Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel RS: my opinion after use

In the Fanatec ecosystem, the ClubSport Steering Wheel RS is positioned as a "classic" GT- and touring-oriented steering wheel, designed to accompany the ClubSport and CSL DD bases. It doesn't pretend to be an ultra-racing prototype or an F1 wheel, but rather a serious, comfortable, multi-purpose steering wheel capable of accompanying the majority of everyday simracers.

What it promises is a mix of auto diameter realism, a more upscale finish than an entry-level wheel, and broad compatibility with Fanatec bases. Above all, it appeals to those who want to get away from the small, e-sport-style steering wheels and get back to the feel of a real sports or GT road car.

My angle of analysis is simple: build quality, comfort over long sessions, efficiency in terms of control, and relevance to the rest of the Fanatec range. I'm less interested in the "wow effect" than in the real added value on the track: precision of inputs, feeling in the hands, ease of adaptation, and overall coherence in a PC or console setup.

Design and manufacturing

In hand, the ClubSport Steering Wheel RS immediately gives the impression of a serious product. The road car/GT-type diameter immediately changes the stance compared to more compact steering wheels. There's a good balance between realistic size and maneuverability. The hoop has a certain density, so you don't get the impression of an empty toy.

The materials breathe solid mid-range: metal structure, overall clean finish, with leather trim that fits well in the hand. Stitching is clean, grip zones are consistent, and the steering wheel doesn't squeak when bent slightly. In terms of rigidity, I didn't feel any annoying flex, even with a more torquey Direct Drive base.

The paddles on the back are a real highlight. Their action is straightforward, with a clear mechanical click that's neither sluggish nor harsh. You can chain together gear changes without fear of missing an impulse. It's a pleasure in both GT and asphalt rallies.

What's surprising is the overall coherence of the package. Nothing looks "cheap" at first glance. This is clearly a step up from entry-level plastic wheels or lighter, bundle-type steering wheels.

What's a little disappointing, especially at this level of the range, are a few details: the slightly hollow feel of some of the buttons, a very sober overall design that's even a little wise, and a weight that may seem a little high for those coming from more compact wheels. Compared to some of the brand's higher-end wheels, we can feel that Fanatec has kept a few refinements for the models above.

Compared to competing products in the same segment, the RS holds its own in terms of solid feel and leather. We're on to something credible for a simracer that wants a durable main steering wheel, without falling into absolute luxury.

Settings, customization and compatibility

The ClubSport Steering Wheel RS benefits directly from the Fanatec ecosystem. Once mounted on a compatible base, settings are made both via the base menus and the PC software. The presets integrated into Fanatec bases are already sufficient to ensure consistent behavior, especially if you stick to familiar simulations.

The controls on the steering wheel are well distributed to configure the game's essential functions: view, pit, traction control, fuel mixture, depending on the title. The buttons are numerous without being intrusive, and you get the hang of them pretty quickly. For me, the learning curve was more about optimizing the FFB for each game than getting the hang of it physically.

To adapt the steering wheel to your style, the really useful settings remain the basic ones: FFB intensity, filtering, damper, interpolation. The RS handles variations well, whether you want a raw feel for rallying or a more filtered return for endurance. The larger diameter just takes a little getting used to, if you're coming from a formula steering wheel.

In terms of compatibility, the wheel does what you'd expect from a Fanatec wheel in this range: it can be used on PCs and consoles via compatible bases, with its own detection and standard button management. This makes it a reassuring choice for someone who alternates between PC and console.

The surrounding ecosystem is clearly an advantage: pedals, shifters, handbrakes, everything integrates naturally. The ClubSport Steering Wheel RS plays its role of "GT main wheel" in an evolving setup. You can start off with a mid-range base, then build up power without having to change wheels immediately.

In terms of longevity in a setup, I see it as an anchor point rather than just a transition wheel. You can easily keep it as your main steering wheel, or a secondary one dedicated to GT cars, even after switching to a more muscular base.

Sensations in play

On the track, the ClubSport Steering Wheel RS is best judged by the way it transmits what the car is doing. The realistic diameter makes a big difference to the FFB: movements are a little fuller, corrections a little more natural, especially in GT3, touring or light drifting.

