The load-cell brake—the real reason this pedal set exists

Let’s get straight to the point. If the CSL Elite V2 is worth talking about, it’s first and foremost because of its brake. Fanatec has placed a 200 kg load cell right behind the stack of elastomers, rather than in the pedal arm as in the previous generation. This detail makes all the difference. With the old design, the position of your foot on the pedal plate affected the force you felt, which compromised consistency—exactly what you need when braking. Here, pressure is accurately detected no matter where you press, and the maximum force can be adjusted from about 10 kg for those with a light touch up to 90 kg for those who like to stomp on the pedal.

What it looks like once you put your feet on it

From the very first turns, we were struck by the total absence of play and dead zone. The stroke begins with a slight metallic springiness that mimics the moment the pad makes contact with the rotor, then the resistance gradually increases as the elastomers compress. The result is a very clear threshold. You know exactly where the wheels lock up, and—most importantly—you can reproduce it turn after turn. When entering a turn, trail braking feels surprisingly natural: you ease off the pressure by the millimeter as you turn, without even having to think about it. This is the kind of performance you’d expect from much more expensive equipment. Frankly, the braking seemed to us to be on par with—or even better than—what the ClubSport V3 offers with its performance kit.

Throttle and Clutch: A Clean Application of the Hall Effect

The other two pedals have replaced the old potentiometers with Hall-effect sensors. In practice, measurement is done via a magnetic field—contactlessly—so there’s no wear and tear, and the accuracy doesn’t degrade over time. In use, the throttle is precise and smooth, making it easy to modulate when opening the throttle out of a turn. Our only criticism is that it feels a bit too light for our taste during long endurance sessions, where we would have liked a little more resistance underfoot. The clutch does the job for standing starts, but it’s straightforward: don’t expect the fine control over the slip point that you’d find in a high-end clutch.

Manufacturing that puts aluminum where it belongs

The arms, paddles, and heel rest are made of cast and machined aluminum, with a powder-coated finish. A reinforcement at the rear of the frame adds rigidity under heavy braking loads. The unit arrives fully assembled in the box, which saves time, and access to the mounting points has been designed for a clean installation on a frame. It’s not the heaviest pedal set on the market, and you need to bolt it down securely to get the most out of the brakes, but once it’s properly secured, it doesn’t budge and withstands the stress without flinching. During our test sessions on the track, in rally, and in drifting, nothing shifted or developed any play.

Adjust the firmness to your liking

This is another pleasant surprise. The pedal set comes with several elastomers in Shore hardnesses of 65, 75, and 85, plus springs, which opens up a wide range of combinations for shaping the brake’s resistance curve. You can go from a smooth, progressive brake to a very firm one that requires a strong squeeze simply by changing the order and hardness of the elastomers. And all of this can be done without tools, by hand, using the included finger guards. We enjoyed experimenting until we found our ideal setup, and that’s precisely what makes this brake accessible to beginners while still keeping pace with a rider who’s improving. On the other hand, the angle of the paddles isn’t adjustable and the throttle travel can’t be changed—two compromises we’re willing to accept given the price point.

Connection and Console Compatibility

There are two connection options. An RJ12 cable connects the pedal set to a compatible Fanatec base via the dedicated port, or a USB cable turns it into a standalone device on a PC. Be mindful of console compatibility, as this is a common pitfall with Fanatec: the pedals work on PlayStation 4 and 5 only if they’re connected to a PlayStation-licensed Fanatec base, and on Xbox One and Series X|S only via a compatible base paired with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec steering wheel. In short, it’s the base and the steering wheel that determine console compatibility, not the pedal set itself. Fanatec also offers a 3-year warranty.

The limitations we noted

Nothing deal-breaking, but let’s be thorough. The throttle lacks a bit of firmness for fans of long runs, the clutch remains basic, and the lack of paddle angle adjustment can be a nuisance on a very rigid chassis where the factory angle is better suited for a desktop setup. Finally, like any good load-cell brake, it requires a rigid mounting to deliver its full consistency: mounted on a support that flexes, it loses some of its effectiveness.

Who Should Choose This Option

The CSL Elite V2 is designed for riders who want to experience load-cell braking without breaking the bank, and who plan to improve their skills without having to replace everything down the line. The brake is its standout feature; the Hall-effect sensors ensure durability, and the wide range of adjustments supports your progression as you improve. We would have liked a more consistent throttle and a more precise clutch, but given what this pedal set brings to the riding experience, these are minor details.