In the category of high-end pedalboards for sim racing, the Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted occupies a very special place. It remains a "prosumer" crankset (above the entry and mid-range ranges, below the full-pro solutions), but with a real ambition: to get closer to the kinematics of a racing car, especially for the brake and clutch. This inverted model is attractive because it promises a more natural feel, closer to a real cockpit, while remaining compatible with a broad Fanatec ecosystem.

For my part, I approach it from a very concrete angle: braking feel, progressive throttle response, comfort over long sessions and the ability to repeat the same braking points lap after lap. At this price level, we're entitled to expect a clear leap forward compared to entry-level or mid-range cranksets with potentiometers. Here, the heart of the matter is the load cell on the brake and the inverted mechanics that should provide more intuitive control.

This crankset is aimed at riders who want to take a real step forward, without resorting to ultra-sophisticated hydraulic cranksets. The idea is simple: you feel what you see on the screen. You press down, the car reacts, and your brain stops wondering.

Design and manufacturing

The Fanatec ClubSport V3 Inverted immediately conveys a sense of seriousness. Metal structure, inverted pedal arms, massive base plate: you get the clear impression of a block designed to withstand years of violent braking. Metal is omnipresent, with a rather clean finish and no sharp edges or fragile-looking parts. Once mounted on a rigid cockpit, it doesn't budge. No perceptible flex in use, which is essential for a load cell crankset.

What's immediately surprising is the reverse kinematics of the brake and clutch. Visually, it's closer to a race car pedal box. In use, you really feel that the angle of the foot and ankle is different from that of a conventional "floor-standing" crankset. On long sessions, the position may be more natural for some, less so for others, depending on the cockpit and overall posture. But the impression of a "real car" is clearly reinforced.

The pedals themselves exude solidity. The chainrings are adjustable and firmly screwed, and the density of the parts gives confidence. There's none of the "toy" effect of entry-level plastic or light metal cranksets. The finish isn't ultra-luxurious either: it's more a functional industrial look than a showcase object. A few cables are visible, and some pivot points are a little visually rough, but nothing to worry about in use.

Compared with other load cell cranksets in the same segment, the V3 Inverted is well placed. It looks more serious than simpler models with potentiometers, but remains less extreme than a full-metal hydraulic crankset in the "pro" category. It's a very good compromise between robustness and compactness for an immersion-oriented setup.

Settings, customization and compatibility

When it comes to physical adjustments, Fanatec has provided quite a few options. Adjustable chainring position, adjustable pedal travel, adjustable brake hardness with springs and elastomers: there's plenty to adapt the crankset to your style. Where I really felt a difference was in the progression of the brake: you can make it relatively soft at the start, then very firm at the end of the stroke, which helps you dose the attack and block the pressure before the virtual ABS. We're not at the level of a purist simracing full-custom crankset, but the adjustment range is already very usable.

On the software side, the pedalboard is integrated into the Fanatec ecosystem. On the PC, fine-tuning is available via the brand's software: calibration, dead zones, linearity, integrated vibration, etc. The learning curve is reasonable. The learning curve is reasonable: it takes a little time to understand how each parameter impacts in-game behavior, but you don't get lost in obscure menus. A few tries, a few laps around the track, and you'll quickly find a configuration that suits your habits.

On the console, the logic changes slightly. The pedalboard is designed to be used with a compatible Fanatec base, which allows you to benefit from most of the advantages, even if software flexibility remains more limited than on the PC. In any case, the Fanatec ecosystem works in its favor: Direct Drive or belt-driven bases, various steering wheels, shifters, handbrake, everything can be plugged in quite neatly, especially in a fixed cockpit.

In terms of upgradeability, the V3 Inverted is not just an entry point. It's a pedalboard that can clearly accompany a simracer for many years, even when upgrading to more powerful bases or stiffer cockpits. It can also be upgraded with options (springs, tuning kit, mods), making it a durable base, not a disposable purchase.

Sensations in play

On the virtual track, the brake is the star of the ClubSport V3 Inverted. The load cell allows you to work with pressure rather than stroke, and this really changes the way you drive. You put your foot down, apply a certain amount of force, and the car responds in a very predictable way. When it comes to setting braking points, it's a big step forward compared with a soft or spongy potentiometer brake. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

Under heavy braking, the crankset remains perfectly stable. You can plant your foot with confidence, the chassis doesn't flinch, and modulation at the end of braking becomes much finer. Locking the wheels (or triggering the ABS) is easier to read in the visual and aural feedback from the game, because the working base underfoot is consistent. You quickly find a very reliable "muscle memory". Turn after turn, the repeatability of the gesture is its real strength.

