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.
At first glance, both wheels seem comparable in terms of drive type and compatibility. The Fanatec Podium DD2 boasts a higher torque rating (25Nm) compared to the Cammus C5 Direct Drive's 5Nm. However, it's worth noting that the lower-torque Cammus still offers PC-only support, which might be appealing to those who don't need Xbox compatibility.
I've seen users report a plethora of issues with the Cammus C5 Direct Drive. One major concern is the reliability of the pedals – users claim they break easily and require replacement. I can attest to the fact that dealing with customer support has been an exercise in frustration, with some even receiving PCB boards as replacements for faulty pedals. It's as if the brand expects customers to troubleshoot issues themselves, only to be left hanging when it comes time to resolve them. And don't even get me started on the rotary buttons – users have reported inconsistent behavior and a general lack of refinement in their functionality.
On the other hand, I've witnessed some users experiencing problems with the Fanatec Podium DD2's hardware as well. While not as catastrophic as the Cammus issues, they do require attention from the manufacturer to resolve. However, I must admit that Fanatec's support, although sometimes slow to respond, has been more effective in resolving these issues than the Cammus team.
For a premium price point, I'd expect both wheels to deliver on their promises without major caveats. Unfortunately, the Cammus C5 Direct Drive falls short due to its reliability concerns and subpar customer support. If you're looking for an affordable option with decent performance, the lower-torque Cammus might be worth considering – but don't say I didn't warn you.
That being said, in a scenario where Xbox compatibility isn't crucial, I'd recommend the Fanatec Podium DD2 for its higher torque rating and more robust hardware. Just be prepared to deal with some bureaucratic red tape when it comes to resolving any issues that may arise.