Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2: serious versatility for "real" steering wheels

The Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2 targets a very specific need in a sim racing setup: to use real steering wheels (standard diameter and drilling) while retaining Fanatec electronics, buttons, paddles and console/PC compatibility. It's a "bridge" piece in an already crowded ecosystem, but one that's of great interest when you want to get away from ready-made GT or F1 steering wheels.

Basically, this hub promises to turn (almost) any automotive steering wheel into a Fanatec steering wheel for use on your base. Without sacrificing sturdiness, without turning assembly into a DIY project, and with a minimum of compromise on control integration.

My angle here: build quality, feel in hand, ergonomic controls and overall consistency in a demanding sim racer setup. No dream sold, but the answer to a real question: does this ClubSport Universal Hub V2 justify its investment when compared to the manufacturer's complete steering wheels or DIY solutions?

For many, it's the part that must make the setup more "real" without becoming a gas factory. And that's exactly where the Hub V2 comes into its own.

Design & manufacture of the Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2

In hand, the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 immediately gives the impression of a serious product. The main body is solid, with good density, mainly metallic materials and plastic parts limited to less critical areas. Nothing squeaks, nothing floats, moving parts remain firm but fluid.

The points that immediately stand out are the rigidity of the whole and the adjustment of the modular elements (button modules, paddle lugs, brackets). It's clear that Fanatec has targeted use on powerful bases, including direct drives, with no parasitic play or worrying torsion. When you squeeze a steering wheel onto it, you get the feeling of a monolithic block, which is very reassuring when you start hitting the vibrators hard.

The shift paddles offer a crisp, relatively short click, with just the right amount of resistance. It's not ultra-racing carbon, but the precision is there, and so is the feel. You quickly gain confidence in the longevity of the mechanism, provided you're not so brutal as to hit the stop at every shift.

A few ergonomic details are a little disappointing: some plastic areas are a little less "premium" than the price would suggest, and the compactness is not extraordinary. We're not talking about an ultra-slim hub: with some steering wheels, the whole thing can feel a little massive, especially compared to dedicated motorsport hubs.

Compared with entry-level products or "simpler" hubs from other brands, we're clearly a step up in terms of assembly and modularity. On the other hand, compared to top-of-the-range complete steering wheels from the same manufacturer, the premium feel is slightly behind, more utilitarian than luxurious. It's solid, serious and built to last, but you get the feeling that priority has been given to functionality and compatibility rather than show-car looks.

Settings, customization & compatibility

The heart of the concept is customization. With the ClubSport Universal Hub V2, you can fit steering wheels of various diameters, taken from the real world, to adapt the setup to the type of discipline: rally, drift, GT, road, and so on. Compatibility with standard drillings makes things a lot simpler: you just screw on, tighten, and you end up with a steering wheel that really looks like what you see onboard.

As far as physical adjustments are concerned, a number of points are determined by the hub itself: positioning of the button modules, adjustment of the paddles, general orientation in relation to the steering wheel. It takes a little time to find the ideal configuration, especially if you change steering wheel types frequently, but the flexibility offered is clearly worth the initial effort. Once everything's in place, you don't touch it much.

Ecosystem integration is pure Fanatec: direct connection to compatible bases, automatic input recognition and simple mapping in most games. On PCs, there's maximum room for manoeuvre, and Fanatec menus allow you to check that everything is responding correctly. On consoles, the hub becomes the relay between the base and the game, with the usual limitations imposed by the platforms, but with no particular unpleasant surprises.

Logical" settings (button assignment, encoder use, game-specific function configuration) require a bit of a learning curve if you want to optimize. It's not complicated, but you have to be willing to spend a few sessions fine-tuning. Intermediate and advanced sim racers will find it a great playground, while very occasional beginners may find it a little too rich.

In terms of scalability, the Hub V2 is clearly a durable foundation for anyone wanting to build up a collection of steering wheels. It's an investment that only makes sense if you're not content with just one type of riding. This is a product designed to grow with the setup, not just a passenger accessory.

Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2: sensations in play

Even if the hub doesn't generate the force feedback itself, it plays a huge role in how it's received. The rigidity and design of the Universal Hub V2 directly influence the precision felt in the hands, especially on a direct drive basis.

On the track, the first thing that stands out is the absence of parasitic play. When the base engine sends out micro-torque variations, the hub transmits them without blurring. You can finely feel changes in front-end load, small losses of grip, transitions between grip and glide. The car "speaks" clearly, and that's exactly what you're looking for when you fit a larger or more realistic steering wheel.

In fast bends, the torque between real steering wheel and solid hub gives a very satisfying feeling of mechanical connection. You turn, the base responds, and there's none of the elasticity you might find with some less sophisticated adapters. The steering angle can be corrected to the nearest centimeter, especially in GT or single-seater racing, without the hub erasing or dampening the engine's message.

