Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

  • Thread starter Thread starter Crispy
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One thing to add to this CSRE/CSW vs T500 thing..... I don't think we'll see many people jumping ship if they already have the T500. Where this will give some competition is with the people who are currently using G25/27/DFGT/etc/etc wheels that are looking to upgrade. That's where they are going to have to decide if they want to spend more money to get the Fanatec and a great set of pedals, or spend less and get the T500.

I think either way, it's a great time to be a sim racer! :)

here's some of your "superior" fact.
http://www.insidesimracing.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=149&t=5837

btw superbike don't take it personaly, i know you guys in GTP community will do a thorough review.

peace and merry christmas:)

Not taking any of it personally, and I didn't mean to be so direct, it's hard to convey lightheartedness on the internet.

The thread you have posted is the CSR (the wheel I currently own), not the CSR-E that is being reviewed here. The CSR-E is built on the same wheel rim, but with better materials. I can't say I understand why they chose to use the same wheel rim, as I agree when someone else said it's awfully cheap looking for such a nice wheel base.

The reviews I've seen so far say that it is indeed superior to the the T500RS, but like I said in my last post, you do have to spend more money.

Either way, both are great wheels, I just think the CSW will fit me much better, and I absolutely *hated* the T500 pedals when I tried them a month or so ago.
 
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Your in for a good treat then, this wheel is incredible, trust us.

Mr Latte, that's what I call taking one for the team. I'm glad I didn't try that, the only paperclips I have are those mini ones good for picking locks. Here are some of my findings from last night.

I never really managed to test this wheel on PC. I got it hooked up, ready to play, and...the demo of GTR2 doesn't really like the term FFB. I just got a really tight center spring as it's "so called force-feedback" so I decided to give that a rest until I can get a full copy. I was about to exit the game when I noticed something. This wheel is recognized as it's own self now! No longer does it say "Logitech G27" under the listed game controllers, it now says "Fanatec CSR Wheel" which must mean that this and the CSR are both recognized as their own wheel. No more identity theft. Will this mean better compatibility when the CSW comes out?

With a failed attempt at PC gaming, I went out to try out GT5 on the PS3. Wow, I forgot how good the FFB effects were on this game, and they're even better on the Elite. Enough about that though, does this wheel make you faster? Well, since I've used GT5 with a wheel before, I think I'll try and beat some of my times. The first of which was a Tuned NSX-R on Grand Valley. My previous time was a 1:53.7xx. So, I grab hold of my CSR Elite and set out. Already through the first set of corners it lists me as .1xx on the split time. Good, very very good. Out through the last corner, and over the finish line I get a 1:51.3xx, over two seconds faster! Is this proof that the CSR Elite is faster than previous Porsche wheels? Quite possibly, is it proof that I've gained driving experience enough to master 2 Seconds a lap quicker than my last time in two weeks? Highly unlikely, but it's possible. Is it a combination of both? Probably, but that still means that the Elite will overall make you faster. Provided you have the skill level to achieve consistent lap times that is.

Mr Latte, what have you found about this? Have you found the Elite making faster lap times then say the previous Porsche wheels? What about the T500? I'm sure this is a big point, as a lot of people will be looking to go faster. I want to know if I just gained Skill Level, or I'm truly faster with one wheel.
 
Your in for a good treat then, this wheel is incredible, trust us.

Mr Latte, that's what I call taking one for the team. I'm glad I didn't try that, the only paperclips I have are those mini ones good for picking locks. Here are some of my findings from last night.

I never really managed to test this wheel on PC. I got it hooked up, ready to play, and...the demo of GTR2 doesn't really like the term FFB. I just got a really tight center spring as it's "so called force-feedback" so I decided to give that a rest until I can get a full copy. I was about to exit the game when I noticed something. This wheel is recognized as it's own self now! No longer does it say "Logitech G27" under the listed game controllers, it now says "Fanatec CSR Wheel" which must mean that this and the CSR are both recognized as their own wheel. No more identity theft. Will this mean better compatibility when the CSW comes out?

With a failed attempt at PC gaming, I went out to try out GT5 on the PS3. Wow, I forgot how good the FFB effects were on this game, and they're even better on the Elite. Enough about that though, does this wheel make you faster? Well, since I've used GT5 with a wheel before, I think I'll try and beat some of my times. The first of which was a Tuned NSX-R on Grand Valley. My previous time was a 1:53.7xx. So, I grab hold of my CSR Elite and set out. Already through the first set of corners it lists me as .1xx on the split time. Good, very very good. Out through the last corner, and over the finish line I get a 1:51.3xx, over two seconds faster! Is this proof that the CSR Elite is faster than previous Porsche wheels? Quite possibly, is it proof that I've gained driving experience enough to master 2 Seconds a lap quicker than my last time in two weeks? Highly unlikely, but it's possible. Is it a combination of both? Probably, but that still means that the Elite will overall make you faster. Provided you have the skill level to achieve consistent lap times that is.

