Fanatec CSL Loadcell is Great But Has An Issue

The Fanatec CSL Loadcell is finally here. A new generation of pedals required a new loadcell too.
So, how does this Loadcell perform?
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Rig Specs
▶Simetik K2R + GTOmega XL RS seat (Sent by Simétik and GTOmega)
▶Fanatec DD1 + CSL DD 8Nm (Sent by Fanatec)
▶Fanatec V3 pedals
▶Thrustmaster TH8a
▶3DRap Akina handbrake (sent by 3dRAP)
▶Playstation 4 w/ drivehub
PC Specs:
▶AMD RYZEN 7 3700x
▶32GB RAM
▶EVGA 1080ti SC 11GB
▶NZXT H510i
▶Oculus Rift

[@Heldermaior]

To be fair, makes sense that they reduced the pedal price and features. The previous version was basically a competitor for the CSP v3.0 at a cheaper price. The mounting of the loadcell on this iteration seems better too imho.

[@CsabaV]

Thanks for the review! Looking forward to order mine...

[@stefenmarcos1439]

Hello, Thx for the video. What model of support plate do you use for your pedals? Merci.

[@vsdfsdfsdfwew]

You have some input widget/sth that shows actual force applied to the throttle, break and clutch. What is that and how can we turn it on?

[@AdzzVR]

so can this wit the LC be used on carpet against a wall?

[@Lofwyr_]

Hey random, thanks for the review! As a console player, I'm stuck within the fanatec eco- system and upgraded from the old elite to the csl load cell pedals. While it took some time to adjust, the breaking is far more consistant now. At first, I had an issue with the load- cell, which even the customer- support couldn't solve: Every time I started the base (CSL Elite and rim), the brake force was around 30% (sometimes 30, 25, 35) which I had to raise to 85% either through the fanatec software or the wheel itself. When I forgot about that, well, just a very gentle touch of the pedal and I braked with 100% force... Not that enjoyable... This "bug" disappeared, when I mounted my new McLaren V2 rim. Now the brake force value stays at 85%, which I can't raise higher, as my "rig" is a playseat challenge... @random: Keep up your great work! I enjoy your reviews, opinions and livestreams very much! Cheers from Germany!

[@rubbertoe.]

I don't see the loadcell kit on their website yet

[@Felipe7Morais]

I got my load cell a week ago and for the price I think it’s great, the elastomers get softer after a few days, for those that say it’s too stiff. Ps: Your tshirt made me subscribe to your channel! Haha

[@ChrisVmovie]

Do you know if you can still do a 2 pedal configuration with just the LC en loudpedal ?

[@momorious]

Of course.

[@keewei87]

May i ask is this pedals that come with Fanatec CSL DD Gran Turismo Pro Premium bundle??? Is load cell supposed to be all 3 pedals or is it only the brake pedal???

[@randomcallsign]

3 pedals

[@kingston21x]

Like the shirt dude! :D nice review!

[@randomcallsign]

Hey, thanks!

[@glossolalian]

Do you personally like these or the T-LCM's better? I have a T300 GS pedal set and have been patiently waiting for reviews on the CSL before making a decision. Thanks!

[@randomcallsign]

Never tried the TLCMs. I will likely get one of those soon.

[@smoothopsgp3994]

I had some T-CLMs before switching to the v3's. I think the CSL pedals are better than the TCLMs, more rigid and durable. The TCLMS has a lot of plastic and is all one piece. But that being said I havent tried the new CSLs.

[@mattebrown9780]

Theoretically could I add this loadcell pedal to the original csl elite pedals that have been recently discontinued?

[@momorious]

No

[@jirkadolezal8127]

is it possible to connect pedals with thrustmaster steering wheel to ps4?

[@user-wq9mw2xz3j]

no. not without some hub at least, if even that

[@AndyG_]

Your videos are so good.

[@randomcallsign]

Glad you like them!

[@brutus7319]

Fun fact, I came from the Thrustmaster TLCM's and I like the standard CSL's way better. The springs of the TLCM don't give a lot of force, especially compared to the CSL foam. Looking forward to the CSL load cell (end of January hopefully).

[@robertyoung8615]

Same here. I was surprised how good the regular CSL break was compared to the TLCM.

