FANATEC GT DD PRO Review | MASK | Blog
Please also check my GT DD Extreme Review
I got a Fanatec GT DD PRO with an 8Nm bundle. My conclusion is as below;
・I think that most people (who starts simracing) can feel the strength of GT DD PRO FFB “enough” if they use the Booster Kit which increases the FFB to 8Nm.
・Up to 8Nm, I feel the quality of FFB is similar to FANATEC Podium DD1, which is a higher model, and there is not much difference. On the other hand, when the FANATEC Podium DD1 torque is increased over 8Nm, the FFB becomes clearer in proportion to the DD1 torque.
・For that reason, if you want to feel the rich input from car even if you spend abundant money, or if you want to enjoy the high output of a car without power steering such as F3, a wheelbase of around 20Nm will be the best choice for you. (if you have enough budget). It might be better to consider purchasing a stronger class wheelbase such as DD1 (MOZA R16, Simucube).
・MOZA R9 feels slightly smoother and finer in FFB. Also, MOZA’s quick-release quality is higher than FANATEC QR1 in 2023. On the other hand, MOZA R9 is not officially compatible with PlayStation and Xbox. I compared the R9’s 9Nm with the GT DD PRO’s 8Nm, but it’s hard to feel the difference in FFB strength. MOZA’s Information such as setting and mounting is fewer than FANATEC because FANATEC has a lot of users.
・My GT DD PRO plastic quick-release had subtle tolerance in the shaft and steering, so I needed to take countermeasures. (You can see in my blog below)
・If you are thinking “I like the FANATEC brand, I want to play on PlayStation, or I want to play on XBOX with various options” I think this product is the leading direct drive that meets your purpose.
The reason why I bought FANATEC GT DD PRO
When I got the GT DD PRO, I had been traveling between two places for work, and I could touch the SIM only on weekends.
Due to this situation, I couldn’t play iRacing often or participate in the race at all.
I feel I want to increase iRating to 5000, but it doesn’t go up at all. MOZA Racing provided me with good equipment, so I could build multiple driving simulators if I desired.
On the other hand, recently after work, I’ve been playing Gran Turismo 7 with a PS5 & gamepad. In order to enjoy GT7, I was wondering whether to use Fanatec’s Podium DD1 with some trick to become compatible with PlayStation with a compact cockpit, or buy a new GT DD PRO and operate it. And at that time, the stock of GT DD PRO was back.
The purchase method on the FANATEC website is fairly easy, add the GT DD PRO to the cart and enter your credit card number. By the way, GT DD PRO is officially compatible with PlayStation and Xbox, and you can enjoy many game contents due to its compatibility.
There are many combinations of GT DD PRO (Steering wheels and pedals), but, at the first step, the “GT DD PRO 8Nm bundle” must be suitable for the first direct drive users.
If you have the budget, you may choose a more rigid and cool steering wheel and pedals like below;
GT DD PRO 8Nm booster kit
V3 pedal with Brake Performance Kit
Formula wheel:Formula V2.5X
GT wheel:RS steering wheel
Unpacking the FANATEC GT DD PRO
The size of the box is 41cm x 40.5cm x 38cm. It weighs about 13.2kg. Handles, pedals, main body and other accessories are well contained in this. It’s so big…
The first row contains a steering wheel and accessories,
If you remove the first row, you can see the main body and pedals.
The box contains main body, steering wheel, pedals, clamps, manuals, stickers, and accessories. If you order the 8Nm booster kit, the normal AC adapter for 5Nm is not included. (I confirmed FANATEC and they answered this is the correct packing)
Here are the small items. RJ cable for pedal (left) and USB cable (middle), M6 nut for fixing.
The round one in the front and the rectangular one in the front left… I’ll add it later. The knobs and screws on the right are for the attached clamps.
What is the FANATEC GT DD PRO (8Nm)?
In addition to the above picture, FANATEC GT DD PRO (8Nm) 8Nm comes with a Booster Kit (AC adapter) that boosts the motor’s output from 5Nm to 8Nm, which will be sent in a separate box. I bought 8Nm set because I was thinking of using it in a folding cockpit for another house.
The 8Nm version does not include an adapter for 5Nm. ( Already I said.)
Weight of FANATEC GT DD PRO
The main body was 5014g.
Size of FANATEC GT DD PRO
The length is sufficiently shorter than the FANATEC DD1.
For your reference, compactness may be advantageous when you determine the position of the screen. MOZA R9 on the left and GT DD PRO on the right. The MOZA R9 is slightly lower in height than GT DD PRO. Anyway, GT DD PRO is enough compact.
My Rig is below.
The length is almost the same as MOZA R9. The R5 is a few centimeters shorter in depth.
