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At first glance, both wheels appear to be direct drive wonders. They're comparable in terms of torque and drive type. However, the Fanatec Podium DD1 stands out with its PC/Xbox/PS5 compatibility, whereas the Cammus C5 Direct Drive is limited to PC only. In this aspect, the Fanatec takes a slight lead.
I've seen the Cammus C5 Direct Drive struggle with reliability. Users are reporting issues with the pedals breaking and becoming expensive paperweights after firmware updates. The customer support is abysmal, making it difficult to get help even when buying directly from their website. The shipping process is also a nightmare, with excessive wait times and lack of tracking information. I've heard stories of users being sent replacement PCB boards for broken pedals, but that's not exactly what you want when your Sim Racing gear is on the fritz. And don't even get me started on the shifter pedals – they break at some point, so you'll need to invest in separate ones. The wheel itself isn't bad, but only if you stop updating it; otherwise, you're in for a world of hurt. In contrast, I've seen reports of Fanatec's RMA process being smoother than silk. Sure, there are some firmware issues with the Podium wheels, but almost all of those have been resolved in recent updates. The community has reported that the v443 driver has fixed most problems, and the re-write of the Podium wheelbase firmware has added safeguards to prevent future failures. But let's not get too carried away – Fanatec isn't perfect either. I've heard tales of PSU issues with some users, but these have been relatively rare. The real problem here is that you need to be prepared for potential costs if something goes wrong. Still, the reliability and support offered by Fanatec make it a more appealing choice compared to Cammus.
For anyone serious about Sim Racing, I'd recommend shelling out a premium price point for the Fanatec Podium DD1. While it may not be perfect, its reliability and support far surpass those of the Cammus C5 Direct Drive. If you're on a tight budget or just starting out, the Cammus might seem like a more affordable option – but trust me, you don't want to deal with the headaches that come with this product. The Fanatec is good value for money when you consider the long-term costs of repairs and replacements. Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish; invest in a wheel that will last you a while.