CSR Elite wheel: 3 steps forward and 2 steps back.

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Troysloth

Troysloth

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xHPx Jarhead
My CSR Elite wheel arrived Tuesday. I took off early from work to get it. I left work at 10:00 am, went and put gas in my car, found the UPS man, got my wheel and was home by 10:30.

Then I had to update the firmware in the wheel. It was a painless procedure. I had already downloaded it and printed the instructions. If you follow the instructions step-by-step it goes smoothly.

Next was setting it up on the wheel stand. I had already purchased an extra Rennsport wheel stand when they had the cyber monday special. The new stand was pre-drilled for the wheel without using the extra bracket, so I mounted the wheel directly to the stand, added the Clubsport pedals and CSR Shifter and was ready to race.

Now about the steps forward and back.

Step 1 forward: The base of the wheel.
The wheel base is incredible, like an engineering work of art. You've seen the pictures, but it is even more amazing to see it for yourself. All metal construction, that massive belt turned by 2 FFB motors and the clear cover to let you see it in action was absolutely stunning.

Step 2 forward: The paddle shifters.
The paddle shifters are a vast improvement over the shifters on my Turbo S wheel and the GT2 wheel. They have a very light, but positive movement and a distinct click to let you know the shift has been completed. And the new AutoClutch feature which was added almost feels like cheating. I only plan to use it on the S class and above cars where I would normally use the paddle shifters anyway. For the lower classes, nothing beats the realism of a clutch pedal and h-pattern shifter.

Step 3 forward: The buttons and center of the wheel.
This is an improvement over my Turbo S wheel. The Turbo S was very creative the way it integrated the buttons into the design of the wheel, but it was the best as far as ergonomics. The new button setup is much better and each button has a nice positive click. I have mixed feelings on the little thumbstick for the d-pad, but by the end of the night I got used to it.

Step 1 back: Wheel rim covering.
The majority of the wheel rim is covered in an almost smooth rubber looking material. There are 4 small patches of Alcantara at 3 and 9 o'clock which had bumps and wrinkles in them. Although it's not as slippery as the plastic of the CSR wheel, it just boggles my mind why Thomas would choose this wheel covering after the fully leather wrapped wheel of the Turbo S and full Alcantara on the GT2 and GT3RS.

Step 2 back: The rim construction.
This is a major step back. It seems like the rim was just an afterthought when you look at the quality of the other components. It must be very thin plastic because there is major flex in the entire upper half of the rim. I made a short video to show the flex. I was not pushing hard on the wheel at all. Here is a link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6f3RiAEtK4&context=C3fee93eADOEgsToPDskLJ-P3TEnB2i6Jpj-ozxHfy

One other problem noted with the wheel is that I can't get any headset to work properly when plugged into the wheel. This was a problem with my Turbo S wheel. It's a problem with my friends GT2 wheel and my other friends CSR wheel and continues with the CSR Elite wheel. My recommendation for anyone with a fanatec wheel who wants ingame chat on Xbox get the official M$ wireless headset to take the wheel out of the equation.

Overall I would give the wheel an 8 out of 10. I went into the rivals mode and was able to beat my times on every one I tried. I especially like the improvements in driving the S and R classes of cars with the new paddles. The FFB let's me feel things I never felt before. I can immediately tell now when the front tires lose traction and the car starts to push. Feeling the rear end slide is a little more subtle, but with practice I was able to feel when that was coming too. There is a deadspot in the FFB at the center of travel, but I read that it has been fixed already in a firmware to be released.

Even with the problems with the rim, I am very happy to have purchased this wheel. After a couple days with it, I am really getting comfortable with it and my lap times are already improving. I would recommend it to anyone who asks me.

Thomas, it you read this, please make a new rim which matches the quality of the rest of the wheel.

Here are a few pictures I took of the wheel.




 
Thanks for your impressions mate.
Love the video too.

Slim, don't worry I'm not going there.
 
I didn't know the flex in the wheel was that bad. That's a serious lack in proper design of that rim. I am sure I can give someone a concussion with my T500 rims, both the GT5 as well as the Ferrari rim. lol

Thanks for the video. Even if the base is good, the rim being like this doesn't make it worth 499 euros. Sorry Thomas, but you better do a more proper job on the CSW or my review will be harsh as well. Especially considering the price per rim on that, 150 euros and up.
 
I think Thomas should do a full alcantara rim for the csre v2. This review gives me a similar feeling to my impressions of my t500rs. Its like they like they (fanatec & tm) spent all their r&d money on the base and left everything else as secondary. Hopefully, this is not the case for csw.
 
LogiForce
I didn't know the flex in the wheel was that bad. That's a serious lack in proper design of that rim.
Click to expand...

I don't have my CSR E but I do have a CSR. Aside from the carbon fiber overlay it should be the same wheel construction wise and I can't make my wheel flex anywhere near that much unless I exert A LOT of force to do so. Personally based on my own experiences based on my CSR, rim flex is not an issue and I haven't read anybody else mention it yet either.

With that said the rim IS the most polarizing part of the Elite and does seem out of place. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. Ergo wise for me I like it a lot and find it very comfortable to drive with but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'll be buying a BMW GT wheel (or similar) when Fanatec releases them.

I'll be curious to see how long it takes for someone to DIY their own......you just know some crafty modder is likely on the verge of gutting the stock wheel of its shifters and such to install onto a sweet MOMO, Sparco, etc.
 
One note: Troy is a retired marine. So to HIM, it was not a LOT of force. It looked like he was putting some strength into it. BUT, with that said, it still should not do this. Unless the wheel was designed that way so you feel all the subtle effects that some complained they did not with the GT2/3RS. Which I say poopypants to. I love my GT2, and feel literally everything coming through.

