After using the Fanatec CSL Elite base (which you can discover discover here) for some time, it was time for me to test what is considered to be its big sister: the ClubSport CSW V2.5 base..

It’s fair to say that Fanatec is a brand with a very good reputation, and one that I’m very fond of. The ClubSport range has always been a great success.

But is the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base really that good? Is it really worth the cost? Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to let you find out, by giving you my personal opinion on these questions.

Key features and technical specifications of Fanatec Clubsport V2.5

• Ultra-powerful brushless motor.
• Angle of rotation adjustable from 90° to 900°.
• Equipped with Direct Sensor and Dual Hall technology.
• Compatible with PC, and with Xbox One and Xbox Series X if you use a steering wheel compatible with these platforms.
• Equipped with QuickRelease system.
• Dimensions: 46 cm x 28 cm x 29 cm (L x W x H)
• Weight: 7 kg

Features

The Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 is equipped with a new type of brushless motor and new electronics. The V2.5 also features a double belt and 8 Nm of power instead of 6 Nm on the CSL Elite. For this model, Fanatec has used a combination of two belts to ensure that the wheel spins smoothly (this can sometimes be a problem with geared wheels) and that force feedback is constant throughout the rotation range.

We can also thank Direct Sensor technology and Dual Hall technology, which enable the base to offer incredible reliability and precision.

The rotation angle is fairly standard at 900°, which I find sufficient for most situations.

To keep the base at the right temperature even during intensive gaming sessions, the base is equipped with two fairly large fans (left and rear) and a huge heat sink on the motor.

One feature of Fanatec Clubsport V2.5 that I particularly appreciate is its support for vibration motors. Of course, you’ll need a steering wheel that supports this option!

Construction and Design

When it comes to the appearance and build quality of the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base, I really have no complaints. It’s mainly made of CNC-machined aluminum parts, which gives it a premium feel. And I also find it has a more than decent weight, which gives it a rather luxurious feel (I tend to associate weight with quality, don’t ask me why!), even if it also makes it less likely to vibrate.

In terms of components, the ClubSport uses the same internal components as the base CSL Elite, but offers more torque because the engine is better utilized.

As the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base uses abelt drive system, it generates a fair amount of heat in the motor. This is where the two internal fans and the large heat sink come into play.

After a long session, you can hear the fans running. I understand that some people find this annoying, but I haven’t personally found it too distracting, plus the base cools down very quickly.

Sensations during play

I was able to test the ClubSport V2.5 with rFactor 2, RaceRoom, F1 2019 and F1 2020 (among others) and the base made an excellent impression on me in all games. I have no criticism to make about the transmission of force feedback effects; on the contrary, I’d say I was really impressed by its performance.

I think what surprised me most was the power and precision of the force feedback. While I sometimes find that the CSL Elite base can be a little soft and less direct, the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base allows you to feel much more detail on the track. It’s impossible to miss bumps or imperfections in the road – you feel everything!

I also really liked the new Advanced Drift mode , which offers the player an exceptional driving experience. It now features a natural damper to prevent oscillation, which in turn accelerates the steering wheel, allowing us to reach higher speeds and have better control.

Customization galore

I’d like to say a few words about the customization offered by the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base, which I really found fantastic.

To give you an idea: you can adjust the intensity of vibrations in the steering wheel, simulate ABS vibrations, customize force feedback sensations by changing the spring, but also the damping effects…

And you can even change the steering wheel while you’re playing, thanks to Fanatec ‘s QuickRelease system , which is really cool to use.

What’s more, with the new Drift mode I mentioned earlier, it reduces mechanical resistance and allows the steering wheel you’re using to turn more freely, just like in a rally car.

What I also loved about Fanatec ClubSport V2.5, and what I think sets it apart from other steering wheel bases, is thatit offers the ability to update the system with new firmware and also to save up to 5 steering wheel configurations.

This means you can quickly select a fully customizable configuration for each game you play, which is a real time-saver, and I found it even helped improve my racing experience.

Compatibility

In terms of compatibility, the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base is completely plug-and-play with the PC as soon as you take it out of the box. It can also work with all versions of Xbox consoles, but you need to use an Xbox-compatible Fanatec steering wheel.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t work on PlayStation, no matter which steering wheel you use!

As for its wheel compatibility, with the QuickRelease system, you can use it with all Fanatec wheels, but it’s also compatible with all other products in thebrand’s ecosystem.

The ClubSport V2.5 base even has the advantage of being compatible with a number of competing steering wheel models (Thrustmaster or Logitech, for example).

Value for money

The Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base isn’t exactly at the lower end of the price scale, but compared to other models on the market, it’s still pretty affordable.

In exchange, it offers many advantages and features, and is a model that I find ideal for a beginner’s setup.

For what it has to offer, the ClubSport V2.5 is very good value.

The bad news? Fanatec has decided to stop producing them, which I think is a cruel mistake. With a bit of luck, you can always find a used one in good condition.

My verdict

I’m really not disappointed, the Fanatec ClubSport V2.5 base is the base that all Simracers should have at home at one time or another. For me, it’s a must-have model. Even if its new price is rather high, we can salute Fanatec’s great work to have offered us, at this price, a base of a high level of quality, which provides very good gaming sensations.