FANATEC SIM RACING BUYER’S GUIDE (AUSTRALIA)

In the last few weeks and months, we’ve received many messages and questions about tips and recommendations on sim racing products and the right entry-level setup. Thanks to a wide product portfolio in all price ranges, the focus is very often on Fanatec products. Our Fanatec Sim Racing Buyer’s Guide contains the most important information and products at a glance. With the purchase of the products via our affiliate links you also support KEEPONRACING.DE.

Fanatec is one of the best-known and rapidly growing brands in sim racing hardware. The Fanatec product range encompasses force feedback steering wheels, pedals and complete cockpits for PlayStation, Xbox and PC-based racing simulators. Fanatec racing simulation hardware is developed and constructed in Germany and sold exclusively worldwide in its own Fanatec online webshop.

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Made for Sim Racers by Sim Racers

The Fanatec brand is part of Endor AG, based in Landshut, Bavaria, and was founded in 1997 by Thomas Jackermeier. After producing steering wheels for PC and Sony PlayStation in the 1990s, a steering wheel for the first Forza Motorsport racing game for the Xbox followed in collaboration with Turn10 – the “Porsche 911 Turbo S” and “Porsche 911 GT2” steering wheels.

In 2011 the first steering wheels licensed by Forza Motorsport were introduced in the form of the “CSR” steering wheel and the “CSR Elite” steering wheel. Over time, Endor developed a close relationship not only with console manufacturers, but also with automobile manufacturers, such as Porsche, BMW and Bentley as well as racing series Formula One, SRO and WRC.

We personally got to know Thomas many years ago as a passionate racer and sim racer at gamescom, who has always been and is closely connected to the sim racing community, personally comments Facebook posts on Fanatec products and customer feedback, and ultimately turned his hobby into a profession and company. He is passionate about sim racing and always wants to inspire sim racing fans with new features and innovations from his hardware manufactory in Landshut.

Fanatec Product Series at a Glance

The products from the extensive Fanatec ecosystem are divided into three categories – CSL, ClubSport and Podium. The ClubSport series was released first, while CSL and Podium products extended the portfolio later on.

CSL
The CSL entry-level hardware series uses features and technologies from ClubSport and with the Fanatec CSL DD also Podium products and offers an extremely good price-performance ratio – ideal for those starting out with sim racing. In terms of quality and product features, they stand out from their rivals Thrustmaster and Logitech. Recently, Fanatec introduced the highly-anticipated official PlayStation 5 direct drive wheel for Gran Turismo: the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro.

ClubSport
Advanced and solid sim racing hardware technology with high-quality materials are built into the ClubSport products. More experienced sim racing pilots will find the right products here.

Podium
The Podium series forms the high-end product category from Fanatec. With the most powerful hardware, such as the DD1 and DD2 direct drive wheel bases and high-quality steering wheels with magnetic shifter paddles, sim racing experts and pros will find the right choice here.

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Fanatec Hardware Compatibility Explained

The cross-compatibility of Fanatec products is made possible thanks to the quick release system, with which you can easily switch between the ClubSport and Podium steering wheels and most of the CSL steering wheels.

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 compatibility is only achieved through the wheel base itself. For Xbox compatibility, on the other hand, it depends on the steering wheel connected. So the steering wheel has to be “Xbox ready”. PlayStation steering wheels and wheel bases are only compatible with both systems, if one of the Xbox One compatible steering wheels is installed. There are other steering wheels, but they can only be used on PS4 / PS5 and PC. However, all products are PC compatible.

Peripherals like pedals, shifters and handbrakes must be connected directly to a console-compatible wheel base or racing wheel in order to work with consoles.

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Fanatec Product Recommendations

Fanatec Sim Racing Entry-Level-Setup

For sim racing novices and rookies, Fanatec offers the new Fanatec CSL DD Wheel Base and the Fanatec CSL Pedals at a more than competitive price point. The introduction of the advanced direct drive technology in the CSL series was a challenging task, but offers an ideal entry into sim racing at a price of only € 349.95 for the CSL DD (5 Nm) and € 79.95 for the CSL Pedals. Both products are now available for order.

