IMMSOURCE ET5 DD FFB Wheel System Review

Final thoughts on the ET5 wheelbase kit from the guys at IMMSOURCE. Out of the box, the wheelbase and FD1 steering wheel present as professionally finished products. I could find no defects in part fitment or finish. The ET5 wheelbase has a peak torque rating of 17nm. Which will be plenty for most sim racers needs. The wheelbase hub has a wireless pass through setup that uses inductive coupling to provide power to the FD1 Steering wheel. The data transfer from the button plate to the wheelbase is handled by a 2.4ghz wireless solution. The back of the wheelbase has ports and connections for the 2.4ghz antenna, power, and USB connectivity and a power switch. It also has a 6 port USB configuration that allows you to connect supported controllers to it. The FD1 wheel attaches to the hub with NRG style quick release. Which provided me with a stiff connection point. That displayed no noticeable flex during my testing sessions. The rim on the FD1 also provided a properly stiff feel. The buttons, encoders and 7 way switch all had a decent feel to them. The encoders, analog 4way switch and clutch paddles can be programmed for different functionality in the IMMPLATFROM tuning application. Even the button led colors can be changed. The IMMPLATFROM app did provide me with enough tuning options to get the FFB setup to my liking. At least up to the limitations of what the wheel can provide. Speaking of which, I can add this wheelbase to my very short list of wheelbases I have tested that is able to give me a smooth feel as I turn right and left around the center of wheels rotation at my preferred levels of FFB detail. Usually I have to settle for a compromise of more detail and a notchy feeling during wheel rotation or less than desired FFB detail and smoother feel during wheel rotation. That said, I could still feel a very faint bit of ripple or notchIness around the center, but I had to focus on it to feel it was there. During normal racing pace, it was not noticeable. Also, the ET5 still displayed a bit of a digital feel on the suspension when running over larger bumps and curbing. But less than other wheelbases tested with similar specifications. There are several distributors that carry the IMMSOURCE line. At the date of this review I calculated the ET5 with FD1 steering wheel to be around 1300.00usd plus shipping. It’s great to see even more DD FFB wheelbase solutions coming available to Sim Racers. But at the same time, it’s becoming even harder to decide which one is right for your particular situation and driving style.