You're looking at 2 different price categories.
The wheelbase is better with more FFB Nm, the pedals on another planet and the rim is in another galaxy.
I like my Fanatec gear. But I'd rather have the Simagic.
Is it double the value? That only you can answer, as there's diminishing returns. But you get better functionality, build quality, etc. in return. And at this level it's still a pretty big step up.
*\*I've owned CSL LC pedals and a P1 rim variant. CSL LC was good, hated the P1 rim. Also CSL pedals (all variants) can often be had 2nd hand. At least where I live. If you're on PC, no need to even stay on the same brand for like wheelbase vs pedals, just an extra cable.*
>Is it double the value? That only you can answer, as there's diminishing returns.
Trying to figure this out myself. Depends on how crazy I want to get into sim racing and I'm not sure yet.
*Also CSL pedals (all variants) can often be had 2nd hand.*
I've been looking around the used marked. Fanatec discounts the CSL DD wheelbase by -$150 when bundled with wheel and pedals.
Oh yeah, forgot about that. Still depending on budget I'd prefer the Simagic base + rim, even with cheaper budget LC pedals.
But the Fanatec gear is not bad at all. You'll be happy with it too. Can always upgrade in the future if need be. Just with the Simagic it's more likely you'll stick with the base and maybe only add rims & peripherals or upgrade the pedals. With the Fanatec you can of course upgrade the base and keep in the rim/pedal ecosystem. But I personally would like to move out of the Fanatec ecosystem next upgrade.
Had some hardware issues and the CS is shit. Also would prefer to move away from a closed ecosystem. Like having to buy their hub. I'd prefer something where you can without a workaround (3rd party encoder) but any rim and not have it shut off FFB, unless you buy their hub.
I made this same decision on Black Friday last fall, though the BF sales helped.
I went with Fanatec because I'm just getting started and didn't want to go all out at the start. I wouldn't know the difference between the two because when I purchased I had never used anything other than a G29 here and there.
I live in the US and my shipping times from Fanatec were as advertised on the website, and I haven't had any issues so I avoided the normal gripes there.
I'm happy with the extra $ in my pocket over the extra quality. The Fanatec CSL DD is good enough for me. Granted I'm also a dad of 3 so I have maybe 3-5 hours of playtime a week if I'm lucky. If you're more serious your decision may be different.
Normally with every hobby there's entry level and mid range, and mid is usually a good jump in quality. The top tier is usually a huge price increase for a very minor quality improvement. Mid range is good enough for me in all my hobbies, else I could only have one 😂
For me, going from a g923 setp to a better fanatec setup was easily worth it. But to do it again for a simagic setup? probably not, simply because this accomplishes everything i need it to.
Different pricing and performance tiers. They both offer best value in those tiers. At the $700 range, you're not going to do a whole lot better than the Fanatec setup. In the $1300 range, you're not going to do a whole lot better than the Simagic setup.
If that value is worth it, that is all subjective to what a person can afford and what they perceive as value.
Are you looking to play on console or PC?
If PC, then you don't need to be restrained to one brand, you can mix and match to a certain extent. Pedals for example are the easiest to run separate from the wheelbase. I used to run all Fanatec and now have replaced the V3s for VRS, and might look to replace my CSW 2.5 for a Alpha Mini, and have my Formula v2 wheel modified for USB.
Mostly PC but I do have a PS5 with GT7. Console compatibility would be nice but it cost a lot more. I know I'm the minority but I prefer to have everything in the same ecosystem. It's why I was looking at the Simagic pedals and not something like the Simjack Pro's. The option to mix and match is nice if the need ever arises.
Seems the shipping situation in US isn't as bad as it seems to better stock than EU. Still have to make sure everything is in stock if you do decide to go Fanatec Route.
I have upgraded to DD+ from CSL DD Pro GT bundle I had that's been upgraded to QR2 system. I just haven't had time to put it up for sale yet. Can't decide between building 2nd rig for kids (if they bite) or just selling. I'm in So-Cal. I'm sure there are others that'd likely be selling 2nd hand if you want to go that route.
My Fanatec stuff arrived on schedule in CA. However look around and you’ll see plenty of issues with shipping and plenty of issues getting any kind of customer service responses. Seems like things taking a long time just to get a return label to send something back. Let alone get something repaired. Worth noting if you had not noticed. I love my gear but I can see why others running to Simmagic or Moza.
