Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1
In the world of sim racing, Fanatec is undoubtedly a well-established name. With an extensive range of high-quality products, the brand has made its mark on both novice and seasoned sim racers alike. As experienced reviewers, we’ve had the privilege of thoroughly examining various Fanatec products over the years, allowing us to develop an in-depth understanding of the Fanatec ecosystem. Most recently, we reviewed the Fanatec QR2 system and the Podium BMW M4 GT3 Steering Wheel.
During our visit to the 2023 ADAC in Dortmund, where we attended the “press day,” Fanatec quietly showcased the ClubSport DD wheelbase without formally announcing it. Only the keen-eyed observer could spot a disassembled version of this wheelbase, with ClubSport DDs sporadically integrated into their simulators. A day later, it was officially announced, revealing not one, but two ClubSport wheelbases: the 12Nm DD and the 15Nm DD+. Both wheelbases are compatible with PC, with the DD+ version featuring a PlayStation license. Fanatec sent us the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle for review, and we’re eager to share our thoughts once again!
The Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 is a bundle consisting of the ClubSport DD+ wheelbase and a variant of the ClubSport Formula V2.5 steering wheel. Both are equipped with the new QR2 system as standard. This bundle is available for €1299.95 excluding shipping costs via the Fanatec webshop.
Packaging & Contents
We receive the familiar brown box with Fanatec branding, delivered by UPS and arriving at our doorstep from Germany within two days. With its weight of 15kg, the box is quite heavy, piquing our curiosity about its contents. Upon opening the box, we find a beautiful ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 product box adorned with various stunning official F1 and PlayStation logos, along with a splendid full-color depiction of the contents.
Upon opening the product box, we encounter a large block of black foam. Lifting the first layer, we immediately come across the ClubSport Formula steering wheel. As we lift the second layer, we find the wheelbase, accompanied by two black boxes. In one box, we find the power supply, while in the other box, there’s a USB cable, power cable, and four T-slot nuts. All in all, it’s once again a nicely complete package that we can dive into right away.
Technology & Quality
The ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle combines a Formula steering wheel with a unique blue forged carbon finish and the 15 Nm ClubSport DD+ Wheelbase. Thanks to the collaboration with Sony, the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle seamlessly works with all PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Additionally, the DD+ Wheelbase is also compatible for use on PC and Xbox (when used with a compatible steering wheel). However, the included ClubSport Formula steering wheel is only compatible with PC and PlayStation consoles, not with Xbox consoles.
The Steering Wheel
The F1-style steering wheel is a variant of the ClubSport Formula steering wheel, exclusively available in this bundle. Designed with a compact diameter of 270 mm, the steering wheel enables quick movements and responses. Its front is crafted from 5 mm thick blue forged carbon fiber. The grips are made of genuine perforated leather for breathability, and the set comes with a ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module and black anodized aluminum paddle plates. The QR2 Wheel-Side mechanism ensures precise fitting, transmitting the full force of FullForce technology (more on that later).
The steering wheel features 11 push buttons, two 2-way toggle switches, two 12-way multi-position switches with encoder functionality, a 7-way FunkySwitch, and an analog joystick. The push buttons come with interchangeable button caps, initially equipped with PlayStation versions, but these can be replaced with the separately available optional button caps and sticker set. Additionally, the steering wheel includes two thumb encoders that are easily accessible during driving without needing to release the grips.
Furthermore, there are RevLEDs with nine multi-color LEDs to display both motor RPM and the optimal shift point, and FlagLEDs with three multi-color LEDs each to indicate wheel spin, loss of grip, flag display, pit limiter, and more. Finally, it features a 1-inch 128×64 white OLED display for telemetry data and tuning functions with an OLED display to adjust settings independently of the game while racing. If we’re being completely honest, we find it a bit disappointing that the same display has been chosen again. In our opinion, there should have been room for more innovation, such as a more extensive (color) display, as we see with many other formula steering wheels.
The Wheelbase
The ClubSport DD+ wheelbase is officially licensed for use with PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles and is also compatible for use on PC and Xbox (when used with a compatible steering wheel). This wheelbase features a Direct Drive servo motor specially designed in Germany for sim racing. With a consistent torque of 15 Nm, this wheelbase packs enough power to cater to a wide range of sim racers. The FullForce technology, a new force feedback protocol specifically developed for Fanatec Direct Drive, offers super low latency, enhancing the transfer of detailed effects during racing. However, it’s important to note that to benefit from this technology, sim games need to implement it, which is not yet the case at the time of this review’s publication.
