Fanatec CSL LC Pedals - Good, But Could Have Been Great

The CSL LC Pedals feel like they need a bit more polish and finishing up. Built strong and easy on the wallet, they just need a sprinkle of extra user comfort to elevate them from 'good' to 'great'.
Luckily, DIY'ers can have a field day with the CSL LC pedals because there are some blatant shortcomings which are simple enough to resolve, but it leaves you wondering why it's necessary in the first place.
Why is the load cell stack SO stiff? Why are the throttle and clutch SO clangy? Why is the only available accessory a 'tuning kit' which doesn't include anything to actually tune the pedals?
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I use a Fanatec CSL DD with a Podium Hub and Paddle Module Assembly (see Fanatec link above)
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[@drizz786]

Great review, i am now 3 months in and new to lc brake I'm had a tough time initially. there is a wee trick i came up with, if you upgrade from std brake, the foam in the brake can be used to ease the feel of the load cell . It helped me out while the rest of the stack bedded in a, now back to the stack as the foam started to creak and felt a bit grainy, but it worked as a temp fix hope this helps. keep up the good work.

[@racesimengineering5827]

Great review! All of those points are what drove me produce mods for these pedals. I now make kits in the UK to fix all of these issues (minus the loudness), and to me they now feel absolutely perfect. My brake mod alone (releasing very soon) took these from a pedal set I almost regretted buying, to one that I couldn't be happier with. I was going to replace them with Sprints, however I will now be keeping these permanently! I won't link my products as I don't want to advertise on your video, but for me I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.

[@slimracer1553]

The brake mod, would that be the springs sold on your website?

[@jammindesigns7135]

Your so spot on about it. I’m so much slower on my sim setup vs controllers so far but working on it

[@PhilDiasPJD]

Great review Danny. I had the original csl elite pedals with loadcell. With more options to change brake feel and they arguably looked better with the all black finish, I think the originals were better. Just seens fanatec took the cost cutting and focus on profit too so far for the new csl elites.

[@jonathangray6365]

Thanks Danny, concise as ever! I purchased these as I've finally taken the plunge selling my G29 and moved onto Fanatec. All your points are valid, I found the LC extremely hard but got used to it quickly, and yes a new cockpit is required as my PS Challenge certainly isn't suitable for these peddles! I can see now that Sim racing is certainly a rabbit hole. 😆

[@rauljimenez414]

You could also check both indigolime and lowdownshifter. Both have a decent fix for the PS challenge pivot clamp and pedals if you want to keep the mobility and foldability the PSC has.

[@adamhayter1523]

I'm driving with an ancient DFGT and while I kept the wheel, I swapped the pedals out for these. As others have said they do seem to bed in, but I am looking at some of the 3DRap parts to tune a little. In terms of feel, I've really enjoyed the transition from 20 year old pedals that were entry level at the time to a modern load cell, even one with some faults. The discussions were true; It doesn't make you any faster but it is much easier to be consistent and I'm able to trail-brake by feel without having my eyes glued to the brake-meter in game. I've also used the software to bring down the 100% point slightly so not as much force is needed.

[@simonjohnade]

Really enjoying your videos !! Really helpful. Thank you 👍

[@poteaugs]

Nice video. I've had these pedals for over a year now and I am just now getting into modifying them as I am trying to get a more realistic street car feel. Turning to the mod community and I am not disappointed with the 3drap progressive kit. The issue was I was having a difficult time with modulating the brake under trail braking. This absolutely fixed the issue. It also makes the pedals have a much nicer feel. For an f1/gt car though, the factory elastomers are still the way to go. I didn't notice the throttle pedal feel/noise but that is because I use headphones and a CSW2.5 wheel base which sounds like it's a rocket about to take off to the moon while using anyways, quiet operation is not a high priority item.

[@scirion]

Quality production. Regardless of community consensus, this is an intelligent, thought provoking opinion worth considering. Good job.

[@philsreef746]

Great review. I tried to get used to these for months, but no matter what I did, I was unable to. It made no difference what so ever to modify the brake with alternative elastomers and springs. I recently switched to Heusinkveld Sprints, and the improvement is dramatic. Granted, they cost almost three times as much, but for me, the entire simulation racing experience has changed. The throttle pedal is fantastic, and because it makes delivering power so simple, I was able to lower the TC by a few clicks. There is no more lift-off understeer. In all honesty, you would only get the CSLs if you were also purchasing a direct drive wheel because they are inexpensive for a reason. Hence, if you want a Fanatec DD Pro or CSL, I'd suggest just purchasing the wheelbase and wheel from Fanatec and then purchasing the Sprints.

