Many of us would love to have a sim racing setup with a full frame, triple monitors, and the chassis Sebastian Vettel will have in his 2021 Aston Martin F1 Challenger. However, unless you have a lot of money to spare, it is difficult to realize that dream. However, it is possible to achieve sim racing by combining individual components. To do so, one must carefully select the best components that will allow for miles of track time and maximize longevity and scalability.

This is where a kit like the Fanatec GT DD Pro comes in. This is essentially an impressive set of core components on which to base your sim rig dream of one day being able to realize it.

It may look like an uninteresting hunk of metal, but the wheelbase is the star of the show. Offering direct drive at a fraction of the cost of its predecessors, the DD wheelbase is surprisingly powerful for the price. The built-in motor provides enough power to throw the attached wheels off as they plow into obstacles, but more important is the finely tuned force feedback.

The feedback provided by this wheelbase not only makes you acutely aware of a little too much curb, but also informs you of traction throughout the corner. It also allows the wheel to return to center at high speeds, allowing the driver to throw off the wheel in tight chicanes without feeling like he is about to lose control of the steering. [There is a caveat to the DD wheelbase power, however. The inexpensive model I received for review uses a 90W power supply and delivers only a little over half the torque (5Nm) it is designed to deliver at full power. To reach its full potential with a 180W power supply that delivers up to 8Nm of torque, I would need to spend an additional $180. Unfortunately, the DD Pro's power connector is not standard, so trying to connect an older adapter is not going to work very well.

However, this is part of the scalability I am talking about. Right now you can save a little money with the lower power version and upgrade when you are ready. But if the cost can be kept low enough so that more users can get such a high quality direct drive setup, I can understand this approach.

Pedals, too, are kept true to the basics in the inexpensive GT DD Pro bundle, with only an accelerator pedal and brake pedal, and no dedicated clutch. This CSL pedal set is Fanatec's most basic, but still remains a rock-solid option. You can also get the complete three-pedal configuration in a slightly more expensive bundle if you purchase the bolt-on load cell brakes. Put the new pedals between the original two pedals, spacing them with modular footplates, and use the spare pedal as a clutch.

All of these sound appealing, but if I had to choose between a load cell brake and a large power supply (the prices for both are not that different), I would choose the power supply. However, if I had to choose between a load cell brake and a large power supply (the two are not far off the same price), I would choose the power supply. To get both would mean a much higher price tag to start with, so it would be best to pace your upgrades or stick with the accessories.

If you do decide to keep using it, don't be stuck with the missing pedals; the two pedals that come with the GT DD PRO are impressive and responsive thanks to their smooth magnetic actuation. They are easy to customize and can be adjusted with the hex screws on the bottom.

The entire pedal set should last for some time, as it is made mostly of metal (only the pedal faceplate is plastic) instead of the usual plastic found on less expensive models. Another advantage of this construction is that the pedals are relatively heavy and can be secured to the floor without a frame or extra support.

Nevertheless, under heavy braking, there is some movement, especially in the rally game. However, careful consideration should be given to where the pedals are placed, such as on immovable objects or walls, to prevent too much pedal movement during braking.

However, what I don't think needs to be replaced or upgraded with the GT DD Pro bundle is the wheel itself. It's a high-quality unit with plenty of buttons to satisfy even the most finicky racer. The included wheels have all the features you need in the Asset Corsa, with the option to further customize them, if needed, using the Fanatec app or the OLED display on the wheels themselves.

The F1 2021 did not natively support this particular model, so the wheel had to run in compatibility mode. This meant duplicating the more common and long-standing CSL wheel, and in doing so losing the ability to fine-tune some of the on-board buttons, such as the four 5-way sticks. While you can still use the compatibility mode profile to get the proper setup on the F1 2021, remember that the Fanatec app does not allow you to digitally tweak the parameters of the wheel, so you will need to set it up from the wheel instead.

Multiple profile options on the wheel. The wheel itself has multiple profile options, one for each game, which can be set up and toggled with a few button presses. In Asset Corsa, some cars have more or less maximum rpm than others, so you may need to tinker a bit more to get the proper turning radius.

But set up correctly, the GT DD Pro sings. The finely tuned vibration and rotation of the wheels transmits a lot of information from the game's engine to your hands. With the right racing game chosen to provide simulation-grade feedback, throwing the GT DD onto the track is a supreme pleasure. Although technically designed for Gran Turismo 7, it is not at all inferior to various sim racing and sim light games on the PC, such as Asset Corsa and F1 2021.

What I really enjoy about this kit is its versatility. I dove into "Forza Horizon 5" and felt completely comfortable throwing this wheel around, as well as "F1 2021" with its tighter force-feedback settings. Part of that is due to the direct-drive technology at the heart of the GT DD Pro, but also to how simple this wheel is to set up for each game.

Using the Thrustmaster T248 and Logitech G923 I had on hand for comparison, I immediately noticed the lack of kick. It's a kick I had already become too quickly accustomed to with the GT DD Pro. It feels far more agile and quicker stirring, and provides a more responsive driving experience. And if the promise of a significant power increase is not appealing, then the overall form and finish of the GT DD Pro should appeal to you.

Don't get me wrong, I have a soft spot for both of these cheaper wheels. Next level of racing sim experience.

After previous Fanatec models such as the Fanatec CSL Elite, it is clear that the Fanatec DD base is as versatile as it is powerful. The least expensive bundle of wheels, twin pedal set, and 5Nm wheelbase is the best package without the extras; no wonder the DD wheelbase has almost replaced the older models.

But the biggest drawback of the GT DD Pro is that it's easy to lose money; the GT DD Pro's 5Nm package gets you almost everything you need, but within a few months you're bound to want more power, more pedals, more monitors.

But whether you intend to build a sim racing setup or stick with the basic package, the GT DD Pro is an excellent way to get into the sim racing game. the DD wheelbase has almighty power behind it, and in a compact package I dare say there has never been a better time to build a racing sim with this excellent kit that delivers direct drive.