In the small world of sim racing cranksets, the Fanatec CSL Pedals LC occupies a very special place: it's often the first real "serious" crankset with an accessible load cell, the one that makes the switch from an entry-level setup to something far more credible. Above all, it promises one thing: to transform braking, and therefore lap times, without requiring a competition cockpit or a crazy budget.

For my part, I'm approaching it from a very simple angle: does this pedalboard offer a real gain in consistency, precision and confidence over basic potentiometer pedals? Does it hold up over time, without turning into a nest of mechanical play and weird creaks? And above all, does it deserve to remain at the center of an evolving setup, or is it just a stopping-off point before aiming higher?

The CSL Pedals LC is appealing because it promises racing-style pressure braking in a compact, PC- and console-compatible format, integrated into the Fanatec ecosystem. In short: a major sensory upgrade, with a reasonable barrier to entry. The question is whether it really delivers this qualitative leap, or whether the gap with higher-end cranksets remains too wide.

Design and manufacturing

Taking the CSL Pedals LC out of the box, the first impression is rather reassuring: metal structure, matt black finish, sober but not cheap look. The pedal arms are made of steel, and the base appears dense, with no obvious flex. You can feel that this product is clearly aimed at the serious mid-range, far from toy plastic, but without going into the debauchery of machined aluminum of very high-end pedalboards.

What's immediately striking is the simplicity of the design. No unnecessary parts, no superfluous covers, everything is quite uncluttered. In hand, the pedals inspire confidence: they don't squeak or sound hollow, and the mechanics exude robustness. You don't get the impression that a spring is going to pop at the first aggressive brake application. With a decent cockpit, the whole thing stays firmly in place, and overall rigidity is satisfactory for this price segment.

Yet there are some noticeable compromises. The pedals are relatively narrow, the original stroke quite short, and some of the secondary parts look a little more like "cost-optimized industrial product" than "machined jewel". It's not ugly, but you can clearly see the difference with solid aluminum cranksets or more modular constructions. Still, it's well above what you'd find on a basic bundle with a steering wheel.

Compared to other entry/mid-range pedalboards, the overall feel is that of a more serious than average product, without pushing the premium envelope. We have a real metal block, a well-integrated load cell, and a geometry that immediately feels more "sim racing" than "console accessory".

Settings, customization and compatibility

In terms of physical adjustments, the CSL Pedals LC remains relatively simple but effective. You can adjust the lateral position of the pedals, the distance between them, and play a little with the angle to find a comfortable foot position. The load-cell brake features different rubber compounds and a spring to adjust hardness and progressiveness. Not infinitely customizable, but more than enough for most users.

The real key is calibration and settings in the Fanatec software. On a PC, via Fanalab or the driver, you can adjust the sensitivity of the load cell, determine which pressure level corresponds to 100 % of brake, and adapt the response curve. The first session takes a little time to find the right compromise: enough resistance to be able to dose without cramping after a few laps. Once you've got the hang of it, you can hardly touch anything else.

On a console, you lose some of the finesse of software settings, but the pedalboard remains fully usable when connected to a compatible Fanatec base. The brake remains adjustable via the base's menus and, in practice, you'll soon come up with something coherent in game. The Fanatec ecosystem plays a real role here: steering wheel, crankset, shifter, everything talks to each other without tinkering.

In terms of compatibility, the pedalboard is aimed primarily at those who ride with a Fanatec base, but it can also be used on a PC via direct USB, which opens the door to other bases from other brands. From this point of view, it can serve as a solid entry point into the world of sim racing, while remaining relevant to an evolving setup. It's not an ultra-modular crankset, but for its segment, it ticks the essential boxes without becoming a headache.

Sensations in play

It's on the virtual track that the CSL Pedals LC really shows what it can do. The load cell brake changes the way you drive. We no longer think in terms of "how much I push down on the pedal", but in terms of "how much pressure I apply". This mental shift makes driving more natural. You find yourself braking just like in a real car: you press down, feel the resistance, modulate. The brain instantly understands this language.

On corner entry, precision is far superior to that of a standard potentiometer brake. You can really stabilize an intermediate brake pressure, hold a light braking in trail braking, and release progressively without a brutal threshold effect. Where a basic crankset often gives the impression of braking "ON/OFF", here you get nuances. You get a better sense of where the locking limit lies, especially in more demanding simulations.

