Fanatec Clubsport GT Cockpit
Benefits
- Excellent manufacturing quality
- Competitive pricing
- Solid and sturdy
- Available in two colors
Disadvantages
- Optional accessories available
Our rating : 9.7/10
Fanatec has been in turmoil in recent years, mainly due to a lack of liquidity. The German manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals is world-famous and popular, but its finances were suffering due to very limited stocks. If you have no money to pay the factories, you’ll have no peripherals to sell, so no money in the coffers.
But fortunately for the brand, and incidentally for us virtual racers, Corsair came to the rescue by buying Fanatec. In fact, the American gaming giant sponged off a good part of Fanatec’s debts, while liquidating the activities of Endor AG, the company under which Fanatec operated. However, the American brand does not wish to interfere too much with Fanatec’s activities under the “light hands” concept.
Having recently released a cockpit, the CSL Cockpit, Fanatec has now unveiled another to complete its ClubSport range. It’s the GT Cockpit, and we’re going to find out what it’s worth.
Chassis main and technical features
- 50mm-diameter tubular steel structure
- GT, F1 and rally driving positions, depending on bucket settings
- Pass-through tubes for invisible cable management
- Compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem, as well as that of other brands
- Several brackets available for shifter, handbrake, screen, PC, etc.
- Tool-free adjustment of tub, crankset and base brackets
- Chassis delivered completely disassembled, but easy to install
- Available in black and white, as is the Fanatec tub.
Design
I have to admit that practically all Fanatec products are visually beautiful, except perhaps those showing their age. The GT Cockpit is no exception, as it’s a gorgeous chassis to say the least.
Many brands have switched to aluminum profiles for reasons of strength, and above all a high level of customization. Fanatec’s GT Cockpit is tubular, directly inspired by motor racing.
The all-black or all-white exterior, with a few discreet yellow accents, gives it a breathtakingly beautiful look. The GT Cockpit is a minimalist chassis, perfect to match any sim-racing set-up.
However, those with a keen eye will already have noticed a resemblance with the Corsair Cockpit announced a few months ago. And to put it simply, the Corsair and Fanatec are the same, with a different crest. Given that Corsair acquired Fanatec in September, but had almost completed the development of its cockpit, it made sense to integrate the GT Cockpit into Fanatec’s catalog, as this brand specializes in sim-racing.
Customized assembly
As with virtually all solutions sold on the market, the GT Cockpit is supplied fully disassembled in its cardboard box. The assembly operation is easy to perform, supported by a detailed PDF guide. In the box, you’ll find the tubes, tools and hardware needed for assembly, along with a QR Code to download the guide.
You’ll need space in your living room or bedroom, preferably where you intend to put your setup, as the GT Cockpit is a hair heavy once assembled. You’ll also need a laptop, smartphone or tablet to follow the assembly instructions. But don’t worry, it’s easy in the abstract, even if you don’t have a knack for DIY.
Manufacturing and finishing
The structure is made of 50mm-diameter steel tubes, making it robust and bend-free. The GT Cockpit’s build quality is excellent, in keeping with Fanatec standards.
Whether it’s the parts, the paint, the brackets, or any other element of this cockpit, everything is perfect. When you take the parts that make up this chassis in hand, you’ll already feel the weight, but also the quality. It has to be said that Fanatec’s standards are high, even if the brand offers a “cheap” range for sim-racing novices.
However, the GT Cockpit is part of the ClubSport range, which is aimed at seasoned drivers. As a result, the finish of this chassis is perfect, and I have to admit, we wouldn’t have expected anything less either.
Chassis adjustment
Fanatec’s approach to setting up this chassis is Tool-Free; this means you can adjust the bucket and its slides, as well as the various brackets (base, pedals, screen, keyboard, shifter, etc.) without tools. It’s practical, intuitive and much appreciated, especially if you’re using your setup for various motor racing competitions (GT, F1, etc.).
You can adjust the inclination of the bottom bracket plate and its distance from your feet, the base plate for Fanatec or other models, and its distance from you. The same applies to the seat and screen. Everything on the GT Cockpit is adjustable, without exception. And that’s only to be expected, since Fanatec is tackling a segment where competition is fierce from the likes of Next Level Racing, Simlab and PlaySeat.
Sensations during play
Being a tubular chassis, the GT Cockpit enjoys excellent rigidity in full race, even if you install a base developing over 20 nm of torque. The entire structure doesn’t budge, indicating excellent work by Corsair/Fanatec engineers. Yes, I’m repeating myself, but the GT Cockpit was originally developed by Corsair, only to end up in Fanatec’s catalog, since this is the brand that specializes in sim-racing.
The GT Cockpit’s various bracket settings are Tool-Free, meaning no tools are required, so you can adapt it On The Fly to your peripherals, even if you’re changing racing equipment mid-race.
The bucket offered by Fanatec (at a cost of €340) is configurable for GT and F1 positions. Well, it’s not on the same level as a chassis specifically designed for single-seaters, but it’s close.
Another point worth mentioning is vibrations. If you have a crankset with haptic feedback for ABS, you’ll feel vibrations, within reason, propagating from your feet all over the chassis. And guess what? ClubSport Pedals V3 and V3 Inverted are equipped with vibrators for ABS and wheel lock, which is very practical. In any case, Fanatec is for a single ecosystem, and that’s just as well, since the brand offers virtually all the peripherals and accessories needed to make this happen.
Compatibility
For full details of the GT Cockpit’s compatibility with sim-racing peripherals, please visit the relevant product page. But to cut a long story short: the entire Fanatec range is supported, as is the bulk of Logitech and Thrustmaster, as well as most of Fanatec’s other competitors in terms of Direct Drive bases, pedalboards and other accessories such as handbrake, shifter, screens, and so on.
The same applies to the bucket seats offered by Fanatec or another manufacturer, provided you have the appropriate runners.
Value for money
As with the GT Cockpit’s other competitors, it’s sold bare-bone, at a price of €914.95. Honestly, that’s not too bad, especially when compared with a Simlab GT1 Pro or P1X, which is more expensive with the monitor stand, by the way.
The GT Cockpit’s value for money is really good as far as I’m concerned, especially with its unique touches that I can’t find with the competition, such as the management cable integrated directly into the chassis tubes. It’s practical and makes for a very clean rig from the outside.
My verdict
GT Cockpit was a real surprise to me when it was released under the Fanatec name. I had rather expected to see a dedicated sim racing catalog offered by Corsair, alongside that of Fanatec, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
This chassis is beautiful, sturdy, very well thought-out in its design and not too expensive, especially for the accessory aspect. If you’re looking for a cool, modern, solid and affordable cockpit, Fanatec’s GT Cockpit is the perfect candidate. In any case, I approve.
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