Frequently asked question
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X is one of the best steering wheels on the market. It is made of high quality materials and is very durable. It has a lot of features that other steering wheels do not have. For example, it has a built in fan to keep your hands cool during long races. It also has a detachable paddle shifter which is very convenient. The only downside to this steering wheel is that it is a bit expensive.
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X feels great when driving. The steering is very precise and the wheel feels great in your hands. There is a lot of feedback from the road and the steering wheel, which makes for a very immersive driving experience. The wheel is also very well-built and feels very solid. Overall, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X is a great steering wheel that provides a great driving experience.
Introducing the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X
The best pedals, the finest wheelbase, and the nicest cockpit are all useless without a powerful steering wheel that is appropriate for the vehicle.
In recent years, sim racers have found the Fanatec Formula wheels a popular option. Each current crop of formula wheels has a long list of features that will improve your sim driving experience for a reasonable cost. Which of these wheels, though, is best for you?
We will vouch for the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X, which we will review in this post to show how it’s better than the alternatives.
We’ll examine this great steering wheel’s qualities in this review and explain why it’s one of the best options available for dedicated sim racers. If you’re ready to improve your racing abilities, read on for a detailed analysis of the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X.
About Fanatec
Fanatec is one of the top sim racing manufacturers on the market. It is known for producing enthusiast-grade equipment for racing simulation using the best materials and technology, allowing sim racers of all skill levels and financial capacities to increase their performance.
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X—an Overview
If you enjoy sim racing, you probably already know how important the appropriate equipment is to a fantastic racing experience. And if you want to advance your virtual racing abilities, you should get your hands on Fanatec’s ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X! The newest in a long line of premium, incredibly durable, and competition-level appropriate wheels created by market leader Fanatec.
The wheel is elegant and high-quality because it was expertly made using materials like carbon, aluminum, and Alcantara. The Formula V2.5 X is compatible with the existing XBOX Series S/X and the previous-generation XBOX One family because it is an officially certified XBOX steering wheel. It has a magnetic paddle shifter unit and many other buttons and switches that you may set up whatever you choose.
The wheel’s shape is reminiscent of Formula 1 and features the customary Alcantara leather handles. The wheel is composed entirely of metal and carbon fiber, with the 5mm carbon composite front plate standing out.
The wheel rim contains radio communications, 11 keys, a funky button to adjust settings, sophisticated RevLEDS and FlagLEDS, rocker switching devices, two FlagLEDS to indicate tire problems, and low gasoline, and an OLED display. Incredibly, more than 50 game features can be changed directly.
Overall, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X is the ideal sim car racing steering wheel and will appeal to all Formula One enthusiasts. If you’re intrigued by what you have read so far about the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X, then you will enjoy reading our assessment of its design and features below.
Key Features
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X can meet your needs if you’re looking for a great steering wheel and want something that is well backed (Fanatec is continually updating and enhancing their peripherals), extremely high quality, dependable and robust, and hugely configurable. Here is a look at some of the key attributes of the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X.
Great Design
Be ready to experience a jaw-dropping response when you remove the wheel from the included drawstring backpack. This wheel is built utilizing solid metal and thick carbon fiber, making it strong enough to last through all your racing exploits. This wheel is a clear example of the Fanatec design principles.
The perforated shape of the wheel helps to increase ventilation, while the grippy leather component will keep you in charge. The ClubSport Paddle Module is also pre-installed on the device, adding a layer of realism.
Strong magnets are used in the paddle operation in place of springs to mimic most track vehicles. Longer endurance is produced by the magnetic mechanism in conjunction with automotive-grade switches.
| Design Overview |
| The Formula-style steering wheel for quick motions and responses has a small 270 mm diameter. |
| Exchangeable fast releases made of aluminum |
| A sturdy building consisting of metal and carbon fiber |
| Includes button caps in the racing style |
| 5 mm front plate made of solid carbon fiber. About 30 strands of unidirectional carbon fabric make up a carbon fiber plate. |
| Removable Xbox button covers |
| Grips made of genuine Alcantara® |
| OLED tuning features allow you to change settings outside of the game and while you’re playing. |
| Surfaces covered in rubber, such as button frames and thumb encoders |
| LED showing White Xbox One connection status |
| Pre-installed ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module |
| Using the Fanatec SDK, games may display sensor information like speed or gear on a 1″ 128×64 white OLED panel. |
| Weight of the steering wheel: about 1250 g |
| LED and display behavior that is customized using FanaLab |
| Four paddles and 11 buttons with very reliable switches |
| As games are programmed using the Fanatec SDK, two FlagLEDs with three multi-color LEDs each can be used to signal pit limiter, flag warnings, tire slip, and other things |
| Two toggle switches, 2-way |
| To show engine RPM and the ideal shifting position as games are programmed using the Fanatec SDK, RevLEDs with nine multi-color LEDs are used. |
| Two 12-way multi-position buttons that can be used with encoders |
| The grips have two embedded vibration motors that may be controlled by the wheel tuning interface (SHO) or by a game using the Fanatec SDK. |
| 7-way FunkySwitchTM with push buttons, rotary encoders, and directed inputs on the left, right, up, and down |
| While driving, two thumb encoders are conveniently accessible without leaving the grips. |
| Analog joystick |
| Officially Licensed For Xbox / Windows® 10. |
Innovative Display Features
The stunning light show serves a very practical purpose. The two flags LED bands (FlagLEDs) with three multi-color LEDs can display a pit limiter, flag warnings, tire slip, and more. RevLEDs, nine multi-color LEDs, can display engine RPM and the ideal shifting point.
