Fanatec - General Discussion

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Hey guys, I’ve been reading a lot of negative comments about the Formula V3 wheel — mainly around the display not being full color and the rotary buttons not being backlit.

Honestly, I might be in the minority here, but I never really look at the display on my wheel, and I don’t think I ever will. For me, it’s just very hard to stay fully focused on driving and at the same time check a small screen on the wheel. Maybe if it was a much bigger display where you could clearly and instantly see things like tire temps, it could have some value — but even then, I’d still prefer that kind of information on the main screen/TV as part of the car’s dashboard, not on the wheel itself.

So when I read all these comments, I kind of feel like I’m missing something, but at the same time it’s just not a feature I personally need or would benefit from.

What would matter much more to me is overall build quality — better materials, better grips, how the wheel actually feels in your hands, comfort during longer sessions. That’s where I’d rather see the money go.
 
Hey guys, I’ve been reading a lot of negative comments about the Formula V3 wheel — mainly around the display not being full color and the rotary buttons not being backlit.

Honestly, I might be in the minority here, but I never really look at the display on my wheel, and I don’t think I ever will. For me, it’s just very hard to stay fully focused on driving and at the same time check a small screen on the wheel. Maybe if it was a much bigger display where you could clearly and instantly see things like tire temps, it could have some value — but even then, I’d still prefer that kind of information on the main screen/TV as part of the car’s dashboard, not on the wheel itself.

So when I read all these comments, I kind of feel like I’m missing something, but at the same time it’s just not a feature I personally need or would benefit from.
I mean, everyone has their own preferences. I'm not fussed about having a display on my wheel, personally, but I do like lots of information on my screen while other's might like to keep that information to their peripherals for the sake of immersion. Same with backlighting - I like backlit buttons as I tend to play in a dark room and I utilise the telemetry effects on my wheel. But we're also pretending to be race car drivers, so people want to have something that looks like the real thing.

I think the main thing, though, is there might be a little bit of FOMO (which I tend to agree with) amongst Fanatec users. They've seen other companies, like Moza and Simagic, release budget wheels and peripherals with features previously confined to the high end and wonder why Fanatec can't do the same. To add to that, Fanatec doesn't exactly make it easy (or as easy as other companies) to use third party accessories even if you are interested in them, especially if you're a console user.

What would matter much more to me is overall build quality — better materials, better grips, how the wheel actually feels in your hands, comfort during longer sessions. That’s where I’d rather see the money go.
There's no reason why Fanatec can't release both new products to keep up with the market space while ensuring the build quality isn't compromised.

All that said, in the recent Reddit AMA, Dom from Fanatec hinted that new styles of wheels are in development. Whether they meet expectations, we'll have to wait and see.
 
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The big challenge with a “full” display on a wheel is that it generally won’t be accepted by the community unless it has SimHub support.

That alone makes it a difficult proposition as Xbox and PlayStation users would need a separate PC just to handle the dash (it’s what I do when playing Forza), and then you get into the complications of “half of the wheel needs to be connected to the console and the screen needs to connect to a PC at the same time”.
 
The big challenge with a “full” display on a wheel is that it generally won’t be accepted by the community unless it has SimHub support.

That alone makes it a difficult proposition as Xbox and PlayStation users would need a separate PC just to handle the dash (it’s what I do when playing Forza), and then you get into the complications of “half of the wheel needs to be connected to the console and the screen needs to connect to a PC at the same time”.
While that's true, there are workarounds. I have a Leoxz XGT Ultimate and, while I have not tested the console compatibility myself, it has a default dashboard and is able to connect to Wifi to pick up data directly from GT7, without the direct need for Simhub.
 
I watched the entire video last night. I currently have a Formula V2.5 and I'm not sure other than a bigger screen if upgrading to a V3 is worth it. Is the larger diameter of the V3 closer to the size of an actual open wheel race car rim or is it just a open wheel styled rim that is closer to the size of a GT3 type rim? What do you gain or lose by going to something a little larger than the V2.5?
Having a Formula V2.5 there is not much to gain in getting a Formula V3. You'd replace the analog joystick with a second 7 way funky switch, replace the paddle mode selector with a third rotary encoder, get stiffer thumb encoders with a button/click feature, you'd get easier to replace hand grips and, get a larger display which gives you some more information when racing and using the tuning menu. You would also lose the vibration motors in the steering wheel. The Formula V3 is just an update to the Formula V2.5.

As someone who does not have A Fanatec Formula wheel, but has the CSL McLaren GT3 wheel, the idea of getting a Formula V3 seems a lot more attractive than getting a Formula V2.5.
 
