The Ultimate Guide to Direct Drive Sim Wheels in 2025 – Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
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By cammusracing
Why Direct Drive is the Future of Sim Racing
If you’re looking to take your sim racing experience to the next level, upgrading to a Direct Drive (DD) wheelbase is a game-changer. Unlike gear or belt-driven wheels, Direct Drive wheels connect the steering wheel directly to the motor, offering unparalleled precision, force feedback, and realism.
But with so many options in 2025, how do you choose the right Direct Drive wheel for your setup? What features should you prioritize? What’s the best DD wheel for beginners or for drifting and endurance racing? This guide breaks it all down—answering the most searched questions by sim racers before making their investment.
1. What is a Direct Drive Wheel, and Why is it Superior?
A Direct Drive wheelbase eliminates belts and gears, allowing the motor to send force feedback directly to the wheel, offering:
✅ Higher Torque Output – Feel the road, curbs, and oversteer more realistically.
✅ Instant Response Time – No delay in force feedback, making precision steering easier.
✅ Longer Lifespan – Fewer mechanical parts mean less wear and tear over time.
✅ More Customization – Fine-tune force feedback settings to match your favorite sim racing titles.
Why is my gear or belt-driven wheel not giving realistic force feedback?
Belt and gear-driven wheels often dampen force feedback, making it less responsive. A Direct Drive wheel, like the CAMMUS C12, provides direct, instant, and strong force feedback, making every detail of the track feel real.
2. Understanding Torque – What’s the Right Power for You?
Torque power is one of the first things to consider when buying a DD wheel. It determines how strong and realistic the force feedback feels.
- Low-Torque DD Wheels (5–10Nm) → Ideal for beginners or casual sim racers.
- Mid-Torque DD Wheels (10–15Nm) → Great for competitive racers and those looking for more immersion.
- High-Torque DD Wheels (15+ Nm) → Perfect for serious racers who want the most realistic experience.
Do I need a high-torque wheelbase?
Most enthusiasts and pro sim racers prefer mid-to-high torque DD wheels like the CAMMUS C12 (12Nm) or CAMMUS DDWB (15Nm) for maximum control, especially in endurance racing or drifting.
3. Compatibility – Will Your Setup Support a Direct Drive Wheel?
Before buying a Direct Drive wheel, make sure your setup can support it. Key factors to consider:
- PC vs. Console Compatibility – Most Direct Drive wheels are designed for PC sim racing (Assetto Corsa, iRacing, rFactor 2), but some models also support PS5 and Xbox.
- Mounting Requirements – Traditional DD wheels are heavy and require a sturdy sim rig or cockpit. However, the CAMMUS C5 Direct Drive Wheel is a game-changer—it’s compact, lightweight, and desk-mountable, making it perfect for beginners and those with limited space.
- Game Support – Not all racing games fully utilize Direct Drive force feedback, so ensure your favorite titles are optimized for it. Popular games like Assetto Corsa EVO, iRacing, and rFactor 2 work exceptionally well with Direct Drive wheels like the CAMMUS C5.
Will my desk hold a Direct Drive wheel?
Most Direct Drive wheels require a dedicated rig, but the CAMMUS C5 is uniquely designed for easy desk mounting, making it one of the most user-friendly DD wheels on the market. Whether you’re upgrading from a Logitech or Thrustmaster or diving into Direct Drive for the first time, the C5 offers premium force feedback in a compact, plug-and-play design. If you need a powerful yet portable DD wheel, CAMMUS C5 is the best choice!
4. Pedals Matter – Should You Upgrade Alongside Your Wheel?
A high-quality DD wheel is only part of the equation—your pedals should match its precision and control.
✅ Load Cell Pedals – Offer better braking control by measuring pressure instead of distance.
✅ Hydraulic Pedals – Provide the most realistic feel, mimicking real-life braking force.
- The CAMMUS LC100 Load Cell Pedals are designed for precise braking with adjustable pedal force, making them the perfect companion for Direct Drive wheels.
Why do my braking inputs feel inconsistent?
Cheap pedals use potentiometers, which can lead to inconsistent braking. Switching to load cell pedals like the LC100 significantly improves braking precision, especially in endurance races.
5. Best Direct Drive Wheel for Different Racing Styles
Different racing disciplines benefit from different force feedback strengths and settings:
- Formula & GT Racing – High-torque DD wheels (12–15Nm) provide the most precise feel for high-speed cornering.
Drifting – Requires smooth and responsive force feedback to maintain consistent counter-steering.
Endurance Racing – Low heat generation and fatigue-free control make a mid-to-high torque wheel ideal. - The CAMMUS C12 is a fantastic choice for competitive racers, endurance drivers, and drifters, providing a balance of power, response, and smooth handling.
Which DD wheel is best for my racing style?
If you’re into drifting and GT racing, go for a 12–15Nm DD wheel. If you’re new to DD, a low-to-mid torque wheel (8–10Nm) is a solid start.
6. Budget & Value – Are Expensive Direct Drive Wheels Worth It?
Direct Drive wheels range from $500 to $2,500+, so finding the best value-for-money option is key.
- CAMMUS provides high-performance DD wheels at competitive pricing without sacrificing quality, making them a solid bang-for-buck choice.
Is a Direct Drive wheel worth it?
If you’re serious about sim racing immersion, precision, and performance, Direct Drive is the best investment you can make in 2025.
7. Best Sim Racing Games to Experience Direct Drive
Direct Drive really shines in highly detailed sim racing titles:
✅ Assetto Corsa / Assetto Corsa EVO – Best for drifting and modding.
✅ iRacing – Most competitive online sim racing.
✅ rFactor 2 – Unmatched physics and force feedback detail.
✅ Automobilista 2 – Best physics and car variety.
✅ Dirt Rally 2.0 – Best for rally simulation.
- Want to feel the true potential of Direct Drive? Try CAMMUS gear with these titles.
Conclusion: Should You Buy a Direct Drive Wheel in 2025?
If you’re serious about realism, control, and performance, Direct Drive is the ultimate upgrade for your sim racing setup. From instant feedback to high-precision handling, there’s no better way to experience true-to-life racing.