Expandability of FANATEC GT DD PRO
Fanatec shifters, side brakes and pedals can be connected directly to GT DD PRO with RJ cables. With that, you will be able to use a shifter, side brake, and pedals on the PlayStation and Xbox. When you use it for PC racing simulator, this also helps save USB sockets.
Installation of FANATEC GT DD PRO
This time, I tried two methods: the attached clamp and direct bolt installation.
Fix the FANATEC GT DD PRO with a clamp
The GT DD PRO comes with a plastic clamp. As there are three rails on the bottom…
Please slide the base of the clamp into the center of the rails,
and, tighten the lower part of the attached clamp with the attached bolt.
I took a picture from the left.
To be honest, when you apply force, it will moves vertically.
If you can fix it with bolts and nuts directly on the rig, I recommend using bolts and nuts instead of this clamp to experience more direct FFB.
On the other hand, for those who need to temporarily fix the wheelbase on a desk, it is a good option to fix it.
This clamp is already included in the set. But not included in a single item of wheelbase (8Nm)
Bolt position of the FANATEC GT DD PRO
There are 3 rails on the bottom of FANATEC GT DD PRO. (Left) There are also rails on the sides as well. (Right figure) It also comes with an M6 nut to be inserted into the rail as an accessory. So you can install it firmly and easily set the position.
The above drill template can be found on the GT DD PRO page under “Download” → “Drill Template”.
Also, pay attention to the length of the bolts. 10mm or more, if you put it in the back, you may damage something inside!
In my case, I made a cockpit with an aluminum frame and installed holes in three places so that I can install the FANATEC Podium DD1 reasonably. I drilled at front center of the frame and installed 2 metall fittings on the back.
I believe this method makes the wheelbase firmly fixed. (I need to sort out the wiring…someday…)
For your reference. Back side of Podium DD1.
You can also check the Podium DD1 hole locations by looking at ‘Drill Templates’ in ‘Downloads’.
Review of the Fanatec GT DD PRO steering
The steering wheel of GT DD PRO has multiple buttons. An LCD display with a bar of LEDs above it can display engine rpm and speed. If you use the LCD screen well, you can set the FFB only on this steering wheel. There are four 5-way sticks, so I think you can set various button layouts with various SIM software. I think it will also help with iRacing.
The diameter is 280mm. The actual weight was 1042 g. The grip part is a rubber material. It’s not leather. I think it’s an almighty diameter that can be used for formulas, rallies, and GT, and it informs the FFB with not high.
It’s close to the D-type, so it’s unknown if it fits the drift.
Basically, plastic is used extensively, and the rear quick-release is also made of reinforced plastic. Although it has been improved from the previous version, there are reports that cracks appear when looking at Twitter, etc., and the pin in the middle breaks. If you are thinking of using it at 8Nm, we recommend that you replace it with a metal quick release or replace it with a steering wheel that uses a metal quick release. If you do not plan to use this steering wheel, I think it would be better to buy it separately.
The pin will be inserted here.
Weak points of the GT DD PRO standard steering
Playing with 8Nm, I noticed small tolerance in the steering when heavy FFB was applied. This is because there is a small amount of tolerance between the GT DD PRO’s rail on this axle and the standard steering’s plastic quick-release projection. If you continue to play with the strong FFB, the shaft of the wheelbase and steering wheel quick release will be slightly contacted each other over and over again, so a small amount of repeated force will continue to be applied to the quick release contact surface and the terminal part at the back of the steering wheel. A crack may happen to the plastic quick-release or terminal pin.
Solution of GT DD PRO standard steering “tolerance”
I found one simple method that prevents tolerance. One method is to wrap the tape around the shaft and stick the rail of the wheelbase bearing.
Another method is to introduce the following metal quick release.
Depending on your budget, I recommend taking early measures just in case.
I tried the following two models with metal quick releases, but there was no tolerance, so I think it’s a problem with the accuracy of the plastic quick releases.
・Formula V2 (Current model is V2.5)
By the way, it is more secure if you tighten the screw attached to the Formula V2 steering wheel from the back. (The GT DD PRO genuine steering wheel does not have a screw tightening mechanism.)
By the way, I didn’t feel any problems with the GT DD PRO 8Nm without screws.
BMW GT2 V2
I tried taping on the rail part to prevent tolerance in the GT DD PRO standard steering wheel
I tried taping on the rail part of the shaft. I don’t take responsibility at all even if something happens to you by imitating this.
Someone will say it’s ridiculous, but it’s packing tape (;^_^A
This was the only one I had on hand…
I applied the tape only near the rail on the shaft just because if I wrap it all, it’s hard to insert the wheel.