When it comes to reading grip, the brake + accelerator pedal combination does the job. The brake transmits grip variations via the necessary pressure. You can see quite clearly when the tires start to saturate: the car becomes lighter, the steering wheel reacts, and the optimum pressure becomes easier to identify and repeat. You gain confidence lap after lap. This is typically the kind of pedal that helps you to be more consistent, not just faster on a perfect lap.

On vibrators, it's not the pedals that tell the story, but the interaction with the steering wheel. On the other hand, the stability it offers under braking, even when biting the kerbs a little too hard, avoids a lot of big mistakes. You keep your foot on the brake, pressure is controlled and the car remains more under control. For quick corrections in the event of a wheel lock-up or a slightly over-optimistic entry, the load cell enables very rapid micro-adjustments. You barely lift the pressure, the car gets back in line, you press again. This kind of finesse is much more complicated with a conventional potentiometer.

Over long sessions, the experience depends on the hardness setting chosen. With a very firm brake, you'll enjoy a more "racing" feel, but the leg may tire on prolonged runs. With a slightly softer setting, you retain precision without ruining your calf. Overall, once you've found the right compromise, the crankset remains comfortable over long sessions, and the consistency of the load cell helps you reproduce the same pressures lap after lap. What we're talking about here is a consistency that's truly perceptible in terms of lap times.

Faced with an even more high-end crankset (with a more advanced load cell or hydraulic system), the CSL Pedals LC is obviously outmatched in terms of refinement, progressiveness and "blocky" feel underfoot. But compared to a standard bundle crankset, the leap is enormous. You go from approximate control to a tool that really lets you work on your braking as a skill in its own right. This is where the pedalboard changes the gaming experience.

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

The CSL Pedals LC is aimed primarily at motivated sim racers, whether advanced beginners or intermediates, who want to take a clear step up from the original pedals. On the PC, it's just as much for advanced sim racers as for casual gamers who want to have fun without breaking the bank. On consoles, it's a great option to accompany a Fanatec base and get away from the basic all-in-one.

What I particularly appreciate is the price/feel ratio. The gain in braking is clear and tangible, and translates into cleaner laps. Secondly, the metal construction gives a real impression of a serious product, capable of withstanding intensive use without flinching. Last but not least, compatibility with the Fanatec ecosystem and the possibility of using it via USB on a PC make it versatile enough to keep up with an evolving setup. You get the feeling you're investing in something that makes sense in the medium term.

But there are clear limits. Adjustability remains more limited than on higher-end cranksets: you can't set everything to the millimeter, nor can you completely transform the brake feel. Maximum hardness, even with the firmest rubber, remains below that of competition pedals or purely eSport-oriented cranksets, which may leave purists in search of ultra-firm sensations wanting more. Finally, the gas pedal and clutch are decent but less striking: they do the job, without offering the same qualitative leap as the brake.

In terms of perceived value, the CSL Pedals LC is a smart investment for those who want to put their money where their mouth is. In a sim racing setup, the brake is often the element that makes the most progress. Here, the ratio between what you spend and what you gain in consistency is clearly to its advantage, provided you accept that it's not the last word in absolute realism.

Verdict

The Fanatec CSL Pedals LC brings a very concrete change to a setup: braking becomes a precise, reproducible tool, and no longer a weak point to be suffered. It's a pedalboard that structures the rest of the setup, especially if you come from an entry-level package. It can be seen as a cornerstone of a serious sim racing setup, without tipping over into the very high-end.

On the market, it is clearly positioned in the mid-range, with a very coherent performance/price orientation. It doesn't claim to rival ultra-configurable full aluminum cranksets, but it does offer a truly efficient load cell, solid construction and clean integration into an already well-established ecosystem.

I'd recommend it to sim racers who want to make a real leap forward in braking, without reorganizing their entire space or draining their budget. For hardcore purists aiming for ultra-firm sensations and extensive mechanical customization, there are more extreme options, but also considerably more expensive and demanding in terms of cockpit.

If you're looking to make your braking more precise, consistent and natural without blowing your budget, this crankset can clearly make the difference in your setup.