Fanatec is a major player in the sim-racing industry, and has been for over 20 years. The German brand boasts a comprehensive catalog of racing simulation peripherals, appealing to novice, amateur and seasoned virtual drivers alike, and even professionals thanks to partnerships with Porsche, BMW, McLaren and Bentley.

At present, Fanatec offers three product ranges in its catalog: the CSL, aimed primarily at beginners on a limited budget who are still looking for a good feeling. The ClubSport range, for riders with many kilometers on the clock, thanks to peripherals inspired by motor racing. And the Podium range for seasoned riders looking for maximum performance and immersion.

Among the products in the ClubSport range, we have a handbrake that is very popular in the segment: the Handbrake V1.5. It’s a device primarily designed for rally and drift racing fans, and uses a potentiometer to register inputs. This technology offers a good racing feel, notably by compensating for the On/Off sensation of the buttons, but faced with competition using more and more Load Cell sensors, Fanatec had to fight back. Say hello to the Handbrake V2, the brand-new LC handbrake made in Germany. In what follows, we take a closer look at this new device.

Main and technical features of the handbrake

• Full metal structure (steel and aluminum)
• Highly adjustable angle, handle and resistance of Load Cell system
• Sleeker design, very racing
• Compatible with PC and consoles, provided you have the right foundation
• Load Cell resistance system
• Can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions
• Integrates easily with ClubSport Shifter, like Handbrake V1.5
• Preload adjustment is quick and easy
• RJ12 connection with Fanatec bases, or USB via special adapter (sold separately)

Handbrake V2 design

The design of Handbrake V2 isn’t all that different from the one it replaces, namely V1.5. The big changes are to the lines: we’re moving from right angles to curves, and I think that’s quite successful.

The proportions are broadly the same, and black has become the solid color throughout the handbrake. Another change worth mentioning is the handle. Gone is the gringy thing that looked cheap for a product in the ClubSport range. It’s been replaced by a larger, sturdier handle and a customizable knob.

The Handbrake V2 remains a sober device, even more so than the V1.5 thanks to its all-black exterior, with only the white Fanatec logo on the top cover.

Customized assembly

Although the Handbrake V2 is a new sim-racing peripheral, it still retains what was great about its predecessor, namely the mounting system. You can attach this handbrake to the ClubSport Shifter with a spacer, or use it directly on furniture or a chassis.

The Handbrake V2 can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, adapting to the chosen position of course. In fact, that’s what makes this handbrake so much better than Simlab ‘s, for example.

When it comes to chassis mounting, it’s all the same: you have numerous mounting options, and by far the best is on an aluminum profile cockpit. Thanks to the Handbrake V2’s design, you can alter the angle of the handbrake to face inwards or outwards. It’s very practical for chassis, and very easy to do too.

Manufacturing and finishing

For the V2 of its handbrake, Fanatec has used more premium materials than before. The housing is a combination of steel and aluminum, all CNC machined. It’s a superbly well-made product, with a much higher level of finish than the V1.5.

As I said above, the gringy handle with foam pommel is a thing of the past. Instead, Fanatec has machined a metal part with a customizable pommel. Not only does this look better on the eyes, it also makes for a sturdier structure.

As for the finish, I haven’t noticed any manufacturing defects. The paint is powder-coated and baked, if I’m not mistaken. I didn’t try to scratch it, but neither did I notice any scratches after installing the device on my setup, which should bode well for the longevity of the finish.

Handbrake control

Since the Handbrake V2 can be installed either horizontally or vertically, its handling must take this into consideration, so that the device adapts to all riders. Of course, you can adjust the handle’s inclination, the angle of the housing (inside or outside), the product’s positioning, the LC’s resistance, the handle’s preload and stroke, and so on. More or less everything is adjustable on the Handbrake V2, and that’s what sim-racing is all about.

As for the grip, it’s better than on V1.5, especially in terms of solidity. It’s true that there’s a slight play on the neck in the neutral position with the factory settings, but this is normal according to Fanatec, and can be corrected by tweaking the preload. Whatever the mounting position of the Handbrake V2, the neck falls nicely under your hand, and you can go straight ahead without the handbrake engaging. It’s very solid.

Sensations during play

Fanatec’s first LC model, the Handbrake V2 must not disappoint on rally tracks and Formula D circuits. And it certainly does. After calibration, position and LC settings, the Handbrake V2 proves to be a very good Load Cell handbrake. Its load cell is derived from the one found on Fanatec cranksets; this means it can take no more than 90 kg of force.

The feel is very good over the neck travel, with no apparent dead zone. Adjusting the LC is very easy: just remove the top cover to access the preload and neck travel using spacers, and you’re done. You’ll need a little time to find the settings you need, as this is a Load Cell system. Another interesting point to mention is the LC operation of the handbrake: as soon as you pull back slightly on the stick – yes, you have a short stroke before the LC comes into play – you’ll feel the car sag at the rear. And it’s even more noticeable when you get the outside view of the car, indicating a very precise sensor. And once you get to the LC, it doesn’t move and the wheels lock immediately.

However, as I mentioned above, there is a slight play on the neck if you use the Handbrake V2 in factory configuration. It’s very slight, only a few degrees, but it’s there. It’s corrected by applying a little pressure on the handle with the preload, but as far as I’m concerned, there shouldn’t be any play at all.

Handbrake compatibility

Via its RJ12 interface, the Handbrake V2 is compatible with all Fanatec bases, from CSL to Podium and ClubSport. On a PC, you can also use this handbrake without using a Fanatec base, but you’ll need to purchase the RJ12 – USB adapter, which is sold separately.

As far as Sony and Microsoft consoles are concerned, you’ll need a base compatible with said console in order to make full use of the handbrake. As for racing titles, I don’t think there should be any problems with them, especially those incorporating a handbrake.

Value for money

Priced at €200, this Handbrake V2 stands up to competition that has been present in the segment for some time. I think its value for money is very good, giving it the edge over Simlab’s XB1 in terms of handling and assembly.

My verdict on Fanatec’s Handbrake V2

If your setup is Fanatec and you’re looking for a high-performance LC handbrake, then the Handbrake V2 is for you. It’s not super-expensive, it’s high-performance, and it gives a good feel for sliding. Just remember to spend a little time finding the right settings, and you’re all set.