The QR2 system, derived from motorsport, integrates electronics with the shaft, allowing a Fanatec steering wheel to be used without additional cables. The DD+ also supports the “old” QR1 system, which is still optionally available for this wheelbase. The ClubSport DD+ wheelbase features a high-quality Hall sensor for position/steering angle, offers electronically limited rotation of 2520 degrees, and utilizes a slip ring system for cable-free power and data transfer between the steering wheel (or Podium Hub) and the wheelbase. This wheelbase is compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem and features a T-nut rail system for easy mounting on various sim rigs. The DD+ wheelbase fits the same mount as the CSL DD and/or DD Pro because it has the same dimensions. At the back of the wheelbase are ports for power, USB-C connectivity to PC/console, shifters, pedals, handbrake, and any future Fanatec peripherals. Additionally, front-mounted threaded inserts enable the mounting of, for example, a display.
Mounting
Mounting the Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle on the Sim-Lab P1X Pro Racing Cockpit is a fairly straightforward task. We use the included Sim-Lab side-mount to attach the DD+ wheelbase. We place the four supplied T-slot nuts on both sides of the wheelbase. With one hand, we hold the wheelbase between the side-mount, and with the other hand, we attach the necessary M6 bolts. Due to the compact size of the wheelbase, it’s very easy to handle. After securing it, we ensure that the wheelbase is level and tighten it securely. Then, we snap the steering wheel onto the wheelbase and adjust the position of the side-mount so that we can comfortably operate the steering wheel.
Software
To use the DD+ wheelbase, we first need to install the Fanatec drivers. Optionally, we can also install the Fanalab software, which can be handy for automatically loading profiles for specific sims or cars. Fanalab is also necessary to use telemetry functions on the steering wheel.
Although we already have Fanatec components, it’s always advisable to check if we have the latest version(s) of the software installed. Through the Fanatec drivers, we can check if firmware updates are needed for the wheelbase and/or the steering wheel. This is easily done by clicking on the “Firmware Update” menu, then selecting “Open Firmware Manager,” which opens the “Fanatec Firmware Manager.” With just one button press, we can update all our Fanatec components. After about a minute, the firmware is up-to-date, and we can proceed to the Fanalab software to configure further settings. It’s noteworthy that the steering wheel is recognized as a standard Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5X and not as the version we’re discussing in this review. This may be adjusted in the Fanatec drivers, but they are not available at the time of this review’s publication.
Within the Fanalab software, we can configure the necessary settings for the RGB LEDs and telemetry functions via the “LED” menu. We have the option to adjust the color and brightness of the RGB LEDs. Furthermore, we can assign various telemetry functions to the LEDs, such as RevLEDs (RPM), tire slip indicators, and various other options. As mentioned earlier, we can create profiles for the tuning menu and have them automatically load when starting the sim, or we can link them to a specific race car in the respective sim. Also, in the Fanalab software, the steering wheel is recognized as the Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5X instead of the specific version discussed in this review.
The Use
Since the steering wheel is fundamentally a Formula-style wheel, we naturally want to test it in Formula cars. We prefer to drive Assetto Corsa in the Tatuus FA01 and, of course, F1 ’23, the official racing game of this bundle, where we’ll be driving the Red Bull Racing F1 car. After launching Assetto Corsa and F1 ’23, we only need to assign the buttons and encoders to the appropriate in-game functionalities, and then we’re ready to race!
The Steering Wheel
Our first impression is positive; the leather grips feel incredibly comfortable, and the wheel sits very nicely in the hand, ergonomically speaking. The fit of the wheel feels natural and comfortable. It’s easy for us to operate, suitable for both small and large hands, making it highly versatile for a wide range of sim racers. Additionally, the wheel is very lightweight, allowing us to feel subtle force feedback details and making it suitable for wheelbases that provide less torque. However, this exact version of the steering wheel is only available in the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle with the DD+ wheelbase.
