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
My Sim setup - Please note, using these links helps support my channel (Which is very much appreciated. Use code JankyDrift on Apex to get 5% off!) *********************
* Simagic Alpha Mini: www.apexsimracing.com/collect...
* Simagic Quick Release: www.apexsimracing.com/collect...
* GT Omega ART Cockpit: www.gtomega.com/products/art-...
* HP Reverb G2 Headset: Discontinued, recommend the Quest 3...
* Quest 3 VR Headset: amzn.to/3sWVAl3
* NRG 350MM Wheel: amzn.to/45g35RR
* Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter: amzn.to/45k4GpV
* Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals: amzn.to/45B2JFc
* Generic Handbrake (PC Only): amzn.to/3E3dOTV
* NRG FRP-301 bucket seat: amzn.to/3OJfXsI
* USB Hub: amzn.to/3QKUKRT
* Logitech K400 Keyboard: amzn.to/47WgOyd
* GoPro Hero 10 Black (to record): amzn.to/4a0WxJD
* Thrustmaster T300 (old wheelbase): amzn.to/44cxZcB
* GT Omega Apex Cockpit (old wheelstand): amzn.to/3GnU52n
Helpful Links and Places Where You Can Find me *********************
Find the Janky Discord here:
► / discord
Looking for a car pack or track from my videos? Check here:
► docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
I also post content on Instagram:
► / jankydrift
Janky Merch:
► jankydrift.etsy.com
Some of my IRL Gear - Purchases through these links help support my channel (Again, much appreciated) *********************
* 2007 Nissan 350z HR:
* Sparco Sprint Seats: amzn.to/3OAYa7K
* RaceQuip PRO20 Helmet: amzn.to/3Sx4TRn
* NRG 350MM Wheel: amzn.to/45g35RR
* Stage Monroe Wheels: enjukuracing.com/products/sta...
* BC Racing BR Coilovers: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* GKTech Full Angle Kit: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* GKTech Diff Brace: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* GKTech Hydro: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* GKTech Camber Arms: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* GKTech Toe Arm: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* Koyo Radiator: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* Graffiti Harness Bar: www.enjukuracing.com/products...
* KBD Duckbill: www.enjukuracing.com/products...

[@akillutes6298]

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.

[@jaredoldhouser3301]

Moza is garbage it only works with like 4 games.....lol

[@markdomenie5453]

@@jaredoldhouser3301 It works on every sim game on the pc. And I know because I have Moza.

[@trabzonludeli]

​@@markdomenie5453bro I heard it's not compatible with all games? And that's the only reason I don't wanna buy the moza.. What games do you play?

[@markdomenie5453]

@@trabzonludeli It worked for me in many sims and games, ACC, Raceroom, Automobilista 2 , F1 23. Im not really into iRacing but Im sure it works there also

[@trabzonludeli]

@@markdomenie5453 Ok thank you for the fast reply

[@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 🫶🤙

[@jayglasgow8054]

Another great vid 👏

[@captainjuno1242]

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.

[@wildwolf_0G]

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.

[@NorthernUnion13]

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

[@dumbotterlover2558]

What if you're using the Logitech Driving Force GT that came with the special edition of Gran Turismo 5 back in the day?

[@Jharjit]

Hi I’m new player at assetto corsa to learn drift with G27 my frd help me change other racing steering wheel for me on it but my steering wheel is not full circle ⭕️ wheel is half bottom part is flat and with leather I want to ask did I need to buy new steering wheel with full circle ⭕️ and I can’t control the drift car 🚗 whatever I accelerate the car run left or right or I use handbrake and press clutch at 2 gear with full a accelerate and handbrake even try set arb many other ways tires pressures nothing can change pls any opinions or suggestions, thank you 🙏🏽

[@minsk9381]

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

[@JankyDrift]

I ran t300 for years, nothing wrong with that.

[@minsk9381]

@@JankyDrift i also grabed muself a vr headset for the money i saved by not going dd

[@manlaiari1100]

@@minsk9381smart man

[@innvy6948]

@@minsk9381 thats better then getting a single dd

[@vrforseniors9830]

A HORRIFIC PIECE OF DOG CRAP THAT FAILS AFTER WARRANTY!!

[@SassyTheSasquatch11122]

my first wheel was a g27 and the clamp snapped in 5 days. bought a direct drive right after😭 didnt want something else that would just snap perform a basic function 😭

[@carstino]

I have a question about Fanatec. I want to buy a decent setup, so I immediately thought of a whole Fanatec setup, but several people say that wouldn't be the case. Fanatec is not that good at all, in the end. I want to buy a Gran Turismo DD Pro wheel base 8mm but some people say I should go to Monza, fanatect is really that bad

[@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

[@mpresto15]

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

[@joebloe4949]

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 😅

[@X340n]

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

[@mk3justis]

wdym dampen the transitions? i need advice since im on a budget wheel lol

[@X340n]

@@mk3justis basically use your brakes too slow down the rotation on transitions

[@w9s992]

my only problem with the CSL dd is that it doesnt work with ps5 and If I want the ps verison it wayyy expensive

[@krew_slides]

What adjustment stops the stuttering/clipping? Having same issue with my csl dd.

