Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2: test & full review

In the Fanatec range, the CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 plays an unusual role. It's neither an entry-level plastic steering wheel, nor a big GT3 or F1-style premium steering wheel. It's a flat, lightweight steering wheel designed for pure performance and broad compatibility, especially for those who drive with a CSL DD or ClubSport base.

On paper, it promises an interesting combo: a modern module button, a flat, rigid metal rim, PC and console compatibility (depending on the base), all at a more contained price than the big leather steering wheels with sophisticated magnetic paddles. In short, a functional, no-frills tool for fast, long-distance riding.

My angle here is simple: does this steering wheel offer a real gain in control, precision and riding comfort for a "normal" sim racer (neither pro, nor ultra-casual)? And above all, does it hold its own against other options in the Fanatec ecosystem, or other brands in the same price range?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: what you really have in your hand, how it feels on the track, and who this steering wheel is best suited to.

Design and manufacturing

In hand, the Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 immediately looks serious. The rim is metal, with a flat construction that exudes rigidity. No perceptible flex, even under load, which is essential, especially on a Direct Drive base. You can feel the structure bearing up without flinching, even with a generous FFB.

The covering is largely imitation leather (or equivalent material), with a decent grip. It's not the most premium leather I've seen from Fanatec, but for the CSL range, it's clean and pleasant to the touch. The seams are well aligned, there's no protruding thread, and the feel in hand is even. It doesn't feel cheap.

The button module in the center, derived from the CSL Universal Hub V2, is compact but well laid out. Buttons click cleanly, neither too hard nor too soft. The rotary encoders are easy to use on the move, even when wearing gloves. This is the kind of detail that really changes the GT or endurance experience: you can change settings on the fly without having to look hard.

What's most surprising is the compromise between weight and strength. The steering wheel remains relatively light, allowing the FFB to express itself fully without unnecessary inertia. You can feel the base working, not the mass of the wheel. For use on CSL DD, this is a real plus.

On the disappointment front, the original paddles (if you're using those on the CSL module) are still pretty "basic" in feel. It works, it's responsive, but it's far from the dry, metallic feel of the higher-end magnetic paddles. You can clearly feel the difference if you've ever laid your hands on a ClubSport or Podium steering wheel.

Compared to other steering wheels in a similar category, we're ahead of the entry-level plastic rims, and just below the big premium steering wheels (leather finish, noble materials, metal pallets). It's a logical in-between position: designed for performance, not luxury.

Settings, customization and compatibility

The strength of the CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 lies in its seamless integration into the Fanatec ecosystem. On a PC, the wheel is recognized via the base unit, and all settings are made from the Fanatec Control Panel software: sensitivity, FFB, filters, effect strength, etc. On a console, the compatible base unit makes the connection. On consoles, it's the compatible base that makes the link, but as long as you stay within the Fanatec catalog, the experience is fluid.

The button module includes enough commands to manage a modern car: change of view, pit limiter, ABS/TC, fuel mixture, engine map... With the encoders, you can configure a highly functional setup, without depending on the keyboard or an external button box.

Customization comes mainly from the base and the profiles you create per game. The steering wheel itself doesn't offer an extreme level of customization (no depth-adjustable paddles, no interchangeable grips), but it ticks the important boxes: logical layout, fingertip controls, good balance between simplicity and functionality.

The learning curve is gentle. It's not an intimidating steering wheel. You quickly spot where the main functions are, and button memorization comes naturally after a few sessions. You don't need a guide to understand how everything works.

As far as compatibility is concerned, as long as you stick to a recent Fanatec base, no particular worries. CSL DD, Gran Turismo DD Pro, certain more recent ClubSport bases: the steering wheel adapts without problem. On consoles, compatibility will depend mainly on the base and license (Xbox or PlayStation). As for the steering wheel, it's not "locked" by platform, but serves mainly as a control support.

In terms of upgradeability, I see it as a durable part of an intermediate sim racer setup. You can start with a CSL DD, this steering wheel, a CSL pedalboard, and then upgrade your base or cockpit later on without having to absolutely change the steering wheel. This is more of a medium/long-term investment than a simple starter solution.

Sensations in play

It's on the track that the CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 shows its true colors. Its flat shape and relative compactness give a direct feel, very connected to the base. There's little inertia, little wobble, and therefore a very clear reading of force feedback.

On a CSL DD-type Direct Drive, the FFB's precision is very well received. Micro-variations in grip, load transfers on corner entry, gradual loss of grip on exit: everything comes through the steering wheel without exaggerated filtering. You immediately understand what the car is doing. This is particularly true of GT3s and modern touring cars.

When cornering, the steering wheel provides good consistency. The torque you feel under braking doesn't collapse all at once; you can feel the tire starting to slip, then stall. This progressiveness gives you confidence. You dare to apply the brakes a little later, and hold the steering wheel a little tighter, without fear of a sudden, unpredictable reaction.