Mr Latte, what have you found about this? Have you found the Elite making faster lap times then say the previous Porsche wheels? What about the T500? I'm sure this is a big point, as a lot of people will be looking to go faster. I want to know if I just gained Skill Level, or I'm truly faster with one wheel.

Is it possible you can buy something like Ferrari Virtual Academy to test the wheel on: http://www.ferrarivirtualacademy.com/game/en/download.jsp

It has got great Force Feedback and highly realistic tracks and cars so you should be able to feel a lot in the wheel.

For sure, a better wheel as far as hardware is concerned would not gain you 2 seconds but more your preference would. There is probably more consistency due to faster wheel speed and detailed FFB over say a DFGT, but in raw speed, it may be no time between them.
 
I think it all comes down to personal preferences. But getting 2 seconds faster with fairly limited experience on a brand new wheel at least attests to it's overall quality.
 
Crispy I was faster on GT5 with the Elite than I was with the T500RS in doing a 2 hour TT one day by about 4 tenths. Was this the wheel or the pedals, not certain but the T500RS for wheel feel has been dethroned. The only thing I see it having as an advantage is the "Power" which may be a bit stronger and certainly was in some games for me. Even that is under doubt now with the latest firmware needing to re-test the CSRE.

I want to go back and do this more with the new firmware. I already have beaten my F355 Challenge ghosts on Laguna Seca (FM4) with the new firmware which has improved the wheel a lot in the feedback you feel and the progression of the steering over the old firmware I had.

Im ignoring the trolls and speculators.
They arnt worth trying to convince but it is quite rude to implicate those with wheels. Our integrity or comments for the reviews are presummed biased or because of being able to obtain the wheels cheaper. If they have such little interest in the products then why are they still here trying to convince people otherwise. I have chatted with several testers for CSRE / CSW and we all have shared similar reactions and opinions in general regards the quality of the wheel.

Fanatec need to bring out the CS shifter and hopefully work with the community on an improved almost CSW quality rim for CSRE. If they do that then really I see little need to keep the T500RS. If anything Id want CSRE and CSW combo.
 
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People that want to mess around with these bolts, be pre warned. Unless the new retail wheels have something to prevent this happening or coming off so easy then I would recommend owners do not mess around with this particular feature or take great care in doing so. Leave it be unless the belts start to slacken from prolonged usage.

Thomas has stated to me they will consider putting in some form of "Warning / Notification" for customers to be aware of this in the future.

Thanks for posting this. This is probably something I would do as well just for fun. Although that sounds sarcastic I really do like tweaking things.
 
ok so i just refreshed Thomas blog and looks like US wheels are still in customs :( hopefully they release soon

EU pre-orders are also back up with limited quantity also with a xmas delivery :) so those in the EU that didnt get a chance to pre-order have a chance now. This probly means US will also have pre-orders up again a soon as customs clears
 
left888
Why do you continue to attack me? I make a valid point and you assault me, WTF?

Continue to attack you? You're delusional........I've never "attacked" you once or addressed my dislike for your pot stirring on this forum until now. I think you have me confused with one of the several other people you've had your keyboard battles with in the past. Seems awfully odd for a guy to claim I continually attack him on the forum yet thought so much of me as to send me a friend request a few weeks back.

Valid point? You didn't raise a valid point in your original post that I called you on.....you made a speculative one.

left888
I think a few people are going to be surprised at how problematic the new Fanatic wheels are going to be.

A post like that is wide open to interpretation......to me it's implying the wheel as a whole is suspect quality wise. Again.....pretty bold statement to make based on your zero hours of CSR E use. In the future you should do what more of the respected individuals around here do......unless you own it or have had time with a product you shouldn't be making statements on it at all in terms of its quality or reliability. It's the equivalent of a car review magazine passing judgement on a car without actually driving the damn thing.

If you want to carry this on do it by PM.
 
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Right, you have never touched a T500 yet you are qualified to say I am bashing Fanatec? that's your logic? I own a Fanatec GT2 and 2 sets of CSP but if I make any comment that (people like you) find offensive you jump all over me.

Fanatec has made their peace with me months ago with an apology, yet (people like you) find it offensive any time the slightest bad thing is said about Fanatec, that kind of puts you in the fanboy club, don't you think?
 
If you want to carry this on do it by PM.

This is apparently an impossibility to left888, as evidenced by his choice to (yet again) reply in public when asked not to. Can we get back on topic please? Is it possible to set someone's posts to ignore so I don't even have to be alerted to a new post again and again only to see yet more bait?
 
mikemav
This is apparently an impossibility to left888, as evidenced by his choice to (yet again) reply in public when asked not to. Can we get back on topic please? Is it possible to set someone's posts to ignore so I don't even have to be alerted to a new post again and again only to see yet more bait?

