CSL DD vs AccuForce - Why I Choose 8Nm Over 13Nm

#simracing #fanatec #accuforce
In this video I'm going to talk about why I choose to use the Fanatec CSL DD or GT DD Pro instead of the more powerful SimXperience AccuForce system.

🕐 CHAPTERS 🕐

0:00 Intro
1:30 Pros of the CSL DD
8:55 Pros of the AccuForce
14:03 Final points / summary

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My rig:

[RaindancerAU]

There are more things to consider than just the raw peak torque of a wheelbase and so many people don't get how important these considerations are, thanks for the video.

[michaelboyce]

Another thing that wasn't mentioned (probably been mentioned by someone else but didn't feel like reading thru all the comments) is being able to change wheelbase settings on-the-fly, for me personally is a massive 'PRO'!

[jackr.]

I have a AF V2 Pro, I take the wheel off when I'm done each session, when I turn it on (switched power bar) I leave the wheel off and let it calibrate then I put the wheel on, saves the cable getting stuck at calibration and ripping the ends off. Agreed, the control box power supply fan is VERY noisy, but since I race in VR, I don't hear it once I have the headset on. :)
A while back (a year or so) the sim commander software came out with a new feature of loading FF profiles from the cloud, this is a amazing feature which made me love my wheel that much more since I hated trying to get the wheel dialed in with the wild amount of settings in the software. I have a bad left shoulder, so I turn down the FF strength a bit but even then, I feel all the little details of any given track or car, I love this wheel! LOL :)

[jonferraez]

I actually prefer the look of the CSL DD but that is mainly due to the shape and overall height/width/depth physical size. I like that the metal fins like a heatsink actually have a practical application that allows it to be a small cube size, and not require any cooling fans (that will eventually need to be replaced).

[OZFROGRACING]

I have wireless Accuforce wheel now. So there's that covered.
Also Simcommander walks all over Fanatec for feel and seat of pants effect. Simcommander is what makes the FFB come alive

[GuntromanCZ]

If you have CSL DD Pro (PS version) and you plug that McLaren rim in it (or any Xbox rim), it will become Xbox Compatible. Because chip for Xbox compatibility is in rim not base. So it makes it one of few wheel bases which is compatible with Xbox, PC and PS. That is why I own it :)

[MattiasHorn]

Switched from a 2012 FANATEC CSR Wheel yesterday to the GT DD Pro and the Clubsport v3 pedals yesterday. This is like a whole new level. CSR Wheel is still fine, event though a bit worn out after almost 10 years. Thanks for the video!

[jonboy]

Hi Mike, love your videos. I've wanted to see this comparo for a while. I have to take issue with you on the title of the video - the Accuforce is 16Nm peak, not 13. 13 is the sustained torque. That makes the Accuforce twice or 100% more powerful than the CSL DD. Pretty misleading, although i'm sure not intentional.
I agree the fan is quite annoying. A replacement inaudible fan from Noctua is about $20 on amazon, and it's about a 5 minute job to swap. Obviously this could in theory be used to void your warranty. I ran mine fanless for a week or so - it barely got warm to the touch.
Replacement 3ft cables are online for about $25 for 3. I ripped out my original cable like you by switching on the wheel when it was already turned. I bought a 3 pack of cables a year ago but haven't needed more than one. I'd rather this than risk the crappy pins of the fanatec breaking and needing a warranty return, what with Fanatec's shipping reputation.
Something that does annoy me about accuforce is that they've taken the user to user support forums offline. They obviously couldn't be bothered with monitoring them. There was a lot of useful info there that just went poof.
Overall there's no way i'd switch the AF for a CSLDD unless there was a significant improvement in the clarify of FF - it sounds like there isn't. The hardware including button box and paddles are rock solid and durable, and the QR is motorsports grade. I think the only thing i'd upgrade to is a simucube. Still waiting on the lottery win!

