Sim-racing fans are well aware of the players in the game, with brands such as Thrustmaster and Logitech offering products aimed at the general public. While the peripherals from these brands are of good quality and deliver decent sensations, they are nonetheless aimed at the general public, mainly targeting the lower and mid-range segments.

Fans of sim-racing are well aware that there are other manufacturers of premium peripherals at the mid- to high-end of this discipline, such as Fanatec. With over 20 years’ experience in the field, the German manufacturer has established itself as the market leader, and is considered by almost all sim-racers to be the best. What’s more, Fanatec has established its dominance in the sim-racing peripherals game through partnerships with several racing car brands, such as Porsche and McLaren to name but a few.

In this article, I’ll zoom in on Fanatec‘s history, introduce you to its three product ranges and tell you how the German manufacturer has become the best in sim-racing peripherals.

The Fanatec story

It all began with a man named Thomas Jackermeier, a German, who had a real passion for simulation games. This was in the 1990s, and Thomas noticed, with some sadness, that this discipline was limited in terms of quality and, above all, accurate peripherals. At the time, it was impossible to get a good-quality simulation product, which added to Jackermeier’s frustration.

Determined to put an end to this, and above all to be able to indulge his passion for simulation, Thomas Jackermeier embarked on the Fanatec adventure, first leaving his job in the bicycle trade. In 1997, the Endor company was founded, specializing in the manufacture of high-end peripherals for PCs first, with consoles later added to the catalog of platforms supported by the brand.

Thomas’ aim was to offer premium simulation peripherals capable of producing realism, immersion and, above all, performance. And it’s fair to say that Fanatec‘s founder succeeded, because once his products went on sale, it wasn’t long before the brand was considered the best in sim-racing.

In fact, it was in 2006 that Fanatec dedicated itself exclusively to this discipline, namely sim-racing, offering top-quality peripherals. Today, 25 years after the company was founded, Fanatec boasts an extensive catalog of top-of-the-range sim-racing peripherals, including steering wheels, bases, gearshifts and pedalboards, as well as numerous accessories closely linked to the discipline.

How did Fanatec become the best sim-racing brand?

You don’t become the market leader or the best brand in a product range overnight. It takes passion and, above all, innovation. As I mentioned earlier, the company’s CEO, Thomas Jackermeier, is passionate about simulation in general, and sim-racing in particular. What’s more, many of Fanatec’s R&D employees are also passionate about sim-racing, as well as being active on social networks and communities dealing with this discipline. All this is the perfect recipe for developing products that are both high-quality and, above all, meet the expectations of sim-racing fans.

When it comes to innovation, Fanatec has been a pioneering brand in the game since its inception. The manufacturer’s main source of inspiration is motor racing, as well as the world of motorized competitions. In fact, many racing-inspired technologies can be found in Fanatec products, such as Quick Release, which allows the steering wheels to be removed from their base, direct drive to perfectly reproduce force feedback, magnetic paddles to ensure both strength and precision in use, and so on. All these innovations have greatly contributed to Fanatec’s domination of the sim-racing world,

Other points worth mentioning are the partnerships forged between car brands and Fanatec. The manufacturer offers many products under official license from BMW, Porsche or McLaren, for example. Such partnerships add an extra layer of realism and immersion to sim-racing, especially for enthusiasts.

The Fanatec brand is not only associated with car brands, but also with game development studios, which have produced licensed products such as Gran Turismo and Forza.

All of which is to say that Fanatec’s success is based not just on its quality products, but on a unique approach combining innovation, passion, partnership, ecosystem and, above all, listening to customer feedback.

The product segmentation approach

If you’re looking for a sim-racing setup, you’ll know that you need a steering wheel, a base, a pedalset and/or a gearshift lever. Typically, for beginners or fans of sim-racing, a setup with steering wheel, base and pedals is more than enough to have a good time. For sim-racing pros, a cockpit, shifter and handbrake can be added for even greater realism.