[@daveveale1666]

Personally I like a stiffer brake pedal but did get the 3DRap add ons, but by the time they arrived the elastomers had softened quite a bit so didn’t use them in the end. As I race formula style cars I don’t use the clutch (that used to be the brake) so swapped the pedal arms over as the clutch has a slightly stiffer spring which helps a bit. I use a gaming headset so don’t hear the pedal stops but definitely feel it! I use a Playseat Evolution so made a couple of wooden legs to help support the pedal mounting plate as I felt it was going to brake with the amount of pressure needed!

[@BurtSampson]

I switched the clutch and gas too. Did you take the little rubber bit out of the clutch pedal as well?

[@oliverwilson999]

What I have found with these, coming from Logitech G920 pedals, is while the pedals aren't perfect, once you use them for months and really get used to them as your main pedal set, they do become a lot more manageable.

[@kirkselbrede2179]

Just a quick added tip for anyone using the logitech pedals. Getting yourself the upgraded springs is a must have! But if you are finding that the gas is still to light, add the old spring WITH the new spring to make a more stiffer and gradual natural resistance. At least in my opinion (don't mix and match as they probably don't sit to well together, use the same type)

[@ishayorke5936]

😂

[@DimBeam1]

Hi Danny., What triple screen setup have you got mate?

[@jameslsimsports8514]

Great review. My theory is Fanatec won't release an elastomer mod for these because they don't want to make them "too good". Still want people to buy the V3's I guess.

[@edcgadgets-de]

Most reviews of the CSL line are from pro sim racers that compare them to much more expensive equipment. I am a casual gamer and prefer arcade games and a bit of simcade. I was absolutely happy with my Logi G29 I used the last 6 years but only occasionally. I wanted an upgrade since with the CSL DD a direct drive is now approachable for a smaller budget. I got the DD 8Nm, CSL pedals with LC kit and just a single round wheel as Allrounder. It’s so fun to play Forza, dirt, dirt rally. It’s so silent and has much more force and feedback than the Logitech (obviously). It’s a tremendous upgrade for me. As I use it casually, just a week every other month, I think I will not outgrow this setup for a very long time. It’s kind of in a weird spot. Most casual gamers would not invest 800€ for this kit+wheelstand. Serious racers choose the Clubsport or Podium line. The CSL line is really meant for casual gamers that can shell out an unproportional amount on an overkill set for their fun games. I love it so much but it’s so overkill for me!

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

racesimengineering offers a clutch and accelerator upgrade for about $150. Adds bitepoint and proper throttle feel.

[@CamaroWarrior]

I have it and they work nice, but do the spring mod to the load cell like I did. Out of the box the load cell is very stiff and not much travel... I have a yellow die spring and it makes quite a difference, it's not as stiff anymore and has more travel. Use either a blue or yellow spring to help it not be stiff and supply more travel. And it's a great cheap mod.

[@Barry_Mmm]

The previous version of the CSL LC pedals did come with 3 different types elastomers, from soft to stiff. Strange Fanatec decided to drop them for this latest version.

[@FirssenSimracing]

It's not succesor to CSL Elite LC, it's cheaper option and they arleady released CSL Elite LC v2

[@MrKlawUK]

I need to use these under a desk. Is there a mounting solution like just a pedal tray that can help with using on the floor?

[@dannyleeracing]

I did this with the Clubsport V3 pedals, made a very basic wooden platform to give them stability - could do the same: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2euimOdp9aces0

[@mattmarchy]

I literally got my Fanatec setup the day this video released coming from a G923 setup. Super ecstatic with the Direct Drive setup, however, thoroughly disappointed with the LC. I can get over the throttle maybe being more sensitive than I'm used to as well as the noise, but the 'stiffness' of the Load Cell is far too unbearable. I've built my whole setup around not needing to buy a wheel base or a rig (Even though, it's something that'll likely happen in the future). My question to Danny if you see this, and the wider audience: Do I return these pedals in favour for the ClubSport for an extra €100, or should I look into these mods to make the current LC feel better?

[@supercededman]

Agree with the stiffness. I came from a G29, too, and felt the same way. After 30 min my leg ached. But a month later it felt fine. U get used to it, but I think it shld come from the factory a LOT less stiff.

[@Metroshica]

+1 to getting used to the stiffness/it softening up. I almost returned mine when I got it so I was so unhappy with it. However a couple months later, I’m in love with it. If anything it’s starting to almost be too soft. Definitely don’t give up on it.

[@supercededman]

@@Metroshica spot on re the softening up. I, too, was VERY unhappy at first, but all good now:-)

[@wegpiraatjochem]

I use the thrustmaster t lcms

[@RajveerSingh-rq1hd]

Does anybody know how to fix a fluctuating load cell brake??? I just opened these and this issue was already there 😭😭😭 it gets worse as I turn down the pressure sensitivity, if anyone knows how to fix it please help.

