Fanatec CSL Elite crankset

Our rating : 9.2/10

If you have some experience in the world of Sim-racingthe brand Fanatec will surely be familiar to you. There are several very famous racing simulation accessories on the market that have been developed by the German manufacturer, such as wheel bases, steering wheels or pedals.

Even if many people don’t know it, the pedalboard is an essential tool for a realistic realistic driving and a good immersion in the race. That’s why you need to consider several factors to make sure you choose the best model.

So we decided to take a look at one of the brand’s best-selling pedalboard models: the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals.

In this article, we will tell you everything we discovered about this Fanatec pedalboard. We will tell you what the key features of this model of this model, what type of type of player best suited for, what are its advantages advantages advantages and disadvantagesits price and where you can get it.

Features of the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals

The Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals is anentry-level two-pedal pedalboard and one of the brand’s best-selling pedalboards.

Here is a list of the main features of this model:

• Year of release: 2016
• The Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard is a plug and play package that includes an extra long gas pedal and brake ped al for added realism and comfort.
• The base and footrest are made of solid aluminum and offer a large resting surface.
• The Fanatec CSL Elite’s pedal covers are made of rubber and are removable , which allows for a good grip on soft surfaces.
• The brake pedal has a metal spring and a PU foam damper for pressure braking simulation and realism.
• The horizontal distance between the pedals of the Fanatec CSL Elite is adjustable, allowing for an asynchronous configuration.
• This model offers the possibility to easily remove the pedals from the footrest and install them separately with the electronics in cockpits or other supports.
• The Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard includes a 12-bit resolution potentiometer.
• Fanatec CSL Elite pedals are PC compatible when connected with an optional ClubSport USB adapter or using the Load Cell kit.
• This model is also compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Xbox One when connected to a compatible Fanatec wheel base or steering wheel.
• The Fanatec CSL Elite works with any Fanatec wheel base and steering wheel with the RJ12 pedal connector.
• Dimensions: 47 cm x 31 cm x 18 cm (L x W x H)
• Weight : 4,5 kg

For what type of person?

The Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard is a model that is really ideal for beginner players who want to improve their immersion in the race.

For more experienced players, this pedalboard may seem a little light but it can be upgraded with the Load Cell Kit.

The Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals is a model that fits all racing styles and gaming platforms, whether it’s Assetto Corsa, iRacing, F1 2020 or Forza.

Its advantages

The Fanatec CSL Elite is a very successful pedalboard and our test has allowed us to discover the advantages that make this model so popular.

Initially, we found the Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard to be a very good value for money. For an entry-level model, this pedalboard is still made from solid, quality materials. The all-metal aluminum design and removable rubber pads on the pedals provide a blend of comfort and strength for a better riding experience. You can press the pedals with force, they are really solid and resistant.

Secondly, we really like the fact that the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals are customizable. It seems that the brand has planned everything so that you can adapt this model to your tastes and your personal equipment, whether you have a cockpit or not. Indeed, the pedals can be adjusted horizontally but they can also be removed to be fixed to a cockpit. The screw holes on the base of the pedalboard allow you to install it on any stand. And for even more customization, you can upgrade this model with the Load Cell pedal sold in a separate kit.

We found that the Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard also offered a very good game feel and realism. The gas pedal and brake pedals feel very natural underfoot, giving us the feeling of being in a real car. The original brake pedal offers a very firm resistance thanks to the PU foam insert on the back of the pedal. This small foam plug offers perfect resistance and also allows to moderate the speed in detail and without blocking.

Finally, the Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard has the advantage of offering a wide compatibility. This model can work on PC and Xbox One as well as PlayStation 4 and 3, if your Fanatec base is compatible with the platform. On PC, you will simply need a USB adapter (sold separately) for its connection and for PlayStation 4 and 3 or Xbox, you will need to use a compatible Fanatec brand base. So you can use this pedalboard with a very large list of games.

Its disadvantages

While our test has allowed us to discover the positive points of the Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard, it has also revealed the drawbacks of this model.

First of all, we were a bit disappointed that the Fanatec CSL Elite crankset arrived unassembled. The first impression upon opening the box is therefore quite negative because you have to assemble everything yourself. It is not very complicated to make, even for the most novice or the least handyman, but it is a mandatory step that requires some time before you can start playing.

We also found that there is unfortunately a bit of a dead zone when you press the pedals on the Fanatec CSL Elite. In fact, every time you connect the pedals, they refocus on themselves. In our opinion, it was a mistake on the part of the brand to make this choice because the pedals are self-centering with a small dead zone, so you have to press harder to get the pressure recognized in the first place.

Finally, if the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals is sold at an interesting price, you have to take into account that you will certainly have to invest in a USB adapter since it is not included with the pedalboard (its cost is 19.95 €). Also, it is important to note that when using the Fanatec ClubSport Adapter USB, the resolution which is initially 12 bits drops to 8 bits.

For regular players, you’ll need to plan on supplementing this pedalboard with the Load Cell pedal, which is also not included with the CSL Elite Pedals. It is a big investment since this kit costs 139,95 €.

Where to get it and for how much?

The Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard is normally available for sale at the price of 99,95 € on the official website of Fanatec.

You can find the Load Cell Kit on the Fanatec website in presale for 139,95 €, it will be available from May 31st.

The ClubSport USB Adapter is available for 19,95 €.

The German manufacturer Fanatec having made the choice to sell its products exclusively on its site, you will not be able to obtain it at other retailers.

You can eventually find it for sale on sites such as Le Bon Coin or Vinted, but be very careful about the condition of the base before buying it to avoid any bad surprises.

Conclusion

The Fanatec CSL Elite pedalboard is an ideal model to get started in Sim-racing. Thanks to its versatility and very good value for money, it is a good way to get into the Fanatec ecosystem at a cheap price.

This Fanatec crankset is made of high quality solid metallic aluminum , which guarantees durability, strength and good stability. Of course, this model does not include a Load Cell, but it still offers you the possibility to upgrade and customize it according to your desires and your budget.

If you’re looking for anentry-level pedalboard that offers impeccable quality, then we can only recommend the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals, which will make you happy every time!