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Both Fanatec Podium DD2 and Simucube 2 Pro are direct drive wheels with a torque output of 25Nm. They're neck and neck in terms of specs, but the Fanatec has a slight edge with PC/Xbox compatibility.
I've seen users plagued by quality control issues with Fanatec - broken quick releases, faulty hardware that needs to be replaced. And good luck getting support from their team; it's like pulling teeth. One user had to send a detailed email just to get an RMA request processed. The pain of dealing with these problems is real.
But wait, it gets worse. Users are reporting reliability issues with the Simucube 2 Pro too - some have experienced disconnections during races, while others have seen their units suddenly stop working altogether. And don't even get me started on the "warranty" process; one user had to send a video of their coil whine just to get a power supply replaced.
The big problem here is that both companies are struggling with quality control and reliability. It's like they're playing a game of roulette - will your unit be one of the lucky ones, or will you be stuck dealing with the consequences of a faulty product?
Despite its flaws, I'd recommend the Simucube 2 Pro for beginners who don't want to deal with the hassle of setting up and troubleshooting their wheel. It's easier to get started, and compatibility won't be an issue with most sim titles.
For experienced users, however, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Both wheels have serious quality control issues, and it's hard to recommend either one at a premium price point. If you're willing to take the risk, go for the Simucube 2 Pro - but don't say I didn't warn you.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to how much you value your sanity. Do you want to deal with the headaches of Fanatec's support team and potential hardware issues? Or do you want to roll the dice with Simucube and hope for the best?