[@JankyDrift]

A lot of the time it's caused by your force feedback being set too high. Basically the signal from the game spikes outside of a range your wheelbase can handle which causes the temporary stutter. I have my ffb in game set to 60% and my wheel set to 100% and that's been a decent setup for me so far. But I still have to adjust depending on the car sometimes.

[@aldo.z3485]

Hey! I plan on buying the mclaren csl dd, can I buy a cheap chinese jdm style steering wheel just for drifting? and the mclaren one for track/grip stuff

[@JankyDrift]

As long as you have an adapter for the aftermarket wheel, yes. I was running a $40 ebay steering wheel for a few years.

[@neampojmae3542]

Do you keep cars on 100% force feedback in game or you lower it for every car diffrently? I play on CSL DD 8nm some cars feel too agressive and hard

[@JankyDrift]

I adjust each car once in-game. A lot of them, especially gravy, I wind up turning down pretty significantly per car.

[@emsj86]

With fanatic do you have to buy another pedal for the clutch pedal. And does it attach to what it comes with

[@JankyDrift]

Yes with most of their kits you have to buy an extra pedal, which should bolt up pretty easily to the base pedal set.

[@jolti9535]

what steering angle do u think is more realistic? Right now I'm using 1080 degrees on my dd wheel but I see a ton of people running 900. I wonder if it is because most people have belt driven wheels that can't keep up with 1080 or what, cause when I had a cheaper wheel I could only run 540 for the wheel to keep up.

[@JankyDrift]

When you put an angle kit on your car it generally results in less rotation in the steering wheel to hit full lock. My Z for example goes maybe a turn and a half, so in many cases 900 going to be the more "realistic" setting.

[@jolti9535]

@@JankyDrift alright thank you, love all of your videos btw they help out a lot (especially the vr motion sickness one)

[@ExtendNOLife]

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

[@JankyDrift]

Yeah for sure. It's definitely getting better as time goes on but I know especially on console this is a struggle.

[@TheRivalryDrifting]

so far between my vrs dd and my bros r9. the only game to have a problem setting up the wheel was showrunner and my summer car(msc had simular probs on my old tmx so wasint a dd thing). its basicly not a problem any game that has any wheel support will work. and if your that woryed about compatibly go fanatec as you can set it to run as a csw 2.5 in compatibly mode

[@SIMRIG412]

lol dd wheelbase work in every game 😂

[@Emzy-87]

i was given a G27 setup and I'm starting to be able to link drifts on entire sections in Assetto Corsa. I added on a cheap amazon handbrake (which I've noticed I hardly ever even use). I'm really interested in direct drive, but the cheap side of me says I should buy a used belt driven wheelbase. I can afford a new or used DD wheel in the future, should I just skip over belt driven entirely?

[@JankyDrift]

Yeah if you have the resources I would skip belt entirely when it's time to upgrade. Only exception is maybe finding a good used deal on a higher end belt drive wheel, but I'd try to aim higher than t300 just for futuring proofing on your rig.

[@Emzy-87]

@@JankyDriftThanks for your input. BTW new subscriber and fellow Georgian here 👋 Love the content

[@edygome]

I'm looking at the Moza R5 and Fanatec CSL DD bundle. Thoughts on either of them?

[@Slidjetster]

CSL will give you an option to upgrade to the 8 Nm in future but Moza would cost less (I live in Asia) if budget is the main concern. Having used both, I'd go with the Moza cause of the price difference and that the ecosystem of Moza is pretty comparable to fanatec nowadays and growing very quickly with their new accessories

[@justgauth]

For me it was Fanatec, simply because I know I'll have a never ending amount of upgrades, and I spent 400$ for my CSL DD

[@edygome]

@@justgauth Yea, can't wait to get it.

[@chec138]

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.

[@lobosnumberfive2210]

The only thing about t300rs is that they are prone to overheating. Mine starts to overheat within 2-3 hours of drifting and it's incredibly irritating. I might just drop sim racing altogether until I can afford to get a DD wheelbase.

[@vatial]

or just mod it with a 6$ noctua cooler lol@@lobosnumberfive2210

[@Grineck]

Buy a Fanatec CSL DD bundle, its 400 dollars and way better than t300rs.

[@dempa3]

I wonder how good a Direct Drive wheel built from a hoverboard motor would be, as compared to commercial options. I'll try to see if a smart person has built something like this, and try to follow their steps, in between all the other things that need to be done. :)

[@JankyDrift]

It would probably rip your arms off lol.