When cornering, you can feel the load transfers. The way the steering wheel "settles" in your hands as you enter a curve gives you confidence. Feedback is clear without being aggressive, provided the base is properly adjusted. You can clearly feel when the front end begins to slide, with a gradual rather than abrupt loss of resistance.

When it comes to reading the grip, the RS doesn't betray the base. On a less powerful, mid-range-type base, there's a good deal of finesse in the micro-variations of torque. On a stronger Direct Drive, the steering wheel takes the strain without flinching, and the structure doesn't give the impression of twisting. What I found most useful was the car's ability to feel the limit in long lean: it announces quite clearly if you're a little too optimistic.

On vibrators, you get a precise rendering, especially on flat vibrators or protruding edges. Texture is clearly distinguishable without the steering wheel becoming a jackhammer, provided you don't overdo the settings. The aggressive edges of GT or F1-type tracks stand out well, and you know exactly when you're biting off too much.

In fast corrections, the larger diameter means you have to move your arms a little more than with a small single-seater steering wheel. On the other hand, the grip is very stable, and control remains good in rear-wheel slides. You can catch a slide with fluid movements, and you're not fighting against the material. You quickly understand what the car is doing.

Over long sessions, the comfort of the hoop takes over. The leather doesn't tire the hands, and the steering wheel section is well-sized, neither too thin nor too thick. Fatigue comes more from the intensity of the base than from the wheel itself. For endurance, it's a real strong point.

Compared with a less powerful base, the steering wheel's behavior remains coherent: the progressiveness of effects remains legible, even if the richness of detail depends above all on the FFB motor. Connected to a higher-torque base, micro-effects become more nuanced and lateral forces more realistic, and the RS follows suit without showing any structural weakness.

In terms of overall immersion, the whole thing works well. There's that feeling of driving a "real" car rather than a video game machine, especially on GT simulation-oriented titles. It's not the steering wheel alone that creates immersion, but it never breaks it. It takes a back seat to the car, which is exactly what we're looking for at this level.

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

The ClubSport Steering Wheel RS is clearly aimed at the intermediate to advanced simracer who wants a serious GT steering wheel, compatible with PC and console via Fanatec bases, without immediately switching to highly specialized or overpriced steering wheels. It's also suitable for motivated beginners who already know they're going to stick with simulators, and prefer to invest directly in durable equipment.

What I appreciate most is the diameter and shape of the steering wheel, which gives a very natural gesture, close to that of a real sports car. The result is greater comfort, more precise cornering and better control of the car under pressure. Secondly, the overall perceived quality is reassuring: solid materials, pleasant leather, efficient paddles, it feels like it's made to withstand hundreds of hours of use. Last but not least, its broad compatibility with the Fanatec ecosystem makes it a simple choice: you know it'll fit into an existing or future setup without any headaches.

But there are limits. The design remains rather conservative, even a little generic, for those who want a steering wheel with a strong visual character. The buttons could do with a more premium feel, as some seem a little standard for this product category. Finally, the weight may seem a little high on entry-level bases, which can give a slight impression of heaviness when changing direction very quickly, especially if the FFB is set high.

In terms of investment, this is clearly a serious product rather than a gadget. The perceived value is coherent if you intend to use it as your main GT steering wheel for several years. For an occasional user or a gamer who remains mainly arcade-oriented, this may be a little ambitious. For a regular simracer, the quality/longevity ratio makes sense.

Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel RS verdict

In a sim racing setup, the ClubSport Steering Wheel RS brings one thing above all else: a solid, versatile base for everything that revolves around sports, GT and touring road cars. It replaces the small original steering wheels, offering a more natural feel and better readability of the car's reactions.

On the market, it's clearly positioned in the upper mid-range, between the often more plastic entry-level wheels and the ultra-specialized high-end models. It's a pivotal product for many simracers: high enough quality to last, without going overboard on price.

I'd recommend it to players who regularly race GT or multi-disciplines, who want a single, reliable main steering wheel, and who are already or plan to be in the Fanatec ecosystem. For those who swear by single-seaters, or who are looking for a very light, hyper-nervous steering wheel, a more compact model will undoubtedly be more suitable.

If you're looking for a comfortable, well-built GT steering wheel capable of accompanying your setup over the long term, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.