Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2

Our rating : 9.9/10

Fanatec has long dominated the sim-racing mid-range, and even some premium segments that are primarily aimed at the mass market. It’s true that the German brand collaborates with well-known names in the automotive industry, such as Porsche, McLaren and even Bentley, to offer officially licensed steering wheels. But Fanatec is far from being able to compete with a Simucube on its own turf. It should not be forgotten that motorsport teams mainly use equipment from Simucube for their simulation setups.

In any case, Fanatec remains the go-to for gamers who want excellent immersion in virtual racing, even if the German manufacturer’s range is starting to show its age. Fanatec’s revival began with the ClubSport DD and DD+, two mid-range bases offering 12 and 15 nm in constant, and today sees the launch of the Handbrake V2. This new handbrake will replace the old one, which uses a potentiometer to read inputs, with a Load Cell system derived from those used in Fanatec’s pedalboards.

Main and technical features of the handbrake

• Full metal structure (steel and aluminum)
• Highly adjustable angle, handle and resistance of Load Cell system
• Sleeker design, very racing
• Compatible with PC and consoles, provided you have the right foundation
• Load Cell resistance system
• Can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions
• Integrates easily with ClubSport Shifter, like Handbrake V1.5
• Preload adjustment is quick and easy
• RJ12 connection with Fanatec bases, or USB via special adapter (sold separately)

Design

The Handbrake V2’s design doesn’t change all that much from the handbrake it replaces. It’s more of an evolution than a revolution, typically Germanic as far as I’m concerned. The housing features more curves and fewer right angles, giving the Handbrake V2 a streamlined shape that’s adaptable to any sim-racing setup.

The black color dominates the whole handbrake now, and I think it’s better than before with the silver handle. It’s much more industrial, motorsport I’d say, and honestly, I love it. Also, the pommel is now interchangeable, replacing the foam that looked a bit cheap. All in all, the Handbrake V2 is more attractive and better suited to its position in the ClubSport range.

Customized assembly

You don’t change a winning team, and the Handbrake V2 does the same when it comes to customizing its mounting. As with its predecessor, you can attach it to the Fanatec shifter using a special bracket. But you can also mount this handbrake directly on your furniture or chassis, without going through the shifter.

What’s more, owners of aluminum-profile cockpits will be able to mount the Handbrake V2 on the rails, allowing a slight angle towards the pilot. In any case, Fanatec often gets it right when it comes to mounting its products, and the Handbrake V2 is no exception. Also, thanks to the system designed for installation on aluminum profiles, you can have this handbrake slightly angled, whether towards you, i.e. inwards, or outwards. I find this really practical, especially when you notice that some drift or rally cars have a crooked handbrake.

Manufacturing and finishing

For the V2 version of its handbrake, Fanatec has pulled out all the stops when it comes to materials. It’s a combination of steel and aluminum, CNC-machined to perfection. The result is a superbly well-made device, in every respect.

The finish is no different. The paint is textured, or powder-coated if you prefer, which enhances the premium look of this device. Also, the parts are assembled without any gaps or voids between them, and this is mainly thanks to the CNC machines that were used to cut the various parts of the Handbrake V2. However, the handle does have a slight gap in its neutral position, i.e. with no load on it. According to Fanatec, this is normal, and you’ll need to preload the LC system to ensure that the handle doesn’t move. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t find this restrictive in absolute terms, and it’s a small problem that Fanatec will be able to correct in the future.

Handbrake control

The Handbrake V2’s grip is much better than that of its predecessor, and the reason is quite simple: this new handbrake is much more solid than the one it replaces, in every respect.

The handle can be adjusted to three positions by means of a screw located virtually on its base. This ensures a good grip, whatever position the Handbrake V2 is in. You can, of course, install it flat on furniture (horizontal), or on the edge of a desk or frame (vertical). The handbrake adapts perfectly to your riding preferences, and to your setup too. This was a plus for the V2 compared with Simlab’s XB1, for example.

What’s more, you can adjust the neck travel from 60 mm to 80 mm. This will enable you to further adapt this handbrake to your riding style, and incidentally your setup.

Sensations during play

Once you’ve found the Handbrake V2’s settings, which by the way are very easy to do by removing a cover and adjusting the preload or spacing with the components supplied with this device, and also by finding the right mounting position, it’s time to go and throw gravel everywhere on rally stages.

First impressions of the ride are pretty good, even if by default there’s a little play on the stick, which can be rectified by adjusting the handbrake preload. The Load Cell system is just right for a handbrake, even though it’s derived from those used in Fanatec’s cranksets. That said, the ClubSport Pedals V3 uses a 90 kg LC, which isn’t much compared with the competition, but it’s more than adequate for sim-racing.

Race feel is very good, with a peripheral that hardly moves at all, even if you go all out and lock the rear wheels. The LC is responsive, with no dead zone on the initial stroke, or at least I didn’t notice it. As soon as you pull slightly on the stick, you’ll immediately feel the car squat. The Handbrake V2 proved very responsive during my tests, and will easily find a home with rally and drift fans.

Compatibility

As is customary at Fanatec, the Handbrake V2 is compatible with the manufacturer’s entire range of sim-racing peripherals, including CSL, ClubSport and Podium bases. All communication is via the RJ12 plug, which connects directly to the DD base. And if you don’t have a Fanatec base on your PC, you can purchase the USB adapter to use the Handbrake V2 with any other racing equipment.

As far as consoles are concerned, this handbrake is compatible with Xbox and Playstation, but only via a base that works on the platform in question.

Value for money

The Handbrake V2 is priced at €199.95 on the German brand’s website, and that puts it right up there with the competition from Simlab and Simagic. In terms of value for money, I think it’s decent, even if I’d have liked to see this handbrake sold for just a little less. But then, it’s well made, premium, all-metal and very adjustable, something that can’t necessarily be said of the competition, like the XB1 for example.

My verdict

Fanatec’s V1.5 handbrake was long overdue for an upgrade. Trying to maintain sales and, above all, market share in this segment with a potentiometer is like racing a Mégan RS against the Porsches; you don’t stand a chance of beating the competition, even if your product is well-made.

With the Handbrake V2, Fanatec reinforces its return to the sim-racing market. This handbrake will appeal to riders who already have the V1.5, or who are looking for a high-performance, relatively affordable and highly customizable solution. It’s a sim-racing peripheral that I recommend.