There is no ignore button, still there is a report button of you want to alert mods to take action.

Anyhow to get back on topic I just bought the Ferrari challenge game for pc so I can use it to test it with the CSW. Just did a few laps with my T500 RS and I am amazed at the FFB. It is really well done. Now just to hope the CSW will be better. ;)
 
As anyone from Canada received a confirmation email from Fanatec about the CSR-E ? My order number seems pretty low and i didn't receive any news... What I'm thinking is it will take looonger to ship to Canada than USA..

What do you think ?
 
There is no ignore button, still there is a report button of you want to alert mods to take action.

Anyhow to get back on topic I just bought the Ferrari challenge game for pc so I can use it to test it with the CSW. Just did a few laps with my T500 RS and I am amazed at the FFB. It is really well done. Now just to hope the CSW will be better. ;)
When you say Ferrari Challenge, do you mean the one I recommended earlier FVA?: https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=6330439#post6330439
 
When you say Ferrari Challenge, do you mean the one I recommended earlier FVA?: https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=6330439#post6330439

Indeed. Ferrari Virtual Academy. I'm sorry I got the name wrong. lol
It seems I got a mail from Ferrari earlier with a discount code of -30% but forgot about it, silly me. So i'll buy the game for my dad to play with as well. He loved it just now anyway and its his birthday soon. ;)


Checking it right now guv'nor.

Edit. I can see why Thomas picked you.

You honestly didn't know huh? I reckoned you did since I see you lurking around these parts of the woods for a long time already. Sorry about my presumptions earlier.

I still don't know why Thomas picked me as I am not that good in reviewing stuff in my humble opinion.
 
Indeed. Ferrari Virtual Academy. I'm sorry I got the name wrong. lol
It seems I got a mail from Ferrari earlier with a discount code of -30% but forgot about it, silly me. So i'll buy the game for my dad to play with as well. He loved it just now anyway and its his birthday soon. ;)
Also enable hardmode, go to directory where you installed it for example: C:\fva14\content\system and then open the fva.ini in like notepad. Might need to open up notepad with administrator controls to be able to edit files depending on OS you are using. Change HARDMODE=0 to HARDMODE=1. Should improve FFB to an even higher level. The braking is awesome in the game and that comes from someone who uses DFGT pedals.
 
zibook
As anyone from Canada received a confirmation email from Fanatec about the CSR-E ? My order number seems pretty low and i didn't receive any news... What I'm thinking is it will take looonger to ship to Canada than USA..

What do you think ?

I'm one of the very first to order an Elite and I haven't heard anything. And you're correct.....it will take longer to ship to Canada. All our stuff is shipped via USPS Priority International. I'm in Ontario and have ordered numerous times from Fanatec and on average it's taken 7-8 business days to get to me from the day it shipped. Including tomorrow there's 8 business days left until Xmas so my gut tells me that unless our wheels are out the door tomorrow from the warehouse the majority of us in Eastern Canada won't be getting them until after Xmas.

On a side note I did a little mod to my CSR today. A lot of the GT5 crowd have issue with the Forza logo on the CSR & CSR E. well a little 3M black vinyl and an Xacto knife make easy work of that:

b1760f6f.jpg
 
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Also enable hardmode, go to directory where you installed it for example: C:\fva14\content\system and then open the fva.ini in like notepad. Might need to open up notepad with administrator controls to be able to edit files depending on OS you are using. Change HARDMODE=0 to HARDMODE=1. Should improve FFB to an even higher level. The braking is awesome in the game and that comes from someone who uses DFGT pedals.

Playing around with the Ferrari Wheel add-on now. Look in my sig for what I am using currently.
I'll enable hardmode now and see. Thanks for the tip 👍
 
Playing around with the Ferrari Wheel add-on now. Look in my sig for what I am using currently.
I'll enable hardmode now and see. Thanks for the tip 👍
No problem. Perfect setup for FVA, will be interesting to hear your impressions of the CSW when you get it considering you currently have the direct rival ;).
 
Hey, nice sig :)

Yeah, I kindly stole it from a certain someone and edited a bit. I was a tad lazy, forgive me. :sly:

Logi. another tip here to ajust perfectly your Ferrari Wheel add-on on FVA:
http://ts.thrustmaster.com/download/accessories/pc/wheels/presets/T500RS/FVA_AdrenalinePack_FerrariF1_T500.pdf

When done all preprogrammed functions will be just like on the real car (KERS, DRS, Brake Bias +, Brake Bias -) 👍

Thanks, edited and now i'm going to run it again. I still need to learn the tracks though. The FFB has indeed improved. 👍

EDIT: The 400 degree lock sucks. It's best to leave it at a nice 900 degrees, then your wheel is more precise like it should plus it moves in sync with the cockpit wheel. Also when using the 400 degree lock, the real lock in game is about 200 degrees it seems. :S
 
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