NEW Fanatec Shaft Extension Review | Does Longer Truly Equal Better?!

This is the all-new Fanatec DD Shaft Extension, and jokes aside, it does have some merit.

Designed exclusively for the Fanatec ClubSport DD lineup of wheelbases, this product increases the distance between the wheelbase and the steering wheel by a total of 150mm. This allows you to place your monitor closer to your wheel, optimizing your field of view and creating a mixed reality effect.

Sent to me by Fanatec for review, I’ve been putting it to the test and am ready to share my thoughts. Today, I’ll be going over the good, the bad, and whether it’s really worth its $100 price tag. As always, if you are interested in purchasing this or any other sim racing product, find my discount codes and affiliate links here. These help me keep pumping out these videos at no extra cost to you.

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Review

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CNC-machined from a single block of aluminum, this black-anodized extension is of serious quality and comes packaged in a cylindrical tube along with a bag containing the tools needed for assembly and the manual. Installation is fairly straightforward, and Fanatec’s video guide explains it all much better than I could.

It’s worth noting that there are no additional cables needed to plug in; the entire unit has all the electronics integrated into it, creating a seamless connection. Once everything is set up, this extension provides a very noticeable increase in length and is designed so that you can place your monitor as close to the wheel as possible.

However, this means you’ll need to spend quite a bit of time re-adjusting everything, and it will certainly be easier to do so with a freestanding monitor mount like the one I have here. A quick reminder: all the gear you see here is linked in the video description.

Out on track, the DD Shaft Extension works exactly as you’d imagine. The quick release is the same QR2 that your wheelbase already has, and of course, it doesn’t lose any of its functionality. Made from a single block of metal, the shaft also holds up extremely well, with no noticeable flex, wobble, or unwanted movements even at the ClubSport DD’s highest force feedback settings.

The whole idea of this product isn’t to increase performance—in fact, I didn’t notice any difference in what I was feeling. The main reason someone would get this is to increase immersion, and this is something I can easily confirm. Having the monitor so close to my wheel creates a mixed-reality effect where the driveshaft seemingly flows from my monitor to my physical wheel. I would be lying if I said it was groundbreaking compared to just having the normal setup, but it was a change that made a difference, and a pretty cool one at that.

What I will say is that the ClubSport DD is a much bulkier and larger wheelbase than some of its competitors like the Moza R12 and Simagic Alpha Mini, which already sit much lower. As such, I do think this product makes sense for Fanatec.

I’m sure many of you are also wondering if this product will be made available for the lower-end Fanatec CSL DDs and GT DD Pros. The answer to that is still to be determined. From what I’ve been told, it will depend on the community’s response. At the moment, though, I think it makes sense to only release it for the ClubSport DD users, as that customer base is more serious enthusiasts who value immersion above all and would likely have a need for this product.

Overall, at its current $100 price tag, I think this DD Shaft Extension, considering its target market, quality, and the difference it makes, is worth it. It’s certainly not a necessity, but for those looking for another way to increase the immersion and aesthetics of their setup, it’s a very neat product that creates meaningful value. So, just like that, this has been my review of the brand-new Fanatec DD Shaft Extension. Let me know your thoughts on it in the comments, and as always, thank you all for watching. Stay safe, and have a fantastic rest of your day.

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Video Review:

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FANATEC DD Shaft Extension FAQ

What is the Fanatec DD Shaft Extension? The Fanatec DD Shaft Extension is an accessory designed exclusively for the Fanatec ClubSport DD lineup of wheelbases. It increases the distance between the wheelbase and the steering wheel by 150mm, allowing for a more immersive driving experience by bringing the monitor closer to the wheel.

Which Fanatec wheelbases are compatible with the DD Shaft Extension? The DD Shaft Extension is currently designed for the Fanatec ClubSport DD series. Compatibility with other models, such as the Fanatec CSL DD and GT DD Pro, is yet to be determined and will depend on the community's response.

How does the DD Shaft Extension enhance immersion? By increasing the distance between the wheelbase and the steering wheel, the DD Shaft Extension allows you to place your monitor closer to the wheel. This creates a mixed reality effect, where the driveshaft visually connects your physical wheel to the on-screen environment, enhancing the sense of immersion.

Is the installation process complicated? No, the installation is straightforward. The DD Shaft Extension comes with all the necessary tools and a manual. Fanatec also provides a video guide that clearly explains the installation process.

Do I need additional cables or electronics for the installation? No additional cables are needed. The DD Shaft Extension integrates all necessary electronics, ensuring a seamless connection without the need for extra wiring.

Does the extension affect the performance of the wheelbase? The primary purpose of the DD Shaft Extension is to enhance immersion, not to improve performance. During testing, no changes in force feedback or other performance aspects were observed. The extension maintains the full functionality of the wheelbase, including the quick release system.

Is there any flex or wobble when using the DD Shaft Extension? No, the DD Shaft Extension is CNC-machined from a single block of aluminum, ensuring maximum rigidity. During testing, there were no signs of flex, wobble, or unwanted movements, even at the highest force feedback settings.

What is the price of the Fanatec DD Shaft Extension? The Fanatec DD Shaft Extension is priced at $100.

Is the DD Shaft Extension worth the investment? For serious sim racing enthusiasts who value immersion and aesthetics, the DD Shaft Extension is a worthwhile investment. It’s not a necessity, but it adds meaningful value to your setup by enhancing the visual and immersive experience.

Will Fanatec release a version of the DD Shaft Extension for lower-end models? Fanatec has not confirmed whether the DD Shaft Extension will be released for lower-end models like the CSL DD or GT DD Pro. The decision will be based on community feedback and demand.

Where can I purchase the Fanatec DD Shaft Extension? The Fanatec DD Shaft Extension can be purchased directly from Fanatec's official website. Additionally, check out related discount codes and affiliate links on my website to get the best deals on this and other sim racing products.

Is there a warranty on the Fanatec DD Shaft Extension? Yes, the Fanatec DD Shaft Extension comes with a standard warranty. Please refer to Fanatec's warranty policy for specific details regarding coverage and terms.