[@SpaceRanger187]

I want a sim set up so bad

[@Nismoleb89]

Got the dd pro, recently got the load cel... so we'll see how long my flimsy rig lasts before it bends lol

[@TheTeek]

RDRAP mods are expensive and you may even consider the csl elite then. Those are widely better reviewd and come with a loadcel adjustment kit

[@Disco_Potato]

The elastomers will break in after a couple of weeks. If you don't want to wait, look into die springs rather than the 3drap solution.

[@dannyleeracing]

I reckon you're right - I've given them about 4 weeks of use and I think they're either breaking in or my left leg is going supercritical. Thanks for sharing your experience though, there's only one of me and lots of helpful folks like yourself out here

[@RongleBringer]

Chiming in to second this, they do break in and I'm very happy with mine. But Danny makes a good point that for first time load cell users and novice sim racers this may give a poor first impression of LC pedals

[@HexxizGaming]

Mine came defective! The break and gas worked well, the clutch gave out. The break pedal, although extremely stiff at first, actually became pretty normal. However I switched to Moza SRP Pedals, and wow I realized that CSL LC was STIFF!

[@AdzzVR]

Wait really? I’ve had my pedals for months now using at 85% brake force and it’s not damaged.

[@DimBeam1]

@@AdzzVR 'Breaking in' isn't the same as damage. Think of it as a new pair of shoes. Only get comfortable after you've being wearing them a few times and they loosen up.

[@BurtSampson]

I just got a set of these after spending over 5 years on the base logitech pedals. Why did I wait so long to upgrade? lol

[@Novotny72]

Great review. Are you not boiling your arse off with that fire on the go?

[@dannyleeracing]

Some vids were taken back in February. It's took that long to get me act together!

[@apexvisiontv]

CSL Elite V2?

[@TimmyTheSnail]

“So no standing then on the floor” Mwhahaha I laugh as mine are on the carpet floor, not bolted or fixed down and are solid 😂

[@dannyleeracing]

I'm glad you found this vid! How have you got things set up? How does your brake feel?

[@TimmyTheSnail]

@@dannyleeracing tbf I have changed the brake slightly and put a custom spring in there so that’s why they don’t move on the carpet cus I don’t need insane force to push it. But yes couldn’t miss your videos Danny 🙌🏼

[@ivyghost9878]

imo the csl elite pedals were far better because you could adjust the force of the brake out of the box and they just looked nicer 🤷‍♂

[@dannyleeracing]

It does seem as though the old CSL elites were just fine. Perhaps the reason for replacement is more about compatibility

[@zauberererde7918]

In my opinion the brakes are much too soft but all in all a great product

[@dannyleeracing]

The standard CSL brake pedal is ridiculously soft, no good for sim racing at all. The load cell, though, is good but just inexplicably stiff

[@zauberererde7918]

@@dannyleeracing For me even the Loadcell is is too soft even with Brake Force on MAX in Fanalab

[@mrmidnight32]

You miss the part where 60% of the market doesn’t have a cockpit. And play on the floor. Which is why they opted for the light springs. Not everyone has the ability to run a $2,500 sim set up and needs 80lb springs and 100nm brake pedals.

[@dannyleeracing]

This is my point, though - they're really bad at freestanding and the load cell is rock hard. Not good for cockpit-free racing

[@trevz1048]

@Cktime Logitech for you guys

[@Judge_OnYouTube]

Wow, they don't include different inserts any more? They used to on the first generation...that's quite the downgrade.

[@noahlange5102]

For me it's not so much the pressure/stiffness of the brake, but the short travel distance, which just magnifies the heaviness "issue" Like you mentioned, it's just such a difference between a too light clutch/throttle, and very heavy brake. It seems the CSL's were designed without an LC in mind, and then they added the LC option back to please people - If you buy the LC set, you actually get the normal CSL's in one box, and the LC upgrade kit in a separate box, it's not even one actual retail set. I would love to see a cheaper option of just throttle/LC brake, not everyone uses a clutch anymore (especially with F1's rising popularity), and I think a throttle/LC CSL set for like $150 would dominate the market

[@brtcobra]

throttle pedal in real life has almost no feel.. so, this is more realistic.

[@Tugennov]

I despise the load cell pedal and wouldn’t recommend them unless you have a fully solid rig and a very strong leg and ankle for braking. The load cell has caused me ankle pain.

[@dannyleeracing]

It is as stiff as rocks! They could have sold a performance kit alongside it for more customisation and made a killing...

[@inkiblackman2625]

Hit the gym 😂

[@nevercommitsuicide]

honestly a downgrade to the CSl elite pedals imo

[@choi9973]

first

[@justmeyouknow7649]

How much travel did you lose with that stupid throttle mod?