FANATEC CSL Cockpit - REVIEW

Thanks for watching my short review of the FANATEC CSL Cockpit!
✅️ Check it out here:
bit.ly/fanatec...
Pricing and compatibility can be found on the Fanatec website product page. However, as mentioned in the video, feel free to ask me anything you'd like to know about the cockpit in the comments, which I did not touch on in this short review.
If you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe, and enable notifications for future videos and when I go live.
Join my Discord server to get immediate notifications for product launches / promos:
/ discord
Chapters:
00:00 - Important Info
01:05 - Intro
01:48 - Overall Rigidity
02:36 - Seat Adjustment
02:48 - Pedal Base Plate
03:24 - Wheel Base Adjustment
04:07 - Flex Concerns
05:00 - Cable Management
05:32 - Additional Info
06:25 - Positive Points
08:10 - Negative Points
08:31 - Ending Info
DISCLAIMER: The above is an affiliate link. By buying through this link, I’ll receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue making videos and stream. Thank you for the support!
#simracing #fanatec

[@user-iw1ec7bx4r]

Consumer suggestion: try and spice up the voice tonality, cause the review is otherways very useful. Keep it up!

[@MattOLC]

Thank you for the positive feedback as well as the criticism! 🙂 I expected my first review video to leave a lot of room for improvement.

[@Bakufan1984]

@MattOLC, great review! Looking forward to see more incoming. Thumbs up!

[@Jezza819]

After three nights I finally got mine fully assembled. It's going to take some getting used to since it's a new seating position for me. But it really has helped my line of sight to my 55" tv. I'm 58 years old now and with the wheel attached it's a little hard to get in and out of. I need to experiment with the distance of the seat vs. the distance to the wheel and the tilt of the wheel. But other than some lower back pain which I hope will eventually go away, I think I will like it.

[@MattOLC]

3 nights!!! Let's say you're very thorough 😄 Did you mount your 55" TV using the Monitor Holder? If so, which DIY workaround did you use?

[@Jezza819]

@@MattOLC I don't think thorough is the right word to use, more like error prone. Several times I put bolts in only to realize later I had forgot the washers. I put the brackets on the bottom of the seat, then saw they were backwards, then had to take them back off because I forgot the washers. My 55" tv is sitting on a 21" stand so this cockpit just sits up against it. It's not mounted to the cockpit at all.

[@subashchandra9557]

Only reason I wouldnt get this is because you can get the Playseat Trophy for $50 more, which lets you put it in "Storage Mode" by laying it on its back, and pushing it up against a wall. Also I use my Quest 3 instead of a monitor, so I have no need for a monitor mount. The Trophy is also otherwise light enough to move around, even fully loaded with a DD Pro which lets me move it out in front of my TV and back into storage mode very easily(I timed myself, it's 1:35 minutes to clean up, and a bit longer to set up)!

[@MattOLC]

In your case, the Playseat Trophy suits your needs perfectly well! The CSL Cockpit is certainly not a cockpit for intermittent storage. I definitely consider it to be a permanent setup cockpit despite its minimal design and smaller than usual footprint. It can be easily moved around from time to time if used without the Monitor Holder as a living room setup.

[@rema1242]

You can even change the height of the pedals, just turn the part k around the longitudinal axis by 180 degrees and the pedals will be 5 cm lower. Also, you can move the pedals farther + higher by changing the k and l1/l2 connection (no too much and depends of angle pedal). With longer screws and more washers, the junction of positions j and k can be additionally raised or lowered (need extra screws + washers).

[@MattOLC]

You've already found different ways of adjusting the pedal deck, nice! 👍🏼 The easiest obvious way is to use any combo of the side holes on the pedal deck and change the position of the front feet assemblies in conjunction for the desired height. It's not the most convenient solution, but once you find your sweet spot, it's totally fine.

[@rema1242]

​@@MattOLC Great and truthfully made review, especially about view on dashboard through the steering wheel (1:1), which is a big disadvantage of the aluminum profile cockpit -> the very high vertical profiles (left & right) that hold the steering wheel block the view on a screen.