[@brutus7319]

@@robertyoung8615 The CSL load cell is awesome! The original brake acts as the clutch now.

[@robertyoung8615]

@@brutus7319 good to hear, mine just arrived about an hour ago which is how I landed here 😂

[@brutus7319]

@@robertyoung8615 Haha that's cool! Be prepared for faster and more consistent la-times :P

[@ComissaireGibert]

Now I'm waiting for CSL shifter with price about 120$/€

[@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.

[@randomcallsign]

If its warranty contact them

[@RajveerSingh-rq1hd]

@@randomcallsign it's new!! I got it from Australia as there is no distributor in India, a friend bought it along on the way back, also Fanatec does not even have shipping available in this country 😭 this could get really expensive for me if I have to send it back to the biling address, so I'm hoping to find a solution 😔

[@owl64f8]

Hi, Could you give me brand and model of your shoes? Do you have a link?

[@randomcallsign]

Watershoes from amazon

[@Stevo6042]

Hopefully Fanatec can add this to my existing order that has been pending for 2 months…With the load cell it looks like I will need to upgrade my foot wear from socks. Which shoes were you wearing in the foot cam shots?

[@momorious]

You can not add anything to an existing order, no.

[@blackshadow9722]

Great review mate! So if I well understand, if I have already the CSL elite w/ LC kit, it’s not benefits to upgrade to the new CSL LC, right?

[@randomcallsign]

Correct. Your next upgrade would be something over the csl. V3s, sprints, dc pedals, and so on.

[@blackshadow9722]

@@randomcallsign thanks for your reply.

[@THESHADOW97139]

@@blackshadow9722 Prend un pédalier au dessus du v3 😉

[@blackshadow9722]

@@THESHADOW97139 après réflexion, je pense finir d'abord mon châssis avec un baquet

[@THESHADOW97139]

@@blackshadow9722 Recaro en cuir de leon cupra4 pour moi .... les baquets c`est bien pour maintenir en courbe dans une caisse, mais dans un chassis de simracing, je préfère privilégier mon confort .😅

[@smilerbull]

Nice review of the pedals.

[@randomcallsign]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vjollila96]

if I dont have v3's i would probably buy these over thrustmaster's these seem to have lot better build quality and full metal construction against plastic used on thrustmaster's

[@didrikz5585]

absolutely the loadcell on the trustmaster pedals is 100kg but because of the vertical placement of the loadcell the force needed is actually the same or lower then on these pedals

[@aomaggots-]

Hey y’all, I’m new to this. OP says, “only connect one or the other, never both” in regards to USB. What does he mean? Right now I have my pedals plugged into my wheel, and then the wheel to my computer. I don’t see how I could do it any other way.

[@randomcallsign]

There's a USB and rj connection in the pedals. I'm saying connect one or the other

[@kasparskorde2327]

@@randomcallsign Yes and if you plug them both in at the same time it will damage your pedals, ask me how i know!!!

[@izzieb]

Push the pedal. Push the pedal. Push the pedal. The base is very large.

[@kelmo1989]

Coming from the previous CSL LC, I will be using my new LC at max (60kg) but I require much firmer elastomers. Is there anywhere that’s selling these as an aftermarket add on? I don’t want any pedal travel at all. Also, the throttle is too light so I need to find a suitable RC suspension strut to mount behind it to beef it up. You can no longer swap the clutch pedal with the throttle like on the old set which is another downgrade.

[@yautjayarrington1732]

I recently got my DD pro and shortly after I had to order the load cell. We all know the DD is great but I am finding the brake leaves slot left to be desired, the stock pedal goes from way too soft to the load cell extremely too hard. I find it hard to believe anyone using these is a Sim racer because the moto is made for Sim racers by Sim racers?

[@-Thunder]

I use the old brake pedal for throttle and moved the old throttle to clutch. I took the white foam out of the brake pedal to make it easier to press. The Fanatec Control Panel shows the throttle position as clutch and vice versa, but in iRacing you tell it what to use for each pedal, so it works fine.

[@bryan34wable]

@@yautjayarrington1732 I am currently dealing with the same issue. It’s not the stiffness that bothers me, it’s the lack of pedal travel. I found some info on swapping some actual springs in that will give more pedal travel will still maintaining a decent resistance feel.