The extremely practical RevLED is a characteristic of the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5. When racing in Assetto Corsa and F1 2021, the RevLEDs reflect the engine RPM and the best shifting. Since it syncs concurrently with what is shown on the display, we haven’t experienced any delay to date.
An OLED display is also a feature of the ClubSport steering wheel Formula V2.5. By design, the OLED display shows telemetry information like speed or gear. This may be programmed using the SDK. Moreover, the display featuring OLED technology enables you to alter settings both outside of the game and while you’re playing, providing you an advantage over your rivals because you can do it quickly.
Great Customization Capabilities
With its 11 buttons, toggle switches, 12-way multi-position buttons, thumb encoders, etc., this wheel may be modified to perform up to 67 in-game actions. Imagine having access to all toggles in F1 2021 on your wheels, including those for altering fuel mix, differential, switching between ERS and DRS, etc. This wheel puts a limitless number of options at your disposal.
The ease of changing a car right at your fingertips has completely changed how we play the game because it allows us to stay concentrated while driving without having to access the multifunction panel menu in-game.
The customization options allow you to customize your car on the fly and affect your gameplay a lot.
The thumb encoders can be programmed on a PC to change settings like fuel mixture and ERS usage. This eliminates the need to enter the multi-function display when playing games like F1 2019.
Instead of navigating many menus to change your fuel mix, you can focus considerably more on the track in front of you.
Although it seems like a minor adjustment to your racing strategy, the impact is enormous. In races before Formula V2, many competitors wasted time accessing menus to switch engine modes. That wasted moment has already passed.
You can instantly modify your car’s behavior with only a thumb flick, all while keeping both hands on the wheel.
All force feedback wheel configurations can be changed straight from the wheel, like with all Fanatec steering wheels. You accomplish this by scrolling through every force feedback option and configuring each separately using the buttons on the front of the wheel.
Once you have set up your force feedback options, you may save them as a preset on the wheel. Five of these presets can be saved at once. Thanks to this, you may instantly change your force feedback based on the vehicle you’re driving.
Upgrades that are Futureproof
You can even choose to update the shifters to the Podium Advanced Paddle Module if you feel that the sturdy design of the wheel and pedals isn’t sufficient. With the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, you experience the up/down shifts like never before.
The magnetic “click” creates a pleasing sensation and makes changing gears considerably faster than conventional shifters, typically seen on lower-quality products. The paddle operation heightens the sense of realism in the experience of driving a real race car. We suggest updating this product if you want the most modern racing wheel combined with your wheelbase.
A replaceable QR1 Wheel-Slide is also included with the purchase. This adapter has a strong connection to the wheelbase and a seamless release mechanism that makes switching between various wheels easy. The V2.5 X, according to Fanatec, is also future-proof because it will work with the QR2 system.
There is also a pack of 25 button caps in the package that you may use to cover your wheel if the simple patterns of the wheel are too basic for you. When we initially used the Formula-style wheel, we discovered the button covers beneficial.
Compatibility
This wheel will be compatible with Xbox One® and Xbox Series X racing wheelbases. Like many other Fanatec items, your PC is fully compatible with it as they are manufactured with native PC compatibility. The compatibility on PS4 and PS5 may be restricted. We can only guarantee the full functionality on the PC.
Platforms
- Xbox
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X is fully compatible with Windows 10 and Xbox. For use with Xbox One® and Xbox Series X|S, attaching this wheel to appropriate FANATEC® Wheel Bases grants access to various Fanatec peripherals.
