Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel GT3

Our rating : 9.8/10

There’s no denying that Fanatec’s catalog is the fullest on the sim-racing market, with something for every driver and every motorsport discipline. In driving alone, the brand has more than 40 entries in its catalog, and that’s literally everything in sim-racing.

For a long time, mid-range DD bases were absent from Fanatec’s range, as the manufacturer only offered CSL DD (5 and 8 nm), and Podium DD (20 and 25 nm). This changed with the arrival of ClubSport DD.

Since then, Fanatec has been in renewal mode, releasing products to complete its offering, or rather to embellish its already sumptuous range. One of Fanatec’s latest additions is the CSL Steering Wheel GT3, which replaces a much-loved sim-racing wheel, the McLaren GT3. Has Fanatec reinvented its wheel, or just brought it up to date? That’s what we’re going to find out.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• 30 cm diameter with rectangular shape
• Composite structure
• Aluminum vanes with push-pull configuration for gear shifting
• OLED display on faceplate
• 14 controls on the front of the steering wheel
• Compatible with PC, Xbox and Playstation
• QR2 Lite rear as standard
• Closed side handles
• Carbon-fiber skin over the entire steering wheel
• Silicone grips for a good level of grip

Design

If you’re familiar with Fanatec’s McLaren GT3, then the CSL GT3 will be very familiar to you, as the steering wheel is nothing more or less than a 99% copy of the one it replaces. Gone is the logo of the British SuperCars brand, replaced by “Fanatec” written on the lower part of the breastplate.

The CSL GT3 is more sober, with a carbon-fiber skin over the entire wheel, and gray controls. It’s beautiful, simple and perfect for any sim-racing setup.

At the rear, there are 4 paddles (2 aluminum), including those on top which are in push-pull configuration, identical to the steering wheel it replaces. This point is highly controversial among Fanatec fans, as some love this mode of operation where you can shift gears with just one hand, while others are of a completely different opinion.

All in all, Fanatec preferred to play it safe with the CSL GT3, and this has paid off. It’s a very handsome wheel, with mainly improvements under the hood.

Customized assembly

The steering wheel is mounted on a Fanatec Direct Drive base via the QR2 Lite, which is fitted to the rear of the CSL GT3. This Quick Release is much stronger than the one it replaces, and can handle more torque without showing an ounce of weakness.

Mounting the steering wheel to a base is a very simple operation: either pull the little ring around the QR2, align the two devices, insert the QR2 wheel side into the base side, and release the ring, or skip the first step and push it in. It works like a charm, and causes no problems on the equipment.

Manufacturing and finishing

Since the CSL GT3 is a small evolution of the McLaren GT3, Fanatec has chosen the same route in terms of materials. This means that the wheel is made entirely of composite, i.e. plastic.

However, the brand has upped the ante, this time using aluminum on the gearshift paddles. It may seem insignificant, but this choice of material allows for a greater level of realism on the track, and therefore a higher level of immersion.

As far as the finish is concerned, it’s precision-made, whether it’s on the moldings, the joints of the parts or everything else that makes up this steering wheel. Despite the fact that this steering wheel is part of the CSL range, it’s still well made, and I didn’t notice any defects when I inspected it.

Handling the steering wheel

The Fanatec CSL GT3 is 30 cm in diameter, with a rectangular shape. This is exactly the same size and shape as the McLaren GT3, of which the CSL GT3 is an almost identical copy.

The controls are distributed along the sides of the steering wheel, with only the switches in the middle of the faceplate. On these controls, you’ll need to take your hands off the grips to operate them.

Speaking of grips, these are closed, with a 9H15 riding position. What’s more, their shape is perfect for the placement of thumbs on the steering wheel, reducing fatigue on long sim-racing sessions, while having no discomfort.

At the rear, there are 4 paddles, with the same push-pull configuration for shifting gears. Some like it, some don’t, and Fanatec has decided to keep this paddle configuration. Personally, I find it practical for shifting gears in the midst of action.

Sensations during play

Let’s move on to the on-track sensations with this new CSL GT3 steering wheel from Fanatec. We don’t say it often enough, but the QR2 is a big step up from the QR it replaces, even in the Lite version. This Quick Release is able to handle the torque of ClubSport DDs without the slightest problem, something that was impossible with the old QR Lite.

As mentioned above, the CSL GT3 has a good grip, especially when it comes to GT-type racing. The steering wheel is light, weighing in at just 1.3 kg, including the QR, and this shows in the corners. The steering wheel literally dives into the bends, giving you more feel for the track, especially if you’re using a 5 nm CSL DD, for example.

As for the paddles, those for shifting gears are made of aluminum for better immersion and lighter weight, while the other two are made of reinforced composite. They are used for dual clutch, gas pedal and brake, and anything and everything in between, as they are analog sensors.

Compatibility

A Fanatec wheel means native compatibility with the brand’s entire ecosystem of Direct Drive chainstays. The manufacturer has replaced its old Quick Release on all its steering wheels, and from now on you’ll either have a QR2 delivered with the wheel, or the latter will equip the factory steering wheel.

As for platforms, the CSL GT3 can be used on all three available on the market, namely PC, Xbox and Playstation. For fans of Sony consoles, you’ll need a DD base compatible with the Playstation you have, otherwise it won’t work. And for Xbox, the interface is via the steering wheel, and the CSL GT3 is compatible with Microsoft consoles.

Value for money

Let’s talk about money now. Unlike the McLaren GT3 it replaces, the CSL GT3 is sold for around €20 less, or €199.95 on the Fanatec store. Typically, brands offer their new products at prices that are higher than those they replace.

When it comes to value for money, then yes, the steering wheel is composite, which is one way of describing plastic, and its grips are rubber. However, it’s very well made, with no visually apparent burrs or flaws. What’s more, you can run your fingers all over the steering wheel, and you won’t feel anything sticking out. Once again, Fanatec has given us a premium steering wheel for its CSL range.

My verdict

The CSL GT3 is aimed at an audience of endurance racing and GT enthusiasts on a budget. It brilliantly replaces a steering wheel that is highly prized by the sim-racing community worldwide, without turning the whole process upside down.

Those who appreciated the McLaren GT3 will easily find themselves on the CSL GT3. And for those waiting to take the plunge and acquire a GT wheel, this steering wheel is just what you need: good build quality, great grip, and an attractive price.