Review: You'll be crossing the line in style with Fanatec's GT2 steering wheel and Clubsport pedals. Needs must, etc...
This is the high-end of the wheel and pedal set world. Made in Germany by Fanatec, they’re also a bit rare – the company only producing relatively small numbers each year and there’s usually a waiting list to get them. Aussie distributor Pagnian Imports has limited stock at the time of writing.
The wheel is modelled on the Porsche GT2 wheel and is $449 standalone. It’s PC, Xbox and PS3 compatible. It ticks every box, and then some. The wheel is quite large at 300mm diameter and the rim thicker than you’re probably used to. It feels like serious quality to hold, with a lovely soft Alcantera covering. Inside there are 3 force feedback motors, with a main and very powerful motor for forces plus two smaller motors for effects. They’re connected to the shaft by belts, not cogs, and the overall effect is super smooth without the ratchety feel of other wheels.
A range of FF effects can be adjusted, and at max force the wheel takes some muscle to move around, even then it’s still wonderfully smooth. You can even adjust the FF settings in-game using the LED display and buttons.
10 backlit illuminated buttons are on the face of the wheel, and there’s a D-pad too on the lower spoke. The desk clamp isn’t the best and violent wrenching can have it detach itself, though there are permanent mounting screw holes in the base.
Down below the Clubsport pedals are exquisitely crafted wonders. Available separately for $349 they connect directly via USB so are therefore compatible with Logitech G25/27 wheels, and are a worthwhile upgrade if you have one of those. All aluminium and with big pedals they’re beautiful and effective. Really precise control is possible and the brake uses a load cell instead of a potentiometer, so braking is dependent on how hard you push, not how far. There’s even a force feedback motor on the brake pedal that helps you know when the tires are locking up.
There’s also a wireless dongle also sold separately which is lag-free and very handy for console installations. If you have the cash these are simply the best.
Issue: 137 | June, 2012