The Podium Racing wheel F1 is the cross platform direct drive wheel base from Fanatec. The wheel base is primarily the DD1 PC wheel base however this version now supports Playstation and Xbox one. This article will be taking a look at one of fanatec’s premium flagship products and giving you an insight as to why this wheel may be the one for you.
Stylish design and Power fueled
The Wheel base comes with the striking racing wheel which comes in a stylish Blue finish on the grip handles. In terms of it’s output Fanatec have packed a powerful 20 nw DD into the wheel base. which delivers a sturdy and precise force feedback.
Fanatec have incorporated a number of dials and buttons for those who like content heavy wheels. The wheel offers dual paddle clutches and magnetic clutches. The Podium Racing Wheel F1 does come in at a pricey 1700 euros. Considering that you are purchasing a high quality wheelbase and wheel it somewhat softens the blow.
Podium Racing Wheel F1 Base
The wheelbase is particularly well made and has been built to a high quality standard. It has mainly been produced with metal and carbon material with a few plastic elements incorporated. With this in mind you notice that the wheelbase is pretty solid with little to no movement or instability. The locking clutch is pretty sturdy. However it does take a reasonable amount of force to place and removal the wheel.
At the rear of the wheel base there are a number of ports that link in all your devices. This is incredibly economical and efficient for the fanatic ecosystem. This means that you do not require additional boxes and sporadic cable usage. In order to unlock the full 20 nw of power Fanatec have supplied a tool key that is inserted into the wheelbase.
A detailed look at the Podium Racing Wheel F1
I have to say that I am a fan of the blue alcantara on the wheel. It gives a stylish and quite distinctive look compared to other wheels on the market. In general the wheel has a quality finishing. The hand grips are quite comfortable and fit around the hand nicely. Incorporated within the design of the wheel is a carbon fibre plate that adds to the eye catching finish of the wheel.
Moving onto the buttons on the wheel you will find that there is a good level of feel. There is a subtle but noticeable sound and tactile click when actioned. The wheel also consists of multi position switches, funky switch which can morph into a d pad, rotary encoder and push button. In addition there is a 2 axis – joy stick along with thumb wheel rotary encoders and Toggle switches. Navigating around the multitude of buttons and toggles you may feel some of the features are to your liking. Others may have no use or potentially may find some irritability with. This may be in the form of some toggles feeling loose or thumb encoders slightly vulnerable to movement with the slightest touch.
At the top of the wheel you find the small dash board along with the leds consisting of 15 variations. With the use of the Fan lab software colours can be configured to preference. However they are only customisable to the preset fixtures installed by Fanatec. The display unit facilities the ability to reassign various functions to display information while racing. e.g. traction control, pit limiter Can configure the screen to be cycled to various modes – gear, fuel
Paddle module
Fanatec have built a paddle module of real quality. The magnetic shifters on the wheel are some of the best that you’ll find on the market. To the bottom of the module you’ll find configurable analogue panels which are also impressive.
Fanatec have included an option to choose between a single or dual stage clutch. There is also the ability to assign a brake to the back of your rim. This offers greater flexibility and efficiency to your presence when driving.
All in all the Podium Racing Wheel F1 is a great product delivered by Fanatec. Although the price point may potentially put a lot of consumers off. However the wheel base is built to a high quality addition to a high quality wheel. If you are a serious sim racer then the hours you get out of it will likely make the purchase a worthwhile one.