Grip can be read naturally: you can feel the tires grip, release and twist slightly on support. On a less rigid hub or a cobbled-together solution, these signals are often lost in parasitic vibrations. Here, the structure absorbs what's needed without stifling what matters. Controlled slides become more predictable, recoveries quicker. You quickly understand what the car is doing.

On vibrators, the feel obviously depends on the base, but the hub adds neither rattle nor unpleasant mechanical noise. Impacts remain dry and precise, without the paddles shaking with each pass. It's clean. Even when attacking aggressive vibrators with a heavy steering wheel, you still get the sensation of a well-balanced unit, with no strange resonances.

Over long sessions, mechanical comfort is a real plus. There's no play that appears along the way, no screws that loosen easily, provided you've fitted everything correctly. The consistency of the feel enhances concentration: you're not fighting against the equipment, you're concentrating on the track. The extra inertia of a "real" steering wheel mounted on the hub is felt, of course, but it's not the hub that's the problem, it's the choice of steering wheel and associated base.

During fast corrections, especially in drifting or in the rescue phases of racing, the hub + adapted steering wheel combo makes all the difference compared to a small plastic steering wheel or a flimsy QR. You can let the wheel slide, catch it hard, play with the engine feedback, without the fear of tearing something off. Controlling the car becomes more natural, as if your hands were gradually forgetting the hardware.

Compared with a complete low/mid-range steering wheel, the Universal Hub V2 combined with a good physical steering wheel offers a clear gain in realism and perceived precision. Compared with high-end Fanatec steering wheels, which are already very accomplished, the difference lies more in the possibility of choosing exactly the type of steering wheel than in a brutal gain in performance. You don't get "more FFB", but you do get a finer feel and a better match between discipline and tool.

Immersion is enhanced by the diameter and shape of the steering wheel that can be fitted. The hub simply ensures that this immersion doesn't come at the price of rigidity or loss of information. You really get the impression of having a serious steering wheel in your hands, connected to a serious engine, without any major compromises.

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

The Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2 is clearly aimed at the sim racer already involved in the hobby. Not necessarily an eSport pro, but someone with a decent base, a stable cockpit, and the desire to go further than the original steering wheel. A beginner can buy it, but it will only be relevant if he or she already knows that he or she is going to push the practice far enough. For a truly occasional player, the investment seems disproportionate.

This hub scores in three major areas. Firstly, versatility: the ability to mount steering wheels of very different styles transforms a single setup into a multi-discipline platform. Secondly, rigidity and assembly quality: we feel that the product holds up even on powerful bases, which inspires a great deal of confidence. Last but not least, the coherence with the Fanatec ecosystem: the connection is clean, the buttons are recognized, everything fits together without any wild tinkering. This is a real "system" product, not a simple mechanical adapter.

As for its limitations, we have to be honest. It's not a cheap product, especially if you see it as a simple steering wheel holder. Its true value only becomes apparent when you take advantage of its modularity and own (or plan to own) several steering wheels. Secondly, ergonomics aren't perfect for everyone: depending on the size of the steering wheel chosen, certain buttons or paddles may not sit as well under the fingers, and this sometimes calls for compromises. Finally, its size and rather technical look won't appeal to those looking for an ultra-compact, elegant unit in the style of a high-end monoblock steering wheel.

In terms of perceived value, this is clearly a medium/long-term investment. It's a purchase that makes sense if you're already in the Fanatec ecosystem or plan to stay there, and if you see sim racing as a sustainable hobby. For an evolving setup, this hub can avoid the need to buy several complete steering wheels, and offer much greater freedom in the choice of hoops. For a fixed, simple setup, a dedicated steering wheel will often make more sense.

Verdict: does the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 fit into your setup?

The Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2 doesn't change your base's behavior in depth, but it does change the way you use it. It transforms a relatively classic setup into an evolving platform capable of accommodating a wide variety of wheels, closer to the real thing, without sacrificing rigidity or reliability. It's a pivotal piece in a setup geared towards immersion and versatility.

On the market, it's clearly in the "premium utility" segment: more expensive and more polished than simple or DIY solutions, less "bling" than some high-end complete steering wheels, but much more flexible. It's not the most visually spectacular product, but it's the one that gives meaning to the purchase of several real steering wheels.

I'd recommend it to intermediate to advanced sim racers who drive regularly, who like to change disciplines and who have (or are aiming for) a solid base, ideally direct drive or at least a good range. For an occasional player, or someone who wants a plug-and-play setup with no questions asked, a good all-round steering wheel will make more sense.

If you're looking to use real shuttlecocks, gain realism without losing force feedback precision, and upgrade your Fanatec setup over the long term, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.