The input options on the front of the wheel are good. The push buttons have a very short travel and provide clear, pleasant feedback when pressed. Because the buttons don’t feel overly light and are well-positioned and/or shielded by a raised edge, it’s unlikely that we’ll accidentally press the wrong button in the heat of the moment. However, the rotary encoders at the thumbs feel quite light and lack a distinct click, making it easy to inadvertently rotate them too much when using them. The encoders on the front, though, have a good and clear click. However, we do need to release our grip on the wheel to operate them.
The shift paddles at the back of the wheel are well-positioned but unfortunately not adjustable. They have a relatively short travel and provide clear feedback. Especially in Formula cars, where you shift frequently and quickly, they are very pleasant to use. The magnet in the magnetic shifter units is certainly not too weak; a comfortable amount of pressure is required to operate them without feeling too heavy. For us, these are still the most pleasant shifters we’ve experienced. Additionally, the steering wheel is equipped with the new QR2 system and shows no play.
Despite being a very nice wheel at its core, it’s another variant of the wheel that Fanatec has been for years. We feel that there could have been more innovation, such as a larger (color) display. At the same time, the wheel also feels familiar and comfortable.
The Wheelbase
Of all the components in this bundle, we’re most impressed by the ClubSport DD+ wheelbase. Small but mighty, its performance speaks volumes from the get-go. The primary aspect of the DD+ is, of course, the force feedback, and it excels in this regard. There’s no other way to put it. With its very high slew rate (6.2 Nm/ms, comparable to, for example, the Asetek Forte), this wheelbase performs at a high level, especially when paired with a small and lightweight steering wheel like the one included in this bundle. But even with larger and heavier wheels, the DD+ holds its own.
The wheelbase feels incredibly smooth yet sharp and responsive, providing us with a pleasant and precise driving experience. We can feel a lot of details in the asphalt, over the kerbstones, and even when we run a few wheels off the track. Most importantly, we notice that we can anticipate oversteer quickly, allowing us to correct it in many cases promptly. The wheelbase remains consistently cool during racing, even with settings that push it to its limits, and we can utilize the maximum torque of 15Nm without any clipping throughout.
Regarding the new Fullforce technology present in this wheelbase, we unfortunately have little to report. Fanatec aims to set a new standard with the introduced Fullforce technology, a new force feedback protocol. However, this functionality needs to be implemented by the sims to be utilized. At the time of this review’s publication, this new API extension is not yet available in the sims in which we tested the DD+.
Conclusion
During our extensive testing period and the production of this review, this bundle has surprised us immensely. Especially the ClubSport DD+ wheelbase stands out in our eyes. This is mainly because the steering wheel is yet another variant of the ClubSport F1 steering wheel that Fanatec has been relying on for years. Some more innovation, perhaps in the form of a larger (color) screen, would have been welcome in our opinion. Despite this, the steering wheel still gives us an old but familiar feeling.
The steering wheel features comfortable leather grips and an ergonomic design. It is suitable for both small and large hands, and its lightweight design makes it ideal for a wide range of sim racers, allowing even subtle force feedback details to be felt, even with wheelbases delivering less torque. The front-facing buttons offer excellent input capabilities with clear feedback, minimizing the chance of errors during use. The rotary encoders at the thumbs lack a clear click, leading to potential oversensitivity. However, the encoders at the front do have this clear click, though we need to release our grip on the wheel to operate them. The shift paddles are well-positioned and provide a satisfying click, particularly useful for quick shifts in formula cars. The magnetic shifter units require assertive but not overly heavy operation, and the steering wheel is equipped with the new QR2 system without any play.
As mentioned, the ClubSport DD+ wheelbase stands out in this bundle due to its impressive performance. With a compact design, it delivers remarkably powerful force feedback, particularly notable for its high slew rate. Whether with small or large steering wheels, the DD+ provides a smooth, sharp, and direct driving experience, with a great sense of detail on various road surfaces. It quickly detects oversteer, allowing corrective actions to be taken promptly. Additionally, the wheelbase remains cool even under heavy load, and the maximum torque of 15Nm can be consistently utilized without clipping. Although the new Fullforce technology shows promise as a force feedback protocol, it is not yet implemented in the tested sims.
Are you excited after reading our review? This ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle is available for €1299.95 excluding shipping costs via the Fanatec webshop.
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