Creating a sim-racing setup requires the use, and also the purchase, of several peripherals. You need a steering wheel and a pedalboard, otherwise there’s no point in creating a setup if you only have these two.

But true sim-racing fans want to take immersion even further, by adding a gearshift lever so they can shift gears themselves. Fanateca very famous brand in the field of sim-racing peripherals, saw an opportunity and came up with the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5, a quality product that is sure to find an immersive clientele.

Released several years ago, the Shifter SQ V1.5 is still a must-have in any sim-racing setup, and today I’m going to give you a full review of this device.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Compatible with PC, Xbox and Playstation
• Metal and aluminum construction
• H Pattern and sequential levers
• Weight 3.2 kg
• 8 speeds (including reverse)
• Reverse inhibitor to prevent inadvertent shifting
• Magnetic sensor
• Optional USB connection
• Replica of a Porsche 911 gearshift

Features

Fanatec is a brand that needs no further introduction in the field of sim-racing peripherals. With over 20 years’ experience in the game, it’s fair to say they’ve mastered a thing or two about sim-racing, and it shows on the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5.

This gearshift is a replica of the one on a Porsche 911. Fanatec is a German company, and they didn’t look very far for inspiration. Honestly, I don’t mind, because Porsches are certainly the best sports cars in the world.

The gearshift features 8 gears, including reverse. Fanatec has added a reverse inhibitor to prevent this gear from being engaged by mistake during a race. The brand has also thought of everyone with an H Pattern and sequential mode.

Another highlight of the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 is the ability to adjust the hardness of shifting. A 5 mm Allen key, which is supplied with the unit, can be inserted into a hole on the top side of the housing to make the adjustments. However, this will only allow you to adjust the hardness of the front-to-back movement of the stick, and not on the sides. To put it simply: you can have either “soft” or “hard” passages when the speed is engaged. Movement on the neutral axis, i.e. right-left, cannot be adjusted on this device.

Customized assembly

The Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 is a large piece of metal, weighing almost 3.3 kg, and this is one of its drawbacks. If your setup is on a table, using the Shifter SQ V 1.5 will be a problem. Being a replica of a real Porsche shifter, its size is rather imposing and it will almost certainly protrude beyond your steering wheel. This will get in the way during races and considerably reduce immersion.

The best way to take advantage of this shifter is to mount it in a cockpit setup where it will easily find its place. Fanatec is very well known in the sim-racing industry, and all cockpit manufacturers offer products compatible with Fanatec peripherals.

However, not everyone can afford this kind of setup (cockpit), and Fanatec knows this too, as the brand offers a tabletop part for the Shifter SQ V 1.5. Connoisseurs know that this accessory, while of excellent quality, doesn’t come cheap. Priced at almost €40, I find it expensive for a U-shaped part with 2 clamping screws. Thanks to this part, you’ll find it very easy to mount the Shifter SQ V 1.5 on your table, and above all at the right height to avoid tiring your arms.

Manufacturing and finishing

Constructed entirely of metal with aluminum knobs (two come with the bike), the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 is a piece of goldsmithery that clearly displays its build quality. Not only can you see it, you can also feel it when you hold it in your hand, with its weight of over 3 kg.

Fanatec has been very generous in including two aluminum knobs with the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 : one cylindrical and one spherical. It’s even possible to fit a car gear knob, which will delight tuning enthusiasts. It’s these little details and touches that make Fanatec a premium brand in the sim-racing industry that thinks of its customers, and that’s what I love about it.

Getting started

It’s premium, worthy of Fanatec. That’s it. I’ll say it again: products from this brand are simply premium. It’s very solid, and you feel it from the first touch of the shifter. The immersion is further enhanced by a selector that allows you to switch from H Pattern mode to sequential mode. No need to restart the game, unplug the peripheral or do anything else. Just change the position of a switch, and you’re done. It’s genius.

Sensations during play

I’ll now move on to using the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5. Put simply: it’s like shifting a real car. The all-metal construction means you can really feel every movement of the shifter. It’s just perfect.

I’ve tried many shifters, including those from Thrustmaster, and there’s no connection between the two brands. And the most confusing part of all is that the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 is a mid-range device! That means there’s more to come from Fanatec.

I also loved the addition of a reverse gear inhibitor to prevent accidental shifting. You have to press it to shift into reverse, just like ^7th gear. On the other hand, I didn’t really like it, and it took me a long time to get used to it.

As for the sequential mode, it’s fine, but the lever travel is not very long for my taste. Basically, I’m not a fan of using a gearshift in sequential mode. I prefer paddle shifters for that, as they’re quicker and more convenient. But the addition of this feature is still a plus for fans.

Compatibility

In terms of compatibility, the shifter works with all other Fanatec peripherals. Simply connect it to a base station or a steering wheel steering wheel via the RJ12 cable supplied in the box.

If you’re the owner of another brand of base or steering wheel, you’ll still need to get out your wallet to buy a USB adapter. This is a recurring theme at Fanatec…

Otherwise , this shifter will work on consoles only via a Fanatec base, and on PC via a base of the same brand or another using the USB adapter.

Value for money

As I said above, the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 is a mid-range shifter. For a price of €259.95, you won’t find anything better on the market in terms of build quality, functionality and feel.

As far as I’m concerned, this is the best mid-range shifter on the market. You can see that Fanatec had to make a few compromises to reach this price, but the product’s weak points pale in comparison with its strong points and all it has to offer in terms of feel and immersion.

My verdict

Honestly, I’d still recommend the Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 for fans who want to buy a quality shifter for not too much money. If you have a cockpit, go for it. But if your setup is on a table, I’d advise you to weigh up the pros and cons, because you’re going to end up shelling out around €300 for a mid-range shifter, and at that price, frankly, it doesn’t sound too appealing. And if that’s your case, then I invite you to read my review of the 3 Best Shifters for Sim Racing at 2025.