- PC
As long as users can meet the basic system requirements to run simulated racing hardware, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X is compatible with Windows PCs. For example, the GPU should have at least 2GB of RAM and a least boost clock speed of 1400 MHz, preferably 4GB or more (ideally 1550 MHz or above).
When starting, most sim racers advise a CPU with a minimum processing speed of 2.5 GHz. Fanatec advises using processors with a clock speed of 3.5 GHz or higher and 8 or 16 GB of RAM for improved performance. Of course, there are additional factors to consider, like storage, cooling, and connectors. These, however, are supplemental.
The type of sim racing equipment your PC can support and how simple it will be to install will depend on each of these specifications, affecting the entire experience.
Wheel Bases
- Podium Wheel Base DD1, DD1 PS4, and DD2
These Fanatec plug-and-play direct drive wheelbases are fully certified and were created to enhance the driving experience using premium integrated electronics. The Formula 1-licensed DD1 PS4 integrates Direct Drive Technology, Fanatec’s competence with sim racing technology, and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
The DD2 is a more recent, more comfortable model with higher peak torque and a few frills, like a killswitch and an extended guarantee.
- ClubSport Wheel Base V2 and V2.5
The ClubSport Wheel Base V2 and V2.5 are tabletop setups, plug-and-play wheelbases with rapid release systems that let users switch steering wheels in a matter of seconds. An older model, the V2, is better suited for racers on a tighter budget.
However, if finances aren’t an issue, the V2.5, with its upgraded brushless servo motor that supports more potent force feedback, provides a more lethal combo with the Fanatec Podium Hub. A negative damper that reduces wheel oscillations also gives this wheelbase a sophisticated drift mode with additional resistance.
- CSL Elite Wheel Base, Wheel Base V1.1, and PS4-Licensed Wheel Base +-
One of Fanatec’s older wheelbases that works with the PC and PS4 is the CSL Elite Wheel Base. Despite being retired, the item is still compatible with the Podium Hub. Therefore, if you already have one, you may connect the hub without upgrading your wheelbase.
The CSL Elite Wheel Base V1.1 uses a single belt drive and servo motor to give more sophisticated force feedback while still utilizing the same ClubSport technology. Due to its reasonable cost and cross-platform capability, this has become the standard choice for many PC users (Xbox).
As a result, Fanatec purposefully created ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X to handle all three models, including the CSL Elite Wheel Base with a PS4 license. Full metal shifters, load cell pedals, ultra-low cogging for greater force feedback sensation, and DirectSensor technology for little disturbance have been included in this unique design.
- CSL DD Wheel Base
Due to its gorgeous aesthetic and excellent performance, the CSL DD WheelBase is one of Fanatec’s best-selling wheelbases. Self-aligning torque is made possible by its more sophisticated direct drive technology, which gives everything a more realistic feel. You can enjoy force feedback that is crisper and livelier. Professional drivers or sim racing aficionados looking for the greatest solutions for every component of their rigs will find this product appealing.
- Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel Base
For the PlayStation 5, one of Fanatec’s most cutting-edge wheelbases is the Grand Turismo DD Pro. It has a new generation of direct drive technology that eliminates the need for a belt or gear drive to lessen the impacts of force feedback. Additionally, a potent 180W power supply is included to enhance the performance of the entirely customized motor.
Additionally, it has a sophisticated tuning menu that racers can use to fine-tune the force feedback’s smoothness, strength, and mechanical feel. The Podium Hub is the extra button module that makes it possible to enter the menu.
Accessories
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X also supports several high-end accessories, which can enhance your entire racing experience by putting additional functionality at your fingertips.
- Podium Advanced Paddle Module
Fanatec’s ultimate upgrade for sim racing setups using paddle shifters or levers is the Podium Advanced Paddle Module. It has carbon fiber magnetic shifters and Hall sensors of vehicle quality mounted on an aluminum cage with CNC machining.
This module is for racers who want to experiment with different paddle modes, including clutch bite point mode a la F1, mappable axis option, brake/throttle mode, and clutch/handbrake mode the go-to option. The simplicity of installation is one of the main arguments in favor of pairing this module with the Podium Hub. The hub and module are included when choosing the Podium R300 steering wheel.
- ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module
Another well-liked alternative for many sim racers is Fanatec’s ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module, which offers the most accurate real-world shifting sensation. Additionally, it utilizes the same link as the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, enabling smooth integration with the Podium Hub.
Instead of using springs, this module has fast shifting and quieter operation. Additionally, since real-world F1 and GT vehicles use this technology, most sim racing aficionados use it to enhance their immersion.
