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Best direct drive wheelbase in Australia

By the SimRig Picker team · Updated 22 October 2026 · Based on manufacturer specs and published info, not hands-on testing · Contains affiliate links

A direct drive (DD) wheelbase bolts the steering wheel straight onto a large motor, so you feel what the game sends without belts or gears in the way. Entry DD bases now cost about what a high-end gear wheel used to, so most people moving past a Logitech or Thrustmaster starter wheel end up here. The hard part isn't torque, it's platform. Plenty of excellent bases are PC only, and console support depends on licensing that varies by brand. This guide sorts the main options by platform first, then by the torque each maker lists.

Torque figures are as published by each manufacturer. Some quote peak torque and some quote constant or holding torque, so the numbers aren't a perfect like-for-like. We don't list prices because they change; use the "check current price" links.

Direct drive bases compared

Wheelbase	Torque (maker)	PC	PlayStation	Xbox	Mounting
Moza R3	3.9 Nm peak	Yes	No	Xbox bundle	Desk clamp included
Moza R5	5.5 Nm peak	Yes	No	Via ESX wheel*	Clamp optional
Moza R9	9 Nm peak	Yes	No	No	Clamp optional; stand or rig
Fanatec CSL DD	5 Nm / 8 Nm	Yes	No	With Xbox wheel	Desk clamp option
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro	5 Nm / 8 Nm	Yes	PS5 / PS4	With Xbox wheel	Desk clamp option
Fanatec ClubSport DD / DD+	15 Nm / 18 Nm	Yes	DD+ only	With Xbox wheel	Rig recommended
Logitech RS50	8 Nm	Yes	PS/PC base	With RS Xbox hub	Clamp + T-nuts included
Logitech G PRO	11 Nm	Yes	PS/PC version	Xbox/PC version	Clamp; rig recommended
Thrustmaster T598	5 Nm constant	Yes	PS version	Xbox version	Desk or rig
Thrustmaster T818	10 Nm constant	Yes	No	No	Desk/cockpit kit (sold separately)
Simagic Alpha EVO Sport / EVO / Pro	9 / 12 / 18 Nm	Yes	No	No	Front/side mount on a rig

*Moza's spec pages list the R5 and R9 as "Xbox ready via ESX", but its support FAQs say the R5 bundle and R9 V3 are PC only. Check Moza's current compatibility page before buying for Xbox. Platform data is from each maker's site, checked 22 October 2026.

PC: the widest choice

On PC almost every base works, so you can pick on torque, ecosystem and budget. The Moza R5 (5.5 Nm) and R9 (9 Nm) are popular because Moza sells matching rims, pedals and shifters. The Simagic Alpha EVO range lists 9 Nm (Sport), 12 Nm (EVO) and 18 Nm (Pro). Simagic sells these as bases only, so add a rim and pedals to the budget. Thrustmaster's T818 is rated at 10 Nm constant torque and is PC only, per Thrustmaster. Fanatec's CSL DD runs at 5 Nm, or 8 Nm with the Boost Kit 180. Check Moza R5 price · Check Moza R9 price · Check Simagic Alpha EVO price · Check T818 price.

PlayStation: fewer, licensed options

PlayStation needs an officially licensed base or bundle. Fanatec says the PlayStation licence lives in the base. The Gran Turismo DD Pro (5 or 8 Nm) and ClubSport DD+ are PS5/PS4 compatible, but the CSL DD and ClubSport DD (non-plus) are not. Thrustmaster's T598 comes in a PS/PC version. Logitech sells the RS50 and G PRO in PlayStation/PC versions. Moza and Simagic bases aren't listed for PlayStation. Fanatec announced a free firmware update in May 2026 that lifts the ClubSport DD+ from 15 to 18 Nm and the ClubSport DD from 12 to 15 Nm. Check GT DD Pro price · Check T598 price · Check RS50 price.

Xbox: check the wheel as well as the base

On Xbox, the licence often sits in the steering wheel, not the base. Fanatec's CSL DD and ClubSport bases work on Xbox with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel. Logitech says the RS50 PlayStation base works across PC, PlayStation and Xbox when paired with the RS Wheel Hub for Xbox. Moza's licensed route is the R3 Xbox bundle. Thrustmaster sells an Xbox version of the T598. Forza Motorsport is Xbox/PC, so this matters if it's your main game.

How much torque do you need?

4–8 Nm: a big step up from gear or belt wheels, and fine on a sturdy desk. Good for most GT, F1 and road-car sims.
9–12 Nm: more headroom, so detail stays clear in high-load corners. Plan on a wheel stand or cockpit.
15 Nm and up: enthusiast territory. You need a rigid cockpit, and safety matters, because these bases can snap the wheel round fast in a crash.

Most drivers don't run 100% strength. Extra torque mainly buys headroom (less "clipping"). For background, read belt vs gear vs direct drive explained.

Mounting and what else to budget for

The base is only part of the cost. Many DD bases ship without a rim, pedals or desk clamp, and higher torque wants a stiffer mount. Our sim rig cockpit buyer's guide covers stands and cockpits, and budget pedal upgrades covers load cell brakes. Coming from a Logitech G923 or G29? See is upgrading from a G923 to direct drive worth it.

Australian buying notes

Buy from an Australian seller where you can. Local warranty handling and Australian Consumer Law returns are simpler, and the power supply will suit 240 V outlets.
Some brands sell mainly through their own overseas stores or local distributors. Check who handles warranty in Australia before ordering.
Check that the exact listing matches your platform. PS and Xbox versions of the same product are different SKUs.

Want it narrowed down to your platform and budget? The setup quiz does it in five questions. Budget-focused buyers should also see the PC wheel under $1,000 and budget PS5 wheel guides.

Not sure which fits you? Answer five quick questions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best direct drive wheelbase for PS5?

Licensed PlayStation options include the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro and ClubSport DD+, the Thrustmaster T598 (PS/PC version) and the Logitech RS50 and G PRO PlayStation/PC versions. Moza and Simagic bases aren't listed for PlayStation.

Which direct drive bases work on Xbox?

The Moza R3 Xbox bundle, the Thrustmaster T598 Xbox version, the Logitech G PRO Xbox/PC version or the RS50 with the RS Wheel Hub for Xbox, and Fanatec CSL DD or ClubSport bases with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel.

Is the Thrustmaster T818 PC only?

Yes. Thrustmaster lists the T818 as compatible with PC (Windows 10/11) only, with 10 Nm of constant torque.

How much torque does the Simagic Alpha EVO have?

Simagic lists the Alpha EVO Sport at 9 Nm, Alpha EVO at 12 Nm and Alpha EVO Pro at 18 Nm. They're PC bases sold without a rim or pedals.

Do I need a cockpit for a direct drive wheel?

Not always. Bases around 4–8 Nm can work on a solid desk with a clamp. Higher torque bases are better on a wheel stand or rigid cockpit.

Sources

Checked 22 October 2026. Specs and compatibility can change with new hardware revisions and firmware; confirm on the retailer or manufacturer page before buying.