Unlike other well-known brands on the market, such as Logitech, which generally sell bundles, Fanatec segments its products to accommodate the greatest number of fans. This means that at Logitech, you’ll find packs, or bundles, with steering wheel + base and pedalboard. At Fanatec, it’s a different story: all the brand’s products are segmented into categories and also sold individually. In other words: the German manufacturer will sell you the steering wheel on its own, as well as the base and pedalboard, and all these peripherals work perfectly together, whatever range you choose. However, Fanatec also offers bundles with a base, steering wheel and pedalboard, for example, but these are often from the same range, and therefore of the same quality.

This segmentation approach brings greater choice to users, or gamers, who can literally create a configuration according to their needs, their desires and, above all, their budget. Because let’s face it: Fanatec products are premiums, and so are their prices.

Also, this segmentation, just as it is with Apple products, creates a kind of imprisonment for users who find themselves looking only for Fanatec products for their setup, because only this brand’s peripherals work perfectly with each other. In other words, you can’t have a Fanatec base and a steering wheel from another manufacturer – it won’t work.

Let’s talk a little about the platform ecosystem. As you know, sim-racing is popular on PC and consoles (Xbox and Playstation). Fanatec has been offering console peripherals for many years, even though the brand made its PC debut. All the manufacturer’s bases are PC-compatible, which is not the case for consoles. However, Fanatec offers a good part of its catalog on all platforms, and you simply need to have the base or steering wheel compatible with the console you have. To put it simply: on Playstation, look for “PS Ready” bases, and on Xbox, look for “Xbox Ready” wheels.

It’s true that on consoles, the product range is a little limited compared to PC, but this doesn’t stop Xbox or Playstation sim-racing fans from enjoying excellent quality peripherals on their console.

The final point in this chapter is the use of Quick Release. As in many motor sports, Fanatec steering wheels use a system called Quick Release to attach them to the chainstay. It’s fast, convenient and, above all, ideal for quick wheel changes. For example, you can have a top-of-the-range steering wheel, or wheel, which is attached by the QR (Quick Release) system to a mid-range chainstay. This allows a wide variety of configuration options, whether for bases or wheels, and is, among other things, what has made Fanatec famous.

Fanatec product ranges

Like any good manufacturer of premium products, Fanatec offers its customers product ranges targeting entry, mid-range and high-end. In fact, if we compare Fanatec ‘s entry-level products with those of Logitech, for example, we quickly see a glaring difference in build quality. And this is why the two manufacturers are not in the same market segment. One focuses on budget-friendly products, while the other always aims for perfection through innovation and premium products.

Fanatec has three product ranges: CSL, ClubSport and Podium. We’ll look at them in a little more detail below, with the flagship products from these three ranges.

The CSL range

The CSL range offers products designed primarily for sim-racing enthusiasts or beginners wishing to get started in this discipline. Fanatec describes CSL products as “entry-level”, but in reality, and especially when compared with products from other brands, this is not the case at all, whether in terms of feel, build quality or price.

Fanatec is a premium sim-racing brand, but to appeal to a wider clientele, the CSL range was born. For obvious reasons, this range uses less noble materials, such as plastic. This has been done simply to retain the immersive spirit of sim-racing, unlike other brands that seek only to make sales.

Features of the CSL range include, for example, bases with relatively low force feedback (between 5 and 8 nm) compared to the other two ranges, the use of belt-driven motors on some models, instead of Direct Drive, etc. Compromises had to be made, but this range remains excellent and, above all, much appreciated by the sim-racing community. Compromises had to be made, but this range is nonetheless excellent and, above all, much appreciated by the sim-racing community.

It’s worth noting that some products in the CSL range inherit technologies from the ClubSport, such as the DD engines, and that’s the great thing about Fanatec: in one product range you have another segmentation that brings more realism at a lower price.

