Let’s face it, simracing gearboxes aren’t exactly on a roll. In fact, the art of using a manual gearbox is gradually disappearing from the world of car simulation. So it’s hardly surprising that there are only 2 simracing shifters in the mid-range range. The Fanatec Clubsport SQ V1.5 shifter and its competitor, the TH8A from Thrustmaster.
And neither model is new! The Fanatec shifter is already a good 5 years old, and there’ s no replacement on the horizon! So it’s time to ask ourselves a question:
Does the Fanatec SQ V1.5 shifter still deserve its reputation as the best mid-range gearbox in the simracing world? We take stock together 😉
The Fanatec from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: PC, Playstation, X Box Series
- Vibration: No
- Knobs: 2 aluminum knobs
- Speeds: 7 Reverse
- Gear changes: H-box OR sequential
- Sensor: Contactless magnetic
- Connections: RJ12 (USB optional)
- Weight: 3.2Kg
Design and ergonomics
From the outset, the Fanatec shifter inspires confidence. OK, so its design isn ‘t necessarily the sexiest you could imagine, but then again, tastes and colors are not debatable… On the other hand, you have to admit that its weight and impeccable finish immediately put you at ease.
In the box, we find the RJ12 cables to connect the shifter to our Fanatec base. An H-box knob and a sequential gearbox knob. Both knobs are in aluminum and are also impeccably finished. Finally, the box contains 6 cage nuts for those who wish to mount the gearbox from the sides.
In terms of ergonomics, let’s face it, it’s bulky. And the weight tells me that if you don’t have a cockpit to permanently mount your shifter… it’s not going to be the best.
But overall, from an appearance point of view, it’s very well put together, and the all-metal finish is perfect. It’s sober, with no frills, but very well made.
Installing the Fanatec Clubsport SQ V1.5 shifter
Let’s move on to installation. On my chassis, the ideal solution is to mount the SQ V1.5 shifter from below. To do this, simply use the 4 M6 screw threads provided. All shifter-mounted cockpits are compatible with Fanatec equipment, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility.
Those wishing to mount the shifter from the side can simply use the cage nuts provided. You’ll just need to remove 4 small screws from the underside of the base to insert the nuts. Don’t worry, it’s all explained in the little user’s guide. You know, the paper nobody looks at except in case of fire 😉
Please note: if you want to install it on a desk or table, you’ll need to purchase the optional Fanatec table clamp.
Anew point of vigilance for you, dear reader: if you intend to connect the shifter to a Fanatec base, fine, you can do so with the RJ12 cables supplied in the box. On the other hand, if you don’t have a Fanatec base and intend to connect the shifter directly to your PC, you’ll need the USB adapter option.
Fanatec shifter settings
Once the Fanatec shifter is installed and plugged in, I take the opportunity to adjust the shifting hardness. Simply take the supplied 5mm Allen key and insert it into the adjustment hole on the top side of the gearbox. By turning the wrench, you can lighten or harden the movement of the gearshift.
However, this hardness adjustment has its limits. That is, it will only allow you to adjust the hardness of the forward and reverse movements of the gearshift. The moment you enter gear, so to speak. But it won’t change the hardness of the lever’s lateral movement.
We’ll see if it bothers me in use, but given that my usual shifter(the TH8A) adjusts in exactly the same way, I don’t think I’ll be out of place.
Before hitting the road, you need to go through the gear configuration. You can do this either in the Fanatec software or directly with your steering wheel, following the instructions in the start-up guide. (Yes, there’s a lot of information in the manual, so read on ^^)
H or sequential gearbox, the Fanatec shifter adapts in 1 second!
However, there’s one point I’d like to emphasize right away, because it’s just magic.
Switching between H and sequential gearboxes literally takes a second.
Just flip the switches at the bottom of the base and voilà! You’ve changed modes. Simple, fast, efficient. Perfect!
And since the Fanatec shifter comes with two knobs, you can easily switch from one to the other to suit your riding style. It only takes a minute to change the knob, just enough time to unscrew one and screw on the other.
Comfort and feel
It’s time to see what this gearbox has in store! I’ll start right away with the H-box configuration.
Let’s not beat around the bush. My TH8A took a beating from the very first gearshifts. The hardness of the shift is much more convincing and realistic than on the Thrustmaster model.
It’s very difficult to describe, I’m sure you’ll agree, but where my TH8A felt like I was shifting gears on a children’s cart, the Fanatec shifter feels more like a vehicle for adults. For a mid-range shifter, I’m pleasantly surprised because I wasn’t expecting so much difference with the TH8A.
I like the fact that you have to push the lever in to shift into reverse, which adds a little realism to the operation. On the other hand, why on earth do we have to push the lever down to shift into 7th gear?
OK, cars with 7-speed manual gearboxes are rare, but if I drive one, it’s not to have to think for 3 minutes in the middle of a straight line about what I’m going to do to shift into the next gear!
And what about sequential mode?
Come on, let’s change modes. One minute after uttering the sentence, I’m ready to roll again. Now that’s fun! More pleasant, at any rate, than sequential shifting.
I find (and I’m far from being the only one) that the back-and-forth stroke you have to make to shift gears is too long. I understand that technically it can’t be easy to have two different lever stroke lengths depending on the mode of use. But clearly, it didn’t convince me to use the Fanatec shifter in sequential mode.
I admit, I’ve always preferred paddles in sequential mode anyway… But I would have liked to have been seduced by Fanatec on this point, and it didn’t happen.
Customizing the Fanatec shifter
From a customization point of view, things are pretty straightforward. Fanatec offers 2 carbon gear knobs. That’s all there is to it.
However, the fact that the lever stem ends in an M12 threaded end means you can fit other knobs from car stores, for example.
Unlike the TH8A, it’s impossible to customize the H-grille and thus create several gearbox “settings” to match the different vehicles you may encounter. You’ll have to make do with purely aesthetic customization for this Fanatec shifter.
Durability
In terms of durability, Fanatec has done things right. Be careful , however, if you buy it second-hand. The first series of SQ V1.5 shifters had a defect in the spring that allows the lever to be depressed for shifting into reverse and 7th gear. This spring could break, forcing you to send it back to the after-sales service.
Fortunately,this is no longer the case on recent models. The rest of the construction seems simply indestructible. And the non-contact (magnetic) shifting means there’s no chance of wear and tear causing you to miss a gear change.
My verdict on the Fanatec ClubSport SQ V1.5 shifter
