FANATEC Clubsport v2.5 Wheelbase Long Term REVIEW 😍👏 (Unboxing & Installation to Playseat Challenge)

[@aliidogann]

I really like your content and calming voice. It's hard to find simracing channel without noisy voice. Keep up the good work.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Timestamps: 0:37 Main Review + Features 5:12 Tuning Menu 6:02 In Game Use 7:52 Unboxing 10:06 Installation to Playseat 12:11 Conclusion (Also forgot to mention in the video, you can mount it to a desk with their desk mount clamp. I didn't mention it as I have it bolted directly to my Playseat Challenge).

[@trick6579]

Really nice review! I’ve been using a TGT for the last 16 months and for all it’s good I’m wanting something a little better but without going DD. Watched a view vids including your own and my mind is firmly made up now. CSW V2.5 is getting ordered soon, thanks for the straight point no messing review. 👊🏻

[@PaultheSimRacer]

No problem! you won't regret it. I've won 4 top split iRacing races with mine today =]

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

Excellent review! Very helpful in deciding which base to get. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cagefighter]

Mine will be here any day, with the formula v2 rim cant wait, had a t300rs before

[@Skevmondo]

Ah I remember commenting on your order as it was from exactly what I had, to exactly what I ordered. Mine has half arrived in that the wheelbase awaits it V2 rim on Monday. Glad you finally got yours.... so how is it?

[@gavancorrigan8813]

Have you developed itchy feet to try a direct drive yet? I’m on a G29 and am looking to upgrade. If everyone just ends up going to DD anyway I am trying to figure if I should just save a bit more and just go straight to the top.

[@pe9042]

Looking to buy this wheelbase for my Playseat Challenge. I will never have a mounted rig so I hope the Playseat Challenge will work. I currently have the Logitech G920 so I guess it will be a huge improvement?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Yup I run the CSW 2.5 on my playseat and it's great! huge jump up from the g29 / t300s

[@Pfsensepluss]

What is the track , speed and gear app I see on your video ? Canyon see it on you screen while racing ?

[@КириллМихеичев]

How much better is this base than the thrustmaster T300? is it like heaven and earth? Will I get any special feeling from it after T300? Or is she just a little better?

[@ratty2vods]

Hi mate just got my base today and I am just wondering what that MIDI cable is that you have (the USB connector) because the one given doesn't seem to fit on to the plate? Thanks, great vid.

[@GuggMaster]

hey very nice video but where did you installe the Powersupply? My Wheelbase came next week but i have no idea where to install the Powersupply

[@PaultheSimRacer]

I just have the main cable plugged into the wall at all times and then the powersupply I just throw in the seat when I fold it up and then just get it out and plug it in when I use it.

[@GuggMaster]

Pro Sim Racer oh ok i hope you find a way to mount it on the seat :) but i think i will do is same like you

[@dqve11]

I was a bit skeptical about buying a playseat challenge setup but i figure if it can hold a Clubsport then a TS-PC wheelbase should do just fine on it also. Thx for sharing.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

No problem!

[@Cagefighter]

Just had email, it's coming today!!! I've waited 2 months for this, my t300rs died, not raced for that long!

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Nice! Congrats, how is it?

[@Cagefighter]

@@PaultheSimRacer it's really good, better than my t300rs, it's more direct, but has taken some time to get used to it, not plug and play like the t300rs, more settings to play with

[@PaultheSimRacer]

@@Cagefighter Yeah, I know what you mean. A lot of it is muscle memory (in the brain / arms / hands) - so when you change equipment it can feel 'off' - even though it feels 'better'. Ensure you check the fanatec site on the suggested settings for different games, I find the wheel tuning menu settings can change the feel a lot! Hopefully your brain / muscle memory will adjust soon.

[@Cagefighter]

@@PaultheSimRacer yeah did that, there suggested setting are way off the mark, I just played around until it felt right, it's taken 2 days!

[@Skevmondo]

@@Cagefighter so I got mine set up yesterday and it is exactly as you say, really good, but not so plug and play and I'm slower at the moment. Mounted it without the bracket just now, so gonna give it a go like that.

[@aarongreen121]

What were the additional clamps on the playseat? I'd like to get this combo but I know that there is a fair amount of bounce in the playseat.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

I can't link to it directly as youtube thinks I'm spamming - but check out my playseat mods video.