When inserting the steering wheel, it was quite tight, so I installed it by pushing the GT mark in the middle of the steering wheel.
By the way, if you try to remove the steering wheel, you need a lot of force. I can’t take responsibility if it doesn’t come off, but it’s a tolerance countermeasure.
With this, it seems that the quick release will last longer than when there is tolerance, as there are no strange contacts on the quick release. Also, since there is no rattling, repeated force is not applied to the pin part, so it seems to be mitigated the risk of pin breakage. Even if the quick-release cracks, I don’t think the terminal pin will break at the same time, so you have only to replace a metal quick-release.
I’ll say it again and again, I’m not responsible for anything that happens to your steering wheel when using this method.
Let’s update first! When using FANATEC GT DD PRO
In order to enjoy the performance of GT DD PRO to the fullest, even those who use it on a PlayStation are strongly recommended to prepare a Windows PC and update the software inside GT DD PRO.
Please open the official website and Click “FANATEC Driver XXX” from “Download” → “Driver” on the following page to start downloading, so let’s install the driver on your PC.
Once installed, the Fanatec Control Panel will appear.
Click Fanatec Control Panel.
If there’s ‘New firmware is available’, Click “Firmware Update” on the left.
Then a screen like the one below will appear, so click “UPDATE” on the right and it will be updated automatically.
A screen like this will appear.
* You will be asked to press the power button to enter the red “PC mode”.
By the way, there are four types of power button colors.
*If the steering wheel is not attached, you will be asked to connect the steering wheel.
And after waiting for a while, “Firmware is up to date!”
*For the time being, I connected my familiar Formula V2 steering wheel.
FFB setting of FANATEC GT DD PRO
It is recommended to install the official software FanaLab and manage it in more detail. It is possible to set FFB for each race SIM software. For now, if you want to play. Anyway, you can set it up with just the above screen, so you can install it after you have time to spare.
↓This is the setting for my iRacing Porsche 911 (992) GT3 CUP and F3. (FanaLab)
Regarding the setting, I used this idea from the previous article.
Difference between FANATEC GT DD PRO 5Nm and 8Nm
The GT DD PRO (8Nm) does not include an adapter for 5Nm. (Confirmed by FANATEC) From the beginning, I started with 8Nm using the booster kit with the Bundle. I would like to try 5Nm if I have the opportunity, but I experienced a similar 5.5Nm with the MOZA R5.
Compared to the MOZA R9, the FFB felt quite small, so if you have the budget, GT DD PRO 8Nm is the safest choice. (If you don’t have a budget, you can purchase 8Nm Kit more later, so I think you can start with 5Nm.)
Difference between 8Nm of FANATEC GT DD PRO Booster Kit and FANATEC Podium DD1
I checked where the difference is from the FANATEC Podium DD1 below with a maximum torque of 20Nm.
After driving for a few hours, the texture of the FFB is very similar, and the only difference is the maximum torque of the FFB. There may be some minor differences, but I felt that they are almost the same after replacing them once and comparing them. I don’t feel much difference within 8Nm, but as the torque is increased, I could feel the difference when setting up a formula car with a strong FFB…
Rotation smoothness when NOT powered on (GT DD PRO vs Podium DD1)
If you turn GT DD PRO by hand when it is not energized, you will feel a minute magnetic force every 10 to 20 degrees. This is the same for FANATEC Podium DD1 and MOZA R9.
Rotation smoothness when powered on(GT DD PRO vs Podium DD1)
Since the power is on, the magnetic force above is not bothered at all. The texture of FFB of FANATEC Podium DD1 is the same.
FFB reaction speed (GT DD PRO vs Podium DD1)
I think it can be said that the FFB reaction speed of FANATEC GT DD PRO is similar to the Podium DD1, which maximum torque was set at 8Nm. Quite frankly, enough.
FFB Quality (GT DD PRO vs Podium DD1)
As mentioned above, unless you are looking for maximum torque, I didn’t feel a big difference in the quality of FFB from Podium DD1 when the maximum torque was set around 8Nm.
However, as you play more and go to the level of Race SIM Geek, you will want to improve its quality and more FFB. When you pursue the quality of the FFB, you have to think of the maximum torque.
Please see the next chapter explaining the maximum torque of FFB ↓
FFB Strength (GT DD PRO vs Podium DD1)
Regarding the Porsche 911 GT3 CUP, I think, “GT DD PRO is enough.”
According to iRacing’s automatic calculation, the maximum torque generated by the Porsche 991 GT3 CUP is around 16Nm.
So, if you really want to feel the reality of the GT car, you should buy something like DD1 in terms of FANATEC.
By the way, if this is F3, less than 40Nm will come out. Then, it is about 5 times different from the maximum 8Nm of GT DD PRO.