The ClubSport range

The ClubSport range is a step up from the CSL. It offers far better products in terms of technology and materials used, without breaking the bank account of sim-racing enthusiasts. As far as I’m concerned, ClubSport products offer the best value for money, because you get everything you need for high-level sim-racing, without having to delve into the world of cockpits, triple-screen setups and so on.

In addition to DD bases, you’ll find a wide choice of steering wheels, hubs and accessories for sim-racing at relatively low prices. I say relatively, because Fanatec is notorious for offering peripherals that are far from affordable.

It’s worth noting that all three Fanatec ranges include products developed in partnership with carmakers such as BMW, McLaren and Porsche.

Podium range

Now it’s time for the Big Daddy, Fanatec ‘s top-of-the-range Podium products. With this range, no compromises have been made, whether in terms of manufacturing quality, choice of materials, technologies, partnerships, and so on. Quite simply, these are the best products in the world for sim-racing fans, without entering the realm of professional sim-racing.

This range features only Direct Drive (DD) motors, with torque ratings of up to 25 nm. Materials include Alcantara, anodized aluminum, carbon fiber and more. Nothing but the best. And when it comes to driving feel and sensations, it’s pure realism at every level.

The Podium range is aimed at true sim-racing fans who want to get fully involved in this discipline, and who also have the means to do so. Podium products are expensive, very expensive indeed.

Fanatec flywheels

Let’s move on to a very important subject: Fanatec shuttlecocks. In what follows, I’m going to show you the best steering wheel in each of the manufacturer’s ranges, namely a CSL, a ClubSport and a Podium, with bases that are also the best in each category. The aim here is not to make a comparison and tell you which wheel suits you best, but to present you with the best the German manufacturer has to offer.

CSL DD WRC 8 nm for Xbox

Advantages :

• Excellent feel
• Manufacturing and premium materials
• 8 nm force feedback

Disadvantages :

• Plastic Quick Release

So, the CSL DD WRC is a bundle from the CSL range, with an officially licensed WRC and Xbox steering wheel, and a CSL Direct Drive base in 8 nm version. For me, this is the best base + steering wheel bundle in the CSL range if you’re looking for a fully round wheel. If you’re looking for a GT-type (rectangular) wheel, you can look to the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 ( discover it here), which is just as excellent.

This bundle includes the 30 cm diameter WRC steering wheel and an 8 nm CSL DD base. This pack is excellent for sim-racing beginners, amateurs and fans alike, and that’s what’s so great about the products in the CSL range.

The steering wheel is made of aluminum for its structure and Alcantara all around, ensuring good grip and feel for riders. The buttons are those of Xbox controllers, with the addition of large aluminum paddles. I like them, but not their color (bright orange). The top of the wheel features a small screen, handy for quick information on the car.

This steering wheel is perfect, except for its Quick Release, which is made of plastic and has dead zones of a few degrees. For beginners and amateurs, this may not be a problem. But for fans, it’s a different story. Incidentally, this is the only weak point of this steering wheel.

The ClubSport Steering Wheel GT V2

Advantages :

• Excellent finish
• Premium materials

Disadvantages :

• Price a little high

Another steering wheel that I consider excellent, and which is part of the ClubSport range, is the Steering Wheel GT V2. This steering wheel is, in fact, a bundle with a 33 cm diameter flat-bottomed wheel and a hub of buttons and paddles.

The design is very sober, and I love it. You have aluminum for the structure and Alcantara for the rest. As far as I’m concerned, it’s still very premium, worthy of Fanatec. The wheel is very simple in design, and has no buttons, as these are part of the hub at the rear.

The hub is highly configurable and includes several buttons and paddles. It’s an excellent accessory that can be adapted to several Fanatec steering wheels, and also features a metal Quick Release. So you won’t have to worry about dead zones or disconnections from the plastic QR.

Above the hub, you’ll find a small screen displaying data about the car. It’s handy, but it’s still a small screen, unlike the Podium hub, for example. Nevertheless, it does the job for sim-racing without breaking the bank.

