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Both Simucube 2 Pro and Fanatec Podium DD2 are direct-drive behemoths, sporting identical 25Nm of torque. They're tied in terms of drive type and compatibility, with PC being the common ground (Fanatec also caters to Xbox). The only difference is that Fanatec offers a slightly more premium compatibility package. On paper, it's a dead heat.
I've seen users report quality control issues with Fanatec products. I'm talking CS and QC problems that are either extremely rare or ridiculously common – take your pick. The big problem here is the lack of consistency in their builds. Some owners have reported complete failure of their units after a couple of years, with no warning signs other than a simple refusal to power on. And don't even get me started on dealing with Fanatec's support – it's like trying to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare.
Users are reporting that the build quality is hit-or-miss, and I'm inclined to believe them. One user had their unit replaced under warranty after sending in a video of a noticeable coil whine, but that's not exactly reassuring. And what about those 'extremely rare' issues? I've got news for you – when enough people are reporting the same problem, it's no longer rare.
The Simucube 2 Pro, on the other hand, has been mostly trouble-free for its users. Of course, that might be because I'm a bit biased towards products that don't seem to have an identity crisis with their build quality. Still, it's hard to ignore the fact that Fanatec seems to have more... let's call them 'growing pains'.
For the average user who just wants a plug-and-play experience without any hassle, I'd recommend the Simucube 2 Pro. It's a solid choice for those who don't want to deal with the headaches that come with owning a Fanatec product.
If you're looking for a premium experience and are willing to take on the risk of potential quality control issues, then the Fanatec Podium DD2 might be your cup of tea. Just don't say I didn't warn you.