In this comparison review, we will be comparing the Fanatec CSL DD Bundle and the Logitech G923 TrueForce Sim Racing Wheel.
1. **Motor System:**
The Fanatec CSL DD Bundle stands out with its Direct Drive motor system, which offers a maximum torque of 8Nm with the available Boost Kit. This powerful and precise motor provides incredibly accurate force feedback, allowing drivers to feel every nuance of the road surface and their car’s behavior. In contrast, the Logitech G923 features a belt/gear driven wheelbase, which is non-direct drive. While the G923’s TrueForce system aims to provide immersive force feedback, it may not match the realism and precision of the Fanatec CSL DD’s Direct Drive motor system.
2. **Compatibility and Customization:**
The Fanatec CSL DD Bundle is compatible with a wide range of steering wheels, including all Fanatec steering wheels and some third-party wheels via USB adapters. This offers sim racers the flexibility to customize their setup according to their preferences and budget. On the other hand, the Logitech G923 at a price of $349.95 is compatible with multiple gaming platforms but you’re unable to change steering wheels with G923 Base setup.
3. **Advanced Settings and Build Quality:**
The Fanatec CSL DD Wheelbase offers a range of advanced settings and customization options via the Fanalab software, including adjustable force feedback settings and tuning options for the Direct Drive motor system. This level of fine-tuning allows users to find the perfect balance between realism and comfort for an immersive racing experience. Moreover, the Fanatec CSL DD Wheelbase features a high-end build quality with a sturdy aluminum construction and high-quality bearings, ensuring durability and reliability even during intense sim racing sessions. While the Logitech G923 has a sturdy design with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, it may not offer the same level of advanced customization as the Fanatec CSL DD.
4. **Price and Value:**
When considering the price, the Fanatec CSL DD Bundle offers an excellent value proposition. For $399.85, users receive the Fanatec CSL DD with a pair of CSL 2 pedals and the CSL Steering wheel P1 V2, making it an all-inclusive package for serious sim racers. Currently, the CSL DD can be purchased for $€199.95 with the purchase of any Fanatec pedal set & steering wheel combo. In contrast, the Logitech G923, while a quality racing wheel, may not offer the same level of realism and features as the Fanatec CSL DD at a similar price point.
5. **Reputation and Market Cleanliness:**
In the sim racing market, there’s a growing trend of companies claiming to offer direct drive products at seemingly low prices, sometimes as low as $250. However, it’s crucial to be cautious and aware of misleading practices, as these advertised prices often don’t include VAT or account for the high shipping costs from China.
Now, let’s delve into the sim racing equipment itself. Fanatec, a renowned brand in the sim racing community, introduces its latest addition, the Fanatec CSL DD Bundle. With a track record of delivering top-notch quality and innovative products, Fanatec instills confidence in the CSL DD Bundle’s performance and reliability.
On the other hand, Logitech, a well-respected name in the gaming industry, offers the G923 TrueForce Sim Racing Wheel. While Logitech has a solid reputation, some users may find the G923 to be only a minor upgrade from its predecessors, potentially leading to disappointment for those seeking more substantial improvements.
In conclusion, for serious sim racers who prioritize realism and immersion in their racing experience, the Fanatec CSL DD Bundle stands out as the preferred choice. Its direct drive motor system, extensive compatibility, advanced customization options, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option in the market.
In contrast, while the Logitech G923 TrueForce Sim Racing Wheel is a reliable choice for racing enthusiasts, it may not match the level of performance and features offered by the Fanatec CSL DD Bundle. Considering its exceptional features and value for money, the Fanatec CSL DD Bundle takes the lead in this comparison review. Remember, as consumers, we all share a responsibility to stay cautious and keep our market free from “too good to be true” offers.
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iRacing has unveiled its 2025 Season 1 update, introducing a suite of new cars, tracks, and features that elevate the sim racing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the latest additions:
Ferrari 499P LMH: This Le Mans Hypercar, celebrated for its back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, brings a 3-liter V6 hybrid drivetrain to iRacing, marking the platform’s first LMH-class vehicle.
Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22: Featuring a 520 HP twin-turbo engine, this GT3 car enriches endurance racing series with its dynamic performance.
BMW M2 CSR: Designed for rookie-level racers, this car provides a balanced step up in power and handling, and is available as free base content for all iRacing members.
Supercars Gen 3 Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang: The latest generation of Australian Supercars debuts, offering enhanced physics modeling and graphical fidelity.
