Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel GT Forza Motorsport V2: full review after testing

The ClubSport Steering Wheel GT Forza Motorsport V2 is positioned as a "premium GT-oriented" steering wheel in the Fanatec ecosystem. It's neither the most extreme nor the most exotic of the range, but it's clearly a model designed to become the main wheel in a circuit, endurance and sporty road-driving-oriented setup, especially for Xbox gamers who want the serious stuff.

On paper, it promises a rare combo: official Forza license, Xbox / PC compatibility, ClubSport construction and modern racing-oriented ergonomics. The idea is to have a steering wheel that's fun to drive on a daily basis, precise for timing, and versatile enough to switch from a GT3 to a road car without frustration.

For my part, I approached it with two questions in mind: does it really add anything to the more affordable Fanatec P1 / CSL-type steering wheels, and does it hold its own against higher-end steering wheels in terms of feel, rigidity and pleasure in the hand. The angle is simple: driving sensations, perceived quality, comfort over time and coherence with the asking price.

Design, manufacture and feel

In hand, the first contact is clearly upmarket. The diameter is typically GT, neither too large nor too compact, with a rim shape that immediately puts you at ease: well-dosed thickness, constant grip, no "weird" zones that break the grip. You can tell right away that this is not an entry-level wheel: the density, weight and rigidity of the whole confirm this.

Materials are a big part of the charm. The mix of metal and rim coating gives an impression of serious solidity. The aluminum temples inspire confidence, the buttons feel good under the fingers, and the overall finish is clean, with no parasitic play or hollow-sounding parts. You get the feeling you're holding real sim racing equipment, not a toy dressed up as "racing".

The Forza Motorsport license brings a rather aggressive look, but remains sober. The aesthetic won't necessarily appeal to everyone, especially if you're looking for an ultra-minimalist GT steering wheel in pure racing style, but for an Xbox-oriented setup, it makes sense. The ergonomics of the front panel are well thought-out: everything is accessible without it becoming a Christmas tree.

What's most surprising is the wheel's rigidity under heavy loads. On a powerful base, it doesn't twist, doesn't crack, and doesn't give that impression of flex found on some lighter or all-plastic wheels. You can really lean on it without restraint.

Where I'm a little more measured is on certain finishing details that remain "industrial": the clicks of certain buttons are a little dry, and the palettes feel slightly mechanical compared to high-end modules. Nothing to worry about in game, but if you compare it to even more premium steering wheels, you'll feel that it's a step down in terms of pure luxury feel. Compared with a CSL steering wheel, on the other hand, the difference in solidity and seriousness is clear.

Settings, customization and compatibility

One of the great assets of this ClubSport GT Forza V2 is its natural integration into the Fanatec ecosystem. You can use the usual menus via the base unit (or PC software) to adjust important parameters: overall force, FFB filter, vibration response, angle of rotation and game-specific profiles.

If you're at least a little familiar with the Fanatec world, you'll quickly get the hang of the settings. For someone arriving with no experience, it's bound to take a little getting used to, but nothing dramatic: the presets offered by Fanatec in popular games already provide a very usable base. You can then progressively refine the settings according to your driving style.

This steering wheel also allows a certain degree of customization during the session, thanks in particular to well-positioned buttons and, depending on the configuration, encoders / mini-joysticks to manage ERS, fuel mixture, brake balance, and so on. This is an important point for those who play in cockpit view and drive "cleanly", with a fair amount of live adjustment. In practice, ergonomics quickly become natural.

In terms of compatibility, the presence of the Xbox module makes this steering wheel a logical choice for all those who ride on green consoles and PCs. On PlayStation, on the other hand, it loses its "official" appeal, since PS compatibility depends on the choice of base and not on the steering wheel itself. For a predominantly Xbox user, this is clearly a plus.

In terms of ecosystem, it integrates with the entire Fanatec catalog: CSL, ClubSport or larger Direct Drive chainstays, cranksets, shifters, handbrakes... You can easily start with this wheel on a mid-range chainstay, then move on to a more powerful chainstay without needing to change the wheel. To my mind, it's more a durable steering wheel than a simple entry point: you don't "outgrow" it that quickly as you progress.

In-game sensations: force feedback, grip and immersion

On the track, the ClubSport GT Forza V2 clearly shows its nature as a serious steering wheel. What struck me was the rim's precision in small corrections. You can feel the car loading up with downforce, the steering hardening on corner entry, and the transition between grip and understeer is legible. The steering wheel doesn't float or feel sluggish: it transmits what the base sends out, without rounding off the corners excessively.

On a mid-range base, the force feedback is clean and detailed enough to follow the micro-movements of the front end. Compared to a lighter, entry-level steering wheel, you gain in stability when making quick corrections: you're less likely to overcorrect, because the steering wheel stays firmly in your hands. The well-balanced mass of the rim gives a reassuring feel to changes in grip.

