Overview
The Fanatec CSL DD Ready2Race Bundle is Fanatec’s answer to the growing demand for affordable Direct Drive setups for PC. The bundle delivers a complete setup with CSL DD wheelbase, CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2 and CSL Pedals (throttle and brake) that you can expand with a load cell later: everything you need to race on PC. On Xbox the base only works with a separately bought Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel.
Who is this bundle for?
Perfect for:
- PC racers looking for a complete Direct Drive entry point
- Xbox racers who want Direct Drive and will buy an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel on top (Forza Motorsport, F1 24, ACC, etc.)
- Serious sim racers investing in a long-term setup
- Fanatec ecosystem fans who want to expand
Less suitable for:
- PC-only racers with budget constraints (Moza R5 is better value)
- PlayStation users (choose the GT DD Pro)
- Racers who want more than 5 Nm force (upgrade to 8 Nm requires Boost Kit)
What’s in the bundle?
1. CSL DD Wheelbase (5 Nm)
The CSL DD is Fanatec’s entry Direct Drive wheelbase:
- 5 Nm force feedback strength (enough for most situations)
- Direct Drive precision without belt-driven lag
- Silent and smooth (servo motor technology)
- Compact and desk-friendly
5 Nm is sufficient for formula, rally and lighter GT cars. For heavy GT3 simulation you can upgrade later to 8 Nm Boost Kit (at additional cost).
2. CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2
The CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2 is a round wheel for all kinds of cars:
- 300 mm diameter
- Rubberised rim
- Metal shifter paddles
- 12 buttons and a directional stick
- RevStripe RPM lights and a three-digit LED display (telemetry in supported games)
This wheel is not Xbox-licensed. If you want to race on Xbox, you need a separate Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel.
3. CSL Pedals (upgradeable with Load Cell)
The pedals are the standard CSL Pedals:
- 2-pedal set (gas and brake) in metal
- Brake with rubber dampers (load cell optionally available)
- Adjustable pedal angles and expandable with clutch pedal
Want pressure-based braking? Add the CSL Load Cell Kit later. That upgrade costs extra, but turns the same pedals into a 3-pedal set with load cell brake.
Build Quality
Fanatec’s CSL line offers solid build quality:
- Wheelbase: Sturdy plastics with metal mounting
- CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2: Rubberised rim with metal paddles
- CSL Pedals: All-metal frame
The finish is good but not premium - this is Fanatec’s budget-friendly line. For true premium quality you need to go to ClubSport.
Platforms: PC, Xbox and PlayStation
Fanatec sells this bundle as a PC bundle:
- PC: works right away with the included P1 V2 wheel
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: the CSL DD only works with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel, and that is not in this bundle
- PlayStation: not compatible, and according to Fanatec it cannot be upgraded to work
If you want to race on Xbox without buying an extra wheel, there are other Direct Drive options: the Logitech RS50 and G PRO and the Thrustmaster T598 also come in an Xbox version, and Moza has an Xbox-licensed R3 bundle. The Moza R5 is PC-only, though. This bundle does not work on PlayStation; for that Fanatec has the GT DD Pro.
Software and Tuning
On PC (via Fanatec Control Panel):
- Full force feedback tuning
- Per-game profiles
- Firmware updates
- Calibration and diagnostics
On Xbox (with a separately bought Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel):
- Basic functionality (no software tuning)
- In-game force feedback settings (via game itself)
- Plug-and-play without extra software
Quick Release System
The bundle uses QR2 Lite:
- Wheel side and base side come preinstalled
- Upgrade to QR2 (metal) possible at additional cost
If you later run the 8 Nm Boost Kit, a QR2 upgrade is worth considering.
Mounting and Installation
Setup is simple:
- Table clamp included (solid and reliable)
- All cables included
- Dutch manual available on website
- 30-45 minutes setup time
Wheelbase can also be mounted on cockpit (M6 screw holes).
Upgrade Path
The CSL DD Bundle is fully modular:
- Upgrade to 8 Nm Boost Kit (at additional cost)
- Swap the P1 V2 for other Fanatec wheels (WRC, Formula, BMW GT2, etc.), or for an Xbox-licensed wheel if you want to race on Xbox
- Upgrade pedals to CSL Elite V2 or ClubSport V3
- Add shifter (CSL Shifter or ClubSport Shifter)
- Upgrade QR to QR2 for sturdier connection
Everything in the Fanatec ecosystem is cross-compatible.
Alternatives
Compare the Ready2Race Bundle with:
- Moza R5 Bundle: PC-only, cheaper, but no console
- Thrustmaster T248: Belt-driven, in separate PlayStation/PC and Xbox/PC (T248X) versions, but no Direct Drive
- Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro: The same base, but PlayStation-licensed
Conclusion
The Fanatec CSL DD Ready2Race Bundle is a strong complete Direct Drive setup for racers on PC. The combination of CSL DD wheelbase, the CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2, and the expandable CSL Pedals makes this a serious setup for years of use.
While the investment is higher than the Moza R5 Bundle, you pay for:
- An expandable base that also works on Xbox with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel
- CSL Pedals included, expandable with the load cell kit
- The Fanatec ecosystem with plenty of wheels, pedals and upgrades
Xbox racers need to budget for an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel, or pick an Xbox bundle from Logitech, Thrustmaster or Moza. PlayStation racers should pick the GT DD Pro. For PC-only racers the Moza R5 is better value, unless you’re already in the Fanatec ecosystem.
Our rating: 8.8/10 - Complete Direct Drive bundle for PC racers looking for all-in-one, with an upgrade path to Xbox.
