Is the jump from 5 Nm of force to 8 Nm big enough to justify spending another €160? Fanatec's Boost Kit 180 offers this upgradeable power pack to its CSL DD and GT DD Pro users, but is it worth it in 2025?
However, this affordability came with a catch: the Boost Kit 180. To maximize the potential of the CSL DD and GT DD Pro wheelbases, you must spend an additional €160 for increased power and performance. But is this extra cost justified? Are there other alternatives?
Some third-party manufacturers have attempted to produce cheaper power supplies with similar output. However, these are unofficial products, and their reliability is sporadic. If you use a knock-off version, your Fanatec warranty will be invalidated.
The main noticeable difference between direct-drive wheelbases is the level of detail portrayed. From bumps in the road to the slightest of slips on worn slick tyres, every little snippet of information is captured through the silky smooth operation of a Direct-Drive wheelbase.
The bases detail your driving experience in greater depth, and the near-silent operation negates the need to switch the sim off when a significant other goes to bed!
Focusing on Fanatec now, the CSL DD and GT DD Pro direct drive wheelbases only provide 5Nm of peak torque from the factory. This can leave some users wanting more, especially if they are on a Moza R5 wheelbase, for example. Enter the Boost Kit 180.
Additionally, the Boost Kit reduces the chances of running into force feedback signal clipping, which ensures a more consistent and precise driving experience. The extra power headroom produces a purer and cleaner force feedback response even using the same force feedback settings as it does not reach the point where clipping would occur as early.
The price: The Boost Kit, for €160, has been criticized. While it is difficult to determine whether the pricing is justified from a manufacturing standpoint, many users feel that Fanatec could have included the higher power supply as the original.
Increased Desk and Cockpit Stress: If you use the wheelbase on a desk or a lower-end sim racing cockpit, the additional power might introduce stability issues. A desk setup that comfortably supports 5Nm might struggle to handle 8Nm, potentially leading to unwanted movement.
8 Nm boost kit. Image: Fanatec
The Boost Kit's 180W power supply draws twice as much power as the standard 90W version when running at full chat. While this increase is unlikely to impact your electricity bill significantly, it is something to consider for users who prefer to tackle the more extended challenges in sim racing.
However, after running multiple comparison tests between the two power levels, chances are you will start to want more from your wheelbase after a long period.
The 5 Nm version of the CSL DD or GT DD Pro is a great entry-level Direct Drive wheel, but the boost kit should have been included as the stock power supply. Knowing that the Boost Kit can be purchased later as an upgrade is reassuring.
Image: Fanatec
As any sim racer knows, the upgrades never really stop—but if you're looking for a long-term solution, the Boost Kit could be a worthwhile addition to your setup. With Fanatec looking more assertive in 2025, with shipping issues and prices sorted out, investing in this boost for your rig could be the change you are looking for in 2025.
If budget is not a significant concern, the Fanatec Boost Kit is worth the investment for a more immersive and precise racing experience. If you are undecided, starting with the base 5Nm version and upgrading later is always an option. You will pay more for the kit if you buy it outside of a Fantatec bundle.
If you are interested in purchasing the Fanatec Boost Kit 180 and you like what we do here at OverTake, please consider using our Fanatec affiliate link. We make a small commission on each sale made using this link, without any extra costs for you. With that, you can support your favourite sim racing community so that we can keep hosting all the downloads you need and post all the news, reviews, features, and more.
Are you considering the Fanatec Boost Kit 180? Should the boost kit have been included as standard in Fanatec's bundles? Let us know in the comments below!
Is the Fanatec Boost Kit worth the price tag?
When Fanatec released the groundbreaking CSL DD and GT DD Pro, they revolutionized the affordable direct drive market by offering a high-quality direct drive wheelbase at an accessible price, which was rare in August 2021.However, this affordability came with a catch: the Boost Kit 180. To maximize the potential of the CSL DD and GT DD Pro wheelbases, you must spend an additional €160 for increased power and performance. But is this extra cost justified? Are there other alternatives?
