Thinking of purchasing Fanatec CSR wheel...

[Mcjoz88]

Basically, my questions are these:

1) Are the shifters from Fanatec good quality? Meaning, if you use the H-pattern shifter, how close does it actually feel to a real car?

2) Is the shifter from the Logitech G27 better? Would there be any way of using the G27 shifter with the CSR wheel, if it is indeed better in feeling?

3) Is the CSR wheel value pack XL, which comes with the CSR wheel, Shifter set, and Elite Pedals a good buy? Meaning, if I were to purchase said pack, I'd have everything I needed to just hook it up and play?

4) Are there any other options out there in the video game wheel market that are comparable or better, which also work with all platforms(PS3, Xbox, PC)? Perhaps buying just the CSR wheel for now, and then finding compatible pedals and a shifter set somewhere else, even if it's not the CSR ones?

5) What games does the CSR wheel work with right now? I'm thinking of buying Dirt 3 and Forza Horizon when it comes out, any info as to the CSR's compatibility with those games? Any other good driving/racing games out there that would be playable with this wheel, on any platform?

I am mainly thinking about purchasing a wheel because I am getting a bit bored with GT5 and Forza using just a controller, and having never driven a car with a manual transmission in real life yet, I'd like to learn somehow, hence the questions about the feeling and authenticity of the shifter set that comes in the CSR wheel value pack XL. Also, with Forza Horizon coming out later this year, I'm sure I'll have plenty of games to use it with...

However, $359.95 is a heck of alot of money for that CSR wheel value pack XL from Fanatec, but if it is a good quality wheel, with realistic feeling in the shifter, pedals, and H-shifter, then I may scrounge up the dough to purchase it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Goshin2568]

1. No. Not at all, but then again, no shifters really feel like a real car.

2. No. CSR shifters are better IMO than G27 shifter.

3. Yes. Great buy. Good value for money too.

4. CSR elite is much better, but much more expensive. Other than that CSR is the best.

5. It will work with Dirt 3 but Dirt 3 doesn't have very good FFB with any wheels. It will be fully compatible with Forza Horizon.


Also note, even though everything might not be super realistic in terms of how the actual hardware feels like a real car, at that price point it's the best by far. And all the skills and muscle memory you learn from driving with a wheel on racing sims for the most part transfer directly over to real life. I would go for it, great fun and great learning. You won't regret it.

 

[MuchoJimbo]

Goshin summed it up nicely. With the Xbox and it's scarcity of wheels, this is the best deal and you will be quite happy, assuming you have a decent rig to attach it to!

 

[Mcjoz88]

Thanks Goshin! I have one more question, regarding the shifter. I have read that the H-pattern shifter is quite noisy, is that true? Also, are there any other h-pattern shifters that are better than the CSR one, but are compatible with the CSR wheel? Or can you only use the CSR shifter set with the CSR wheel?

Also, where I have my TV and game systems, there is not enough space for a full on racing rig, so I'd probably end up just clamping it onto one of those wooden dinner tray things that I have, which you see in stores like Walmart. Do you think that would be sufficient enough? It comes with a clamping system right?

 

[12thgear]

1) Are the shifters from Fanatec good quality? Meaning, if you use the H-pattern shifter, how close does it actually feel to a real car?

The Fanatec 6+R shifter offers good resistance and positive engagement. The CSR version has a nice metal knob and decent weight to it. It's still a long way from the real thing, but it's decent to use.

2) Is the shifter from the Logitech G27 better? Would there be any way of using the G27 shifter with the CSR wheel, if it is indeed better in feeling?

The G27 shifter has a solid metal shaft and I feel it's a more durable design. However, the feel is pretty terrible. It's light and kind of vague.

3) Is the CSR wheel value pack XL, which comes with the CSR wheel, Shifter set, and Elite Pedals a good buy? Meaning, if I were to purchase said pack, I'd have everything I needed to just hook it up and play?

