2024 Sim Wheelbase Guide - Whether You're Racing or Drifting, This One is For You

Are you thinking about building your first sim racing or sim drifting rig? Or are you thinking about upgrading an existing one? Well, there are a ton of options on the market from lower priced setups like the Logitech G29, to higher priced setups like the Simagic Alpha Mini. Having owned both, plus the Thrustmaster T300, I decided to give a detailed breakdown on the considerations when buying a wheelbase to hopefully help make your decision easier.

Where my last video focused more higher level on your complete sim racing setup, this one digs deeper into wheelbases which is probably the biggest decision you'll have to make. Do you buy lower end to save money, or is it worth spending money on something high end? Whether your drifting, racing, or both, this video should should help get you pointed in the right direction. To note, I also talk about the Fanatec CSL DD, Moza R5, and Moza R9.

Topics in this video:
0:00 Intro
0:38 Breakdown on the difference between Gear, Belt, and Direct Drive
1:09 Price - Including Fanatec CSL DD, Moza R3, Thrustmaster T300, and more
2:27 Build Quality - Differences in quality between gear, belt, and Direct Drive wheelbases
3:42 Driving Experience - Why you should stop buying the Logitech G29
4:47 Driving Experience - Is Direct Drive that much better than gear or belt?
6:02 Conclusion - Is the Thrustmaster T300 still worth it, and should you buy direct drive?
7:39 Conclusion - Flow chart to help you decide which sim racing wheel to buy

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[akillutes]

I just upgraded from a G923 to a G Pro DD wheel. I’m going to be eating ramen for the month but it’s totally worth it

[wagonet]

upgraded from a g27 to a moza r5 and i love it, drifting is fantastic. feels so real.

[tastemysnake]

Hey that's me at 4:06 sliding with 120hp, trying to keep up! That clip is a perfect example of what you were talking about. Love your content homie 🫶🤙

[minsk]

I just upgraded from t150 to t300 and it feels really good imo. I was planning to get a full fanatec setup, but the t300 was on sale for 250€ so i gave it a try and decided to keep it untill dd wheels get more affordable

[huvixy]

I just bought a used t300 with the trustmaster shifter and a playseat for 300$. if you get a good used deal for a t300, its 100% worth it. especaly if you are getting started, and its your first wheel.

[tofuguru]

I upgraded from an IBM Model M Keyboard running Microsoft MS DOS 6.22 and playing Test Drive 2... to a Logitech G Pro Racing DD Wheel to play Assetto Corsa...

I can't believe I waited this long.

[Xn]

ive been running a t300 for a long time now and one of the most frustrating things is having purposely dampen your transitions so that the wheel will keep up. that being said it helped me to learn how to drift much better than the t150 i started on. if i was going to upgrade i honestly have no idea what DD wheel to buy

[StratoPL]

Ive started with T150 some 2 years ago, now I think its the time to move to Fanatec DD especailly you get the set for 500$

[Eyelash]

If you are a PC sim race player, this video makes sense. Fanatec CLS DD is just £150 to £200 difference comparing to T300 rs GT (not counting the extra pedal you may need to buy for the first wheel). But if you are a PS5 player, forget it.

If you are not yet certain sim racing is for you, get a T300 rs GT since is HALF the price. And I have heard more accounts of the wheel from the Fanatec CLS DD coming off/breaking than the T300 rs GT.

Sim racing is not cheap. So, do not invest heavily before being sure this hobby is for you.

[jonde_o]

Solid video 👍🏻

I agree that if you want to do simracing I would consider G29 only if it’s a clear budget choice. It’s a decent choice not a great choice when it comes to simracing/drifting.

But if you play lot of ETS2/ATS/other trucking games…..Then G29 is a really solid option, it haves all you need for that and one thing most wheelbases lack and that is lot of buttons. G29 is also very commonly modded and as thus it haves plenty of modifications kits on sale. I have seen bunch of trucking rigs having a G29 as wheelbase my current rig included.

But if one would want to have Scania or other real truck steering wheel on the rig I would recommend going for a DD wheelbase as heavier steering wheels can mess up gear wheels or belt driven ones.

Same goes for sim/drifting rigs too so mind that if you want to replace steering wheels with IRL stuff.

[eshiithefennec]

The biggest issue i still have with DD is game compatibly. t300, ive not had any issues playing anything that supported wheels.

[joebloe]

I just bought a thrustmaster TX for 110$. I think it's worth it 😂 can't find a direct drive anywhere close to that price 😅

[NorthernUnion]

I've gone for the Cammus C12, just waiting for it to arrive. Also, AMS2 is my go-to Sim.

[wildwolf_G]

in my case I really wanted to buy a Thrustmaster T300 RS GT but for some reason in my country it was like 400euros and in the other hand you could buy for 524 euros (including 24%taxes and 50+euro shipping costs) Fanatec CSL DD 5nm, CSL Pedals, CSL Pedals Clutch Kit, CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2, CSL DD Table Clamp.

[chec]

Couldn't agree more with what's been said about the G29, while it may be decent for normal racing i refunded mine after a week because i found it to be way too sluggish and came back to keyboard with mouse steering. Now i'm looking at picking up a t300rs somewhen next year.

[mpresto]

I wish i went alpha mini from clubsport v2.5. I went csl dd and the only difference was the smoother feeling.

[yelnatsu]

im a beginner drifter with a g29. thru patience & practice i can get *some* good entries in & link them so id say im enjoying my time.
but one thing bugs me...after every session i look like i got thru a workout bc i have to throw the wheel 😂 so i was thinking of either a t300 or cammus c5 as the next step in a year or two

[OnEyeLevel]

I bought a second-hand G27 g yesterday and today I see this video 😢

[justinelliott]

I tried drifting with the g29 and it is terrible. Can you do it? Yes, but its gonna suck. Like he said, you will be assisting the wheel and the self steer is too slow.

[tohmastom]

Is a t300 base with the Ferrari 488 gt3 wheel and the sparrow p310 wheel and Thrustmaster tlcm a good deal for $500? Two wheels, a base and pedals for $500? A brand new t300 with cheap pedals and a wheel costs $450