, which turns them in to a separate peripheral. You can do the same with the 6-speed shifter if you have one.
I'm surprised you didn't say you'd prefer it to your DD1. Some of the other youtubers out there have ditched their DD1's (or so they say), in favor of this. Would you say there is actually some possibility of switching over from the DD1, to this for good ? Maybe after some extensive testing ?
No, although the CSL DD is superb with the boost pack, I prefer the higher forces on my DD1 👍
@@davecamyt Good to know Dave !
Thanks and Can you help with this,...... I want to buy a button box that you show in your channel (the custom sim engineering) for dd1.
Can you check please if it can added to csl DD and don't disturb for the (on/off) button. Because I want to order it but I'm not sure if it compatible or not. Thanks for the videos
You can order left or right side. I'd go for the left to make sure. I think it would be covered on the right 👍
Yes the problem is I like the right side, but the problem is the (on/off) button. I contact with the web site and they will make a new model for CSL DD in chistmas time, maybe is better wait until new model is coming. Thanks a lot Dave and congrats for 50k very nice and very high quality content in your channel.
On the minimum FFB in RaceRoom it said > 5nm 0% and you went to 4% maybe why it felt a bit numb initially?
I tried it will all different kinds of settings in RaceRoom, felt very similar
What are your thoughts on full motion like the DOF H3
I've never tried motion. Hopefully I'll get to try one at the sim racing expo next month 👍
orderd the csl dd and mclaren gt3 wheel from your link so will help you out a little also got a better price for myself that way
Thank you, really appreciate it. You'll love it 😁
Great review Dave, So thanks heaps. One query though mate, would you recommend upgrading from the CSW 2.5 to the CSL DD, is the extra detail worth it given they have the same strength (with boost pack)? Cheers Andy
Yes I've had a 2.5 and the CSL DD is an upgrade for sure. The extra detail with a DD wheel is worth it imo 👍
@@davecamyt Thanks Dave I really appreciate your reply. I now have my order in, unfortunately in Australia the wait for stock is 3 months 😔