[@MattOLC]

@rema1242 Thank you! After testing this cockpit for some time, I wanted to make sure that the advantages are pointed out. There has been a lot of negative speculation about the cockpit. Another well-known sim racing KZbinr, OC Racing, did a well presented review of the cockpit (he normally provides excellent reviews) but failed to mention anything about the wheel base mounting + monitor holder advantages or cable management options. He also had a lot of flex from the pedal deck, which hasn't been the case for me. Nevertheless, I know that the vast majority of people will be happy with this cockpit once the benefits are experienced 🙂

[@kesm66]

Love the minimalism of this stable rig. What monitor, Fanatec DD base, Fanatec wheel, Fanatec pedal set are you utilizing in this rig? Any adjustable seat recommendations given the one you’re using isn’t available to purchase?

[@MattOLC]

I'm using a 32" LG IPS FHD gaming monitor, a ClubSport DD+ Wheel Base, Gran Turismo Steering Wheel Extreme, CSL Pedals (fully kitted out). You can use pretty much any seat that suits you best in this cockpit. The CSL Cockpit Seat is a really good option, though.

[@kesm66]

Awesome picks…thanks for sharing the specifics.

[@MattOLC]

Anytime! 🙂

[@Jezza819]

I just ordered this. It should be here by the end of the week. I don't have a monitor so mine will be in front of a tv.

[@MattOLC]

Awesome! Even though I highly recommend the Monitor Holder, you can always purchase that at a later stage. If your specific setup works well once you've set everything up, then there is no need 🙂

[@Jezza819]

@@MattOLC How long did it take you to assemble it? How much does the cockpit weigh? I'm only around 70kg but I'm going to have to move it from one room to another.

[@MattOLC]

It took me around 1 hour, 30 minutes. The cockpit weighs 20kg.

[@Jezza819]

@@MattOLC 1 hour, 30 minutes for you so that means about 6 to 7 hours for me 😁 Someone else said with the wheel and pedals attached it was about 60lbs or 28kg. I really hope it's going to be easy for me to move around using furniture sliders on my carpet floors.

[@MattOLC]

Actually, I'm quite slow with assembling stuff like this as I double-check everything 😅 If you don't use the included felt or rubber pads, it's easily movable on a carpet.

[@wwjnz9263]

Thanks for this. Its much appreciated.

[@andsoitwas3046]

amazing video!!

[@MattOLC]

Thank you! It could be better 😅 Good for my first review video, I suppose.

[@supercededman]

The reclining (style!) seat is a massive weakness. It flexes madly. I've seen expensive profile rigs with such seats, and for all the rigidity inherent in profile rigs, they can be ruined by this 'feature'. F! cars have bucket shells, and so do GT cars. I have an ES1 bucket seat made of a rigid poly material, and it is super comfortable. Boosted Media has the same seat on his $100K+ seat. Fanatec think they are building something to a price point. They are gonna find out they've failed.

[@MattOLC]

The seat I used in this review reclines significantly more than the official CSL Cockpit Seat. Pretty much any seat with a 4 hole bottom mounting pattern is compatible with the CSL Cockpit Seat.

[@supercededman]

@@MattOLC Thanks for your review, BTW!

[@MattOLC]

There is plenty of room for improvement, but I think this was a good first attempt at a review video.

[@Jezza819]

@@MattOLC I have the CSL Cockpit seat and it is almost perfectly straight up. Fanatec needs to offer a lumbar support with it because even though I'm sitting straight up it's still killing my lower back.

[@rtds2024]

so do you recommend it?? for fanatec CSL dd 8nm, and v2 pedals? no problem?

[@MattOLC]

I highly recommend this for up to mid-range sim equipment users. I regularly use the CS DD+ at around 12Nm on average, and the CSL Pedals with LC. Absolutely no problem 🙂

[@rtds2024]

@@MattOLC Ok i should get it then..

[@MattOLC]

I'm confident you'll be happy with it. Especially with the wheel base mounting. You can use my affiliate link if you want to 😉 and please give me feedback once you've set it up and used it a few times.

[@rtds2024]

@@MattOLC i will for sure

[@tarnishedd]

i ordered this with a NLR ERS 3 seat, i hope i can get it to mount!

