In the rapidly growing world of sim racing, choosing the right equipment can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment. Cammus, a notable player in the sim racing hardware industry, offers a range of products designed to cater to different skill levels and preferences. This article looks at Cammus’ product line and where the C5 fits in with their other key offerings.
Entry Level – Cammus C5 Wheelbase
Target Audience: Entry-level sim racers
The C5 5Nm wheelbase by Cammus is a wheelbase we have covered in depth in other articles on the Sim Racing In Focus Website, it is positioned as an accessible entry point into the world of sim racing and potentially the first step in the line of Cammus products. Offering 5Nm of torque, it strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it suitable for beginners and casual racers who are looking to explore sim racing without a hefty initial investment. Whilst the torque level can be replicated with other belt and gear driven wheels, they simply can’t provide the level of detail a wheel crafted direct drive motor can and this is where the C5 distinguishes itself apart from other entry level sim racing products.
Performance:
The 5Nm torque rating is adequate for most entry-level sim racing needs. It provides enough force feedback to enhance immersion and realism without overwhelming new users. The smooth operation ensures a responsive driving experience, crucial for learning and improving driving skills.
Features:
– Compact Design: The all-in-one design simplifies setup and reduces clutter.
– Compatibility: The C5 bundle is compatible with most PC titles. Unfortunately, no cross compatibility for consoles exists at this point in time.
– Affordability: Competitive pricing at $329.00 AUD for the wheel and pedal bundle, makes it a cost-effective choice for beginners.
Build Quality:
While entry-level, the C5 maintains a sturdy build that withstands regular use. However, it may lack some of the premium materials and finishes found in higher-end models, reflecting its positioning in the market.
User Experience:
Feedback from users generally highlights the C5’s ease of setup and operation. It’s praised for being plug-and-play, ideal for those new to sim racing who seek a straightforward experience without extensive tweaking.
Verdict:
For newcomers and budget-conscious sim racers, the Cammus C5 5Nm wheelbase offers a compelling entry point. Its blend of affordability, adequate performance, and user-friendly design makes it a solid choice to kickstart a sim racing journey but one you may want to upgrade from should you delve into the world of competitive online racing especially when it comes to the pedal set.
Intermediate – Cammus C12 Wheelbase
Target Audience: Upgrading from entry-level setups
Building on the foundation laid by the C5, the C12 12Nm wheelbase is aimed at sim racers who have outgrown their entry-level equipment and seek more torque and precision. The C12 utilises the same base clamp that comes with the C5 as a mounting point and offers a nice upgrade path for C5 owners.
Performance:
With more than double the torque of the C5 at 12Nm, the C12 delivers significantly enhanced force feedback. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for users looking to improve lap times and feel more nuanced details in driving dynamics.
Features:
– Increased Torque: Provides stronger force feedback, enhancing immersion and realism.
– Advanced Tuning Options: Allows for more customisation and fine-tuning of force feedback settings.
– Compatibility: Much like the C5, the C12 is compatible with most PC Sim racing titles.
Build Quality:
The C12 maintains Cammus’ reputation for solid construction. It offers durability and reliability suitable for enthusiasts who engage in longer and more intense racing sessions. Purchases will notice the increase in wheel diameter to 300mm from the C5 and also the upgrade in button and dial quality to boot. To cap off the C12’s new feature list is some upgraded magnetic padel shifters which certainly help the transition from an amateur sim racer to someone looking to take their sim racing adventure to new heights feel more complete.
User Experience:
Feedback indicates that the C12 strikes a good balance between performance and price for intermediate sim racers. Users appreciate the step-up in torque and tactile feel from the stronger motor and upgraded buttons and shifters when compared with the C5.
Verdict:
For sim racers looking to elevate their experience without stepping into the top-tier price range, the Cammus C12 12Nm wheelbase delivers enhanced performance and flexibility. It’s a logical upgrade path for those who have mastered entry-level equipment and want more immersion and control. The C12 offering from Cammus provides great insight into a potential evolving ecosystem for Cammus’ products especially when it comes to using the already tried and tested wheel mounting option. The wheel mount is sold in the original C5 bundle or for an additional cost if you don’t already own one.
3. Advanced – Cammus GT1 & GTS 15Nm
Target Audience: Dedicated sim racers with robust setups
Cammus’ GT1 and GTS bundles cater to serious sim racers who demand high performance and reliability from their equipment. This product features the more traditional format for sim racing hardware, where the server base and the rim are two separate elements. This of course allows the owner more flexibility with wheel rim choice. The GT1 base is Cammus’ oldest product that they currently sell however, and we await to see whether more wheel rims are in the pipeline to use with this model.
Performance:
At 15Nm of torque, these bundles offer substantial force feedback, providing a more realistic driving experience. This level of torque is well-suited for competitive sim racing, where precise feedback and control are paramount.
Features:
– Modularity: Separation of wheel and base allows for customisation and compatibility with professional-grade accessories.
– Premium Materials: Built with high-quality components for durability and longevity.
– Advanced Tuning Capabilities: Offers extensive options for tweaking force feedback settings to suit individual preferences and racing styles.
Build Quality:
Designed for enthusiasts and professionals, the GT1 and GTS bundles feature robust construction that withstands intensive use. They are built to handle the rigors of frequent and demanding sim racing sessions.
User Experience:
Reviews from experienced sim racers emphasise the responsiveness and fidelity of the GT1 and GTS bundles. Users appreciate the high torque output and the ability to fine-tune settings to achieve optimal performance in various racing simulations.
Verdict:
For dedicated sim racers who prioritise performance and reliability, the Cammus GT1 and GTS 15Nm bundles offer a premium experience. They are ideal for those with sophisticated sim rigs and a commitment to competitive racing, providing the tools needed to push the limits of virtual driving.
Conclusion
Cammus’ product line covers a wide spectrum of sim racing needs, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Each product—whether it’s the entry-level C5 5Nm wheelbase, the mid-range C12 12Nm upgrade option, or the traditional GT1 & GTS 15Nm bundles—caters to specific audiences with varying levels of experience and expectations.
Choosing the right Cammus product depends on your current skill level, budget, and long-term goals in sim racing. Beginners will find the C5 a perfect starting point, while intermediate users may prefer the upgrade to the C12 for enhanced performance. Serious enthusiasts and professionals, on the other hand, will appreciate the power and versatility of the GT1 and GTS bundles.
Overall, Cammus is beginning to stand out in the sim racing hardware market by offering well-engineered products that balance performance, quality, and affordability across different segments of the sim racing community. Whether you’re starting your journey or aiming for the podium, Cammus has a wheelbase solution tailored to meet your needs.
Learn more about the Cammus C5 here.
If you’re interested in picking up a Cammus product then Cammus have kindly provided a link to Sim Racing In Focus readers for a 5% off discount when using “simfocus” in the coupon code section at checkout.