[@marceloleonicio1320]

@@-Thunder some to add. Did you know that you can take off one elastomer and use the foam instead in the LC?. That makes the pedal more progessive, more travel to the pedal too, it makes it easier to trail brake

[@woodoo4]

@@marceloleonicio1320 You mean take off the elastomer of the old brake to put in the LC ?

[@tomasmenezes3683]

I think this loadcell is actually better than the old one with the various adjustable rubbers, even though it’s only 60 or 65kg the mechanism is now different and probably stiffer just by the different position they chose, looks like it works better as a load cell, I have to try it though but the changes in design migh’ve made it better.

[@domb_fanatec2826]

Yes, it seems that many people, reviewers included, are being mislead by the kg value - it is not a measurement of the actual foot pressure required. We are confident that our solution is very competitive.

[@RoLexX57]

I use the csl elite lc for a while now and a few days ago i tested the csl lc. For me the csl elite lc is still the better one because of the adjustability and the the over all build of the pedals. I dont understand why fanatec discontinued the production of the csl elite pedals and the loadcell.?

[@RoLexX57]

@@domb_fanatec2826 ☝🏻

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

I love how they make it possible for you mount the pedals individually, like on my Logitech. Once my Logitech konks out, I’ll consider going fanatech.

[@rubbertoe.]

Logitechs are so reliable I don't think that'll ever happen LOL. I'm considering just slowly upgrading my logitech with pedals, then shifter, then the wheel itself.

[@AbirMojumder]

@@rubbertoe. my g29 pedals got noticeably softer over time(3 years), but still works. I got the basic csl pedals with clutch kit, they feel much higher quality and nicer to use (obviously cuz they cost so much i'd expect them to)

[@rubbertoe.]

@@AbirMojumder yeah but they perform the same as the Logitech ones. I'd only upgrade my Logitech ones if I were going to a load cell which actually offers better performance

[@AbirMojumder]

@@rubbertoe. I found the throttle to be much better because of the stiffer springs and longer travel. Brakes are more progressive but softer in the end compared to g29's soft and than hard all at once. But yea I'd say upgrade them to load cell or only if you feel like your performance is limited by the pedals

[@comdrive3865]

@@AbirMojumder the softness should just be the brake pedal as it has a rubber underneath so you don't botttom out.

[@Dan_Mitch92]

Just received my load cell brake and instantly looked on how to mod it, my god is it stiff, has next to no movement. AliExpress is currently a 3 month wait for this mod.

[@smoothopsgp3994]

I like your sim racing shoes.

[@wabbit234]

I click like buttom and leave cement to boost algorthim

[@giardi98]

well to me it seems that the T-LCM is a bit more competitive in terms of price... can be found for under 200 euros while this is at 200 for black friday for now, more customisation, higher pedal force (... why did they downgrade on the customisation and the pedal?) the T-Lcm might have plastic but that's not really an issue, if you buy this set maybe it's better for console users because of compatibilty

[@domb_fanatec2826]

The 'CSL Pedals LC' (combination of CSL Pedals plus CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit) will be 199.95 permanently. The Black Friday offer is for the Load Cell Kit on its own. I don't really consider it to be a 'downgrade'. Firstly, the CSL Pedals are not a replacement for the CSL Elite Pedals, it is a different product tier. The load cell is a brand new design, and it is now positioned at the back of the elastomer stack, based on feedback about the CSL Elite Load Cell Kit solution. We are not supplying alternative elastomers, but the stack is just as easy to dismount, so I imagine the community will start to experiment with alternative elastomers from third parties.

[@giardi98]

@@domb_fanatec2826 you consider it a different tier product but the fact is that sits in the same price range. So I consider it successor, call it what you want. Secondly, you say people will have to buy third parties elastomer, so the price will be even HIGHER. Competitors offers the possibilty to customize even out of the box, and then if someone really feels like it they can go with third parties. Still, 60kg vs 90kg (and vs 100kg of an other similarly priced pedal set), to me, it feels like a downgrade, as pointed out in the review. Then you say what you want. I'm not a Fanatec hater, I'm actually YOUR costumer as I have a Fanatec wheel base and steering wheel. And as customer, this pedal set doesn't feel that exciting for its price compared to what's already on the market. So that might be some more feedback I guess

[@domb_fanatec2826]

@@giardi98 The kg reading is misleading. It does not account for the different pedal geometry and is not a measurement of the actual foot pressure required. If you compared the pedal sets you are referring to in actual use, the story would be quite different.