New Tracks and Updates:
Thruxton Circuit: Known as the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton is meticulously recreated using drone-captured photogrammetry, offering racers an authentic high-speed experience.
Huset’s Speedway: This 3/8-mile dirt oval in South Dakota adds to the dirt racing venues, reflecting its real-world revitalization.
Track Refreshes: As part of the “NASCAR Refresh” initiative, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been updated to meet current quality standards, enhancing realism and visual appeal.
New Features:
Debris Refresh: The dynamic track system now includes realistic debris accumulation, such as gravel and mud, affecting vehicle handling and strategy. This lays the groundwork for future features like tire puncture damage.
AI Behavior Enhancements: AI drivers exhibit more lifelike behaviors, including headlight flashing in multiclass racing scenarios, with plans for further individualistic actions.
These updates reflect iRacing’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and immersive racing simulation, catering to both novice and seasoned racers. The 2025 Season 1 build is available now, inviting the community to explore and master the new content.
The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 has entered the sim racing market with a bang, bringing a host of improvements and features that cater to both casual gamers and dedicated enthusiasts. With its robust build, innovative technology, and meticulous attention to detail, the V2 is a worthy successor to the already popular V1.5. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this handbrake stand out. Big thank you to Fanatec for sending this Handbrake V2 for us to review!
Pricing and Availability
Fanatec has positioned the ClubSport Handbrake V2 as a premium offering, but its pricing reflects the wealth of features and engineering precision it delivers:
While the pricing is fair for the features offered, the Australian price point does feel slightly elevated compared to other regions. Still, the handbrake’s value proposition remains strong given its advanced technology and build quality.
Key Improvements
The ClubSport Handbrake V2 makes significant strides over its predecessor, the V1.5. The improvements are not just incremental but transformative:
Stronger Case and Lever: Designed with a more robust steel and aluminum construction, ensuring longevity even under heavy use.
Load Cell Sensor: Replacing the potentiometer with a load cell sensor provides unmatched precision and stability in analogue signals.
Ball Bearings: Deliver a smoother, more consistent feel, perfect for the rigors of rally and drifting simulations.
Preload Adjustment: Easily tweak the initial resistance for a tailored experience.
Angle Adjustments: Three predefined positions with fine-tuning via the rear bolt assembly.
Travel Settings: Quick adjustments between 60mm, 70mm, and 80mm using a removable spacer.
Improved Mounting Options: Slots instead of fixed holes make it adaptable for a variety of cockpit setups.
Build and Design
The design of the ClubSport Handbrake V2 reflects Fanatec’s commitment to quality and user-centric engineering:
Materials: Constructed from high-grade steel and aluminum, finished with a powder-coated black exterior for durability and a sleek aesthetic.
Ergonomics: Features like a removable rubber grip and compatibility with both vertical and horizontal orientations ensure comfortable and versatile use.
Precision Engineering: Ball bearings and the load cell sensor reinforce its reliability and accuracy, making it ideal for demanding simulations.
Features and Compatibility
The feature set of the ClubSport Handbrake V2 caters to both beginners and professional sim racers. Highlights include:
Load Cell Sensor: Delivers precision analogue input, essential for high-performance racing simulations.
Mounting Versatility: Can be mounted on table setups or integrated seamlessly into complex cockpits.
Invertible Orientation: Provides flexibility for different driving styles.
Compatibility is a major strength, supporting a wide range of Fanatec wheelbases and pedal sets. Whether you’re running the CSL Elite Wheel Base or the top-tier Podium DD2, integration is straightforward. However, users should note that the latest firmware and drivers (Driver 464 Rev2) are required to unlock the handbrake’s full potential.
Setup and Usability
Fanatec has ensured that the ClubSport Handbrake V2 is as user-friendly as it is high-performing:
Ease of Adjustment: The preload settings and travel adjustments are intuitive, allowing for quick, on-the-fly customization.
Multiple Angle Options: With three main positions and fine-tuning capabilities, finding the perfect angle is effortless.
Firmware Updates: While updating firmware can be tedious for some, it’s a necessary step to unlock the handbrake’s advanced features.
Mounting Flexibility: The inclusion of slots allows the handbrake to be angled towards the driver, a thoughtful touch for ergonomic comfort.