[@Slidjetster]

I think the power wouldn't be an issue but the software coding required to be implemented into games would be a pain in the ass

[@COSS.___]

bought a new g29 like 4 months ago, because where am from its literally the only option and its overpriced (350$)🤦🏻‍♂️ everything you said about it is fair, decent for racing not so much for drifting and its a damn arm workout lol amma save up the next couple of years and get a moza R3/R5, the shipping is gonna be a pain in the 🍑 duo to moza or any DD or even belt driven wheels not available where am from R.I.P

[@HereWeGoATL]

I just ordered a t300 rs gt for 350 before taxes. My plan was to use it for ACC on pc and gt7 obviously for ps5. But now I’m seriously considering canceling and ordering the csl dd ready to drive bundle for a little over 400. Any input? Like your build quality section the idea of all plastic scares me a little.

[@JankyDrift]

There are still plenty of people who run the t300. The plastic doesn't really matter as much as the cooling setup. There's a setting with the T300 to have the fan run 100% of the time, I would make sure you turn that on. If you're just racing, the T300 is more than enough. I don't hear much as far as overheating for regular racing. Drifting however is like a torture test for a wheelbase, and usually what causes the T300 to overheat. That said, for a difference of $50 bucks I would 100% go DD if you still have the option, mainly because that's going to be a more future proof setup at this point as the whole industry is going DD. Just keep in mind that it only comes with 2 pedals, so if you wanted to add a shifter you'd have to buy the 3rd pedal as well. Overall, I wouldn't panic about having bough the T300, but def worth trying to pick up the fanatec instead if you still can. Either setup I'm sure will be fine.

[@HereWeGoATL]

@@JankyDrift thank you for the quick reply. Yea I might look into switching to the csl dd. The pedal setup wouldn’t be a huge problem. I mainly plan to play ACC. J guess if I decide to try more drifting I could buy that third pedal fanatec sells. Thank you.

[@Eyelash85]

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.

[@ellison6069]

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

[@FutureProofPerformance]

If logitech just put some higher rpm motors in the G series it would be an ok entry point. Trouble is the massive gear reduction and low RPM motors makes the things too slow to rotate. I popped some higher RPM motors in one just to test and it was plenty capable. Not going to cure all the clunking etc though and a used CSL elite is still a much better option than a new G series

[@JankyDrift]

I don't doubt it. The motors are actually pretty decently sized, but they definitely screwed themselves with a ridiculous gear ratio. As with most other things it's all about cost cutting and the greatest sales return as opposed to putting out a capable product, so why bother changing it from their perspective if people keep buying it.

[@FutureProofPerformance]

@@JankyDrift I have also wondered if it's a safety thing, the G series is generally marketed towards sim starters and younger kids which means you probably don't want the thing doing a windmill of death while little timmy has his fingers inside the wheel. It just means it will forever be one to skip unless you pick one up for a really good deal.

[@dikkodikko6262]

nothing to say about the cammus ddwb?

[@JankyDrift]

I don't have any direct experience with it, but at this point (at least to me) they're mostly a bargain brand trying to enter the market place. If they want to send me some gear I'm more than happy to test and give an opinion, but for the moment I'm not recommending anything that's not widely regarded as a good product.

[@ILKTTRZ]

Alpha mini gang👌

[@267cal]

Damn man im just trying to slide my s15 😂

[@protomor]

I'm developing my own sim. Could use your irl experience to help me craft the ffb and game design. If you're up for a Collab, lmk!

[@JankyDrift]

I'd be down to provide feedback. Been keeping a general eye on the project through the assetto drift group on Facebook.

[@protomor]

@@JankyDrift yea pondering a way to start a community to actively play. Right now it seems to be isolated testing.

[@rcurtis6175]

Great video. Your arms must be tired.

[@JankyDrift]

Honestly I have no idea what to do with my arms lol

[@md.rafiqulchowdhury3374]

random question: what do u do for a living tho?

[@JankyDrift]

Random and maybe a little personal lol but I work in marketing.

[@md.rafiqulchowdhury3374]

@@JankyDrift sorry but u spending thousands of dollars on real life drifting/driving got me a lil curious :D

[@damienakatubbyable]

Yeah the thing is DD wheels are like football players, the best ability is availability...

[@jokkupokku4632]

I just bought t300rsgt for 250€ on blackfriday

[@w9s992]

where

[@jokkupokku4632]

@@w9s992 local store

[@w9s992]

a direct drive wheel would have been a good option if didnt cost a damn 1000$ for console compatibility

[@JankyDrift]

Moza R3 is coming out for console which was the cheapest direct I mentioned in the video. That said, peripherals and all that add up pretty fast. Console players generally seem to be more casual and there unfortunately aren't a ton of options that line up with that from a price standpoint right now.

[@w9s992]

so I tried a DD for the first time and holy molly, I didn't thought it was this good! my t300 now feels like a junk@@JankyDrift

[@JankyDrift]

@@w9s992 Now suddenly the price seems more reasonable, right? That's how you get sucked in lol.

[@w9s992]

to be honest its illegal to buy a belt drive for more than 300$. Now I fully understand LOL @@JankyDrift

[@SpaceRanger187]

I think you should just donate a set up to me :)

[@JankyDrift]

I think you're looking for Mr Beast's channel on that one lol.

[@SpaceRanger187]

I see how it is@@JankyDrift