Just want the CSW.......:drool:
 
paskowitz
I think Thomas should do a full alcantara rim for the csre v2. This review gives me a similar feeling to my impressions of my t500rs. Its like they like they (fanatec & tm) spent all their r&d money on the base and left everything else as secondary. Hopefully, this is not the case for csw.
Click to expand...

IMO T500 wheel rim is made to last, a lot more than the CSRE. CSRE has a lot of plastic pieces... T500 only one and no screws or joints. That´s the main diference and time will which one will last longer. I bet for TM.
And ...Yes , BMW will be very welcome as a replace on the elite too.
 
thehawk05
With that said the rim IS the most polarizing part of the Elite and does seem out of place. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. Ergo wise for me I like it a lot and find it very comfortable to drive with but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'll be buying a BMW GT wheel (or similar) when Fanatec releases them.
Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it better. I've never noticed any flexing during actual driving. It's a steering wheel, not a flight yoke.

The question is, would people have bought the CSR-E with a better rim for another $50 more? I would have, but what about you guys?
 
$50 more? Seriously? Shouldnt it have come with a solid wheel. I dont know about you all but any flex in the wheel is unacceptable.
 
12thgear
couldn't have said it better. I've never noticed any flexing during actual driving. It's a steering wheel, not a flight yoke.

The question is, would people have bought the csr-e with a better rim for another $50 more? I would have, but what about you guys?
Click to expand...

+1
 
fatkrakr
$50 more? Seriously? Shouldnt it have come with a solid wheel. I dont know about you all but any flex in the wheel is unacceptable.
Click to expand...

I find it solid enough. The money parts are solid (spokes, hub, steering column). It's the top part of the wheel that could use some love.

Would I have loved perfection? Sure, but you're not gonna get it without spending more. Look at the T500RS. It's a great wheel, has a better rim and a lower street price, but it's certainly not without its own build quality compromises. If we want more, we have to expect to pay more.
 
fatkrakr
$50 more? Seriously? Shouldnt it have come with a solid wheel. I dont know about you all but any flex in the wheel is unacceptable.
Click to expand...

Any flex?

Sorry to break it to you but ALL steering wheels flex.

12thgear
The question is, would people have bought the CSR-E with a better rim for another $50 more? I would have, but what about you guys?
Click to expand...

I would have but must would bitch. Funny part though.....I'll bet that most that would complain will be the 1st ones buying a replacement wheel for $100+ and won't see the irony in that.

We need to keep in mind I think that the licensing deal with Turn 10 likely had some influence on the wheel design and why essentially the same wheel resides on the CSR and CSR E. I know a lot of people have complained too that the CSR E should have had a wheel like the CSW and I'm sure they could have but I'll bet the price would have been quite a bit higher. I don't think it's a stretch that a large chunk of the CSWs projected price difference ($650 vs $499) lies in the extra expense of the wheel and quick release.
 
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I just went into the garage, guess what, after exerting some force on the steering wheel of my real Porsche it GASP flexed a tiny bit. I'm throwing my car in the garbage!

Seriously, he is exerting some serious force in that video on a toy. But that being said I guess it should have been solid plastic. In which case people would say " I tried standing on my wheel rim and it broke, what a POS". Lol
 
thehawk05
Any flex?

Sorry to break it to you but ALL steering wheels flex.
Click to expand...

The wheel works fine, but I agree that it could feel sturdier. Maybe not zero flex, but it should have been as good as the GT2 rim in that regard. I get why people are complaining, though I think they're being too harsh. The wheel is the first thing you touch though, and it doesn't leave the best impression.

I'm less concerned about the wheel and I'm more anxious for the latest firmware updates. It still needs a little work in that regard.
 
Great post dude, I'm glad your wheel is ok.
Judging by the video I thought it was broke.
I hope you keep enjoying it.

Merry Christmass.
 
Simple communication error.

Public wanted a wheel like a Frex.
Thomas mistook for Flex.
 
I don't think people are being too harsh like 12thgear said above. The reason why is that wheels like my first Dexxa wheel, the Logitech Formula Force GP, the G25 and the at launch equally priced T500 RS had sturdier rims then this. Actually it's more accurate to say they had no noticeable flex at all.
Now when I buy a 500 euros wheel for my PC I expect something well build in total. To be honest, I think it is more then fair for that price to expect as much. If you think otherwise you probably have too much money to spend that you can think so lightly about this, or are just simply too easy going with things like this. Either way, as it stands it is not worth the money with the current rim.
 
LogiForce
I don't think people are being too harsh like 12thgear said above. The reason why is that wheels like my first Dexxa wheel, the Logitech Formula Force GP, the G25 and the at launch equally priced T500 RS had sturdier rims then this. Actually it's more accurate to say they had no noticeable flex at all.
Now when I buy a 500 euros wheel for my PC I expect something well build in total. To be honest, I think it is more then fair for that price to expect as much. If you think otherwise you probably have too much money to spend that you can think so lightly about this, or are just simply too easy going with things like this. Either way, as it stands it is not worth the money with the current rim.
Click to expand...

First, I'm not made of money, though I wish I was. Secondly, I never noticed any flex in the CSR design rim and I think the only reason we're talking about this is because of the aforementioned YouTube video. Finally, the T500RS is an example of a great rim, but at $600 MSRP (~$500 street) it still has tons of compromises in its design as well.

Anyway, it's your money and you should spend it how you see fit. If the rim turns you off, I'm not trying to convince you otherwise. You have your eye on the CSW anyway, as I recall?
 

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