I think the Elite Pedals are what really drive up the value, IMO. I think a load cell brake makes a big difference in realism and braking consistency. The CSR is a good wheel. My only complaint is the rim feels a little cheap. I have the CSR Elite which uses a similar rim, and I think the rim on my GT2 is much nicer.

4) Are there any other options out there in the video game wheel market that are comparable or better, which also work with all platforms(PS3, Xbox, PC)? Perhaps buying just the CSR wheel for now, and then finding compatible pedals and a shifter set somewhere else, even if it's not the CSR ones?

Fanatec is really the only game in town for PC/PS3/Xbox 360 compatibility. The cheapest option would be to get the CSR and the G25/G27 pedal adapter, assuming you can find a set of G25 or G27 pedals for very cheap. It can be done, but you'll need to stalk auctions and classifieds. You could also hold off on a stick shifter for a while, to see how Fanatec's high end ClubSport Shifter ends looks.

5) What games does the CSR wheel work with right now? I'm thinking of buying Dirt 3 and Forza Horizon when it comes out, any info as to the CSR's compatibility with those games? Any other good driving/racing games out there that would be playable with this wheel, on any platform?

On the PC, I've enjoyed Richard Burns Rally, R-Factor, iRacing, Need For Speed Shift, F1 2011, and Dirt 3.

On the PS3 the only racing game I play is GT5, and it's great with a wheel.

On the Xbox 360 the wheel is great with Forza 3 and 4. I've also heard Race Pro is excellent. It works with Project Gotham Racing 3 and 4, but I don't recommend it. The wheel is very precise, but the Project Gotham games have poor wheel support, resulting in a massive on-center deadzone.

As a general rule, when it comes to cross platform games the trend is that you'll get the best force feedback in the PC version over any consoles. And between the two consoles, PS3 versions of racing games usually offer better wheel support.

I am mainly thinking about purchasing a wheel because I am getting a bit bored with GT5 and Forza using just a controller, and having never driven a car with a manual transmission in real life yet, I'd like to learn somehow, hence the questions about the feeling and authenticity of the shifter set that comes in the CSR wheel value pack XL. Also, with Forza Horizon coming out later this year, I'm sure I'll have plenty of games to use it with...

However, $359.95 is a heck of alot of money for that CSR wheel value pack XL from Fanatec, but if it is a good quality wheel, with realistic feeling in the shifter, pedals, and H-shifter, then I may scrounge up the dough to purchase it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

When you take the time to tune Fanatec wheels, you can get some pretty realistic steering feel and feedback. CSR Elite and ClubSport pedals also feel quite nice, and a pressure sensitive brake like a load cell is much more realistic than potentiometers used in cheaper pedals. The biggest hurdle is the shifter. I have yet to use a stick that feels realistic when rowing gears, but I haven't sampled any of the supremely high end shifters. I'm hoping the ClubSport Shifter will get close enough, but that's still a ways off.

The important thing to remember is that you can learn the basic movements of driving a car with a manual transmission by playing a realistic sim, but there are lots of essential sensations you just can't get. In a real car you can feel the clutch grab when starting to engage, via subtle vibrations and minute movement of the car. There are G forces, oscillations, all sorts of additional communication through your feet, hands, and butt that you just can't quite get in a simulation. It's more than just muscle memory. I guess what I'm trying to say is that sim driving is great practice, but it's pretty likely your first few tries in a real car may still go poorly, so don't get discouraged. I think the mix of simulated and real practice will be useful.

Thanks Goshin! I have one more question, regarding the shifter. I have read that the H-pattern shifter is quite noisy, is that true? Also, are there any other h-pattern shifters that are better than the CSR one, but are compatible with the CSR wheel? Or can you only use the CSR shifter set with the CSR wheel?

Also, where I have my TV and game systems, there is not enough space for a full on racing rig, so I'd probably end up just clamping it onto one of those wooden dinner tray things that I have, which you see in stores like Walmart. Do you think that would be sufficient enough? It comes with a clamping system right?