On corner entry, this precision is directly apparent. You can gradually release the pressure, keep a slight braking pressure to stabilize the rear end and adjust to within a few percent. This is where this crankset changes the experience compared to a more basic configuration. On an entry-level or mid-range crankset, you're sometimes looking for the limit. Here, you feel it sooner. The loss of braking grip is easier to read, especially in the more demanding simulations.

On vibrators, the brake/accelerator combination is easy to manage. The vibrations built into the pedals (when activated and properly adjusted) add a little extra information, even if this is not what transforms the experience most. What's important is mechanical stability and consistency of response: there's no feeling of play being created, no drift in calibration as the session progresses.

On long sessions, the inverted position really comes into its own. The foot is held in a different, more "pendulous" way, which can relieve some of the strain on certain muscles, especially if your cockpit is well adjusted for inclination and distance. Fatigue will depend very much on your overall posture, but the crankset itself remains consistent from the first to the last lap. The stroke doesn't change, the hardness remains the same, and confidence builds.

Throttle feel is clean and fairly linear. We don't necessarily have the most sophisticated pedal on the market, but we do have good progressiveness and a stroke that can be used to dose re-acceleration out of bends. Quick corrections, especially with powerful rear-wheel drive or GT, are manageable without thinking about it. You play with the tread, you send, and the car responds logically. No surprises, no unpredictable "dead" zones.

Compared with a less advanced crankset, the gain in control is clear. Compared with even more extreme solutions (hydraulics, top tier), the V3 Inverted will be a little less "rough around the edges" in terms of pure mechanical feel, but it remains more than sufficient for the vast majority of simracers, even the most demanding. The level of confidence it gives you, especially under braking, means you can ride hard, cleanly and consistently.

Who's it for? What we like / What we don't like

I see the Fanatec ClubSport V3 Inverted as a pedalboard for sim racers who are already a little invested. It's not the first pedalboard for someone totally new to console sim racing with a simple steering wheel support. Rather, it's aimed at the intermediate to advanced user, already equipped with a rigid cockpit or ready to buy one, who wants to take a real step forward in realism without immediately upgrading to a full pro pedalboard.

What I appreciate most is the consistency of the braking. You press down, and it responds in the same way lap after lap. Secondly, the perceived solidity is reassuring: you feel you can hit it hard without any second thoughts. Finally, the inverted position clearly contributes to immersion. You feel more like you're in a real racing car than in front of a toy on the ground. When properly adjusted, it changes the overall feel of the cockpit.

But there are limits. Installation and integration require a serious cockpit: on a folding flywheel stand or desk, you lose the interest of the pedalboard, or even add unwanted vibrations. Optimal adjustment requires a little time and curiosity, especially to make the most of the load cell and hardness options. Last but not least, this is still a considerable investment, especially if you need to reinforce the chassis or upgrade to a complete Fanatec ecosystem.

In terms of perceived value, it's still coherent: we're paying for a real upgrade, not just a makeover. The difference in braking control is real. You don't just gain in comfort, you gain in potential performance. For a simracer who spends many hours on the virtual track, the question becomes less "how much does it cost" than "how long will I use it". And here, the answer is clearly in its favor.

Verdict

The Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted brings something very concrete to a setup: serious, stable and repeatable braking, with mechanics that come very close to the feel of a real race car. It's not just a cosmetic upgrade, it's a real lever for progress in consistency and confidence, especially if you're driving in demanding sims and looking to fine-tune your braking points.

On the market, it's positioned as an "accessible" premium solution: above the compact, classic load cell cranksets, below the ultra-high-end hydraulic monsters. Its positioning is clear: for someone who wants a definitive or quasi-definitive crankset without going pro, it's a very solid choice.

I recommend it to those who already have a minimum setup (rigid cockpit, regular riding hours) and who feel that their current crankset limits them when braking. If you're looking for a cheap first crankset for occasional fun, this is not the right target. If you're looking to lock in your braking, gain in immersion and build a setup that's got attitude and response, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.