M6 T-Nuts: If you’ve lost the original M6 T-Nuts that came with your Clubsport V1.5 Shifter. Here is a link to get replacements. https://amzn.to/4glheTo
Value Proposition
At $199.95 in the US, the ClubSport Handbrake V2 offers exceptional value. The addition of a load cell sensor elevates it to professional-grade quality, while its robust design ensures it can handle the intense demands of rally and drifting simulations. Its versatility in mounting and adjustability adds to its appeal, making it a worthwhile investment for serious sim racers.
Conclusion
The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 sets a new benchmark in its category, delivering performance, precision, and durability in a thoughtfully designed package. Whether you’re a competitive racer or a casual enthusiast, this handbrake is a game-changer. Despite minor concerns over regional pricing and the need for firmware updates, the overall package is hard to fault.
Rating: 9/10 Verdict: Highly recommended for sim racers seeking the best in performance and customization.
If you’re serious about sim racing and looking to enhance your setup, the ClubSport Handbrake V2 is an investment you won’t regret.
Thank you for taking the time to read the ClubSport Handbrake V2 review. Fanatec did send us this Handbrake V2 at no cost in exchange for our honest review. There are affiliate links throughout the article. These links when used will give us a small commission to allow us to bring more great content to you. Thank you!
Fanatec has unveiled the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Red Bull 2024, a limited-edition masterpiece officially licensed by Oracle Red Bull Racing. With only 2,024 units available worldwide, this exclusive wheel is a must-have for sim racing enthusiasts and Red Bull Racing fans alike.
Striking Design and Premium Materials
The wheel features a distinctive blue carbon fiber weave complemented by premium blue perforated leather grips, embodying the dynamic spirit of Red Bull Racing. The 5 mm solid carbon fiber front plate, constructed from approximately 30 layers of unidirectional carbon cloth, ensures both durability and a premium feel.
Advanced Functionality
Equipped with 11 buttons, two 2-way toggle switches, two 12-way multi-position switches, a 7-way FunkySwitch™, an analog joystick, and two easily accessible thumb encoders, the wheel offers extensive control options. Two vibration motors integrated into the grips provide tactile feedback, enhancing immersion during races.
Enhanced Visual Feedback
The wheel includes nine multi-color RevLEDs to display engine RPM and optimal shift points, along with two FlagLEDs (each with three multi-color LEDs) to indicate tire slip, flag warnings, and other critical information. A 1-inch 128×64 white OLED display presents telemetry data such as speed and gear, all programmable through the Fanatec SDK.
Preinstalled Upgrades
This limited edition comes preinstalled with the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, featuring four magnetic paddles (two for gear shifts and two assignable for functions like DRS) and two analog paddles utilizing high-precision, contactless Hall sensors. The paddles are crafted from 3 mm-thick carbon fiber, housed in a CNC-machined aluminum cage with neodymium magnets for a precise and responsive feel.
Additionally, the wheel is equipped with the QR2 Wheel-Side, a motorsport-derived quick release system with a tapered shape to ensure a tight fit. Made from die-cast aluminum with a CNC-machined and black anodized finish, it facilitates seamless attachment and detachment.
Compatibility
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Red Bull 2024 is compatible with a range of Fanatec wheel bases, including:
CSL Elite Wheel Base (QR1 Wheel-Side required)
CSL Elite Wheel Base V1.1 (QR1 Wheel-Side required)
CSL Elite Wheel Base + (officially licensed for PS4™) (QR1 Wheel-Side required)
CSL DD
Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel Base
ClubSport Wheel Base V2 (QR1 Wheel-Side required)
ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5 (QR1 Wheel-Side required)
ClubSport DD
ClubSport DD+
PODIUM Wheel Base DD1
PODIUM Wheel Base DD1 PS4™
PODIUM Wheel Base DD2
Please note that the wheel is compatible with PC systems. Compatibility with PlayStation® systems requires a PlayStation-licensed wheel base, and Xbox compatibility is not specified.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $649.95, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Red Bull 2024 is available for purchase through Fanatec’s official website. Given its limited production run, interested buyers are encouraged to act swiftly to secure this exclusive piece of sim racing equipment. The Japan Region is Sold Out.
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Red Bull 2024 stands as a testament to Fanatec’s commitment to quality and innovation. Its combination of premium materials, advanced features, and official Red Bull Racing licensing makes it a standout choice for sim racers seeking both performance and exclusivity.
Thanks for taking the time to read the article on the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Red Bull 2024. There are affiliate links throughout the post in which we may earn a small commission from your purchase.