Fanatec CSL Pedals: The least expensive option

Compatibility: PC, Playstation, Xbox

We start, of course, with Fanatec’s cheapest option. This is the CSL Pedals, which can be exchanged for just €80, and €200 if you take it as a Load Cell and 3 pedals.

As for the design, it’s basic and either you like it or you don’t. Personally, I’m leaning towards the second option, as I find the combination of grey and black to be less than representative of the pedalboard’s quality.

The CSL Pedals feature a metal frame, as does the LC version. As standard, you get 2 pedals, and 3 if you opt for the more expensive version. The pedals feature 12-bit magnetic sensors for excellent input readout and reliability.

In terms of feel, the throttle and clutch are precise and smooth to use, very linear. The brake on the non-LC version is slightly harder, but just a hair, and on the LC it’s firm with 3 elastomers. All in all, the feel of CSL Pedals is pretty good for sim-racing beginners, whether on consoles or PC. In fact, for novices, I recommend this pedalboard as an LC kit on Xbox, PC and Playstation, and otherwise as a standard version if your budget is limited.

It’s worth mentioning that the CSL Pedals comes partly disassembled in its box, so you’ll need to bring out your DIY side to use it. The operation itself is not complicated, as all you have to do is attach the pedals to the structure.

Read our full review of Fanatec CSL Pedals

Fanatec CSL Elite V2: The best value for money

Compatibility: PC, Playstation, Xbox

Still in the same range, i.e. the CSL, we have a major Pedals evolution: the Elite V2. It’s a pedalboard with 3 pedals and Load Cell as standard this time, and is compatible with consoles and PC.

Let’s talk about the design. I think the Elite V2 looks better than its little brother, with an all-black powder coat. Visually, the two pedal units are very similar, with the same design of footrest and pedals that attach to the rear. But under the hood, it’s a different story.

The Elite comes with 3 pedals as standard, also with magnetic sensors. The gas pedal and clutch use a basic sums resistance system, but it does the job. Both pedals are linear, yet smooth to operate. It’s not an On/Off switch, far from it. But it’s pretty easy to use in sim-racing, especially if you’re used to driving a car.

The brakes are more advanced. There’s a two-stage Load Cell, with a blue electric spring and 3 elastomers for resistance. In fact, you have a total of 3 sets of elastomers to alter the feel underfoot, plus another spring.

The Elite’s feel is good for its range, with realistic feedback. The first stage of the LC takes care of initial pedal travel, simulating light braking. Once at the Load Cell, the elastomers will compress and the middle pedal stroke will be impacted. Without moving too much, the bottom bracket sensor interprets the force applied (up to 90 kg) as braking pressure.

The Elite V2 remains, as far as I’m concerned, an excellent pedalboard for racers with good sim-racing experience. It’s the perfect candidate for console racers with Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport or ACC, and a superb entry ticket for PC gamers. What’s more, the Elite normally retails for €300. But you’ll need a Fanatec base compatible with your console to use the Elite V2.

Read our full review of the Fanatec CSL Elite V2

Fanatec Clubsport V3: The best in sensations

Compatibility: PC, Xbox, Playstation

On to the best Fanatec has to offer in terms of feel: the ClubSport Pedals V3. This pedalboard is simply sublime, both visually and in terms of feel. However, it doesn’t come cheap, with a price tag of just under €400.

Let’s talk about the design. The ClubSport V3 is a beautiful sim-racing device, combining gun metal color with red accents. The latter color is mainly used on the screws and resistance system components. Everything else is gun metal (a kind of gray).

At the front, you’ll find a small footrest, and at the back, the 3 pedals take their place. These are identical, with only the brake pedal featuring the Fanatec logo in white. You can adjust the pedals from every angle: spacing, height, inclination, etc., plus you can change the pedal plates if you like.

At the rear, we find the 3-pedal resistance system. The gas pedal and clutch use springs and 12-bit magnetic sensors. This provides precision and good resistance metering. What’s more, the gas pedal spring is changeable to accommodate your driving style. These 2 pedals (gas pedal and clutch) are a joy to use in sim-racing, perfectly combining smoothness and linearity in their travel.

Let’s move on to the brake. It’s a two-stage Load Cell, fully adjustable via hardware and software, and capable of handling up to 90 kg of force. The ClubSport V3 offers excellent brake feel in all circumstances. The pedal is perfectly proportioned, with settings for dead zone, stroke, applied force and all the rest. As I said earlier, this is Fanatec at its best. Well, almost.

This pedalboard is primarily intended for seasoned virtual pilots, especially on PC. Of course, you have simulation titles on consoles, but the list is rather short, and you won’t be able to exploit the ClubSport V3’s full potential without it. FanalabFanatec’s sim-racing peripheral management software. Oh yes, one last point: this pedalboard must be used on a cockpit/chassis to prevent it from moving when braking.

Read our full review of the Fanatec Clubsport V3

Fanatec Clubsport V3 Inverted: Ultimate immersion with inverted pedals

Compatibility: PC, Xbox, Playstation

Let’s end with a variant of the ClubSport V3: theInverted. This is a specific version of the basic crankset, with the brake and clutch at the top of the structure, and the gas pedal at the bottom, just like in a real sports and/or racing car.

The design remains much the same, with of course the structure supporting the two inverted pedals. This time, however, we find “Fanatec” in white instead of the “F” logo, and the red accents are now in light grey.

The LC resistance system is identical to the standard ClubSport V3 version, but the clutch system has been swapped. The reason is quite simple: with the pedal reversed, you’ll need more force to depress it, so the spring needs to be stronger to avoid a soft pedal.

The ClubSport V3 Inverted costs €600, and is Fanatec’s most expensive. Once again, this device is aimed at PC drivers to fully exploit its potential, even if it is compatible with consoles.