Sim Racing Wheel Bases: Everything You Need to Know

Getting the right wheel base is a game changer in sim racing – literally. No matter whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade.

It’s basically the heart of your sim racing setup, it’s what gives you that immersive feel of the car, letting you feel every bump, slide, and twitch of the the car. But with direct drive, belt-driven, and gear-driven options, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out which one suits your budget.

Don’t worry if this is the case, this blog has been expertly curated to help you understand what there is to know about sim racing wheel bases, no matter whether you are looking to upgrade or buy one for the first time. We cover everything from types available to how realistic they feel (make sure to read this part if you’re after realism). This blog has been reviewed and examined by our in-house sim racing expert, Gaz – you may have seen him in our sim racer vs real GT3 driver series as they flew around a track on our state of the art sim rig. He knows what he’s talking about… so let’s get into it, starting with the basics…

What is a sim racing wheel base

A sim racing wheel base is the central unit of your sim racing setup that houses the motor responsible for generating the force feedback and detail you feel while driving. Essentially, it’s the foundation that connects the steering wheel to the virtual car, translating the physics of the game into physical sensations in your hands.

The wheel base determines how much force feedback you’ll feel, how responsive the steering is, and how immersive the experience will be overall. It doesn’t include the steering wheel itself, that’s a separate piece, but it’s the critical component that brings the whole setup to life. From sharp turns to subtle road vibrations, the wheel base makes everything feel more real.

Do you need a wheel base for sim racing

Technically, you don’t need a wheel base to enjoy sim racing, many people start with just a game controller, especially if they’re just casually racing. However, if you’re serious about sim racing and want to get the most immersive and realistic experience, then a steering wheel and wheel base is pretty much essential.

You can buy ‘all in one’ steering wheel/wheel base systems which give you very light feedback, in the form of vibrations, similar to that of a controller on a console, for example a Thrustmaster or Logitech ‘all in one’ system. But without a proper wheel base, you miss out on real feedback, which is one of the key elements that makes sim racing feel real. The cheaper wheel bases provide feedback but its not that accurate and not that strong. Real force feedback via a direct drive wheel base gives you tactile information about the car’s handling, the road surface, and how your tyres are gripping, or slipping. So, while you can race without one, using a wheel base is what turns sim racing from just playing a game into something that feels like driving an actual car.

If you’re aiming for precision, immersion, and that next-level experience, a wheel base is a game changer. Sim racing today has gotten so advanced it can actually help you with real driving skill and technique, so it’s definitely worth considering. But for casual racing? You can get by without it, though the experience won’t be nearly as engaging or accurate in feeling.

What are the different types of wheel bases

When it comes to sim racing wheel bases, the three main types 1. Gear-driven, 2. Belt-driven, and 3. Direct drive offers different experiences depending on your budget and how realistic you want your setup to feel.

Gear-driven

These wheel bases are typically the most affordable and are a great entry point if you’re new to sim racing. These systems use a set of gears to transfer force feedback from the motor to the wheel. While they can provide solid force feedback, they tend to feel a bit “notchy” or clunky due to the gears’ mechanical nature. You might also notice some grinding or gear noise, especially under heavy load. Gear-driven setups are a reliable and cost-effective option for beginners who want to get into sim racing without a huge investment, who aren’t too fussed on attaining total realism.

Belt-driven

The next step up from gear driven, belt driven wheel bases offer performance and smoothness enhancements. Instead of gears, they use belts to deliver force feedback, resulting in a much quieter and smoother operation. The force feedback in belt-driven wheels tends to feel more refined, making it easier to sense changes in the car’s behaviour.

However, there’s a slight trade-off in precision, some of the finer, high-frequency details can be dampened by the belts, making it less sharp compared to direct drive systems. This type of wheel base strikes a great balance between price and performance, making it ideal for intermediate racers who want a smoother, more immersive experience without breaking the bank

Direct drive

The top-tier option for sim racers seeking the most realistic and responsive force feedback. In these setups, the wheel is directly mounted to a powerful motor, eliminating any intermediary components like gears or belts. This results in incredibly accurate and detailed feedback, every bump, slide, and change in road texture is transmitted straight to your hands in real-time. Direct drive systems are also capable of much stronger force feedback, which is why they’re the go-to choice for professional or very dedicated sim racers.

However, they come with a higher price tag. Models like the Simucube 2 are one of the most popular in this category, but Moza wheelbases are also highly regarded and sometimes a little cheaper for those on a stricter budget.

Each type of wheel base has its pros and cons, so it really depends on how much you’re willing to invest and what kind of racing experience you’re after. If you’re new to sim racing, a gear-driven or belt-driven wheel base might be perfect to start with, while a direct drive system is ideal if you’re aiming for the most authentic feel possible.

Which type is best for sim racing?