If you enjoy racing with Formula cars, GT3 and GT4 vehicles as well as prototypes, you should go for a formula steering wheel shape, such as the CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2, which is best suited to the real racecar counterpart. The CSL Steering Wheel BMW is a fully featured wheel at the lowest price that doesn’t compromise on performance. It is an ideal starter wheel for the CSL DD. For rally fans the CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC is the perfect match.

With the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro for PlayStation 5 (also compatible with PlayStation 4 and PC), Fanatec developed the very first licensed Direct Drive wheel for PlayStation 5 in collaboration with Gran Turismo.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Product Bundles with Pedals
CSL DD F1 Esports Premium Bundle for PC
CSL DD Racing Wheel WRC for Xbox & PC (8 Nm)
Gran Turismo DD Pro Premium Bundle (8 Nm) with Boost Kit 180 and CSL Pedals LC Kit
Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 Nm) with Boost Kit 180
Gran Turismo DD Pro (5 Nm)
Wheel Base (Single Unit)
Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel Base (8 Nm)
CSL DD (5 Nm)
CSL DD (8 Nm)
Steering Wheels
CSL Universal Hub
CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2
CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC
CSL Steering Wheel BMW
CSL Steering Wheel 320
CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1
Pedals
CSL Pedals
CSL Pedals LC
CSL Elite Pedals V2
Recommended Upgrades
Boost Kit 180 (8 Nm)
CSL Pedals Clutch Kit
CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit
CSL Elite Pedals Load Cell Kit
CSL Pedals Tuning Kit

Priced at € 349.95, the Fanatec CSL DD is the lowest cost to entry into the direct-drive market, setting a new standard for driving simulation at home, while delivering force feedback detail and performance that is unlike anything else close to this price point. When the steering wheel is directly mounted to the motor shaft, there’s no belt or gear drive to dilute the force feedback effects. The clear choice of all professional drivers and enthusiast sim racers is now available to everyone.

Standard peak torque is 5 Nm, with the Boost Kit 180 (optional) unlocking the full 8 Nm. This high level of torque can be sustained without the need for active cooling, with the extruded and CNC-machined aluminium casing acting as the structural chassis as well as the heatsink.

The Fanatec CSL DD Wheel Base uses an automotive-grade, all-aluminium quick release. This component is user-exchangeable, ready for the transition to the all-new QR2 system. The all-aluminium construction and anodised surface ensures strength and durability, providing a robust connection to Fanatec Steering Wheels.

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The CSL Steering Wheel BMW and the CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 are the ideal entry-level wheels for the Fanatec sim racing setup, while CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC is suitable for various vehicle categories and the lightweight construction is ideal for the quick reactions that demanding rally stages require.

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As a real alternative to the proven ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox, Fanatec now added the inexpensive Fanatec CSL Universal Hub to the CSL product range. The CSL Universal Hub supports a large number of steering wheel rims and combines a lot of functions of the ClubSport Universal Hub at a price that is € 200.00 cheaper.

Fanatec introduced the brand-new CSL Pedals starting at just € 79.95 for the base model and € 199.95 for the CSL Pedals LC bundle. It offers a fully metal construction combined with precision Hall sensors for consistent performance, a progressive brake pedal, and a modular design with options to upgrade with the Clutch Kit and an optional Tuning Kit with aluminium pedal plates.

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Despite the low price, the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2 offer materials and technologies that are also used in more expensive pedal models. The construction is made of metal and has a high level of durability and stability. The built-in potentiometer is essentially a position sensor. With the help of a mechanical resistance such as a spring or a damper, the position of the pedal is measured and interpreted by the racing game as braking force.

I recommend, sooner or later, an upgrade to the optional brake pedal unit with the CSL Elite Pedals Load Cell Kit with a load cell for up to 90 kg pedal pressure. The replacement electronics enables a direct USB connection to the PC and offers a connection option for a ClubSport Handbrake V1.5.

The durable load cells measure the force exerted on the brake. You can then brake much more precisely and sensitively with muscle tension, just like in a real racing car.