Grip reading is a strong point. Whether on dry or wet tracks, or in mixed conditions, the steering wheel reproduces surface differences well. On vibrators, feedback is frank and detailed, but not dull. You can feel the texture and frequency of the shaking, without it becoming tiresome over long sessions. You can slam laps for a long time without feeling "washed out" by the vibrations.

On fast corrections, the rim's lightness makes all the difference. Whether you're trying to make up for oversteer on rear-wheel drive or correct a slight deviation at the end of a curve, the steering wheel is quick to handle, with no annoying inertia. Countersteering feels natural. The base can quickly send back information, and the steering wheel doesn't hinder this movement.

Over long sessions, consistency is good. No uncomfortable grip zones, no hard points. Even with a decent FFB force, the muscles don't tire as much as with a bigger, heavier steering wheel. You'll find yourself doing relay after relay without really thinking about comfort, which is a good sign.

Compared to a more massive or decorative steering wheel, you gain in legibility and pure efficiency. You may lose a little in terms of "luxury" feel or visual immersion if you like the large diameters of a classic GT, but you gain a more direct relationship with the car. Compared to a more plastic entry-level steering wheel, the difference is in rigidity and tactile precision. The Flat 1 V2 doesn't creak or bend, and transmits micro-details better.

Faced with a more powerful base (such as ClubSport DD or beyond), the flywheel follows without flinching, but you get the feeling that it's designed above all to remain consistent with the strengths of a CSL DD or equivalent. At really high torque, we might wish for a slightly larger diameter and density, but that's not its main field.

In terms of immersion, it does an honest job. It's not the most "wow" steering wheel visually, but in terms of dynamic sensations, it brings confidence and control. You get the feeling that it's been designed as a performance tool: sober, efficient, with no useless tricks up its sleeve. You do the driving, it does the telling.

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

The Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 is clearly aimed at the motivated sim racer. Not necessarily an expert, but someone who plays regularly, who wants a clean, consistent setup, and who uses his Fanatec base on several types of circuit-oriented games. On the PC, it's particularly interesting, but on a console with a compatible base, it still makes sense.

For a beginner investing in his first real Direct Drive setup, this wheel is already a good choice if budget allows. It's more forgiving and more pleasant than a very basic rim, while remaining easy to learn. You can learn with it, progress with it, and not "outgrow" it technically after a few months.

What I particularly like is its overall balance. The rigidity is there, the lightness gives the FFB pep, the layout of the buttons is logical, and the feel on the track inspires confidence. It's a real driving tool, capable of taking advantage of a Direct Drive base without restricting it. Perceived value is good: you can feel that the money is going into functionality rather than decoration.

Another positive point is its versatility. You can ride GT, touring, prototypes, even asphalt rally or rallycross, without feeling "out of place". Its flat shape and intermediate size make it more universal than some very typical rims.

As for its limitations, it won't suit those looking for an ultra-immersive steering wheel, either visually or tactically. The upholstery and paddles remain in the "CSL" range, not at the level of the brand's most high-end materials. If you're very sensitive to the feel of leather or magnetic metal paddles, you'll feel the difference.

Another point: the feel of the basic palettes lacks a little character. It works, it's reliable, but the click isn't as satisfying as on more premium solutions. For someone who is very demanding on this point, an upgrade or another steering wheel model would be more appropriate.

Finally, the flat shape may not appeal to everyone. If you come from a big, round road car steering wheel and do a lot of rallying or drifting, you may prefer a larger, more circular rim.

In terms of investment, it's in a reasonable range for what it offers. You pay a little more than a simple entry-level steering wheel, but in exchange, you gain in perceived durability, feel and comfort of use. For a coherent medium-term setup, the price/performance ratio is entirely defensible.

Verdict

The Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 doesn't set out to be the most spectacular steering wheel on the market. It aims to be efficient, reliable and enjoyable over the long term in a Fanatec setup, especially around a CSL DD or similar base. It's a wheel that takes a setup from "okay" to "serious", without going over the top.

In today's market, it's clearly positioned in the performance-oriented mid-range. It doesn't have the luxurious finish of the most expensive rims, but it outperforms entry-level solutions in stiffness, feel and ergonomics. It's a real pivot point for those who want to go beyond the basic kit.

I'd recommend it to regular sim racers, on PC or console, who drive mainly on circuits and are looking for a flat, precise, versatile steering wheel, without blowing their budget. For a pure beginner on an ultra-tight budget, an even simpler option may suffice at first. For an enthusiast already equipped with a top-of-the-range base and looking for the best of the best, a ClubSport or Podium steering wheel will make more sense.

If you're looking for a flat, rigid, well-thought-out steering wheel to get the best out of your Fanatec base without going very high-end, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.