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I mean, everyone has their own preferences. I'm not fussed about having a display on my wheel, personally, but I do like lots of information on my screen while other's might like to keep that information to their peripherals for the sake of immersion. Same with backlighting - I like backlit buttons as I tend to play in a dark room and I utilise the telemetry effects on my wheel. But we're also pretending to be race car drivers, so people want to have something that looks like the real thing.

I think the main thing, though, is there might be a little bit of FOMO (which I tend to agree with) amongst Fanatec users. They've seen other companies, like Moza and Simagic, release budget wheels and peripherals with features previously confined to the high end and wonder why Fanatec can't do the same. To add to that, Fanatec doesn't exactly make it easy (or as easy as other companies) to use third party accessories even if you are interested in them, especially if you're a console user.


There's no reason why Fanatec can't release both new products to keep up with the market space while ensuring the build quality isn't compromised.

All that said, in the recent Reddit AMA, Dom from Fanatec hinted that new styles of wheels are in development. Whether they meet expectations, we'll have to wait and see.
I also play in a dark room most of the time and I would think backlit buttons would be a no brainer on an "all new design" for a wheel. I don't care anything about the bigger screen as it's not something I use anyway. Like I said in an earlier post, I don't understand what the bigger diameter is for in a Formula style wheel. Is it supposed to feel better in your hands? Is it supposed to give better control and feel? What is the advantage of this bigger design over the previous one?
 
Just used the new update and have now got 18nm on my wheel base. I uninstalled the old version of the App, and installed the new version, and have update all my wheels with no problems to report so far

So hopefully all good and working
 
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I don't understand what the bigger diameter is for in a Formula style wheel. Is it supposed to feel better in your hands? Is it supposed to give better control and feel? What is the advantage of this bigger design over the previous one?
I have the old 2.5 version and don't like it because it's TOO small. Real formula car wheels aren't as small as it is. I find it uncomfortable for long sessions as it begins to tire out my wrists and shoulders because its diameter means my arms are angled inward more than being positioned straight ahead more in line with my shoulders. I'm 6-1, so someone smaller might not suffer from the issue as much as I do. The only reason I haven't sold it is that it works for my 11-year-old. I switched to the GT3 Endurance wheel; it's much larger and much more comfortable for me.
Just used the new update and have now got 18nm on my wheel base. I uninstalled the old version of the App, and installed the new version, and have update all my wheels with no problems to report so far

So hopefully all good and working

I'm waiting for feedback before installing the additional 3Nm.
The torque update is live? They said it was coming next week.
 
I have the old 2.5 version and don't like it because it's TOO small. Real formula car wheels aren't as small as it is. I find it uncomfortable for long sessions as it begins to tire out my wrists and shoulders because its diameter means my arms are angled inward more than being positioned straight ahead more in line with my shoulders. I'm 6-1, so someone smaller might not suffer from the issue as much as I do. The only reason I haven't sold it is that it works for my 11-year-old. I switched to the GT3 Endurance wheel; it's much larger and much more comfortable for me.
Ok that is useful information. So this new one is a little closer in size to what a real racing wheel is. But you would have to get this new rim and the new hub?

I'm 6-0 myself but my problem is in my back. I can't sit in my rig for around 20 minutes before the lower right side of my back starts burning and I have to pause the game and get up and walk around a little.
 
Ok that is useful information. So this new one is a little closer in size to what a real racing wheel is. But you would have to get this new rim and the new hub?

I'm 6-0 myself but my problem is in my back. I can't sit in my rig for around 20 minutes before the lower right side of my back starts burning and I have to pause the game and get up and walk around a little.
It comes with a QR2, so not sure what you mean about getting a new hub. That hub Fanatec introduced is only for using non-Fanatec PC wheels on a Fanatec wheel base.
 
Ok that is useful information. So this new one is a little closer in size to what a real racing wheel is. But you would have to get this new rim and the new hub?
the new Formula V3 is standalone - no additional hub required. Comes complete ready to go unless you want to add the optional APM paddles w 2 extra paddles and analog clutches

The Gt3 endurance wheel is a package made up of the Podium Hub, the PBME module, APM paddles, and the endurance rim
 
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It comes with a QR2, so not sure what you mean about getting a new hub. That hub Fanatec introduced is only for using non-Fanatec PC wheels on a Fanatec wheel base.
the new Formula V3 is standalone - no additional hub required. Comes complete ready to go unless you want to add the optional APM paddles w 2 extra paddles and analog clutches

The Gt3 endurance wheel is a package made up of the Podium Hub, the PBME module, APM paddles, and the endurance rim
Ok thanks for clearing that up.
 
Does anyone have any info about the almost last part of the presentation after the black screen that "teased" something?
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Yes, it's been working in GT7 for months now. Some people seem not to like it or think it doesn't make that big of a difference, but I certainly prefer the way it feels now vs. not having it.
Would you mind sharing your settings with me please?
I really want to like this game because it has so much to offer, but I just do not like the way it feels.
 