- ClubSport Button Cluster Pack
High-quality button clusters are a must for every Fanatec modular steering wheel system. According to your requirements for location and functionality settings, these 2 x clusters with 3 controls each can be placed and adjusted anywhere on the front rails of the Podium Hub. Additionally, they are very adaptable, working with a range of rim sizes and shapes.
- QR1 Wheel-Side
The QR1 Wheel-Side, also known as ClubSport’s Quick Release Adapter, is a full aluminum body adapter that enables sim racers to swiftly switch out their steering wheels without disassembling their setup. This product provides automotive-grade functionality using a ball lock mechanism coupled with a torque notch and is enabled by all Podium Hub-based wheels on the market.
Through this innovative combination, the link between the wheel and the wheelbase is strengthened and more dependable. If users want to use the same steering wheel for both F1 and GT-style sim racing games, they can also use a bolt to connect their steering wheels.
But if you want to use this accessory, you’ll benefit from the release mechanism’s best balance owing to a robust steel spring that makes quick swap and seamless connection possible.
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X Alternatives
Considering that it is fully compatible with Windows 10 and Xbox, there are not many alternatives to the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X on the market today. Nevertheless, there are some similar options you can explore if you want to weigh the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X against its competitors. The two main alternatives to these wheels by Fanatec are Formula Carbon and Clubsport Steering Wheel F1 Esports.
Formula Carbon
It feels like you’re driving a real automobile with the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Carbon’s sturdy construction, super-cool appearance, and use of genuine carbon fiber.
This steering wheel has a tunable display that presents telemetry data directly on the large LED display, as well as speed, the gear it is now in, the amount of petrol left in the tank, and many other variables that can be seen and adjusted while playing.
Last but not least, the pricing is reasonable compared to other models, and you get a superb and long-lasting wheel. There are 11 buttons total, plus two paddle shifting controls with incredibly reliable switches.
When upgrading from the Formula Carbon wheel to the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X, you will experience some significant differences. The additional buttons on this wheel provide a clear advantage. The two thumb encoders being an example of this.
With these thumb encoders, F1 simulators can instantly modify variables like brake bias and ERS activation. The ability to occasionally adjust in the middle of a corner is a feature that will really speed up your lap times.
| Formula V2.5 X | Formula Carbon | |
| Platform | XBox One, PS4, PC | PC, PS4 |
| Display | 1″ 128×64 OLED | 3 digits LED |
| Joystick | Available | Available |
| Grip | Alcantara | Alcantara |
Clubsport Steering Wheel F1 Esports
The Clubsport Steering Wheel F1 Esports has a stylish design and striking colors. It has an aluminum front plate on top of a steel box for the strongest appearance, as well as the customary Genuine Alcantara® grips for a better feel and sense of quality. The finest drivers in the world use technology that is entirely influenced by Formula 1.
The club sport steering wheel, which has a very lifelike 270 mm diameter, has 11 function keys with incredibly reliable switching devices, an analog joystick for looking around, a 7-way FunkySwitch for turning left or right and moving left, right, up, and down, RevLEDs with nine multi-color RGB LEDs to highlight motor Revs, and 2 vibration motors in the grips to simulate the sensation of driving in an F1 race.
You get a truly beautiful, long-lasting product in this price range, together with a steering wheel that can handle the maximum speed of Formula 1 cars.
However, there are certain aspects where ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X outperforms it. The replacement of the standard 7 segment LED display with an OLED one as part of the Formula V2.5 is the next biggest improvement over the F1 Esports V2 X. This improves the on-wheel tuning menu’s readability and usability and adds a few more choices for telemetry presentation while driving.
In comparison to the F1 Esports V2 wheel’s magnetic shifters, which have a plastic casing, the Formula V2.5 X’s magnetic paddle module has an all-aluminum body. When driving, there is no discernible difference, but the quality improves.
Wrapping Up
The best part about this steering wheel is that you can hook it up to any Fanatec product, such as, just to name a few, Podium Series Wheel Base, the ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5, the CSL Elite Wheel Base, and of course, all other Fanatec ecosystem products. Also, this steering wheel is the first one providing complete compatibility with Windows 10 and Xbox One Console.
In addition, this steering wheel has many additional features and entertaining functionality, including an OLED display, 11 buttons, rotary thumb encoders, rocker switches, and multi-position switches.
The zenith of steering wheel design, quality, and personalization in racing simulation equipment is the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X. It has unmatched craftsmanship and a contemporary ergonomic design that provides unmatched comfort for extended gaming sessions. With this product, you can keep one step ahead of your competitors because of its unequaled technology level, including RevLEDs and OLEDs.
If you’re a die-hard F1 fan, this is the route. Yes, it may seem expensive, but in our opinion, it’s worth the money.