[@MattOLC]

It should fit without any issues 🙂

[@DonsShed]

Nice video mate 😀

[@MattOLC]

Thanks, mate! There is plenty of room for improvement, but I think this was a good first attempt at a review video.

[@CompuChecker]

I wait for my Order since 19.4 with no Information from the Support. No Tracking Number nothing…..phone is not availible

[@SIMRIG412]

lol ya fanatec usual! Take your money and disappear to they want to actually send your item!

[@MattOLC]

@CompuChecker You should have received a tracking number on the 7th day after you placed your order at the latest. Are you not able to reach customer care by email?

[@1027hristo]

The monitor's additional stability rods are also missing, subscribed.🙂

[@MattOLC]

The stability rods were not included with the unit I received. However, from on-site testing, I found the rods to be overkill for 16:9 and even 21:9 monitors (32" and 34" respectively). For 32:9 (49") monitors, they offer a level of stability not seen in other on-cockpit monitor mounting solutions.

[@olivierdecoen5396]

As i understand good, you are 1m90? I ask this because i’m 1m92 and can’t find any maximum person height on the website. Also if i understood it good This cockpit is without problem compatible with the gt dd+ extreme and the clubsport pedals?

[@MattOLC]

Correct. I'm 190cm. There isn't an official length range, but from my findings, 140cm to 210cm is a realistic comfortable range. All Fanatec DD wheel bases and pedal sets are compatible 🙂

[@olivierdecoen5396]

Thanks for the answer! With your answer i’m gonna spend some good amount of money for the Gran Turismo dd+ extreme, clubsport v3 pedals and this csl cockpit 😁

[@MattOLC]

You're going to love the new hardware. You're welcome to ask me any questions at any time 🙂

[@olivierdecoen5396]

@@MattOLC the clubsport V3 INVERTED pedals are also compatible with the csl cockpit? Just asking to be sure 😁

[@MattOLC]

Yes, even the CS Pedals V3 Inverted are compatible. Are you shopping for a set at the moment? If so, I'd recommend going with the standard V3 and Brake Performance Kit.

[@benslater011]

What are the rough dimensions once assembled? Thanks.

[@MattOLC]

It's around 500x1300 mm 🙂

[@benslater011]

@@MattOLC perfect, thanks 👌

[@snippidippi]

Max screen size? Can it hold a 40-55" 4k tv?

[@MattOLC]

The Monitor Holder VESA bracket is 75x75 + 100x100, which supports pretty much all monitors. As for TVs, you'd need a DIY workaround, but I'd say 50" is the limit.

[@KJB__]

So you work for fanatec? Ok, when will my csl wheel be replaced it has been 7 months

[@MattOLC]

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I'm not involved in customer care, so I can not assist you 😟

[@KJB__]

@@MattOLC big sad 😔 there goes 2k

[@MattOLC]

No, no! This must be sorted out. The customer care department is undergoing improvements and working through the backlogs. Keep trying. I know it's hard, but please keep trying.

[@PizzacrustSnotburger]

@@MattOLCYou should do a video about how the customer service is going through improvements. I want a DD+ but im terrified that there are going to be issues and I get ghosted by support.

[@MattOLC]

@PizzacrustSnotburger I'm very confident of the internal improvements that are currently in progress. Nevertheless, I'd say it's fair enough if you feel that holding off from a purchase until you see statistical improvements.

[@JustinsWorld4U]

Hey mate! Not sure if anyone has asked this, but what is the length from the tip of the cockpit at the front to where the wheel stand starts to rise please? I was wondering if it's possible to tuck in half under my desk and have the other half sticking out as otherwise the cockpit can't fit in my space. Thanks!

[@MattOLC]

Hey man 🙂 it's +/- 500mm depending on how you position the pedal deck.

[@JustinsWorld4U]

@@MattOLC Thank you!