The best type of wheel base for sim racing depends on your level of experience, commitment, and budget. However, if we’re talking about the absolute best in terms of performance and immersion, the direct drive wheel base is widely considered the top choice. Here’s why:

Realism and Precision: Direct drive systems provide the most detailed and responsive force feedback, as the wheel is directly connected to the motor with no intermediate components like gears or belts. This means you feel every detail of the track, from subtle tyre grip changes to bumps and curbs.
Strength: These systems can generate significantly more torque than gear or belt-driven wheels, offering a much stronger and more immersive experience.

That being said, direct drive wheel bases come with a higher price tag. If you’re newer to sim racing or are working within a tighter budget, a belt-driven system can be a fantastic middle-ground, offering smooth and realistic feedback.

Ultimately, the best type is direct drive if you’re aiming for the most realistic and high-performance experience, but it’s all about balancing performance with your budget and personal needs.

The relationship between the wheel base and steering wheel

In sim racing, the wheel base and steering wheel work together to change the feel of your setup. The wheel base is like the engine here; it’s where all the force feedback comes from as it pushes out the torque, force, and all those fine details about the road. The steering wheel is your actual connection to all that feedback, and a solid one will let you feel every subtle shift without getting in the way.

When you have a high-quality, rigid steering wheel, you’re not going to miss an apex. It’s all about that direct link; even tiny things like the way the tyres grip on different surfaces get sent straight to your hands without any softening or flex. So if the wheel base sends a strong jolt, the steering wheel should be able to handle it and deliver that full effect. This is where matching your wheel to your wheel base really matters; they need to work together to be smooth, not one overpowering the other.

And here’s a great part: if your wheel base lets you swap wheels, (and you’re lucky enough to have more than 1 steering wheel) it adds even more to the realism. You can use a GT-Style wheel for rallying, Rally Cross and Touring cars where a Yoke or Formula style for Prototypes, GTs and Formula cars. Each shape and button layout is designed for that specific type of driving, giving you just the right control in each scenario. When the wheel and base are perfectly in sync, it’s not just accurate, it’s immersive, the kind of experience that keeps you engaged and makes each race feel real.

How realistic is a direct drive wheel base

We’ve talked a lot about how direct drive systems are the most realistic, but how realistic are we talking?

A direct drive wheel base is about as close as you can get to the real thing in sim racing. Let’s get a bit technical here: unlike gear- or belt-driven systems, which have some mechanical loss due to intermediate components, a direct drive setup attaches the steering wheel directly to the motor’s shaft. This direct connection means you get a 1:1 ratio between what happens in the game and what you feel in your hands, with no delay, loss of force, or dampening from other parts.

In terms of realism, direct drive wheel bases deliver the most accurate and detailed force feedback because they can replicate both high-frequency details (like the texture of road surfaces, or tyre scrubbing) and low-frequency sensations (like heavy cornering forces or weight transfer in the car) with precision. This high fidelity means you feel subtle nuances, such as when the tyres start to lose grip or when the car is about to oversteer, which is crucial for making quick, informed decisions during a race.

Furthermore, direct drive systems have much higher torque outputs, sometimes reaching up to 25 Nm or more, compared to gear or belt-driven systems, which might top out at around 6 Nm to 8Nm. This means they can replicate the heavy steering forces you’d encounter in real race cars, perfect for simulating cars with unassisted steering, for example.

The stronger torque also allows for a more immersive experience when driving powerful racing machines, where steering requires genuine physical effort.

Gomez Sim Industries wheel and wheel base

What really sets direct drive apart is its immediate feedback. Because there’s no latency from gears or belts, your brain doesn’t have to work around any lag, allowing for much faster reactions. In competitive sim racing, where fractions of a second can mean the difference between winning and losing, this responsiveness is critical.

So, in short, a direct drive wheel base gives you the most precise, powerful, and immersive sim racing experience available. It’s as realistic as you can get without hopping into a real race car. If you’re after professional-level feedback that lets you feel everything happening on the track, direct drive is the way to go.

What to Think About When Choosing/Upgrading a Sim Racing wheel base

If you’re in the market for a wheel base there are a number of things to consider to make sure you’re making the right choice, you don’t want to be throwing money away if you can avoid it I’m sure! We have done the hard work for you, below are the top 6 things you should consider if you are looking to buy or upgrade your wheel base:

Feel

The feel of the wheel base is essential for immersion. You want a setup that mimics real-world driving by transmitting all the subtleties of the track, from subtle vibrations to heavy steering resistance. Direct-drive bases, like those from Simucube and Moza, excel here by delivering smooth, highly detailed feedback without mechanical interference, making the wheel feel like an extension of the car.

Force Feedback

This is the powerhouse behind sim racing realism. wheel bases vary widely in the force feedback they produce, with direct drive typically offering the strongest and most accurate feedback, as we have mentioned above, often reaching up to 25 Nm or more of torque (which is a lot!). High-torque wheel bases will demand a sturdy sim cockpit to avoid unwanted movement. If you’re choosing between belt, gear, and direct drive, keep in mind that direct drive is generally smoother and provides more consistent torque without the dampening you may feel in other types.