[jcoulter]

Great video and you just reinforced why I will be buying a Fanatec DD Pro to use in my upgraded rig. The versatility of the Fanatec DD Pro to use with consoles and PC is a great additional feature. God bless and race on 👍😎🏁

[junitoortega]

Hi there. Long time sub here. I bought my Accuforce around 2018 or so but the rest of my gear is Fanatec (Shifter/Handbrake and CSv3 pedals). Lately I've been getting into retro racing games which most of the time only allow 1 usb device to control the game so this is making move to a CSL DD. Don't get me wrong I love the FFB on the Accuforce but the convenience of Fanatec's ecosystem cannot be understated.

[RubberStig]

Hi Mike! Great video - and particularly pertinent for me at the moment! I am currently evaluating switching from my AccuForce Pro V2 to either a Fanatec DD1 or the CSL. At this point the DD1 will probably win as I prefer the wheel selection and the DD1's look. I, like you, do not really chase the peak nm performance - I am more about the detail and the response of the wheel base than it's strength.

A big factor for me, is that almost every game you see these days has sponsorship from Fanatec meaning that support for it's wheels are going to be great straight out of the box for most simulators. This is a big deal for me, as I don't have the time for endless tweaking - I just want to jump in and immerse myself in a fun race whenever I can find the time.
Thanks for the detailed analysis - much appreciated.

[patricstandley]

Love the content. I personally love the look of the CSL DD because it matches my aluminum profile rig (TR160) perfectly. I have been considering upgrading to the DD2 and have the cash, but I honestly don't know if I need more out of a wheel base....Love the CSL DD so far.

[reviewforthetube]

Tbh you would have liked fanatecs dd wheel in genrral from 8 to 20nm. I do also something anout the delivery and the polished cleaner feel.

The cs dd pro feels fantastic and for me the new dd/dd+ feel awesome. I did get the 15nm dd+ and so happy i did. Super controlled super good weight insane center torwue helps me feel grip always feels grounded and wsy less understeeer feeling compared to other bases i use so i always feel like im cornering perfectly. Pretty insane

The csl dd pro 8nm is just a powerful 8nm base.

[timayres]

I always enjoy going on a trip into Mike's brain and hearing his thoughts. Thanks Mike.

[HERMITBOY]

@11:24 I don’t know, I think CSL dd looks very good n’ compact, I like the looks more than the dd podium because aesthetically it fits right in with black aluminum extrusion rigs. To each it’s own though.

[Sitania]

I too have pin bending anxiety on fanatec wheels. Thanks for the video. I'm considering a csl dd, but I'm not sure if I should stay in the fanatec ecosystem, or if 8nm is enough. This hasn't made my decision for me, but it's helped add info to my consideration. So thanks again.

[netlawman]

Great review. Your comments for both wheels are legit. My only hesitation is that the accuforce design is more than three years old. I can only imagine what an accuforce 3 could be. What potential!! While I recognize that there are global supply chain issues, I wish they would lay out a product roadmap. Moreover, it would make me feel better that they had future hardware plans so that I could be comfortable about the long-term prospects for the terrific software.

[jamesleegte]

I’ve had the McLaren V1 for a handful of years, it’s a great rim but I absolutely hated the rocker paddle shifter and I bought paddle shifters from sim racing machines. I find them so much more comfortable and it now has a satisfying click when shifting. The other added bonuses of no more double shifts and having to spray compressed air every week to move dust from the sensors to help prevent double shifts.

[scottee__]

An Ï Agree" video. I use the CSL DD and McLaren wheel too. I have the upgraded quick release on it though. The ugly box doesnt worry me as you cant see it really and it is quiet. It fits much better between a rig and free standing monitor stand.

[Cordoba]

I went with a Simagic Alpha instead of an Alpha Mini because I could afford the extra cost and by going with a little more power I feel like it "future proofs" the wheelbase a little more - and by that I mean as computing power increases and more and more detailed feedback is added to sims, the wheelbase will have room to take advantage of these advances without perhaps one day maxing out. My theory anyway. 😀👍🏁