Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 for Xbox : test & full review

On the sim racing steering wheel market, the Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 for Xbox plays a very precise card: a flat, GT/endurance-type steering wheel designed for high-end Fanatec bases, while retaining built-in Xbox compatibility. Its aim is not to impress with extravagant looks, but rather to offer a serious, efficient and versatile driving tool.

This model is clearly aimed at gamers who want a clean, functional, performance-oriented wheel, without the frills of overly blinged-out wheels. It promises good ergonomics, serious rigidity and seamless integration into the Fanatec ecosystem, with the added bonus of Xbox interface via the central hub.

My angle of analysis here is simple: feel in hand, build quality, in-game ergonomics, and coherence with its price and category. In short: is it a real upgrade in a Fanatec setup, or just another "nice" wheel in the catalog? Because on a steering wheel, it's all about the first 2-3 laps: if the grip isn't convincing, you can't forgive it. And if, on the contrary, everything falls naturally to your fingers, you immediately gain in confidence.

Design and manufacturing

The ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 for Xbox is based on the Fanatec philosophy: a combination of aluminum, synthetic materials and leather or imitation leather (depending on version) with a clear, uncluttered structure. The first thing that strikes you is its flat format: the rim has very little camber, giving it that "GT / prototype" feel and an immediate sensation of direct control, with no superfluous distance between the hands and the column.

In hand, the steering wheel gives an impression of controlled density. It's no featherweight, but it's no anvil either. Its rigidity is good: you don't feel any parasitic torsion when you push it hard on a sturdy Direct Drive base. The metal temples, combined with the central Xbox hub, add a sense of seriousness. You feel like you're holding a real tool, not a decorative toy. When the FFB throws big blows on a powerful base, nothing moves, nothing creaks, everything stays solid.

Overall, the finish is clean: correct fit, well-integrated screws, sober logos. Handle grips offer decent grip, even over long sessions. We're not at the level of a hand-stitched, high-end 100 % leather steering wheel, but for a sim racing steering wheel, the overall package remains coherent. What really stands out is the balance between comfort and support: the grips are neither too thick, nor too thin.

The small disappointment, in my opinion, comes less from the quality than from the "somewhat wise" side of the design. Aesthetically, it looks very serious, very functional, but it lacks a little visual "wow" factor. Compared to some of the more racy Clubsport or Podium steering wheels, this one looks more utilitarian. On the other hand, this understated look appeals to those who don't like flashy designs.

Compared with plastic or entry-level steering wheels, the difference in rigidity and seriousness is clear. Compared with Fanatec's even more premium steering wheels, we feel we've fallen just short on certain details of material and refinement, but the solidity/price ratio remains credible.

Settings, customization and compatibility

The ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 for Xbox is based on the Fanatec ecosystem. The "customization" part therefore mainly involves the base used (Clubsport, CSL, DD...) and the settings in the Fanatec driver or via the base's screen / OSD.

The integrated buttons and controls on the Xbox hub are well placed: Xbox keys, sticks and function buttons all fall nicely under the fingers. Honestly, navigating console menus, configuring assists and managing button remaps is a breeze. The logic is clear: you have everything you need to control an Xbox or PC game without having to pull out the keyboard or controller every time.

True customization is achieved by assigning buttons to in-game functions (DRS, ERS, headlights, radio, pit limiter, etc.). Thanks to the number of buttons available, you can really create a configuration suited to GT, modern F1, multi-class or even asphalt rallying. The flat format lends itself well to disciplines where you keep your hands in a fixed position, with small, precise corrections.

The learning curve is reasonable: if you already know Fanatec, you'll find the same logic. If you're new to the brand, it takes a little time to memorize where all the commands are, especially on Xbox with the system functions. But once you've got your bearings, you don't think, you act.

In terms of compatibility, the integrated Xbox hub enables use on recent Xbox consoles, plus of course on PC via a Fanatec-compatible base. On PlayStation, it's not the wheel that determines compatibility, but the base, so keep that in mind. In a Fanatec ecosystem, this steering wheel integrates seamlessly: Fanatec pedals, shifters, handbrake, rigid cockpit, everything goes together.

In terms of upgradeability, this is a product that can clearly accompany a basic move upmarket. It's not limited to the entry-level range: mounted on a powerful Direct Drive base, it can keep up without a hitch. It's not a transitional steering wheel to be replaced at the slightest basic upgrade; it can remain in a serious setup for a long time.

Sensations in play

Where this steering wheel really comes into its own is on the track. The flat format really changes the way you feel the car. You feel more "glued" to the steering, with less distance between gesture and reaction. On a GT or prototype-type track, this geometry gives very precise control in fast sequences.