[@giardi98]

@@domb_fanatec2826 obviously is not the same geometry, still the new load cell rating is lower than the "old" one, and some reviewers pointed that out. So less is better? Does the different geometry make up for a "lower rated" loadcell? The pedal set as a whole from what I've seen seems better (the hall sensors it's a very welcomed improvement and I'm sure that many will love them as I do), but I really would like to know if the geometry makes up for a "lesser" capable load cell. I think I'd have to test the 3 products or watch a technical comparison between them to get a better idea Obviously since it's still not available (I know it will be very soon), I want to point out mines are just doubts/first impressions that costumers might have, like me! Also for the elastomers, the ones in the box might be just fine for many, but the option to customize them out of the box, as in the Elite, would have been very appreciated. I surely took some time to find a setting I was comfortable with And I'm trying to think about the pedals these new ones are going to compete with. Some of the reasons I wanted to share, as a first impression again, make me wonder "why should I choose these instead of others?" And as often happens, time will tell If this is the better bargain, good for us! People will be very happy.

[@domb_fanatec2826]

@@giardi98 I completely understand your concerns. Higher numbers always look better on paper but the feel and performance of a pedal comes down to a lot of different factors. We absolutely welcome comparison tests between the competition. Regarding elastomers, this was carefully considered. Believe it or not, quality elastomers that pass our tests add significantly to the cost of the product. Manufacturing costs are increasing for everyone, and we want to keep prices down as much as possible. Therefore the decision was made to go with one configuration. This is why it is pretty stiff (significantly stiffer than the 65 stack on the CSL Elite Pedals Load Cell Kit), because our data shows that most people who start off with a softer set and end up with something stiffer after getting used to it.

[@marceloleonicio1320]

Actually the rubber can be changed. There are mods already. Maybe Fanatec should make their own rubbers to change it.

[@jessejames1999]

A few issues , first off got my dd pro 8nm with load cell , amazing difference upgrading finally from g29. 2 weeks in the load cell started trail braking on its own . In one race it was pressing itself down by 26% . Tried deadzone settings in calibration etc but it keeps returning . Here is the problem , obviously a loadcell malfunction so send email to fanatec , guess what . It takes 12 days for them to even respond . Then you just generic response your email is important to us blah blah blah. How are we in 2022 and a company like this not compatible with my state of the art mac book pro is just tip of ice berg, then when finally a person responds they ignore you explained the problem quite clearly they now want video of how pedal is wired even though it worked fine for first 2 weeks . Then wait again like 12 days before same email how important it is to hear from customers. Its impossible to speak to anyone live at fanatec . Even worse to address any issue you may have . Let alone you now have to send pedal back to Germany with all the customs rubbish your now looking at a 8 week minimum turn around if they see its there issue , wich it clearly is . This company do supply quality product but customer service is bottom of there list . I'd recommend going to another company even if its more expensive as my experience with fanatec customer service is worst I've ever experienced

[@TurbonicSpyder]

0:52 I see what you did there... Intentional or not.

[@SrJabardo]

Sweet!!! Why wasn't I born rich?! Mommy, me wants one!

[@Kwibus51]

Why would you want to connect the pedals via USB instead of the wheelbase?

[@randomcallsign]

To configure the load cell, take care of dead zones, update firmware and generally faster polling rate

[@domb_fanatec2826]

@@randomcallsign You can configure the load cell sensitivity and set deadzones via RJ12. The resolution and polling rate is also the same. The USB option is for firmware updating, and for customers who wish to use the pedals as a standalone USB device with equipment from other brands. We recommend that you connect these pedals via RJ12, because this is how it must be used on consoles, and it makes sense for PC as well because you free up a USB port. You also gain access to the load cell sensitivity via the Tuning Menu (BRF), so you can adjust your brake on your steering wheel while you drive. There is no reason to use these pedals via USB if you have a Fanatec wheel base.