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Fanatec Sim Racing Setup for Experienced Sim Racers

The CSL DD with Boost Kit 180 is significantly cheaper than the discontinued ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5, and yet it has much higher performance as a result of direct-drive technology. While peak torque is similar, the fidelity, responsiveness, wheel speed, and acceleration are all superior to the belt-driven system.

Thanks to the modular system, Fanatec gives you the choice between a wide variety of steering wheels – in Formula, GT, Drift, Historic or NASCAR style that fit on the wheel base.

The ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox and the Podium Hub allow you to mount other original steering wheels from well-known manufacturers such as MOMO, SPARCO or OMP in addition to the steering wheel rims from Fanatec. With a simple six-screw design, you can switch between the steering wheels as you like and position the five controls individually – depending on the steering wheel. In order to save money when buying a steering wheel with the ClubSport Universal Hub, it makes sense to select a steering wheel at the same time to get a bundle discount when buying together with some steering wheels.

The ClubSport Pedals V3 offer maximum value-for-money and are equipped with a 90 kg load cell on the brake pedal and contactless Hall sensors on the accelerator and clutch pedals. Therefore, they are probably most widespread sim racing pedal model. While you have to remember the pedal travel in entry-level pedal sets due to the missing load cell , with the ClubSport Pedals V3 you can use the so-called muscle memory to apply the correct brake pressure more intuitively and repeatedly. In addition, this makes your lap times much more consistent. The pedal set is also available as an inverted version.

For the ClubSport Pedals V3, however, I definitely recommend the additional ClubSport Pedale V3 Brake Performance Kit. This makes the pedal travel shorter and harder and thus even more realistic.

Fanatec Sim Racing Pro Setup

The non plus ultra in the Fanatec product range are the direct drive wheel bases. They offer the most authentic and precise sim racing experience and are used by numerous professional racing drivers and esports racing experts. The handlebar is directly connected to a powerful electric motor, so that extremely fast power and data transmission can take place. You can now feel every bump!

The Podium Racing Wheel F1 bundle is compatible with all PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 systems.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Product Bundles without Pedals
Podium Racing Wheel F1
Wheel Base (Single Unit)
Podium Wheel Base DD1
Podium Wheel Base DD2
Steering Wheels
ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5
Podium Steering Wheel M4 GT3
Podium Steering Wheel GT World Challenge
Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R Leather
Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede
Podium Steering Wheel R300
Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2
Podium Steering Wheel NASCAR
Pedals
ClubSport Pedals V3
ClubSport Pedals V3 inverted
Recommended Upgrades
ClubSport Pedale V3 Brake Performance Kit
Podium Advanced Paddle Module
Button Caps and Sticker Set
More Products
Podium Wheel Rim NASCAR
Podium Wheel Rim Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Leather
Podium Wheel Rim Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Suede
Podium Wheel Rim Classic II
Podium Button Module Endurance
Podium Kill Switch
Podium Mounting Brackets
Podium Hub
ClubSport Universal Hub V2
ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox
ClubSport Pedals V3 Damper Kit
ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5
ClubSport Shifter Carbon Knobs Kit
ClubSport Handbrake V1.5
RennSport Cockpit V2
RennSport Cockpit Single Monitor Stand V2
RennSport Cockpit Triple Monitor Stand V2
Sparco Pro 2000 seat for RennSport Cockpit

The peak torque is significantly higher than with wheel bases with belt drive. Peak torques of 20 Newton meters for the Podium Wheel Base DD1 and 25 Newton meters for the Podium Wheel Base DD2 are comparable to the torque value in most real power-steering-assisted racing cars.

If you are sim racing with the aim of experiencing the most realistic racing experience possible and, like me, training for real test and racing events, investing in a wheel base with direct drive definitely makes sense.

The steering wheel highlight of the ClubSport series is the compact ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2 with a 27 cm diameter and multi-colored LED strips, OLED display and numerous buttons and rotary switches. The steering wheel becomes even more realistic with the upgrade to the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, which is equipped with a dual clutch system and magnetic shift lever with carbon fiber plates.

