CSR/CSR-Elite Comparison Review?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mikochu
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mikochu

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Hey folks,

The CSR-Elite reviews are great, but how does it compare to the CSR? I think those of us that are looking to purchase a new steering wheel really want to know if the CSR-Elite is worth double the price of a regular CSR wheel.

Thanks,
Mike
 
I think Amar basically covers that as he had his GT2 to compare directly to the Elite in his League Of It's Own review thread.

You'll likely have to wait some but I know Latte had a CSR on hand at one point to do direct comparisons with the Elite but should be noted that I believe his testing at that point was still using the initial beta firmware on the Elite......the current firmware has made some notable improvements in the CSR E's performance.

I won't be able to offer any opinions yet as I'm awaiting my CSR E. I have many hours on my current CSR though so I should be able to paint a clear picture on the difference between them once I get a few hours under my belt with a CSR E.
 
thehawk05
I think Amar basically covers that as he had his GT2 to compare directly to the Elite in his League Of It's Own review thread.

You'll likely have to wait some but I know Latte had a CSR on hand at one point to do direct comparisons with the Elite but should be noted that I believe his testing at that point was still using the initial beta firmware on the Elite......the current firmware has made some notable improvements in the CSR E's performance.

I won't be able to offer any opinions yet as I'm awaiting my CSR E. I have many hours on my current CSR though so I should be able to paint a clear picture on the difference between them once I get a few hours under my belt with a CSR E.
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It will not be a fair comparison until the new firmware is made available to the public for the CSR, I have read somewhere that the firmware will be coming for the CSR and other Fanatec wheels which is good news.

Not saying that the CSRE won't be superior to the CSR but I have gone on about the wheel center issue with the CSR for weeks and this firmware seems to have fixed that issue for the CSRE.
 
In those pictures it's interesting he was having issues with the finish on his paddle shifter. It's hard to say from the pictures, but it looks like the Alcantara is not glued, but held in with friction?

My biggest concern was that the matte rubber coating would wear down rapidly, but that at least looks like it's holding up well.

Hopefully these are uncommon defects. At least the wheel is easily swapped on the CSR elite, so replacements and upgrades can be quickly installed.
 
Spagetti69
Uh no it isn't. Mr Latte corrected me on that.
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In terms of strength of FFB they're basically the same. They behave very much the same in a lot of ways too but the main difference is how they handle light touch FFB and shock effects.....the CSR is notably better in that regard thanks to its lighter rim. It's also faster for the same reason.

Different yes but if you owned several Fanatec wheels there's no doubt that when you drive a CSR that its character is derived from a Fanatec Porsche wheel.
 
The csr is a serious step up from the previous porsche wheels.

I had a csr and i was realy supprised how much better is was than my PWTS.

I've sold the CSR a month ago and haven't done any serious racing since. Didn't like forza 4 / GT 5 with my old PWTS as much as with the CSR.

I'm having withdraw simptons, the waiting for the CSR Elite get harder and harder.
 
The CSR is not a bad wheel by any means, wot am I saying its a great wheel in many respects. Err Spagetti, at his work again, surprise surpise get a dig in sure why not. In reference a point was made a while ago that the GT2 if anything was more of an evolution of the PWTS than the CSR is an evolution of the GT2. The internal refinements and new rim make quite a difference from the Porsche wheels since the GT3. The rim has better placed buttons too even if the plastic on the rim is a bit of a cheap shot. The combination of the new paddles and lighter rim make it exceed the GT2 in general but that's just my own opinion.

However things have moved on CSR wont give you a T500RS + performance in games on X360. This is one of the main requirements isn't it? CSR Elite is quite expensive I don't think current reviews posted here really take into account for some this is a really huge decision to decide on spending such money on a peripheral. You could buy both a PS3 and X360 with nice bundled games for the price of this wheel/pedal set.

Yeah sure we have guys here that pre-ordered the moment the wheel was available regardless of price. That is bound to happen on forums like this. Now that the embargo is lifted I can assure people here having spent 2 hours comparing a friends CSR to the CSR Elite about a month ago now and on the old 704 firmware.

mikochu
Hey folks,

The CSR-Elite reviews are great, but how does it compare to the CSR? I think those of us that are looking to purchase a new steering wheel really want to know if the CSR-Elite is worth double the price of a regular CSR wheel.

Thanks,
Mike
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The CSR will never offer the same level of enjoyment and satisfaction that the Elite brings to your games. It has been pretty hard the past 5 weeks having the wheel, enjoying it so much and being thrilled to do so.

Precision
Power
Smoothnss
Countersteering reaction speed
Quieter and cooler running
Nicer feeling rim

Thats quite a lot you get for double the money, it is a lot of money but it is a lot of quality and performance. I would say the CSRE is a better value purchase than the T500RS is. Each wheel has its good/bad points but for performance/options/specs and value Elite lives upto its name rather well.
 
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Energizerrr
Look at Amar's review, GT2 is basically the same as CSR.
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No, no, I would never said that.

CSR is an substantial upgrade over GT2 and all legacy-models. It host different electronics, different software and different construction.


However, I will soon ne able to answer the question of the OP since friend will give me his CSR over weekend for a proper comparison.
 
Well, I'll say it again for those that are thinking of a CSR wheel over the Elite. It's a fine wheel, you just need to update the firmware.
 
Stones
Well, I'll say it again for those that are thinking of a CSR wheel over the Elite. It's a fine wheel, you just need to update the firmware.
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I hope my comments arent taken out of context in regards to the CSR vs GT2.....I dont want to sound like I'm knocking the CSR at all cause that would be crazy. I own one and I love it. I loved my PWTS but the CSR made me forget all about it in 10 mins and I sold it as I knew I couldnt go back to it.....just from an FFB perspective the way it handles subtle FFB, twitch and shock effects the PWTS and GT2 cant touch it simply due to physics as that "AIRBAG" center section dampens a lot of that information.

Its a fanastic wheel and Id have no trouble recommending it for the multi platform user.

WildRun
:dunce: Is it same material on the Elite???
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Yes.

And I'll do the "Fanboy" thing. I've got over 60 hours on my CSR and it still looks like new. Makes me wonder how this guy is gripping the wheel to have that happen. Not to say it's his fault as it shouldnt do that regardless. But perhaps he might want to relax on what could be a Kung Fu grip style.....gripping the wheel with lots of tension and force makes you slow.
 
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So...I ordered a "Porsche" Fanatec Wheel Stand Pro earlier today...and a CSR +Pedal bundle with shifters. I kinda wish I didn't jump the gun on the CSR bundle before reading Mr. Latte's post, but I think the CSR will suffice for now. I'm coming from a PC/Playstation-only Driving Force Pro, so I think I'll be fine with the CSR bundle. However, I may upgrade the pedals later on. I'm sure if I get the itch for a CSR Elite or whatever is the latest/greatest in a year, I won't have a problem selling the CSR...

Thanks guys. I hope I don't get a dud. :o

Also, if I wanted a CSR Elite, I probably wouldn't be able to order one for a while, right? I mean, then wait forever and a day for it to arrive?
 

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