[@momorious]

@@randomcallsign maybe you should update that part in the video with the Information from Dom...

[@qsnexus633]

@@domb_fanatec2826 thanks for those details. Being able to tune the load cell sensitivity directly from the Fanatec wheel is a nice to have for sure, especially for long endurance races where your brake leg is tiring out and you need to relax. I'm guessing that the CSL Elite LC pedals did not have that function from the wheel?

[@domb_fanatec2826]

@@qsnexus633 The CSL Elite Pedals LC also had this feature. All our load cell pedals activate the same BRF setting in the Tuning Menu.

[@XXqctun1ngXX]

my load cell pedal fried my throttle pedal... it also has about 1/4 the travel compared to the one reviewed here. Still waiting on a response from fanatec 5 days later. apparently lots of people are having the same issue. Im now stuck with no pedals and no answer from fanatec.

[@nyc863]

just got the same load cell and its hard as a rock with minimal travel what happened? I do not want to buy elastomers from Italy at $50 for one or springs from china why is this my problem?

[@kasparskorde2327]

i have the same problem, could you please give an update on your situation, did the fanatec support help?

[@Novotny72]

Hey RC. I'd recommend you have a short outro - it's the ideal time for people to give you a thumbs up. When I watch youtube on the telly - which I do a lot - your video just ends abruptly and goes into an advertisement. I've missed the opportunity to give you a like. Admittedly I could jump on my PC, which I did, or rewatch the video, but maybe some viewers will just skip on. Just a thought, as I had to make a point of giving you a thumbs up, and I'd wager many casual viewers won't bother if the opportunity is not presented. Thanks for reading

[@randomcallsign]

Long outros are detrimental. I've tried that in the past. Thanks for your input.

[@danfoltest4407]

TLDW: Doesn't come with the springs or heavier load cell that the T-LCM has

[@jackwrightson2036]

the pedals just look cheap much rather the v3s

[@Bobbarker23455]

I think they look alright man, and of course i think we all rather have tge v3s. But most of us broke lmaoo

[@Bobbarker23455]

V3s dont look cheap at all

[@ICKY427]

they must not have been making much of a profit on the csl elites. i guess im lucky i only paid $210 usd shipped when i bought them.

[@ThePhotokill]

The more i look at this pedal set, the more i want to get the T LCM set

[@ThePhotokill]

​@Sideways Singh I just watched it. They look nice, but the TLCM is cheaper, and has more adjustability, and is has higher resolution sensors. CSL has 60kg loadcell with no adjustments, not great. Even quirk rates TCLMs over a lot of pedals, he even said recently about TLCM being great. The bit that invalidates a lot of their opinion on the TLCMs is in the video he complains about the preload but doesnt use the included kit to zero out the preload, a little disappointed boosted media didn't know this... that's a bigger joke tbh especially when they only used the preload and continued to complain about the soft travel and showed a clip of red springs not moving and him saying you can move it with your finger lol. you can't really take that serious?

[@ThePhotokill]

@Sideways Singh they even name the flat front plates "tuning kit" when it has no tuning capabilities. RIP, think i'll pass

[@smanzoli]

Holly crap, you use left foot for breaking... like in a go-kart! That's akward lol

[@wwjnz9263]

Thanks. This is a downgrade from the CSLE pedals. Looks like my next pedal set will be further up market.

[@thomas9290]

Why downgrade ? Better lc tech, more durable, better constructed.

[@wwjnz9263]

@@thomas9290 pedal not as stiff. Loadcell doesn't have the same resolution. And my particular CSLE pedals, alredy has a hall sensor modification. Plus both versions of the CSL pedals have very limited adjustability. I need something where the brake pedal sits proud of the throttle, but just about in line with it while the pedal is depressed.

[@qsnexus633]

@@wwjnz9263 the next level up would be the ClubSport V3's, and then beyond that you are looking at more than twice the price and higher keep in mind, at least for what is on the market currently.

[@wwjnz9263]

@@qsnexus633 thanks. I've decided on the Heusinkveld Sprints.

[@xxczerxx]

@@thomas9290 It's not more durable...the old Elite Pedals were all-metal. Also the LC is not stiff like GT3/formula cars.