The H-pattern shifter is noisy. It makes a click-clack noise as you move it into and out of each gear. It's loud enough it might annoy people late at night. The CSR shifter is quieter than the standard shifter. The metal reduces some of the resonance. As for other brands of shifters with the CSR wheel, you'd need to use an adapter. There's one out there called the Interfaceone, but it's a home-made device, and I'm not sure how easy it is to acquire. The shifter people tend to use with it is the Thrustmaster TH8 RS, which looks very nice. If you're playing on a PC you can mix and match USB devices, so using a Fanatec wheel and Thrustmaster shifter is a lot easier.

I've been down the folding TV tray sim racing road, and it's a dead end. A solid place to mount a wheel is as important as having a good wheel. You either need a solid desk or a decent stand, like a Rennsport Wheel Stand or Wheelstand Pro.

 

[katpeeler]

I bought the CSR XL value pack a couple months ago and loving it. You asked about the H shifter that comes with it. Well I am not at all impressed with the H shifter because I havent gotten mine to work from day one. It would not syncronize...send Fanatec a video..they sent me another one....still wont sync....And to be honest I realy didn't want to have to send my whole wheel back just for the H shifter since I mainly use the paddles that are on the wheel. And if I feel like having the feel of a shifter I use the sycential shifter that came with it. I realy havent heard of anyone else having issues with the H shifter like I did so dont let it sway you much...Just my oppinion.......

 

[Goshin2568]

Thanks Goshin! I have one more question, regarding the shifter. I have read that the H-pattern shifter is quite noisy, is that true? Also, are there any other h-pattern shifters that are better than the CSR one, but are compatible with the CSR wheel? Or can you only use the CSR shifter set with the CSR wheel?

Also, where I have my TV and game systems, there is not enough space for a full on racing rig, so I'd probably end up just clamping it onto one of those wooden dinner tray things that I have, which you see in stores like Walmart. Do you think that would be sufficient enough? It comes with a clamping system right?

It's a bit noisy, true, but unless your playing with headphones or muted, I find the sound of the game drowns it out. Like 12thgear said, interfaceone + th8 rs would run you about $250, but would be very very good. Much better than CSR shifters.

And no, definitely go with a wheel stand. It's well well worth the money. A TV tray would not work. Like not at all. My favorite wheelstand is the GT Omega, mostly because of the positioning of the gear stick, it's down low like in a real car, not up next to the wheel. It's also small and foldable, and more sturdy than fanatec's wheelstand. Not bad price wise either.
http://www.gtomegaracing.com/purcha...index.php?route=product/product&product_id=28

 

[RodolphoPNeto]

Hi there.

The whole set has a great value, the quality is good, but its definetly far from a real car's response, specially a tuned/racing car. Having driven a couple of sports cars on track, very few sim hardware come close to the real thing, at a crazy price thou. Its a lot of fun, specially if you spend some time on the settings, and enhances the game 100%, but thats it.

Shifter is indeed noisy, but i like it, since in a real racing car the shifting is loud and agressive. Its a good thing that you "feel" that gear.

DO NOT use a wooden tray! Itll compromise the whole experience. The Force Feeback on the CSR is pretty powerful - Get a good, heavy-duty, metal-built stand.

Have fun, you wont regret the purchase.

 

[Crisp]

Way to bring back a dead thread. I agree that having a solid rig is important. I have a GT3 RS that I got back in February 2011 when GT5 was still king and it still works great to this day. Standard pedals and shifter eventually broke. I replaced them with CSR Elite pedals and a CSR shifter and I still play GT5 often of course but over a year and a half of use I think the wheel itself is holding up well. 👍

 

[FosterG]

Good info, think I am finally going to take the plunge and get a stand, CSR and pedals.

 

[Patrick]

Good info, think I am finally going to take the plunge and get a stand, CSR and pedals.

XL pack or regular?