[@asianeleven6050]

How long have you had it and have you had any issues with it? Any drop in performance since you've had it? The V2.5 seems very well built, curious if the quality has held up long term.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

I've had no issues with the wheel base at all - it's still running strong and I've used it A LOT! I did have an issue with one of my wheels (a pin broke in the connector of the wheel) but Fanatec just replaced it for me as it was under warrenty.

[@asianeleven6050]

@@PaultheSimRacer thank you! When did you purchase the unit?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

@@asianeleven6050 About 2 years ago?

[@asianeleven6050]

@@PaultheSimRacer thanks, makes me feel better as I am planning on using it a lot too haha

[@user-hd7ej9om1u]

The holes you said were for mounting dashboards and accessories can be used for that but they’re actually for tensioning the belt. I wouldn’t suggest doing that though unless your wheel is really broken

[@PaultheSimRacer]

That's really interesting to know!

[@user-hd7ej9om1u]

Pro Sim Racer Yeah, it’s really nice that they give you the ability to do it yourself! I’m going to be picking up the same wheel in a few months but I wanted to ask a question. Does it feel as smooth as like a real car is? And how much smoother is it than the t300?

[@mlee6050]

glad you like, I got one too, just wondering what you did or playing to get the speed, fuel and stuff shown on video of when playing the game?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

In that video it's Kutu Apps (or Kapps) - do a google search for kutu apps iracing

[@mlee6050]

@@PaultheSimRacer thanks, looking up now

[@GameKEUNG]

Do you know that playing forza horizon 4 with csw 2.5 bmw gt2 has no feedback at all? How to adjust? I don't know how to train to have the ability to give back. It was originally.

[@skocngt7457]

Have you solved problem

[@michaelchristensen8350]

I currently use a G29 and Playseat challenge. But thinking about upgrading to Fanatec, but I have a lot of conserns if the Playseat can bear the weight of the Clubsport wheelbase, and how about Fanatec pedals ? It looks like you have some sort of clams to support the wheelbase, but you dident mention it in this video ?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Hey, I talk about what I did to strengthen my Playseat in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2q7mYuYnZZlbM0 - I think it works okay, but perhaps consider the CSL Elite package instead? My friend has it and says it’s fine on his Playseat Challenge. The pedals I just cable tie strongly on (I think I show that on my review of their Fanatec V2 Pedals)

[@stevenkalentzios415]

loved your video, what game do you play during the video?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

iRacing

[@FormulaProg]

Worth it over the CSL elite? I think it’s a bonus that the CSL has Rev lights

[@PaultheSimRacer]

I've only used my friends CSL elite (and I think he had it setup wrong) but the CSW 2.5 felt better to me. Maybe one day I'll get a CSL elite to compare.

[@FormulaProg]

@@PaultheSimRacer thanks, yeah that would be an interesting video for sure.

[@trevz1048]

Good watch im interested to see your pedal set up with the playseat if you wouldn't mind sharing that would be another good watch thanks

[@fastestblackman4281]

Great video mate👍🏾

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Thanks 👍

[@BOWLCUT143]

Hi do you currently have it mounted with the plate shifted forward like at 11:05 with 3 screws or like how it is in 12:01? Thanks!

[@PaultheSimRacer]

how it is at 12:01 - its fine like that

[@BOWLCUT143]

@@PaultheSimRacer thanks bro haha I'll try it out bc i was a little worred about just mounting it with two holes :D

[@thebiggestmac1819]

What strength do you run on the wheel mate? I've just had a TS-PC Racer delivered (now waiting for some V3s) and I'm also gonna be running a Playseat Challenge, so just wondering what's a good level of force before it starts vibrating too much haha.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

I think I started with it between 6-8 NM ... It did work on the playseat (It's only bumping into steep curbs that caused it to have a moment), but really I found that felt too 'strong' for racing, it would be overkill on the slide - so I currently run it about 2-4 NM (that said iRacing has some weird setup where you set a max force and a force feedback value). I'd say Fanatec have some good base line recommendation settings for this wheel base which felt pretty good out the box. My friend Chris I race the Nurburg 4 hour with sometimes has the TS-PC racer and he loves it! I hope you enjoy it.

[@thebiggestmac1819]

@@PaultheSimRacer Thanks man, I'm sure it's gonna be awesome... and cheers for the advice!

