If you're seeking the absolute pinnacle of precision, immersion, and racing feedback, you're going to want to invest in the best direct drive wheel. However, direct drive's premium price tag may be off-putting for some who don't quite understand the technology. Fortunately, we've put together this guide to help out.
Direct drive offers a step up from force feedback as the wheel is directly mounted to the motor. This means you typically feel the full brunt of the vibrations in your fingertips in the most raw, unfiltered way possible. It's perhaps the most realistic feedback option as a result, hence why it's also one of the most expensive, and why it's usually reserved for the best racing wheels on the market exclusively.
Most of the biggest manufacturers in sim racing produce a direct drive wheel alongside force feedback models though, and luckily for you, we've sorted through them all to pick out the absolute best for this list. We've also separated our selection into categories based on their features and price, which should help you make a more informed choice on which wheel is best for you. Let's get into it...
What is the Best Direct Drive Wheel for Sim Racing?
The NACON Revosim PURE is one of the best budget-friendly direct drive wheels I've used, though the Logitech G PRO is a very well-rounded pick for all skill levels. But that's not all...
- Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel - a great overall choice
- NACON Revosim PURE - a relatively budget-friendly alternative
- Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro - mid-range excellence
- Thrustmaster T818 Ferrari SF1000 - the top of the premium picks
- Fanatec DD Extreme - the most powerful direct drive experience
Why we chose the Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel
The Logitech G PRO wheel is a top-tier choice for racers on both consoles and PCs, thanks to its versatility and advanced features. Powered by direct drive technology, the wheel delivers a robust 11 Nm force, enhanced by Logitech's TRUEFORCE feedback technology, as highlighted in our review, which offers a highly immersive and hyper-realistic racing experience with reduced latency and heightened fidelity.
The wheel's design includes Logitech's 'thumbsweep' button layout, where every button and dial is strategically positioned for easy access, enabling racers to stay focused on the track while effortlessly managing functions like DRS. Additionally, the magnetic gear-shift paddles, dual-clutch paddles, and intuitive mounting system ensure a quick setup, allowing players to jump straight into the action.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Compatible across most major platforms
- Very highly rated in our review
- TRUEFORCE feedback technology is something you need to experience
Why we chose the NACON Revosim PURE
Finding a truly great budget-friendly wheel with direct drive is nearly impossible, seeing as the technology is one of the most expensive things you can invest in in sim racing. That said, the NACON Revosim PURE manages to stand out as a relatively cheap choice in the direct drive field, without many sacrifices either.
As part of the bundle, you get a powerful direct drive wheel base capable of delivering 9 Nm of torque to help you feel everything the road in-game has to give. You also get a carbon fibre-reinforced steering axis and fanless aluminium housing, plus a hand-stitched leather wheel rim with a slew of additional buttons on the center console to make accessing commonly used controls much easier.
There's a handy piece of software known as the Revosim app, which allows you to adjust settings and create presets to quickly access when switching between games. Oh, you also get a set of pedals and a handy table clamp to boot. What more could you ask for?
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Delivers strong, detailed force feedback for immersive sim racing
- Includes a carbon fibre-reinforced steering axis, fanless aluminium housing, and hand-stitched leather wheel rim
- Comes with pedals, a table clamp, and the Revosim app for customizable settings
Why we chose the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro stands out as an exceptional choice for next-gen racing that shouldn't completely rinse your bank account dry.
Rated 9 out of 10 by us, the wheel is impressively advanced, boasting an OLED head-up display and diffused RevLEDs that provide essential driving information. Moreover, it's equipped with four 5-way directional sticks mirroring the familiar PlayStation inputs, making it an excellent fit for the PS5 in particular, as well as a great choice for PS4.
However, its true highlight is its 100% custom direct drive motor, capable of delivering 5 Nm of torque as standard, or up to 8 Nm with the additional Boost Kit 180 kit (sold separately). It's not essential, of course, but it may be worth the additional investment if you want to unlock what this wheel and excellent wheel base truly have to offer.
Other notable details include the inclusion of paddle shifters and tactile rubber grips around the edges to enhance control and comfort. All of that added in makes it an excellent choice as it is, but the 8 Nm option is always there too if you want a little extra oomph.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Not cheap, but not expensive for direct drive either
- It has a handy OLED display and LED rev counter
- You can upgrade the power output from 5 to 8 Nm if you want to
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T818 Ferrari SF1000
If you're willing to really push the boat out on a direct drive wheel, then we here at Racing Games, as well as many other sim racers out there, highly recommend checking out the Thrustmaster T818 Ferrari SF1000.
Ferrari-branding aside, this thing is an absolute monster as it's capable of producing up to 10 Nm of consistent torque, with next to no saturation spoiling your immersion, hence why Thrustmaster claims it's excellent for esports.
