Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Moza Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, Driver Labs earns from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, Driver Labs earns from qualifying purchases.
On paper, both wheels seem to be in a league of their own. The Fanatec GT DD Pro boasts an 8Nm torque output, while the Podium DD1 takes it up a notch with a whopping 20Nm. That's a significant difference, but does it translate to real-world performance?
I've seen users rave about the GT DD Pro, citing its ability to add more detail and fidelity to their sim racing experience. But, as with any high-performance hardware, there are caveats. I've been told that upgrading from 5Nm to 8Nm makes a noticeable difference, but it's not just about brute force – it's about the nuances of simulation feedback (FFB). Users have reported issues with the wheel requiring more turns than expected in certain games, which can be frustrating. Some have even had to deal with a replacement power supply unit (PSU) from Fanatec, although this seems to be a rare occurrence.
The big problem here is that these issues can be maddeningly intermittent. One minute your wheel is working fine; the next, it's acting up and requiring you to restart or adjust settings. And don't even get me started on the RMA process – it sounds like a nightmare. Users have shared their experiences with firmware problems, which have been largely resolved in newer drivers, but the whole ordeal can be a pain.
One user even built their own 8Nm power brick and reported no issues whatsoever, which raises questions about Fanatec's manufacturing process. It seems like there are some quality control issues at play here. And let's not forget the premium price point of these wheels – if you're paying top dollar for a product that might have reliability concerns, it's hard to justify.
So, who gets my money? In this scenario, I'd recommend going with the GT DD Pro. While it may not offer the same level of torque as its more expensive counterpart, users report a significant difference in terms of detail and fidelity. Plus, at least one user has successfully built their own 8Nm power brick, which suggests that there's still value to be had even at this lower price point. If you're on a budget or just starting out with sim racing, the GT DD Pro is the better choice – but if you're willing to splurge and want the absolute best, the Podium DD1 might be worth considering.