[@michaelwingender9717]

@@PaultheSimRacer Out of curiosity what strength were you running it in the video?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

@@michaelwingender9717 about 4NM?

[@Sixfigas]

Do you have to download the latest update if you are using it on an Xbox?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

not sure I'm afraid.

[@robertkwiatkowski7802]

Yes you do I have the same setup and only use cbix

[@Kontspleett]

In my g29 I have a little dead zone in the middle. Is there a deadzone in the V2.5?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Not that I could tell. I think the V1.5 / V2 had one - but 2.5 fixed it.

[@villumstride7502]

hi how does this compare to the csw v2??

[@PaultheSimRacer]

csw 2.5 is a bit better than v2 - think it solves some ffb oscillations and had slightly better hardware.

[@SLO_MZ3]

dropped a sub and this vid was so helpful.

[@Trevski220]

Can I ask what the purpose of the clamps are that you have attached to the playseat either side of the wheelbase?

[@Trevski220]

I’ve just watched one of your other videos where you explain.... 👍🏻

[@jounaas]

Hi! Im not sure should i get this or the dd1 for my xbox one/series x Im still using tablle clamp so im not sure about the dd1

[@PaultheSimRacer]

yeah I'd stick with CSL Elite / CSW 2.5 on table clamp.

[@jounaas]

@@PaultheSimRacer i had csl elite but it broke down and want to try something new so csw it is

[@logannextdoor5794]

Was wondering how well this wheelbase works with the Xbox, I want to upgrade to pc eventually. But I would like to get this nicer wheelbase first

[@jounaas]

@@logannextdoor5794 it works like a dream

[@logannextdoor5794]

@@jounaas just what I needed to hear, thanks for the quick input man!

[@charzy11]

Would you recommend negative 3 on Drift setting?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

for iRacing? or Drifting? - Perhaps I can do a short video on my wheel and iRacing settings?

[@charzy11]

Iracing, good idea!

[@PaultheSimRacer]

@@charzy11 here's the vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn3Qm4yJpcSnbdE

[@durrrrrrrrrrrp7143]

Is this an direct drive wheel?

[@johnroberts9212]

Hello. Thanks for an informative video (which was more than enough to get me to sub :-) to your channel). I intend to start my sim racing 'career' soon and right now I am doing my research and planning my rig (for PC). The Fanatec Clubsport V2 is at the top of my wheelbase list but I can't make my mind up about which Fanatec steering wheel to pair it up with. I am probably most likely to be driving saloons and GT cars but really want a wheel that is a good all rounder and that would still be useable for single seater 'formula' type cars. What would you suggest please? Thanks in advance!

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Hi John, to be honest I have a Formula V2 Rim - which I think is great (most GT type cars have this style now too), I've also got an R300 rim too with the customisable button module (which is a round rim) - also top notch - but better for drifting than the formula rim.

[@kezzlan666]

Do pedals come with it?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Nope, pedals sold seperately.

[@kezzlan666]

@@PaultheSimRacer okey thank you for letting me know

[@BenMyattt]

What is the preset drift mode setting out the box?

[@PaultheSimRacer]

-2 I think - Fanatec has suggested settings on their site.

[@charzy11]

Mine was 0 but I think it’s best to go negative 2/3 ‘‘Boosted Media’’

[@OhItsThat]

Overall I liked my CSW V2 better then my DD2.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Wow, please go on? I've often considered upgrading but why would you prefer the CSW v2?

[@OhItsThat]