Originally, in the world of iRacing, F3 comes out 40Nm, but there are not many wheelbases with such power lined up, and even if you buy it, amateurs will break their wrists.
As GT DD PRO can’t emit 40Nm and we need to arrange software like Fanalab to enjoy this limited situation.
It is necessary to set the “Wheel Force” in iRacing to the maximum output of 8Nm of GT DD PRO. (See this article for how to set it up)
If there is a small gap on the road surface (in the industry, it seems to be coolly called undulation …), and the raw data of the gap is 1Nm,
FFB of about 1Nm/40Nmx8Nm=0.2Nm is transmitted to the hand with an 8Nm wheelbase. For example, if the maximum torque is doubled (16Nm wheelbase), it will be 0.4Nm.
<Caluculation>
40Nm (maximum raw data of the game): 8Nm (maximum of wheelbase) = 1Nm (raw data of unevenness of the game): X Nm (torque generated by wheelbase)
Then, the minute changes that can be felt by hand are proportional to the maximum torque of the wheelbase. With a small output wheelbase, it will be thinner than the original iRacing.
However, there is a question “Do you need 40 Nm? Is your wrist okay?”, I don’t need that kind of power. Separately, even 8Nm is strong enough as a wheelbase. Also, depending on the software, I think there is a mode for such a low-output wheelbase that outputs minute changes intensively.
If there is a possibility that you may be concerned about more than that, and if you have the budget, I think that the 20Nm class should be selected from the beginning. (Because I think that more wheelbase is bad for the wrist…
Scalability (GT DD PRO vs Podium DD1)
Regarding scalability, there is currently no difference between GT DD PRO and Podium DD1.
You can basically use any Fanatec steering, and you can connect the brake, shifter, and handbrake to the connector on the back.
I think that it is possible to replace the new quick-release system (QR2) as shown in the photo below, which is said to be introduced soon.
Difference between FANATEC GT DD PRO 8Nm and MOZA R9
Rotation smoothness (GT DD PRO vs R9)
MOZA R9 has smoother FFB and higher resolution, and I feel like I could feel the quality.
FFB reaction speed (GT DD PRO vs R9)
It was difficult to feel a clear difference when comparing the wheelbase. R9 has a stronger FFB, so I think R9 theoretically has a faster reaction speed.
FFB Strength (GT DD PRO vs R9)
The MOZA R9 has a maximum torque of 9Nm, so it must be stronger. But it was difficult to feel the difference.
Expandability (GT DD PRO vs R9)
What makes GT DD PRO different from MOZA R9 is that it has a handbrake and shifter connectors on the back. MOZA, on the other hand, R9 has a connector for the LCD dash panel.
MOZA released the handbrake and shifter in 2023. Although, MOZA R9 doesn’t have a socket for them. On the other hand, FANATEC is easier to save the number of PC USB sockets than MOZA. I don’t think it’s a problem that influences the purchase.
I made a support request because the standard adapter was not included with the Fanatec GT DD PRO Bundle. I got an answer in one day.
As a result of contacting FANATEC from the official website on “My Account” (login with) → “My Products,” they answered, if we buy an 8Nm bundle, the standard 5Nm adapter will not be included.
Summary of Fanatec GT DD PRO
・I think that most people can feel the strength of GT DD PRO FFB “enough” if they use the Booster Kit which increases the FFB to 8Nm.
・Up to 8Nm, I feel the quality of FFB is similar to FANATEC Podium DD1, which is a higher model, and there is not much difference. On the other hand, when the FANATEC Podium DD1 torque is increased over 8Nm, the FFB becomes clearer in proportion to the DD1 torque.
・For that reason, if you want to feel the rich input from car even if you spend abundant money, or if you want to enjoy the high output of a car without power steering such as F3, a wheelbase of around 20Nm will be the best choice for you. (if you have enough budget). It might be better to consider purchasing a stronger class wheelbase such as DD1 (MOZA R16, Simucube).
・MOZA R9 feels slightly smoother and finer in FFB. Also, MOZA’s quick-release quality is higher than FANATEC QR1 in 2023. On the other hand, MOZA R9 is not officially compatible with PlayStation and Xbox. I compared the R9’s 9Nm with the GT DD PRO’s 8Nm, but it’s hard to feel the difference in FFB strength. MOZA’s Information such as setting and mounting is fewer than FANATEC because FANATEC has a lot of users.
・My GT DD PRO plastic quick-release had subtle tolerance in the shaft and steering, so I needed to take countermeasures. (You can see in my blog below)
・If you are thinking “I like the FANATEC brand, I want to play on PlayStation, or I want to play on XBOX with various options” I think this product is the leading direct drive that meets your purpose.