[@MattOLC]

Anytime, mate! 🙂

[@MrKlawUK]

whats the height of the top of the wheel base how you have it? I’m looking for something low tha tmight be able to tuck half under a desk when not in use

[@MattOLC]

It's exactly 715 mm as I have it in the video 🙂

[@devaron2]

Whats the length of the cockpit once mounted ? I cant find the info on the fanatec website

[@MattOLC]

The overall footprint of the cockpit is about 1300x500mm.

[@jraze9725]

is it possible to mount a third part seat on it? for example i've got a gt omega seat with slider brackets which i would like to keep

[@MattOLC]

Yes, it is possible 🙂

[@choiboi1471]

do you think the csl cockpit seat can be used for a alloy profile rig

[@MattOLC]

It certainly can, but you'll need 4x L-brackets as the seat is only mountable from the bottom, unless you have seat sliders, of course.

[@GregoryShtevensh]

I wish it was cheaper to be honest. Here in Australia, a TR80 lite is cheaper than this. Neither come with a seat. Its hard to justify it... My question is, does this flex less or more than the TR80 lite?

[@supercededman]

Next Level Racing are Australian, and the rig I bought from them was free of shipping charges.

[@MattOLC]

I haven't tested the TR80 Lite, but I do have a DIY 8020 profile rig that has more robust connecting mounts than the TR80 Lite, and I can't feel a noticeable difference in terms of rigidity. In my opinion, if you don't use Fanatec equipment, the TR80 Lite is probably the better choice, especially if you can get free shipping since they are AU based. However, if you do use Fanatec equipment, I'd lean towards the CSL Cockpit even if it costs slightly more. Important to note, when combining the CSL Cockpit with the Monitor Holder, the value proposition shoots up a lot as achieving the same with an 8020 profile rig would cost more.

[@GregoryShtevensh]

@@supercededman what model did you get mate?

[@supercededman]

​@@GregoryShtevenshThe GT Elite with ES1 bucket seat. Just wow.

[@supercededman]

​@@GregoryShtevenshthe GT Elite with ES1 bucket seat

[@lirik5837]

Would this be fine for someone at 160cm

[@MattOLC]

It should be fine for a length range of 140cm to 210cm

[@Its_ryder]

What monitor are you using for the set up?

[@MattOLC]

I'm using a fairly standard LG 32" 1080p IPS gaming monitor. Great for PS4. However, I highly recommend the AOC CQ32G2SE gaming monitor for PS5.

[@Its_ryder]

@@MattOLC ok thank you

[@MattOLC]

@Its_ryder Anytime! 🙂

[@rap8349]

Hey fam what size is your TV? 32 inch? :)

[@MattOLC]

Hey, my monitor size is indeed 32 inch 🙂

[@rap8349]

@@MattOLC im trying a 42 inch TV hope it looks good on cockpit view 🙏🏻

[@MattOLC]

Should look awesome! 🙂 Actually, 40-42 inch is optimal for this cockpit, in my opinion. The only difficulty may be to adapt a mounting bracket to the Monitor Holder. Normally, 42 inch TVs have between 150x150 and 200x200 mounting points.

[@evo2344]

everyone knows driving with the stick on the right is slower

[@MattOLC]

Haha! For a Brit, yes! 😄 Ironically, I should prefer the shifter on the left since I'm South African.

[@asdsad17]

the chair mounting cross bar is tiny.

[@MattOLC]

They are indeed tiny. After many months of regular use, I can confidently confirm that they work well.

[@3Vizo]

where can i get that seat with the sliders?

[@MattOLC]

The seat that I have isn't available for purchase, but you'll find the CSL Cockpit Seat here: bit.ly/fanatec-molc The CSL Cockpit Seat is actually very good value at 99€/$. As for seat sliders, there isn't anything available just yet, but I'm sure something will come soon 😉

[@rxchr40llxn26]

sliders on amazon works with the CSL seat

[@MattOLC]

Any generic seat sliders should work if you're in a hurry.

[@Eskoxo]

eh there is a million options these days and this seems to only support fanatec products.

[@MattOLC]

The advantage of this is that Fanatec hardware is very optimally fitted to this cockpit. However, if you're not in the Fanatec ecosystem, you'll need to find workarounds for certain hardware, so in that regard, I'd say there are plenty of better options out there.