Pro Sim Racer This is a long answer but here it is. It’s more then just one thing. The DD2 has a crap ton of power. It looks decent too but the drivers and FW were really bad when I got it last summer. The performance, other then power, wasn’t really impressive. There are certain situations where it does things my V2 could have never done. Like driving Formula 1 cars from back in the day that didn’t have power steering and had really wide tires. You can really feel the weight in the steering rack. It’s like steering a go kart almost and for the most part the fidelity doesn’t wash out. Under normal ffb strengths I don’t notice more fidelity then my CSW V2 had. It’s very underwhelming really. Part of that is the game I’m playing probably as well as my settings. I follow the Fanatec “recommended” settings and those are really underwhelming. If I use them as a baseline I end up changing them so much its pointless to even start with them. My two biggest complaints is the crappy QR system. It’s great for a CSW V2.5 or CSL but not for a $1500 25nm wheel base. It can be really difficult and sometimes dangerous swapping wheels out. They don’t just slide on and off like they do with the other wheel bases. Not only that but both my Podium Hubs and Mclaren GT3 wheel have a ton of flex. Now, it’s still up for debate if the flex affects performance but I can feel it sometimes. Not all the time but in certain cars with certain wheel settings. Beside that, like I just said, it’s not representative of a $1500 25nm wheel base. It’s definitely not confidents inspiring, that’s for sure. I feel like I have a dodgy inferior product when compared to the SIMuCUBE, AccuForce V2 and SiMagic. The other issue is with the giant OLED screen. At this point it’s an expensive gimmick. The info it displays can’t be logged and analyzed so it’s almost useless when using the wheel base. Once you get a Podium DD you’ll discover quickly it’s really hard to watch the info and drive normally. You’ll also realize monitoring fan RPM and motor temps is pointless unless your having issues with the wheel base (like I did and had to RMA it) So what’s that expensive screen for then? one might ask ...Absolutely nothing. All of Fanatecs wheels including the Universal Hub have tuning screens. Now I have two. What angers me though is I have two Podium Hubs with Momo steering wheels mounted on them. There’s no tuning menu on the Podium Hub. Perfect excuse to “need” an OLED screen right? Nope! Not only that, the Podium Hub only allows two button clusters . “6 buttons total” plus some shifters. As well as a USB C to plug one button box into. Why didn’t they design it so I could have a button cluster that has a funky switch so I could access the tuning menu on the giant OLED screen on the DD2 when using my “Podium Hubs”? Why not? I know it’s early days for the Podium product line but I just feel like they’re treating it like it’s an entry level product line but with a premium price tag. Like if it doesn’t work or make sense for the CSL or CSW then they won’t do it for the Podium series. I bought a premium product so treat me like a premium customer. My CSW V2 was the best wheel bases I ever had. It performed great, it looked great and it wasn’t ridiculously expensive. It just did it’s job without all the fuss. It always worked. It made more sense.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Wow that's really interesting. Thanks for the really long reply, it makes me feel happier with the fact I have the CSW 2.5

[@OhItsThat]

Pro Sim Racer Maybe someday the Podium line will be glorious but right now it’s not worth it in my opinion. I kick myself for not having the guts to get a SimUCube 2 Pro.

[@joshuathomas6316]

@@OhItsThat Thank you for such an incredibly detailed response. I have been on the fence goin back and forth Between a DD1 and CSW v2.5. I currently own the CSL Elite PS4. It's fine, But I am looking for more fidelity. I hear that although they are similar the CSW v2.5 is still superior to the CSL . Have you ever tried the CSL? and if so would you recommend the small upgrade to the CSW v2.5? I don't mind shelling out for the small upgrade especially if it is superior. But wanted to know if there was a big enough difference between the two that I would even feel it. I know the CSW has better build quality and a superior belt system. But is it better enough to put down my CSL? Any answer you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time if you are able to give it. Cheers to other fellow sim racers!

[@OkiDingo]

$1400 in kit strapped to $200 lawn chair.

[@arekdbz3]

What would be your response to many complaints on forums about fanatec products? A lot of topics about failures and every kind of malfunctions plus poor service from fanatec. This kind of scared me.

[@PaultheSimRacer]

I haven't experienced it myself. I know that they are under a lot of pressure right now with increased sales numbers (Covid + a sudden rise in interest in sim racing). The quality of the product I received is top notch.

[@aqulex84]

OMG man. Do youreself a favor and get a real rig. That flex is stealing a lot of immersion and feel from you, guaranteed

[@PaultheSimRacer]

Tell me about it :) I hope I'll get a bigger flat at some point and then I can have a proper 80 20 rig or something. Can't wait.

[@aqulex84]

@@PaultheSimRacer ahh damn. Yeah limitation in space sucks. Well for a csw I should be fine with 80x20. For a DD I wouldn't go under 120x40. Even a 80x40 metal rig flexes with the force of the dds. And let's be honest, a DD is the goal we all want to reach 😂👍But beside that, nice video man. 👍

[@user-hd7ej9om1u]

To be honest if you reinforce the playseat you'll be just fine.

[@simracer1256]

Um, ultimately, um, ultimately, um.