Some third-party manufacturers have attempted to produce cheaper power supplies with similar output. However, these are unofficial products, and their reliability is sporadic. If you use a knock-off version, your Fanatec warranty will be invalidated.
Direct Drive vs. Gear-Driven Wheels
Before discussing the specifics of the Boost Kit, it's essential to understand the advantages of direct-drive wheelbases compared to their older gear-driven counterparts, such as the Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T150.The main noticeable difference between direct-drive wheelbases is the level of detail portrayed. From bumps in the road to the slightest of slips on worn slick tyres, every little snippet of information is captured through the silky smooth operation of a Direct-Drive wheelbase.
The bases detail your driving experience in greater depth, and the near-silent operation negates the need to switch the sim off when a significant other goes to bed!
Focusing on Fanatec now, the CSL DD and GT DD Pro direct drive wheelbases only provide 5Nm of peak torque from the factory. This can leave some users wanting more, especially if they are on a Moza R5 wheelbase, for example. Enter the Boost Kit 180.
What Does the Boost Kit Add?
The simple explanation of what the boost kit does is that it increases the wheelbase's peak torque from 5Nm to 8Nm. This seemingly modest increase has a substantial impact on performance and immersion. With the additional torque, force feedback becomes more pronounced, providing more precise details about tire grip, subtle slides, and surface imperfections. This allows for greater control and consistency over long races, creating a more immersive and competitive experience.Additionally, the Boost Kit reduces the chances of running into force feedback signal clipping, which ensures a more consistent and precise driving experience. The extra power headroom produces a purer and cleaner force feedback response even using the same force feedback settings as it does not reach the point where clipping would occur as early.
Downsides of the Boost Kit
Despite its multiple benefits, the Boost Kit isn't without its drawbacks. Here are a few key considerations.The price: The Boost Kit, for €160, has been criticized. While it is difficult to determine whether the pricing is justified from a manufacturing standpoint, many users feel that Fanatec could have included the higher power supply as the original.
Increased Desk and Cockpit Stress: If you use the wheelbase on a desk or a lower-end sim racing cockpit, the additional power might introduce stability issues. A desk setup that comfortably supports 5Nm might struggle to handle 8Nm, potentially leading to unwanted movement.
8 Nm boost kit. Image: Fanatec
The Boost Kit's 180W power supply draws twice as much power as the standard 90W version when running at full chat. While this increase is unlikely to impact your electricity bill significantly, it is something to consider for users who prefer to tackle the more extended challenges in sim racing.
Is the Boost Kit 180 worth it in 2025?
The value of the Boost Kit is almost entirely based on where you are in your sim racing journey. If you upgrade from an entry-level wheel like the Logitech G29, Thrustmaster T150, or even the T300RS, the jump to the 5 Nm direct drive wheelbase alone will be a significant improvement.However, after running multiple comparison tests between the two power levels, chances are you will start to want more from your wheelbase after a long period.
The 5 Nm version of the CSL DD or GT DD Pro is a great entry-level Direct Drive wheel, but the boost kit should have been included as the stock power supply. Knowing that the Boost Kit can be purchased later as an upgrade is reassuring.
Image: Fanatec
As any sim racer knows, the upgrades never really stop—but if you're looking for a long-term solution, the Boost Kit could be a worthwhile addition to your setup. With Fanatec looking more assertive in 2025, with shipping issues and prices sorted out, investing in this boost for your rig could be the change you are looking for in 2025.
If budget is not a significant concern, the Fanatec Boost Kit is worth the investment for a more immersive and precise racing experience. If you are undecided, starting with the base 5Nm version and upgrading later is always an option. You will pay more for the kit if you buy it outside of a Fantatec bundle.
If you are interested in purchasing the Fanatec Boost Kit 180 and you like what we do here at OverTake, please consider using our Fanatec affiliate link. We make a small commission on each sale made using this link, without any extra costs for you. With that, you can support your favourite sim racing community so that we can keep hosting all the downloads you need and post all the news, reviews, features, and more.
Are you considering the Fanatec Boost Kit 180? Should the boost kit have been included as standard in Fanatec's bundles? Let us know in the comments below!