 

[Mcjoz88]

Wow, thanks for all the replies and advice guys! I completely forgot about this thread until now. I just got Horizon, and that made me want to get a wheel again lol. I came back to this forum to ask about the CSR, again, forgetting I had already done so awhile ago.

Anyway, so the CSR is still the cheapest, decent wheel out there? Is there any other options out there that are cheaper, even if that means it's only compatible with the xbox 360? Just asking, because 300 bucks is a lot to me, to spend only on a gaming peripheal of which I'll only be using for about 3-4 games.

 

[12thgear]

IMO the only decent cheap force feedback wheel is the Microsoft Wireless Force Feedback Racing Wheel. It's discontinued and may be tough to find in good shape. The rest of the cheap wheels offer no feedback or vibration only. The Mad Catz Force Feedback Wheel is incredibly overpriced junk. When it comes to in-production wheels, your only option is Fanatec.

 

[Forcone]

About those wheel stands/rigs people have discussed in this thread: I made mine out of 2"/2" "scrap wood" and it's rock solid! I can stand and jump on it if I want to, and it cost me 0€. Well I painted it black, that cost a couple euros. So if you have a tiny bit of skill and will to build one, you can definitely have a sturdy mounting place for your wheel for next to nothing. But yes, a proper FFB wheel always requires a proper place to mount it!

And as others have pointed, Fanatec wheels are probably the only decent wheels on the market at the moment. I've had a GT2 for about a year now, and I've liked it very much! Probably the only real con so far for me is that the FFB is too slow for me as I like drifting. I have to reduce the lock-to-lock rotation of the wheel quite a bit down from the 900 degree max to be able to drift properly. But that's quite a small con. All in all a very good wheel

 

[yakapo]

I liked the g27 shifter better than any fanatec shifter I owned. Primarily because after many hours of use it still works like it was new. Fanatec csr shifter gets sticky after a while. However the g27 does feel a little too light.

 

[Patro]

I just purchased the set myself, and have had it several weeks now. Pretty much for the same reason you did. I began construction on a racing sim, bought Forza, drove 100 miles to get my hands on a Microsoft Wheel/Pedal Assembly. (Can't buy them anymore and who has a wheel for the Xbox anyway) I took it apart, cleaned it up. First thing I noticed was the torrential amount of wheel wobble. I found a true sealed roller bearing did a little grinding and volo! Smoother than any that ever came off the Microshaft shelves! After putting a slick paint job and designing a 1/2" Lexan base that can be secured with bolts the bug hit me. I had forgotten how much fun a driving wheel is....but it still felt like a toy. So like my father before me I began to research. First thing I found out is to move beyond a toy isn't cheap. Mainly because of such small saturation in the market for "quality" equipment. People will run down to their local Wally World and get the only thing they can....some crappy Madcatz toy that looks like a toy, feels like a toy, and operates like one as well. I made the best of my toy, but it is and always will BE a toy. And yes, 400 bucks for a 3 piece setup seems "pricey". After all, you can buy four of the above mentioned "toys" for that amount of green (or whatever color the fiat currency for your country is). After much research (like you I presume) I sucked it up and shelled it out, waiting in eager anticipation for this German Engineered Marvel of Wizardry. Once it came in the mail the love affair began. I completed my sim around this set. Build a bolt through shifter mount, as well as a console with armrest to house the CSR 6+1 shifter. I built a shim for the sequential shifter as the 6+1 is a bit wider. Either can be swapped in about a minute. The pedals received a few races them while on the floor before I began dissecting them. I designed a hinged board with 6 inches of secure adjustability and inverted the pedals. (it does require removal of a few mini Moldex electrical connections so MAKE SURE you photo or write down a good description of where they go. I didn't and spent an hour researching to find someone who posted a pictorial for dummies like me that didn't feel they needed to take the time note things properly. Take the time... Onto the shifter, which was the primary reason that sent me over the top to purchase the CSR set, is unfortunately and easily on the bottom of my satisfaction list. But don't take my word for it. If Fanatec isn't listening...they certainly should be. It's hard NOT to miss a gear in a heated race. There is a hate/hate relationship that goes on between 2nd and 3rd. Other will claim the same mentioning other gears as well. Bottom line is the poor design in the internal gate of the shifter. But for me and others like me on the Xbox, our options are indeed limited. The sequential shifter on the other hand has always been on spot and I can't offer any complaints....BUT country boys like me grew up with a stick. from an old 8N Ford Tractor I learned to drive on to several Camaro's, Chevelles and now a Mitsubishi GTO. Sticks are fun. Period. If sheer speed shiftingis what your looking for use the paddles or the sequential. But for games like Horizon it's the 6+1 for me