In terms of FFB, the rim doesn't add an unnecessary filter. What the base sends out, we receive quite directly. On fast bends, the increasing load on the steering wheel is clearly visible. Grip and understeer/oversteer transitions are clear. You can feel when the front starts to slip and you need to lift your foot slightly or adjust the steering wheel. "You immediately understand what the car is doing."

Grip reading is particularly clean on Direct Drive bases: the steering wheel doesn't vibrate in all directions for no reason, but transmits micro-information well: small losses of grip on acceleration, rear axle lightening on a vibrator, grip variations between the inside and outside of the trajectory. On a less powerful base (belt-type), the feel is still good, but inevitably a little "softer". The steering wheel doesn't subtly transform an average FFB, it simply follows what you give it.

Vibrators are well rendered. It's easy to distinguish between a flat F1-type vibrator, a large aggressive vibrator or a slightly broken edge. The steering wheel remains rigid: there's no impression of flex or torsion, even when you drive hard over the edges. You feel the impact, but there's no parasitic vibration due to the material itself. That's what gives it that clean, controlled feel. "You feel the track, not the plastic."

For quick corrections, the flat format helps a lot. On a slide, a stall at the rear, a chicane attacked a little too hard, the ability to correct quickly and precisely is felt. A steering wheel that's too deep or too thick doesn't get in the way. The grips at 9:15 offer good ergonomics for countering oversteer in a fraction of a second. The steering wheel's inertia remains contained, and there's no feeling of heaviness during fast maneuvers.

Over long sessions, comfort holds its own. Hands don't tire excessively, provided the base's FFB is reasonably adjusted. Gloves are not compulsory, although on very powerful bases they are a plus for grip and hand protection. The surface does not become slippery, even with a little perspiration. You can ride for 30 minutes, then 1 hour, without feeling any particular discomfort from the steering wheel itself.

In terms of overall immersion, the steering wheel does the job well. The flat look, accessible buttons and direct feel give you that feeling of being in a modern GT or proto, especially with a good, rigid cockpit and a large or triple screen. Compared with a rounder, road-typical steering wheel, we gain in precision in braking zones and in rapid braking. Compared with an even more extreme, top-of-the-range steering wheel, you lose a little in terms of "luxury" feel, but you retain the essential: control and fine reading of the car.

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

The ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 for Xbox is aimed primarily at intermediate to advanced simracers who already have a Fanatec base or are considering switching to one, and who drive a lot of GT, LMP, modern or multi-class cars. It remains accessible to motivated beginners who know they want an upgradeable, durable setup, but it may be overkill for someone who occasionally plays in arcade mode.

What I appreciate most is the stiffness and overall solid feel. On a Direct Drive base, you don't have to be afraid of mounting the FFB: the wheel can take it without flinching. Then there's the flat format, highly effective for serious riding: precision, quick corrections, direct feel from the front. Finally, Xbox integration is a real plus if you're playing on a console: no need to juggle joysticks and steering wheels, everything is managed from the hub.

As far as limitations are concerned, the design may seem a little too sober for those who like their steering wheels very "racing" visually, with lots of rotors, colors and LEDs everywhere. Button ergonomics, while good overall, remain a compromise: everything is accessible, but some very fussy players will prefer layouts more specific to F1, rally or pure GT. And of course, this is a product that represents a significant investment: the perceived value is there, but you feel you're paying for Xbox compatibility, build quality and the ecosystem.

In terms of value for money, I see it as a wheel that stands up well if you intend to stay with Fanatec for a long time and exploit a serious base. For a one-off setup or a first purchase with no long-term vision, it may seem a little expensive. For a simracer with a long-term vision, it makes a lot more sense.

Verdict

The Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 for Xbox doesn't revolutionize a setup on its own, but it clearly solidifies it. It transforms a decent base into a much more serious package, and allows a high-end base to express its full potential without being limited by the steering wheel. It's a component that pulls your setup upwards, especially if you're a frequent GT or endurance racer.

On the market, I'd place it in the "reasonable premium" segment: more serious and robust than an entry-level or mid-range wheel, but without reaching the ultra-specialized extravagance of very high-end wheels. Its real strength lies in its balance: robust enough for powerful bases, versatile enough to cover several disciplines, ergonomic enough for console + PC use.

I'd recommend it to gamers who want a flat, rigid, Xbox-compatible steering wheel, and who ride regularly with a minimum of seriousness. For someone who occasionally plays on an arcade console, this won't be the best choice, as there are simpler and cheaper options. For a simracer who wants a reliable, clean steering wheel capable of keeping up with a progression in level and equipment, it becomes very interesting.

If you're looking for a flat, performance-oriented wheel that fits neatly into a Fanatec setup on Xbox and PC, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.