With the Podium Button Module Endurance, GT3 and Porsche fans have the opportunity to prepare themselves appropriately for endurance races. With the authentic replica of the Porsche 911 GT3 R steering wheel, including a larger LED display and the matching buttons and rotary switches from the real racing vehicle, you are well equipped for virtual endurance races.

However, prerequisite for use of a direct drive wheel base and strong pedals is a solid sim racing rig with close to no flex. Fanatec offers the RennSport Cockpit V2, with which I’ve not have had any experience, yet. I use the SIM-FORCE ONE aluminum rig, which I also wrote about in my sim racing setup blog post.

With the discount code „KEEPONRACING“ in the SIM-FORCE Shop, you’ll receive 5% discount at your order.

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New and Upcoming Fanatec Product Highlights

Fanatec CSL DD and CSL Pedals

Sim racing fans can now get their first Direct Drive Wheel Base at a competitive price. With the Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 Nm) with Boost Kit 180, a PlayStation 5 version is now also available. At the same time, the new CSL Pedals are also be available as a full metal construction with precise Hall sensors and numerous upgrade options.

ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5

This new variation of the Formula wheel ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 has a timeless black and white colour scheme, the highly requested perforated leather grips, and magnetic shifters as standard. This wheel is compatible with PC, and can be used on PlayStation systems if combined with a PlayStation-licensed wheel base.

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Fanatec is starting to ship the quick release in a separate package for these new steering wheels, so it requires a small amount of assembly. So when you add a ClubSport Universal Hub V2, or ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 to your basket, and see the quick release listed separately in the basket, this is normal.

ClubSport Universal Hub V2 and ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox

The ClubSport Universal Hub V2 is back, with revised electronics, magnetic shifters, and an upgradable quick release. It is now available in two variants: Xbox-licensed, and non-Xbox licensed. It is is compatible with PC, and can become compatible with PlayStation systems, if connected to a PlayStation-licensed wheel base. It is pre-installed with the ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module as standard and includes small and large paddles to suit a wide selection of wheel rims. It has an exchangeable quick release so it is ready for the transition to QR2.

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Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2

Officially licensed by McLaren Automotive Limited, the CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 is a full-size, detailed reproduction of the steering wheel used in McLaren GT3 race cars. The overall shape, as well as the size of the switches, paddles, and dials is based on original McLaren CAD data.

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The mechanism of the magnetic shift levers has been redesigned and it is still possible to shift up and down with one hand. The dual clutch paddles are also improved. This is the most affordable steering wheel in the Fanatec range with a white OLED display. Here you have access to the functions of the tuning menu and the in-game telemetry data.

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No clamping screw is required with the built-in Fanatec Quick Release. The improved and simplified quick release adapter can easily be attached to the wheel base by hand without any tools. The adapter is also removable and can be replaced by the ClubSport Quick Release Adapter, which enables high torque mode on Fanatec Podium Wheel Bases.

Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel M4 GT3

Developed together with BMW M Motorsport, the Podium Steering Wheel M4 GT3 is the actual wheel made for the 2022 BMW M4 GT3 race car and now available.

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In fact, no modifications are necessary for use in the real racecar. The steering wheel is a motorsport construction made of carbon with illuminated buttons and magnetic dual-action paddles made of carbon. The BMW Motorsport engineers permanently check the durability of the steering wheel in real racing as part of extensive test drives.

Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3

Developed in partnership with Bentley Motors Limited, the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 is being used in the Bentley GT3 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb car. Made from lightweight carbon fibre and magnesium, it features a large circular, digital display which offers vital telemetry data and hardware tuning features. Information about price and availability to be announced at a later date by Fanatec.

FANATEC SIM RACING BUYER’S GUIDE (AUSTRALIA)

Made for Sim Racers by Sim Racers

Fanatec Product Series at a Glance

Fanatec Hardware Compatibility Explained

Fanatec Product Recommendations

New and Upcoming Fanatec Product Highlights

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Made for Sim Racers by Sim Racers

Fanatec Product Series at a Glance

Fanatec Hardware Compatibility Explained

Fanatec Product Recommendations

New and Upcoming Fanatec Product Highlights

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