Hey folks.

I'm looking for user experiences from those who switched from the standard CSL brake pedal to a load cell one. I've read it's stiffer but what I'm interested in is if it made you faster (after practice). Not interested in the immersion aspect. Thanks.

"Brake with consistency and confidence with the CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit. You’ll be smashing your personal best laps in no time."

Really!?
 
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Would you mind sharing your settings with me please?
I really want to like this game because it has so much to offer, but I just do not like the way it feels.
Try setting the controller vibration to 150 in the GT7 options and set Full Force to 75 on the wheel.
That's what works best for me, you'll feel the engine vibrating on idle, gear changes and every rumble strip.
As for the wheel, I set in game torque to 8 and sensitivity at 1
On the wheel my settings are:
Sens auto
FFB 60
FUL 75
NDP 50
NFR OFF
NIN OFF
INT 11
FEI 100
FOR 100
SPR 100
DPR 100
BLI & BRF are personal preference but I have my BRF at 65
 
Hey folks.

I'm looking for user experiences from those who switched from the standard CSL brake pedal to a load cell one. I've read it's stiffer but what I'm interested in is if it made you faster (after practice). Not interested in the immersion aspect. Thanks.

"Brake with consistency and confidence with the CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit. You’ll be smashing your personal best laps in no time."

Really!?
I used to own the CSL pedals, and added the load cell brake before upgrading all together. I did find upgrading to a load cell brake improved my driving. Applying the appropriate amount of brake pressure became easier for my brain to process. One area I found a noticable improvement was in my trail braking, I'm now a lot more smoother and precise than previously with potentiometer pedal sets.
 
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Hey folks.

I'm looking for user experiences from those who switched from the standard CSL brake pedal to a load cell one. I've read it's stiffer but what I'm interested in is if it made you faster (after practice). Not interested in the immersion aspect. Thanks.

"Brake with consistency and confidence with the CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit. You’ll be smashing your personal best laps in no time."

Really!?
It's ridiculously stiff tbh. If you have the budget I'd recommend getting a new set of pedals. I'm using the Sinmet SP Pro 2 pedal set, great value, build quality and loads of adjustability. They also can be connected directly to the Fanatec wheelbase so can be used on console as well.
 
It's ridiculously stiff tbh. If you have the budget I'd recommend getting a new set of pedals. I'm using the Sinmet SP Pro 2 pedal set, great value, build quality and loads of adjustability. They also can be connected directly to the Fanatec wheelbase so can be used on console as well.
Are you faster with those simnet pedals?
 
Try setting the controller vibration to 150 in the GT7 options and set Full Force to 75 on the wheel.
That's what works best for me, you'll feel the engine vibrating on idle, gear changes and every rumble strip.
As for the wheel, I set in game torque to 8 and sensitivity at 1
On the wheel my settings are:
Sens auto
FFB 60
FUL 75
NDP 50
NFR OFF
NIN OFF
INT 11
FEI 100
FOR 100
SPR 100
DPR 100
BLI & BRF are personal preference but I have my BRF at 65
Gentleman, thank you very much.
 
Hey folks.

I'm looking for user experiences from those who switched from the standard CSL brake pedal to a load cell one. I've read it's stiffer but what I'm interested in is if it made you faster (after practice). Not interested in the immersion aspect. Thanks.

"Brake with consistency and confidence with the CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit. You’ll be smashing your personal best laps in no time."

Really!?
I don't know about smashing your best laptimes

But anyone who is remotely serious about sim racing should use load cell brake pedals

The braking feel is 50x more intuitive and natural then potentiometer pedals.

Get load cell pedals 10,000%. You will NOT regret them. If they make you faster I dont know, but the driving feel is 50x better with them. If anything I think it makes driving easier
 
Its very stiff and kinda annoying.. for a little more, you would get a load cell, and a better throttle.

If i would have known fanatec was going to ignore ffb, on their podium pedals, the v2’s would have been an easy purchase years ago.
 
Its very stiff and kinda annoying.. for a little more, you would get a load cell, and a better throttle.

If i would have known fanatec was going to ignore ffb, on their podium pedals, the v2’s would have been an easy purchase years ago.
I’m genuinely confused. In your first message, you suggested skipping the load cell. Then I asked why, and in your next message you said that for a little more, you could get the load cell. I’m completely lost. I probably don’t fully understand what you’re trying to say—could you clarify?
 
I guess he was trying to say skip V1 and go for V2s.

You can tune the V1s with custom springs or aftermarket elastomers to be just as good brake wise, or you can just go with the V2s and get everything out of the box.

Or - you can go with the Simnets and get much better pedals than V1s, V2s, V3s, for the same (or less) cost.
 
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