Fanatec is a leading brand in the sim racing industry, providing high-quality sim racing hardware, including force feedback steering wheels and pedals for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The brand’s ecosystem of products makes sim racing easy for beginners while providing a clear upgrade path for enthusiasts.
Fanatec have a reputation for quality and attention to detail. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sim racer, the Fanatec ecosystem has something to offer. With a range of products designed to work together seamlessly, you can create a custom setup that meets your needs and preferences. This article will explore the Fanatec ecosystem in more detail, providing an overview of the brand’s products and how they work together to create an immersive sim racing experience.
Fanatec ecosystem Explained
There are 3 categories in the Fanatec ecosystem, CSL, Clubsport and the Podium range. The CSL range veers towards newer entrants into the sim racing world, offering affordable but a lower standard of quality in product build. Clubsport supports the mid range segment of Fanatecs products with the premium products falling within the podium range and of course being the most expensive.
Fanatec ecosystem wheel bases, rims and pedals:
Wheel Bases
Fanatec offers a range of wheel bases to suit different levels of sim racers. Each wheel base delivers an immersive and realistic driving experience. Here are some of the most popular wheel bases from Fanatec:
CSL Elite
The CSL Elite is a popular entry-level wheelbase that offers good value for money. It has a brushless servo motor that delivers up to 6 NM of torque, which is enough for most sim racers. The CSL Elite is compatible with a range of steering wheels and pedals from Fanatec. It is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for beginners. The CSL elite is compatible with Xbox, PC and Playstation.
Podium Racing Wheel F1
Unfortunately the Podicum Racing Wheel F1 is no longer available as Fanatec had discontinued the product. The wheel base is a premiu had been a premium product in Fanatecs line. You may be able to find one on the second hand market but due to its scarcity expect some ridiculous prices. This was one the only wheel base from Fanatec that is compatible with PS.
Fanatec Podium DD1
The Fanatec Podium DD1 features an Oled display providing relevant information to the racer. With 20 NM the DD1 packs a big punch. However as you will see below the DD2 later surpassed it’s junior brother. Compatible with both Xbox and PC the DD1 is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to direct drives.
DD2
The DD2 is the big brother of the DD1, making a huge 25NW of torque power. This is the highest torque available in a Fanatec wheel base. With pretty much the same design as the DD1 mixed with Carbon Fibre and plastic, the design is sleek and due to the power packed inside the DD’s are fairly large in size. Therefore you need to consider spacing in relation to your TV setup along with having a very strong rig.
Rims
One of the key features of the Fanatec Sim Racing ecosystem is the ability to choose from a wide variety of steering wheel rims to pair with your wheel base. Fanatecs rims offer an immersive and realistic driving experience, and are available in a range of designs and materials to suit different preferences.
Clubsport F1 Esports steering wheel V2
Released to celebrate the partnership with the F1 Esports brand this wheel doesn’t scream out as being a premium product in comparison to some of Fanatics wheels.
Boasting features similar to many of the other wheels such as magnetic shifters, RGB lights the wheel is not feature heavy and distinctly simple.
Clubsport Formula V2.5X
The Clubsport Formula V2.5X compromises of a carbon front plate with led lights featured.
CNC machined aluminium Magnetic paddle shifters have also been incorporated to the wheel. On the grips you will find alcavntare grips. And if it was not a giveaway already the X indicates that the wheel is officially xebec licensed.
Formula V2.5
The formula V2.5 is ultimately the same wheel as the Clubsport V2.5X. However this wheel does not offer Xbox compatibility and does not feature the same colour scheme.
Mclaren GT3 V2
Although a GT racing style wheel the Mclaren GT3 features in this list as one of the most popular sim racing wheels on the market. Another other Fanatecs licensed Xbox wheels the GT3 V2 IS one of the Cheapest wheels and provides excellent value for money.
Pedals
Fanatec offers a range of high-quality pedals to complete your sim racing setup. The pedals are designed to provide a realistic driving experience and are compatible with most sim racing games. The pedals are available in three different models: ClubSport Pedals V3, ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted, and CSL Elite Pedals.
ClubSport Pedals V3
The ClubSport Pedals V3 are the top-of-the-line pedals offered by Fanatec. They feature a 90kg load cell brake pedal for a realistic braking experience. The pedals are fully adjustable, allowing you to customize the position and angle of each pedal. They also feature a magnetic hall sensor for the gas and clutch pedals, providing a precise and accurate response. Built from high-quality materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, for durability and longevity.
ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted
The ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted are similar to the ClubSport Pedals V3, but with an inverted design. The inverted design provides a more realistic driving experience, as the pedals are positioned as they are in a real car. The pedals feature the same 90kg load cell brake pedal and magnetic hall sensors as the ClubSport Pedals V3. The pedals are also fully adjustable, allowing you to customize the position and angle of each pedal.
CSL Elite Pedals V2
The CSL Elite Pedals are a more affordable option for those looking for high-quality pedals. In addition the pedals feature a 2-way adjustable brake pedal and a 3-way adjustable accelerator and clutch pedals. The pedals also feature a load cell brake for a realistic braking experience. The pedals are made from high-quality materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, for durability and longevity.
CSL Pedals
The most affordable pedals in the Famatec range are the CSL pedals. However the costs are low this price point as there are optional upgrades to the pedal set. Built with a steel construction, Fanatec market the pedals as being built to last. As previously mentioned there is the option of purchasing an additional clutch or load cell kit.
Conclusion
Fanatec have established themselves as one of the market leaders when its comes to sim racing products. In addition to those featured in this article fanatec also have a further products that you can view on their website.
There is plenty on offer from the Italian brand and can only see further advancements in quality products brought into the Fanatec ecosystem.