VRS DirectForce Pro Wheelbase Review - Brilliant Bargain

I overlooked the VRS DFP Wheelbase for quite some time. Due to it's controller box and hefty cabling, I thought it looked unrefined, complex and 'last gen'. I didn't expect much from it, but I gave it a chance to challenge my judgement - I've been wrong before.

It only took an hour of usage to realise that this is a hidden gem - the kit itself is thoroughly resilient and ready for battle, yet the feedback has clarity, strength and speed, but what really has me impressed is the cost.

For £670 (exchange rates vary) in exchange for 20nm of power, this kit is cheaper yet stronger than many 'mainstream' manufacturers wheelbases. The feedback it gives feels like the rawest and purest I've experienced, yet I think I'd bet on this to outlive me.

In this video I'm using a VRS DirectForcePro wheelbase with VRS Hub Adapter (to connect the wheel to the base) and VRS Formula Wheel.

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#iracing #simracing

[dannyleeracing]

Some important points that maybe should have been included:

1. 'Conkers' is an old-timey schoolyard game that used to be played round these parts where you'd smash chestnuts on a piece of string together until one of them broke, the winner would be the one that was still intact. Just google it.

2. 3 Year warranty on the wheelbase AND on the VRS wheel, so whilst it might be somewhat basic, it has a longer warranty than most (and genuinely feels like you won't need it)

[yellowflash]

Great review, as always, Danny! I've had the VRS wheelbase for almost 4 years at this point, and it's been completely rock solid. That's also with near daily use. It was my first DD base, and I dont feel a reason to change!

[Yanmak]

I've had this VRS wheelbase for the past 1.5 years. It has been a great experience so far. No fuss, and don't know where the "complicated" comments come from.
Also, I combine it with gear from different manufacturers. I don't feel locked into a branded eco system.
In general, it is highly recommended.

[FilthyCasualRacing]

So those cannon plug style connectors and heavy duty DIN connectors are what we use in the defense industry. We use them for a reason. They are bomb proof, and I mean that almost quite literally. You won't find a stouter connector.

[chrismccombes]

I've had my VRS DFP & pedals for just over 2 years now. Reliability and performance been rock solid. I'm one of those mentioned who prefers the thick cables and segregated components. With decent cable management it compliments the alluminium profile frame to produce a no nonsense industrial aesthetic. It makes similarly priced wheel bases appear like toys. I love it.

[mementomori]

I have been using mine for 8 months now, basically every day and I hadn't had any real problems with it whatsoever. The two things I've noticed is that the wheelbase will receive some kind of signal when the PC is turned off, but the control module is still on. When it's very quiet in the room you will hear a silent tick coming from the motor, like from a clock on the wall or something. Nothing to worry about though and it reminds me to turn the module off when the PC is not running, which is actually a good thing. Another thing is that my PC will not boot if the control module is turned on before I start the PC. Turning the module on after starting the PC solves that issue. I must add though that I haven't heard anybody else having had this "bug". Other than that, the base works flawlessly and preforms grate. One more thing, because I heard it being mentioned from people who don't own the base and obviously just like to bash on it because of it's looks (which is completely subjective) There is no sound whatsoever coming from the control module or the motor when the base is running.

[V-Racing]

Petition to make Danny fix his cable management 😂😂😂 12:37

[Arthur-Tromp]

Personally I'm very happy with my Moza gear, but good to see that the choice in Direct Drive gear is growing and growing since it keeps all manufacturers sharp.

[chrisracing]

Bought my VRS Wheelbase 3 years ago, I just love this rock solid beast. It is absolutely high industrial quality and working like a charm with so much power!

[VDK.Racing]

0:25 Cable management has left the chat 🤣🤣🤣
Seriously, I bought a VRS Direct Force Pro 4 months ago, and I’m very satisfied 🔥

[jamalghandour]

I had the VRS DFP for quiet some time now more than 2 years if I remember right, I replaced it with the SC2 Pro but kept it rolling on my other demonstration sim cockpit. This how much I vouch for the system, showing it to people actually I would easily say that any any OSW based project is great when it comes to ffb sensation compared to the modern DD's. Especially if you are a guy who wants all the raw effects sent to your hands without any filtering. My opinion and it has never shifted throughout the years, if you have deep pockets go for the SC2 pro for its wireless capability when it comes to rims or if you are a person with money that does not want to tinker with the settings and rely mostly on community generated profiles. The other big option and I have sold many to my consultancy customers the VRS DFP, because simply it can do all what the SC2 does minus few things that you maybe don't need for a lot less money. BTW both motors either the SC2 or VRS or even the SC1 rely heavily on the 130ST model of motors from Mige company the difference is in the software and sometimes filters.

[rover]

Bought mine a couple years ago and thought I’d upgrade to an SC2 at some point. Zero desire to upgrade it at all. Feels awesome, has great power, settings are nice and easy to use and I prefer the open ecosystem for wheels 100%. You can just do so much more with it. I don’t see myself upgrading until some sort of generational leap occurs (similar to the active pedals) and drops in price. There is a good community of users too.

[philipe-maffei]

Had my VRS base and pedals for a while and love it. Been solid coming from Fanatec eco system. I’ve got a pogo pin connection on my base to interface between the wheel and PC so I can swap wheels without swapping USB cables. Love the flexibility the base gives to use any hardware on it.

[slaphead]

Two years ago I ended up going Simucube, but everything I've ever heard about the VRS wheelbase gave this little itch in my head that's says "what if", "should I have done", if you know what I mean.

Great review.

[lugs]

Good review, I completely agree with your points.

I’ve had my VRS wheelbase and pedals for about 9 months and tested the Asetek Forte and Simucube Sport and Pro before going to Apex and getting the VRS.

I like the fact they only make one base, all their efforts have gone into refining the one product and the filtering algorithms.

I haven’t got the wheel as I prefer to use a Momo rim and either H pattern or stick sequential, or a wheel button box occasionally. The price point does feel too high but for those of us who don’t like RGB lighting and screens all over a wheel it’s a solid option.

Just as a bit of extra info, the ‘Torque key’ RJ45 plug can be wired as a remote Torque off button and also remote power switch.

[robertosantoro]

I'm one of those who loves ruggedized industrial look and finds it even stylish

[OldBadger]

I have a VRS wheel base and rim, i upgraded from a simagic alpha after it failed, it really is rock solid, and one thing people don't seem to talk about is the Slew rate, which is where it shines over the Alpha. It's also easy to hide the control box, i have mine mounted to my 4080 rig behind the monitor.

[richardhodge]

It's interesting to hear you prefer this over the Asetek as that company seems to have a greater presence in the industry. Sometimes I wonder how my VRS stacks up against newer offerings. I have nothing but great things to say about the Direct Force Pro. I've had mine for about two years now and I love it. I use it in combination with the now discontinued Simagic GT4 USB version of their wheel and also a Momo drift wheel I nabbed from my autocross car. The Momo has a DSD Fobster attached and both wheels are constantly active. It's super easy to remove one wheel and grab the other. No fuss. Cabling is not an issue.

[old-simracing-rookie]

thats the strange thing… the most important thing with the VRS is you might think that this company doesnt exist anymore haha. And i dont know many ppl using it but the one who own a vrs base seem just to use it for years withöut complaining or speaking about. its somehow amazing… that base is like a myth… 😅
And great review! Very good one!

[tomjxn]

Looking forward to your views on the pedals too