Let’s talk about the price. This bundle (flywheel + hub) costs close to €500 excluding special offers on the Fanatec website, and that’s without the base. This means you’ll have to pay between €350 and €500 for a 5 or 8 nm base. All in all, the bill will be at least €850, and you’ll also have to pay at least €400 for a ClubSport crankset. As I said earlier, Fanatec products don’t come cheap.

The Racing Wheel F1® Podium

Advantages :

• F1 license
• Premium finishing and manufacturing
• Virtually unlimited configuration
• 25 nm force feedback

Disadvantages :

• Very high price
• Difficult to get to grips with for beginners

I’d now like to turn to Fanatec’s top-of-the-range racing wheel, the Podium Racing Wheel F1® . As its name suggests, this wheel is primarily intended for sim-racers who want to race F1 cars, but it can also be used for any simu. In fact, there’s nothing to stop you using it for Gran Turismo or Dirt.

This wheel uses the Podium Wheel Base DD2 with a maximum torque of 25 nm. You can take this wheel with the base which is only 20 nm, which is already huge for sim-racing. The wheel has a unique F1-inspired shape. Already, it’s hard to get the hang of, especially if you’re a beginner. Even with my hundreds of hours of sim-racing, I had a bit of trouble adapting to the positioning of the various buttons and switches, and to the general shape of the wheel. I must confess that I’ve become accustomed to round wheels.

The steering wheel’s structure is made of carbon fiber, as is the case with racing wheels. This gives it strength and lightness, as well as good looks, of course. Wherever your hands are positioned, you’ll find Alcantara. Speaking of positioning, you’ve only got the 9H15 position, and that’s what makes it a little difficult to grip.

In absolute terms, this is the best steering wheel Fanatec has to offer, and at a price that’s just as good. Priced at almost €1800, this wheel is clearly aimed at sim-racing enthusiasts or professionals, as are the products in the Podium range.

Read my full review of the Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1.

Which one to choose?

• Budget. D’abord, il faut choisir un volant en fonction de votre budget total pour votre setup sim-racing. Globalement, la gamme Fanatec se divise en 3 budgets :
  • 500 for a steering wheel and entry-level base (CSL), without pedals or shifter
  • 900 – €1,000 for a steering wheel and a mid-range base (ClubSport), also without pedals or shifter
  • 1,800 for a steering wheel and a top-of-the-range base (Podium), also without pedals or shifter
• The degree of immersion. Even if all Fanatec products offer a high level of immersion, there is still a certain difference between the ranges, if only on the Quick Release. So, if you’re looking to get involved in sim-racing, take this into account when choosing your products.
• Compatibility. Not all Fanatec steering wheels are compatible with all platforms, except PC. You need to choose a wheel, and a base too, that is compatible with the platform you’re using.
• Ergonomics. As we’ve seen, some shuttlecocks don’t feel right in the hand, especially for beginners. I’d advise you to choose a round shuttlecock to start with, if only to maintain good ergonomics.
• Availability. Fanatec only sells its products on its store. This means you won’t find them in stores, unless you buy second-hand. Also, many steering wheels, bases and other peripherals are often out of stock with the manufacturer, which doesn’t help when it comes to availability. Make your choice and go for it as soon as products are back in stock.

To make your choice easier, I invite you to consult our rankings by platform:

• Fanatec PC Steering wheels
• Fanatec Xbox Series X/S Steering Wheel
• Fanatec PS5 steering wheels
• Fanatec Xbox One Steering Wheels
• Fanatec PS4 steering wheels

Conclusion

In its 25 years of existence, Fanatec has come a long way to reach the top of the podium. Between innovation and passion, the brand has established itself as the leader in sim-racing, known by all fans of the discipline, and even motorsport professionals.

A steering wheel is the key element in a sim-racing setup, and Fanatec knows it. If you’re looking for a quality peripheral with a high level of immersion, Fanatec’s wide range of products will certainly appeal to you.