It's also a thing of beauty, with it being a 1:1 scale replica of the wheel from the Ferrari SF1000 single-seater race car. That has its perks, as the wheel itself features 21 LEDs and a 4.3-inch display to present you with key in-game information.
There are 25 buttons on the console too, allowing you to control your vehicle's settings on the move, plus the entire central faceplate is made from carbon fiber to keep it lightweight and accurate to what you'd find in real-life race cars.
If you weren't sold on its price tag, we think those features and its power make it well worth considering.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Plenty of power under the hood
- It's a scale replica of the Ferrari SF1000 single-seater race car's wheel
- Loads of LEDs and extra buttons to map
Why we chose the Fanatec DD Extreme
For those seeking the pinnacle of direct drive racing wheels, the Fanatec DD Extreme stands out as one of the best and most powerful options available. This exceptional device boasts an impressive 15 Nm of torque, powered by its robust ClubSport DD+ Wheel Base, giving more power than most people really need.
It features a luxury build too, as the DD Extreme features a 300mm vegan leather rim, offering both a premium feel and exceptional durability. The wheel is adorned with 19 programmable LEDs and an OLED display as well, providing real-time vehicle statistics for an immersive gaming experience.
Beyond its impressive specs, the Fanatec DD Extreme is officially licensed for the PS5, making it a top choice for playing things like Gran Turismo. It isn’t just about performance either; it's a statement that can elevate the realism and excitement of racing games to unprecedented levels.
For serious gamers, the Fanatec DD Extreme is a must-have, delivering unparalleled power and precision in the realm of direct drive wheels.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Tons of torque at 15 Nm
- It has a heads-up OLED display, showcasing vital info right in front of you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don't worry if you've been caught up with a few questions in your mind while reading this guide. We've answered some of the most frequently asked queries below.
Is a direct drive wheel better for sim racing?
Direct drive wheels are often considered superior in sim racing due to their higher torque, quicker response times, and enhanced fidelity in force feedback, seeing as fewer internal components get in the way of the motor's raw power. As a result, they typically provide a more realistic and immersive experience by delivering stronger, more detailed feedback compared to belt or gear-driven wheels.
The trouble is that direct drive wheels tend to be more expensive. So, while they offer superior performance, their suitability also depends on your budget, skill level, and how deeply you want to dive into the sim racing experience.
Are direct drive wheels compatible with all games and platforms?
This is a tricky one to answer because compatibility can vary based on the wheel's manufacturer and the gaming platform or game itself.
Typically, direct drive wheels are compatible with a wide range of racing games on PC, as they often come with drivers and software that allow customization and compatibility adjustments. However, when it comes to consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, compatibility might be more limited due to proprietary hardware and software restrictions.
Some direct drive wheels, like the Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel, are compatible with multiple platforms, offering interchangeable or adaptable features to work across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, while others, like the MOZA R5, work on PC only.
As a result, it's incredibly important you verify the compatibility provided by the manufacturer before purchasing a direct drive wheel, especially if you have a specific game or platform in mind. Additionally, community forums and user experiences can offer valuable insights into compatibility issues or workarounds for specific games or platforms if you're unsure.
How much does a direct drive wheel cost?
The price of a direct drive wheel depends on the brand, model, features, and quality of the product. Generally speaking, direct drive wheels are more expensive than force feedback wheels like the Logitech G920. However, there are models, like the aforementioned MOZA R5, which are closer in price to the likes of the Logitech G920 than other direct drive peripherals.
It all comes down to research at the end of the day. If you find a direct drive wheel that's the same price or cheaper than comparable force feedback models, it's probably too good to be true. Make sure you read reviews to get a better understanding of the quality of the direct drive wheel you're looking to buy, regardless of its price tag.
Is a direct drive wheel suitable for a beginner?
There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a direct drive wheel is suitable for a beginner or not, with perhaps the biggest pro being that a direct drive wheel offers the most realistic driving experience available. The feedback is precise and detailed, allowing you to feel every aspect of the car's interaction with the road.
A direct drive system will typically last a long time, too, if made well, and the precision and speed of response to input from a direct drive wheel are unmatched.
However, direct drive wheels are significantly more expensive than their gear or belt-driven counterparts. For a beginner, this high initial investment may not be justifiable until you're certain that sim racing is a hobby you want to commit to.
What's more, the setup and fine-tuning can be more complex. Beginners might find the array of settings and adjustments overwhelming compared to simpler systems. They're also incredibly powerful, which, as a beginner, might lead to fatigue during longer racing sessions.
So, while a direct drive wheel offers the best possible experience in terms of performance and realism, whether it is suitable for a beginner largely depends on their commitment to sim racing, budget, and willingness to learn the intricacies of such a sophisticated piece of equipment.
Final Thoughts
No matter your budget or experience level, a direct drive wheel can take your sim racing to the next level with unmatched realism and precision. Choose the one that fits your needs best, and get ready to experience the road like never before!