When cornering, you can feel the grip progress. When the car starts to slide, you can feel the lightening in the steering wheel, the little stalls, and the reconnection of the grip on exit. It's not "brutal" like some very stiff steering wheels, but direct enough to give confidence. Important information arrives at just the right moment. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

On the vibrators, the feel obviously depends very much on the FFB setting and the play used, but the steering wheel doesn't filter too much. Aggressive edges remain well marked, while flat vibrators are recognizable without being unpleasant. There's no parasitic vibration from the wheel itself, and noise and resonance are well contained, helping you to stay focused on the ride.

Over long sessions, ergonomics really make the difference. The shape of the rim and the feel of the grip reduce fatigue: you're not fighting with the wheel, you're working with it. Even with a beefy FFB, I didn't feel any particular discomfort in my hands or wrists over the laps, which isn't always the case with thinner or poorly balanced wheels.

In fast corrections, especially on nervous cars, the ClubSport GT Forza V2 remains very stable. You can make up for minor oversteer without going into uncontrollable oscillations. Compared with a lighter steering wheel, you gain that "anchored" feeling that helps you to control rather than react in panic. On a more powerful base, this benefit is even more noticeable: the steering wheel absorbs the force, remains rigid and doesn't give the impression of twisting under load.

Compared with even more high-end and specialized steering wheels, we lose a little in the refinement of ultra-fine sensations, especially on very powerful Direct Drive bases where the slightest detail stands out. But for GT, endurance and modern racing use, the compromise is very good. There's enough detail to drive cleanly and aim for the lap time, but without falling into the permanent over-information that tires you over time.

Overall, immersion is solid: between the Forza design, the feel in hand and the precision of the feedback, you're quickly into the rhythm. It's not the most radical steering wheel in the Fanatec range, but it's clearly one of the most confident on a wide spectrum of cars. For a console gamer who spends a lot of time on Forza, it's a real plus in comfort and control.

Who's it for? What we like, what we don't like

This steering wheel is aimed primarily at intermediate to advanced sim racers who ride regularly and want a coherent piece of equipment with a serious base. It's still affordable for a motivated beginner who knows he'll stay in the hobby, but it would be a little overkill for someone who's totally new to sim racing with no certainty of continuing. On Xbox, it's clearly aimed at those who want to move away from "toy" hardware and towards an experience closer to the real thing, without plunging straight into the very high-end.

What I particularly appreciated was the overall perceived quality. The steering wheel exudes solidity, rigidity and seriousness, making you want to use it every day without question. Secondly, the ergonomics are really well suited to modern games: well-placed buttons, a good grip and a comfortable rim over time mean you can keep on racing without feeling limited. Finally, Xbox + PC compatibility, combined with integration into the Fanatec ecosystem, makes this a purchase that makes sense even if you upgrade the rest of the setup. You get the feeling you're investing in a long-lasting masterpiece.

On the other hand, there are limits to be borne in mind. The distinctive Forza design can be a hindrance if you're looking for a sober, visually versatile steering wheel that can be used in GT, F1 or rallying without a second steering wheel. Then, if you compare it to some ultra-high-end steering wheels, you get the feeling that the paddles and certain buttons aren't up to the level of the most exclusive modules in terms of pure feel: they work very well, but they're not the absolute top in terms of mechanical feel. Finally, the price puts it in a real investment zone: it's not an impulse buy, especially if you come from an entry-level setup. You have to accept the idea of putting a significant sum into a "flywheel" element rather than the base or crankset.

In terms of perceived value, I see it as a product of great interest to someone who wants a solid, versatile main steering wheel capable of supporting several setup evolutions. If you're on a tight budget, there are more affordable options, but you'll lose stiffness, comfort and pleasure of use over time.

Verdict: should you go for the ClubSport GT Forza Motorsport V2?

In a Fanatec setup, this steering wheel clearly changes the "serious" feel of the whole package. We go from a discovery or mid-range-oriented kit to a setup that truly resembles what you'd expect from an accomplished sim racing station. The stiffer rim, the quality of the materials and the precision in hand transform the way you read the car and feel confident in the corners.

On the market, it is positioned as a premium product, without being ultra elitist. It doesn't reach the price and finish delusions of some hyper-specialized wheels, but it clearly stands above "accessible" models in feel and perceived quality. For a serious Xbox gamer, it's probably one of the best compromises between performance, comfort and compatibility.

I'd recommend it above all to simracers who play regularly, who already have or are planning to acquire a decent Fanatec base, and who are looking for a versatile GT steering wheel with a real identity. For an occasional beginner or someone who often changes discipline (rally, F1, drift) and wants an ultra-neutral steering wheel visually, other options may be more coherent.

If you're looking for a solid, immersive, Xbox-compatible GT steering wheel that's built for the long haul, this ClubSport Steering Wheel GT Forza Motorsport V2 could make all the difference to your setup.