When Fanatec takes the consumer market by storm, they don’t do things by halves. The release of the Fanatec CSL Elite base in 2016 marked a turning point for the brand… And for the world of simracing in general.
It was at this precise moment that gamers the world over could cherish the hope that high-end brands would start offering more accessible products.
As for the former kings of the consumer market, it was on this day that they began to lose battles. And with each new product release. While Thrustmaster has more or less tried to react to keep its head above water, Logitech seems to be completely out of contention.
Today, with the release of the Fanatec CSL DD, things are clear for everyone. Yes, you can have excellent hardware at prices everyone can afford. And yes, Fanatec is slowly taking over the consumer market, which has been stagnating for years!
But we’re here to talk about the model that paved the way. The Fanatec CSL Elite, a true Best Seller, today only available on the second-hand market. I was lucky enough to find one in excellent condition. My mission is to give you my opinion on a crucial question:
Is the Fanatec CSL Elite still worth it today, or not?
The Fanatec CSL Elite from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, X Box
- Dimensions: 27cm wide, 20cm deep plus 4cm for wheel attachment
- Force feedback: Brushless belt-driven motor
- Power: 6Nm peak
- Turning range: 1080
- Connections: 1 power supply, 2 connectors for H and sequential shifters, 1 connector for crankset, 1 connector for handbrake, USB output to console or PC
- Wheel mounting: Quick Release Fanatec QR1
Design and ergonomics
The version I tested was the CSL Elite PC/PS4. From a purely aesthetic point of view, the base is well designed. Obviously, it’s a far cry from the magnificent finish of the Clubsport V2.5 base. The shell is made entirely of plastic. The front face is textured like brushed aluminum. In addition to the brand and model logo, there are two buttons. The first is the power button and the second is the mode selector.
On the sides , the plastic has been covered with a textured sticker . The top side features a grey plastic plate with two large ventilation openings. This grey plate also houses the 9 LED rpm displays visible on the front panel. On the rear, you’ll find all the connections for your Fanatec ecosystem, plus a large ventilation grille.
From an aesthetic point of view, it’s quite a success. It’s clear that this is an entry-level product for Fanatec. But even with these compromises on materials, it’s clean, well finished and pleasing to the eye.
Installing and setting up the Fanatec CSL Elite
As is almost always the case, you have two options for installing your base. Either use the table clamp (from 1 to 6cm thick). Or use the 3 M6 screw threads on the underside of the base to mount it permanently on a chassis. Either way, don’t worry, it won’t move a muscle.
Before getting started, as with any simracing base, remember to update the firmware. Yes, even if you play on consoles! To do so, connect your base to a PC, install the Fanatec Control Panel application. Click on available updates. It literally takes just 2-3 minutes, and ensures that your steering wheel is at the top of its game.
Once the pedalboard (I’m using a Clubsport V3), power supply and USB to my PS4 have been connected, all that’s left to do is install a wheel. Today, I’m tempted by my Clubsport Porsche 918.
Once again, you don’t change a winning team. Fanatec decided to use the highly efficient Quick Release QR1 attachment system. About 5 seconds later, I’m ready to hit the road!
Console compatibility
The Fanatec CSL Elite is available in two versions. The first is PC and X Box compatible, while the second is PC and Playstation compatible. Compatibility aside, there’s a design difference between the two models. The front panel of the X Box model has a grey “tiled” finish. Quite pretty if you ask me, but I haven’t had it in my hands.
Is the CSL Elite PS5 compatible? Yes, it works perfectly with the Playstation 5. Sony’s promise of peripheral compatibility seems to have been kept.
Comfort and feel
Even before starting up the console, the first thing I notice is how quiet the CSL Elite’s belt-driven mechanics are. When you turn the wheel quickly with the motor disconnected, you can barely hear the Brushless motor turning. And the mechanical resistance is also very low. In any case, much lower than what you’ll find on competing models at the same price.
I begin my PS4 tests with Assetto Corsa (first of the name). After a few laps around the track, which allowed me to make a few adjustments to the force feedback, I began to find my feet. As usual with Fanatec, you can create 5 different settings. They’re all accessible in 2 clicks directly from the steering wheel. And you can change your settings while racing, without even having to stop.
There’s one aspect that really surprised me. Even though the motor’s power is greater than that of a Thrustmaster T500 or T300, it seems to be better utilized.
Simply put, it’s never brutal, never sanitized. On the T300 or G29, for example, the force feedback can sometimes really remind you that you’re in a game, that nothing is real. The forces sent out can have a very artificial aftertaste. On the CSL Elite, on the other hand, everything feels natural, precise, powerful but so much fun!
Then I switch to PC
I continue the test on PC this time, still on Assetto Corsa and then rFactor 2. Obviously, PC gamers will understand what I mean when I say that we’re entering another dimension. This is where the notion of precision really comes into its own. Consoles are great, but we’re still in a very limited universe in terms of feel and settings. And I say this as a fervent defender of consoles since I was 6 years old.
On the PC, then, the pleasure is even greater, and it’s here that you really come to appreciate the fine work done on the force feedback. For a belt-driven steering wheel, it’s amazing!
The CSL Elite shows off all its skills here, proving once again that Fanatec is far ahead of its mainstream competitors. For the price, it really slaps Logitech models in the face. And it’ s a notch above the Thrustmaster T248 and T300.
What’s the best price for the Fanatec CSL Elite?
Fanatec stopped production of the CSL Elite base several months ago. All that’s left are second-hand models. Expect to pay between €200 and €250 for a 1st-hand model in good condition. That makes it still the best value for money if you’re a Playstation gamer.
So it’s hardly surprising to see how fast second-hand models sell out! That’s also why its price hasn’t dropped much from its new price of €399.
Not sure which model to choose?
If you’re hesitating between the CSL Elite and a Logitech, the Fanatec is the clear winner. Whether it’s the G29 or even the more recent G923, the conclusion is the same. It also smacks the Thrustmaster T248 in the face. I’d say that the only steering wheel that scares it at these prices is the T300. You can find new T300s for only a few dozen euros more. This can be an advantage if you don’t trust second-hand equipment.
On top of that, it opens the door to the entire Fanatec ecosystem. It’s still the most complete ecosystem in the world of simracing.
PC and X Box gamers, on theother hand, can go straight to the Fanatec CSL DD. At €350 for the basic version, it’s currently the best value for money Direct Drive of any brand.
My verdict on the Fanatec CSL Elite
