Fanatec CSL Elite V2 or ClubSport Inverted V3: the comparison

I compare two Fanatec pedal sets that serve different expectations: the CSL Elite V2 and the ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted, which I have used for several years. This is particularly relevant to console drivers connecting pedals through a Fanatec base. I consider braking as well as heel support, adjustments and mounting, because those details determine my everyday comfort.

The comparison’s context

Prices discussed in the video place the CSL Elite V2 at around €300 and the V3 Inverted at €429 after a reduction. That is the context in which I evaluate their equipment. The standard ClubSport V3 is mentioned to position the range, but is not present in this test. I also mention a Simnet alternative that I have not yet tested.

My preference for the V3 Inverted comes from its feel and features, rather than appearance alone. I acknowledge from the start that its travel is not necessarily my ideal for trail braking; I especially appreciate the sense of realism when placing my foot and beginning to brake.

CSL Elite V2: attractive hardware, limited adjustment

The black aluminium construction is well finished. Pedals can move sideways, and the clutch can be removed to centre a two-pedal arrangement. However, I cannot adjust face height or tilt as I would like. With my shoe size, they feel too low, and I compensate by tilting the cockpit’s pedal support.

Throttle and clutch use Hall position sensors and springs. The clutch provides more resistance without a bite-point sensation. The brake combines a load cell, short spring and three elastomers. Additional stiffness options are supplied, and I show how to remove and rebuild the stack using the small plastic handles.

Resistance is certainly present, but the first phase feels too short: I move quickly from spring to elastomers. I feel the two stages I seek less clearly. The footplate lacks the substantial heel support I like, and the pedal surfaces suit me poorly when driving in socks.

I show an experimental printed stop to shorten throttle travel, but its softness does not satisfy me as much as the original piece. Access to mounting points also made installation lengthy in my cockpit. The controller allows connection to the base through RJ12 or to the PC through USB.

V3 Inverted: position and settings

On the V3 Inverted, brake and clutch are suspended while the throttle remains bottom-mounted. The clutch mechanism provides stronger initial effort followed by a lighter phase. The brake measures pressure, and the throttle can take a different spring to alter resistance.

I can adjust the pedal plates and adapt their position to my feet. The heel support provides the anchoring and leverage I want. Throttle travel adjusts through a nut and locknut; after changing travel, I reset minimum and maximum values in software.

Damping, vibration and installation

The small motors on the brake and throttle produce subtle vibration. They are not bass shakers, but the brake’s ABS information is enough for me to know when to release slightly. I mainly use this function rather than the throttle’s vibration.

A hydraulic damper is supplied on this version. It adjusts without tools; personally, I keep it near minimum because a higher setting makes the piston’s action too noticeable. The brake dial also changes travel and resistance, followed by recalibration.

Mounting felt quicker than with the CSL Elite V2. Some screws are directly accessible; reaching the others requires removing the footplate. After several years, I remain attached to this set for its heel support, two-stage brake and vibration information.

What we liked

• The CSL Elite V2’s finish and lateral pedal adjustment.
• The V3 Inverted’s heel support and settings.
• The included damper and subtle ABS information through the foot.

What we liked less

• Limited height and tilt adjustment on the CSL Elite V2.
• Its initial braking phase, which is too short for my taste.
• Less convenient mounting and less comfortable contact when wearing socks.