 

[G219]

Nice post Patro.

I, like you, started cheap. The DFGT for GT5. Long story short, I wanted a wheel that could function on the PC/360/PS3 and there's really only one game in town for that. I ended up choosing the CSR with CSR Pedals and Porsche shifter.

After that, I needed a proper rig to mount everything to. I was lucky that CNT, which is the same as GTOmega, was in my backyard and was able to pick up a rig at a reduced cost.

Naturally (wow this gets addictive) the next step was to add some tactile to my unit. I did this by following mrlattes threads and got two Aura Pro Shakers and an amp. Let me say I had no idea it would improve immersion by so much!

Might I suggest to you, a Basherboard and TH8RS? Mrbasher makes a great little product that will allow you to use Thrustmasters much better shifter with the CSR regardless of platform. I got one and haven't regretted the decision at all. I only use the H shifters when I'm racing (yes, I get beat A LOT), and the TH8RS is miles better than the G27 or the Fanatecs.

The only thing I'm thinking about now is the Clubsport Pedals.

See you in Colorado,

 

[hennessey86]

I liked the g27 shifter better than any fanatec shifter I owned. Primarily because after many hours of use it still works like it was new. Fanatec csr shifter gets sticky after a while. However the g27 does feel a little too light.

Mine was stiff at first but now its nice and loose but still with some feel which I didn't get with the G27 shifter

 

[Patro]

My friend, I have already been eyeballing that setup. My concern is will the TH8RS work PROPERLY and with more than just Forza, and do so on the Xbox as well as PC? I've also researched a few other options. But 400 bucks for a dream shifter is tad steep for me. TH8RS is a viable option, and the shifter itself has proven itself over time. I now have (as of last night) a two piece 6+1 shifter. It broke right where the handle comes out of the knuckle. Fanatec was wanting a video showing the crappiness of the shifts. Wonder if a still photo of a 2 piece shifter will be good enough? So now it's on the the sequential....

Nice post Patro.

I, like you, started cheap. The DFGT for GT5. Long story short, I wanted a wheel that could function on the PC/360/PS3 and there's really only one game in town for that. I ended up choosing the CSR with CSR Pedals and Porsche shifter.

After that, I needed a proper rig to mount everything to. I was lucky that CNT, which is the same as GTOmega, was in my backyard and was able to pick up a rig at a reduced cost.

Naturally (wow this gets addictive) the next step was to add some tactile to my unit. I did this by following mrlattes threads and got two Aura Pro Shakers and an amp. Let me say I had no idea it would improve immersion by so much!

Might I suggest to you, a Basherboard and TH8RS? Mrbasher makes a great little product that will allow you to use Thrustmasters much better shifter with the CSR regardless of platform. I got one and haven't regretted the decision at all. I only use the H shifters when I'm racing (yes, I get beat A LOT), and the TH8RS is miles better than the G27 or the Fanatecs.

The only thing I'm thinking about now is the Clubsport Pedals.

See you in Colorado,

 

[G219]

It hopefully should be enough. I dropped my Porsche shifters the SECOND I got the TH8RS and this... http://www.basherboards.com/SFA1.

This box makes it so your shifter (after being calibrated) will work on all systems, with all games that recognize Fanatec wheels and shifters. I'm not technical enough to tell you how, but there are plenty threads on this thing.