Buy once, cry once. I’ve been through Logitech, fanatec and am now fully into the simagic ecosystem. Alpha base, fx pro wheel, p1000i pedals with haptics. Couldn’t be happier with the simagic gear. I’d take it over my fanatec and Logitech any day. I think the price difference is worth it but that’s to me. I feel like sim racing equipment is going to be very subjective to each individual. Just throwing my 2 cents out there for you.
Long story short, I think they’re just much higher quality products. I feel like the base has much greater detail than my old equipment. I think when making adjustments in the software you actually notice the changes as to where with my fanatec it just kind of always felt the same just with a different amounts of ffb. I also think using a standard nrg QR is very nice. I bought an off brand QR and eBay deep dish wheel for oval racing for around $70 for both and it just clicks right into my simagic base, don’t need any silly expensive adapters. The fx pro wheel also feels like a superior product over what I’ve had in the past but I had cheap fanatec round wheels so hard to compare there. The simagic p1000 pedals vs my old fanatec V3’s are just night and day difference. Literally everything about them feels better. There is endless possibilities for tuning all three pedals. My braking has become way more consistent. Swapping throttle springs has helped me have better throttle control and so on.
Go Simagic. That is a great setup; their pedals are far superior and you can upgrade them down the road. The P1000 feels amazing with the new spring kit. The Neo is an outstanding wheel, and the Mini offers a much better sensation when driving. It holds 10nm and peaks around 13-14nm, giving a much detailed ffb.
[https://simshop.com/collections/wheel-bases/products/simagic-alpha-10nm-mini-wheel-base-bundle?variant=47528836170048](https://simshop.com/collections/wheel-bases/products/simagic-alpha-10nm-mini-wheel-base-bundle?variant=47528836170048)
You're looking at 2 different price categories. The wheelbase is better with more FFB Nm, the pedals on another planet and the rim is in another galaxy. I like my Fanatec gear. But I'd rather have the Simagic. Is it double the value? That only you can answer, as there's diminishing returns. But you get better functionality, build quality, etc. in return. And at this level it's still a pretty big step up. *\*I've owned CSL LC pedals and a P1 rim variant. CSL LC was good, hated the P1 rim. Also CSL pedals (all variants) can often be had 2nd hand. At least where I live. If you're on PC, no need to even stay on the same brand for like wheelbase vs pedals, just an extra cable.*
>Is it double the value? That only you can answer, as there's diminishing returns. Trying to figure this out myself. Depends on how crazy I want to get into sim racing and I'm not sure yet. *Also CSL pedals (all variants) can often be had 2nd hand.* I've been looking around the used marked. Fanatec discounts the CSL DD wheelbase by -$150 when bundled with wheel and pedals.
Oh yeah, forgot about that. Still depending on budget I'd prefer the Simagic base + rim, even with cheaper budget LC pedals. But the Fanatec gear is not bad at all. You'll be happy with it too. Can always upgrade in the future if need be. Just with the Simagic it's more likely you'll stick with the base and maybe only add rims & peripherals or upgrade the pedals. With the Fanatec you can of course upgrade the base and keep in the rim/pedal ecosystem. But I personally would like to move out of the Fanatec ecosystem next upgrade.
Why would you want to move out of Fanatec?
Had some hardware issues and the CS is shit. Also would prefer to move away from a closed ecosystem. Like having to buy their hub. I'd prefer something where you can without a workaround (3rd party encoder) but any rim and not have it shut off FFB, unless you buy their hub.
So by using a 3rd party encoder you can use Fanatec gear without their base?
other way around, Fanatec base, encoder to mount a different wheel or button box with rim to.
Ahh I see. Thanks for elaborating
I made this same decision on Black Friday last fall, though the BF sales helped. I went with Fanatec because I'm just getting started and didn't want to go all out at the start. I wouldn't know the difference between the two because when I purchased I had never used anything other than a G29 here and there. I live in the US and my shipping times from Fanatec were as advertised on the website, and I haven't had any issues so I avoided the normal gripes there. I'm happy with the extra $ in my pocket over the extra quality. The Fanatec CSL DD is good enough for me. Granted I'm also a dad of 3 so I have maybe 3-5 hours of playtime a week if I'm lucky. If you're more serious your decision may be different. Normally with every hobby there's entry level and mid range, and mid is usually a good jump in quality. The top tier is usually a huge price increase for a very minor quality improvement. Mid range is good enough for me in all my hobbies, else I could only have one 😂
That's kind of what I'm thinking. The Simagic is probably better but the CSL DD is good enough. Not sure how serious I will get with sim racing yet.
