Fanatec Clubsport V2.5: My honest opinion of this base in 2024

After using the Fanatec CSL Elite base (which you can discover here) for a while, it was time for me to test the one considered its big sister: the ClubSport CSW V2.5 base.

It’s fair to say that Fanatec is a brand with an excellent reputation and that I’m very fond of. The Clubsport range has always been a great success.

But is the base Fanatec ClubSport V2.5? Is it as good as that? Is it worth the cost? Well, that’s just what I will let you in on by giving you my opinion on these questions.

Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 main and technical features

• Ultra-powerful brushless motor.
• Adjustable rotation angle from 90° to 900°.
• They are equipped with Direct Sensors and Dual Hall technology.
• Compatible with PC and with Xbox One and Xbox Series X if you use a steering wheel consistent with these platforms.
• It is equipped with a QuickRelease system.
• Dimensions: 46 cm x 28 cm x 29 cm (L x W x H)
• Weight : 7 kg

Features

The base Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 has a new type of brushless motor and new electronics. V2.5 also features a unique double belt and 8 Nm of power instead of 6 Nm on the CSL Elite. Fanatec has used a combination of two straps for this model to ensure that the wheel turns smoothly (this can sometimes be a problem with geared wheels) and that the force feedback is constant throughout the rotation range.

We can also thank the Direct Sensor and Dual Hall technology, the basis for incredible reliability and precision.

The rotation angle is pretty standard, which I find sufficient for most situations.

The floor has two large fans (left side and rear) and one huge heat sink on the engine to keep the base at the right temperature, even during intensive gaming sessions.

A feature of the Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 that I particularly appreciate is its support for vibration motors. Of course, you’ll need a flywheel that supports this option!

Construction and design

Regarding appearance and build quality, the base Fanatec ClubSport V2.5I has no complaints. It is mainly composed of aluminum CNC-machined, giving it a more solid feel. Superior quality. And I find that it also has a more than decent weight, which provides a rather luxurious look (I tend to associate weight with quality, don’t ask me why!), even if it also makes it less likely to vibrate.

In terms of components, the ClubSport uses the same internal components as the base CSL Elite but offers more torque because the engine is better utilized.

Like the base, Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 uses about drive that produces a relatively large amount of heat in the motor. This is where the two internal fans and the large heat sink come into play.

After a long session, you can hear the fans running. I understand that some people find this annoying, but I haven’t found it too distracting. The base cools down very quickly.

Sensations during play

I tested the ClubSport V2.5 with rFactor 2, RaceRoom, F1 2019, and F1 2020 (among others), and the base made an excellent impression in all games. I have no criticism of the transmission of force feedback effects; on the contrary, I’d say I was impressed by its performance.

What surprised me the most was the power and precision of the force feedback. While I sometimes find that the CSL Elite base can be soft and less direct, the Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 base allows you to feel much more detail on the track. It’s impossible to miss any bumps or imperfections in the road – you feel it all!

I also liked the new advanced Drift mode, which offers the player an exceptional driving experience. It now features a natural damper to prevent oscillation, accelerating the steering wheel, allowing us to reach higher speeds and have greater control.

Customization galore

Allow me to say a few words about the personalization offered by base Fanatec ClubSport V2.5, which I found fantastic.

To give you an idea, you can adjust the intensity of vibrations in the steering wheel, simulate ABS vibrations, customize force feedback sensations by changing the spring, and damping effects…

You can even change the steering wheel while playing with the QuickRelease system from Fanatec, which is fantastic to use.

What’s more, the new Drift mode I mentioned earlier reduces mechanical resistance and allows the steering wheel you’re using to turn more freely, just like in a rally car.

What I also loved about the Fanatec Clubsport V2.5, which, in my opinion, sets it apart from other steering wheelbases, is that it offers the possibility of updating the system with new firmware and saving up to 5 steering wheel configurations.

This means you can quickly select a fully customizable configuration for each game you play, which is a real-time-saver, and I found it even helped improve my racing experience.

Compatibility

Regarding compatibility, the Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 base is completely plug-and-play with the PC as soon as you take it out of the box. It can also work with all versions of the following consoles: Xboxbut you must use an Xbox-compatible Fanatec steering wheel.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t work on PlayStation, no matter which steering wheel you use!

As for its compatibility with steering wheels, with the QuickRelease system, you can use it with all Fanatec flywheels, but it is also compatible with all other Fanatec products—brand ecosystem.

La base Clubsport V2.5 even has the advantage of being compatible with many models of competing steering wheels (Thrustmaster or Logitech, for example).

Value for money

La base Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 is not quite at the bottom of the price scale, but compared to other models on the market, it’s still quite affordable.

In exchange, it offers many advantages and features and it’s a model that I find the ideal for a beginner.

For what it can offer you, the ClubSport V2.5 provides excellent value for money.

The bad news? I wish you good luck getting a new one… Fanatec has decided to stop producing which I think was a cruel mistake. With some luck, you can still find a used one in good condition.

My verdict

I’m not disappointed; Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 base is the base that all Simracers should have at home at one time or another. In my case, it’s a must-have model. Even if its new price is relatively high, we can salute Fanatec’s great work in offering us this model at this price, a high-quality base which provides incredible gameplay sensations.

Ultimately, I think the worst thing you can say about this model is that Fanatec no longer makes it! So I have only one piece of advice to give you: if, by chance, you come across the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base for sale, in good condition and at a reasonable price, go for it!

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