Rig and Steering Wheel Compatibility

First off, you should consider your rig itself if you are looking to upgrade your wheel base and potentially the steering wheel. As mentioned, a direct drive wheel base can dish out upwards of 25 Nm of torque, if this is mounted to a desk or simple wheel stand, you’re going to have a bad time. A cheaper, less robust rig won’t be able to handle a direct drive wheel base, so you’ll want to make sure yours is up to the job first, as a good sim racing rig can be the foundation to success.

As well as making sure you have the right rig, make sure the wheel base will actually work and is compatible with both your current rig and any steering wheel you plan to use. Look for models that offer universal mounting options which fit a wide range of wheels with minimal adjustment. Wheel bases with modular quick-release systems like those from Cube Controls are also a plus if you plan to swap between different wheels, such as for GT or formula racing styles.

Detail

A high-quality wheel base will provide fine detail in force feedback, which means you’ll feel the smallest shifts, like tyre slippage or track irregularities. Look for models with a high torque and advanced motor systems, as they’re built to handle these delicate sensations without loss. The Simucube 2, for example, excels at giving this nuanced feedback, which can make a big difference in performance, especially on technical tracks.

Slew Rate

Slew rate refers to the speed at which a wheel base can respond to changes in force feedback, such as when you hit a bump, lose traction, or make rapid steering corrections. A high slew rate means the wheel base can transmit these changes nearly instantly, allowing you to feel every detail of the track, from road surface textures to minute grip changes in the tyres. This faster response time is crucial in sim racing because it allows you to react more quickly to evolving conditions, such as catching a slide or adjusting your line through a corner.

With a higher slew rate, the wheel can mimic the rapid force fluctuations you’d feel in a real car, enhancing immersion and precision. It directly impacts your control, enabling smoother, more accurate corrections without any lag. Essentially, when the slew rate is high, the force feedback feels sharper and more immediate, giving you a clear advantage, especially in competitive or high-speed scenarios where reaction time is everything. It helps keep you connected to the virtual car’s behaviour in real-time, ensuring that the wheel reacts as fast as you do.

Software Support

Reliable software support lets you fine-tune the wheel base’s performance and update firmware as new features roll out. Systems like Simucube’s software allows for highly customisable feedback, letting you tweak settings to match each track and car for each game, such as iRacing and Assetto Corsa. The availability of profiles tailored for specific games can simplify setup and save you a lot of time.

For example, profiles can be created by users and content creators. They can save their profile so anyone (including you) can use their profiles. There’s a profile for anything from single seaters and GT to Prototype, rally, rally cross and oval race cars, every category is covered. It literally is a click of a button to use one of the profiles, it couldn’t be much easier! But if a profile doesn’t match your style exactly, you can create and customise your own to be a perfect fit for you.

Wireless Wheel Compatibility

If you want to go wireless, make sure your wheel base has solid wireless support. Advanced direct drive options often include this feature and can connect seamlessly to compatible wheels with ultra low latency (no one likes lag), which reduces clutter. Models like the Simucube 2 support wireless wheels, ensuring smooth and immediate feedback from your virtual track to your hands.

Matching your wheel base with your specific needs and equipment is key. Balancing torque strength, compatibility, and software flexibility will help you get the best out of your setup, whether you’re racing casually or competing seriously.

Final tips and help

Here are a few final tips for picking the right sim racing wheel base, to help you make a smart investment and set yourself up for the best experience:

Define Your Budget and Needs

High-end direct drive wheel bases are fantastic, but they’re also pricey. Consider how serious you are about sim racing and whether you’ll really benefit from the extra detail and power. Alternatively, gear or belt-driven models are great for beginners or those on a budget, offering a solid experience without the premium price tag. If you’re on the fence about a product or 2, come on down to the Demon Tweeks Sim Racing Academy, you can try any product on our state of the art rig, giving you the information you need to make a better decision.

Think About Future Upgrades

If you plan to expand your setup over time (like adding a shifter, handbrake, or different steering wheels, if you have the budget you should definitely consider them!) make sure your wheel base is compatible with a broad range of peripherals. Models with an ecosystem, which can support various components down the road are useful.

Research Community Reviews and Support

Before buying, look at feedback from the sim racing community on forums and review sites. YouTube is a great place to find this content, among dedicated sim racers it has real world racing drivers such as GT3 driver Daniel Morad, he can be a bridge from sim racing to real world racing as he does both, so it’s worth hearing what he and other sim racers have to say.

Hearing real-world experiences can reveal helpful insights on durability, ease of setup, and common issues. Reliable customer support and software updates can also make a big difference in keeping your setup running smoothly long-term.

By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find a wheel base that meets your needs and provides the best performance and longevity for your sim racing setup.

Ascher Racing wheel and Simucube wheel base

Let’s sum up

If you’ve made it this far then you have more than enough information to get a head start on your competition. We have covered everything from what a sim racing wheel base is and the types available, to the considerations you should think about when looking to buy like feel, software support and force feedback.

A wheel base is such a core component of a sim racing setup, it can really add another level or 2 of immersion. But remember it’s important to assess your real requirements above all when looking to get one/upgrade.

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