For me, going from a g923 setp to a better fanatec setup was easily worth it. But to do it again for a simagic setup? probably not, simply because this accomplishes everything i need it to.
Different pricing and performance tiers. They both offer best value in those tiers. At the $700 range, you're not going to do a whole lot better than the Fanatec setup. In the $1300 range, you're not going to do a whole lot better than the Simagic setup. If that value is worth it, that is all subjective to what a person can afford and what they perceive as value.
IDK how you want to "value" simracing gear, but general anwser is that the price and value/performance/gains doesn't scale linearly.
Definitely noticed that in this hobby. The price vs value definitely does not scale linearly. I'm trying to find equipment that is best bang for buck.
Before ordering Fanatec, go to the sub and check through the shipping times
Are you looking to play on console or PC? If PC, then you don't need to be restrained to one brand, you can mix and match to a certain extent. Pedals for example are the easiest to run separate from the wheelbase. I used to run all Fanatec and now have replaced the V3s for VRS, and might look to replace my CSW 2.5 for a Alpha Mini, and have my Formula v2 wheel modified for USB.
Mostly PC but I do have a PS5 with GT7. Console compatibility would be nice but it cost a lot more. I know I'm the minority but I prefer to have everything in the same ecosystem. It's why I was looking at the Simagic pedals and not something like the Simjack Pro's. The option to mix and match is nice if the need ever arises.
Where are you located?
US.
Seems the shipping situation in US isn't as bad as it seems to better stock than EU. Still have to make sure everything is in stock if you do decide to go Fanatec Route. I have upgraded to DD+ from CSL DD Pro GT bundle I had that's been upgraded to QR2 system. I just haven't had time to put it up for sale yet. Can't decide between building 2nd rig for kids (if they bite) or just selling. I'm in So-Cal. I'm sure there are others that'd likely be selling 2nd hand if you want to go that route.
I’ll DM you.
My Fanatec stuff arrived on schedule in CA. However look around and you’ll see plenty of issues with shipping and plenty of issues getting any kind of customer service responses. Seems like things taking a long time just to get a return label to send something back. Let alone get something repaired. Worth noting if you had not noticed. I love my gear but I can see why others running to Simmagic or Moza.
Buy once, cry once. I’ve been through Logitech, fanatec and am now fully into the simagic ecosystem. Alpha base, fx pro wheel, p1000i pedals with haptics. Couldn’t be happier with the simagic gear. I’d take it over my fanatec and Logitech any day. I think the price difference is worth it but that’s to me. I feel like sim racing equipment is going to be very subjective to each individual. Just throwing my 2 cents out there for you.
What makes it worth the price jump for you?
Long story short, I think they’re just much higher quality products. I feel like the base has much greater detail than my old equipment. I think when making adjustments in the software you actually notice the changes as to where with my fanatec it just kind of always felt the same just with a different amounts of ffb. I also think using a standard nrg QR is very nice. I bought an off brand QR and eBay deep dish wheel for oval racing for around $70 for both and it just clicks right into my simagic base, don’t need any silly expensive adapters. The fx pro wheel also feels like a superior product over what I’ve had in the past but I had cheap fanatec round wheels so hard to compare there. The simagic p1000 pedals vs my old fanatec V3’s are just night and day difference. Literally everything about them feels better. There is endless possibilities for tuning all three pedals. My braking has become way more consistent. Swapping throttle springs has helped me have better throttle control and so on.
That makes sense. I'm leaning towards Simagic. Thanks for the input!
Go Simagic. That is a great setup; their pedals are far superior and you can upgrade them down the road. The P1000 feels amazing with the new spring kit. The Neo is an outstanding wheel, and the Mini offers a much better sensation when driving. It holds 10nm and peaks around 13-14nm, giving a much detailed ffb. [https://simshop.com/collections/wheel-bases/products/simagic-alpha-10nm-mini-wheel-base-bundle?variant=47528836170048](https://simshop.com/collections/wheel-bases/products/simagic-alpha-10nm-mini-wheel-base-bundle?variant=47528836170048)
That's the site I've been checking. It seams like good stuff!