Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2: my post-test opinion

The Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2 is positioned as an affordable "flat" steering wheel, designed above all for GT, proto and modern racing car enthusiasts. It's not aiming for the absolute prestige of the Clubsport or Podium range, but it does promise an interesting combo: racing form, serious materials, broad compatibility and a still reasonable price in the Fanatec ecosystem.

This steering wheel appeals because it promises something simple: to have a real racing wheel shape, solid and consistent with a direct drive, without blowing the budget. It appeals to simracers who want to move away from a round entry-level steering wheel to something closer to a real GT or LMP steering wheel, while remaining plug & play if you already have a Fanatec base.

For my part, I evaluated it from three angles: feel in the hand (grip, rigidity, ergonomics), build quality in relation to price, and suitability for different game profiles, from the serious but casual player to the more assiduous league virtual pilot. The idea is to see whether this Flat 2 V2 is just another "steering wheel" in the range, or a really good choice for building a coherent setup around a Fanatec CSL or Clubsport base.

Design and manufacturing

In hand, the CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2 immediately feels more "racing" than a conventional round steering wheel. The flat shape, metal spokes and GT-style cut-out give a clear impression: this is a steering tool, not a slightly reworked consumer steering wheel. The diameter remains reasonable, making it equally at home in GT and virtual single-seaters.

The materials are as good as you'd expect from this range. The metal centerplate inspires confidence, the rim is suitably stiff and there's no uncomfortable flex under load, even with a strong direct drive. The grips are covered with a coating that holds well in the hand, with a fairly firm feel. It's a far cry from the ultra-premium leather of a high-end steering wheel, but it doesn't feel like cheap plastic either. It's clean, functional and clearly performance-oriented.

A pleasant surprise is the feeling of density. For a steering wheel stamped "CSL", and therefore more affordable than the top range, you get the impression of a product designed to last, with well-maintained adjustments, no suspicious play and serious construction. The buttons feel good under the fingertips, their click is clean, not spongy. You feel you can go from one session to the next without worrying about breaking anything.

Where it disappoints a little is on the "premium finish" side. The materials remain below what you'd find on Clubsport or Podium wheels: a slightly drier feel, slightly simpler visuals, and an overall impression that's more utilitarian than luxurious. Nothing dramatic, but if you come from a really high-end wheel, you'll feel the difference.

Compared to other steering wheels in the same segment at Fanatec, we're clearly above very entry-level steering wheels in terms of rigidity and overall seriousness, but a notch below on the refinement side compared to more expensive rims. It's an assertive compromise, and one that fits in well with its positioning.

Settings, customization and compatibility

The Flat 2 V2 benefits directly from the Fanatec ecosystem, and this is one of its major assets. Once mounted on a CSL DD, DD Pro or Clubsport base, you'll find the usual menus via the base or the Fanatec software: FFB, rotation, damping, NDP, NFR settings, and so on. The steering wheel itself doesn't revolutionize the menus, it just fits neatly into an already broken-in environment.

Customization is mainly a question of adapting to driving style. The flat shape naturally encourages you to reduce the angle of rotation a little for GT or formula-type disciplines. With a sufficiently powerful chainstay, fine-tuning of filtration, maximum force and rebuilding of effects takes on its full meaning: the rigid rim transmits what the chainstay sends it, without dissipating the information.

The learning curve remains reasonable. If you already know Fanatec, you won't be lost. If you're new to the brand, you'll need a little time to get to grips with the settings and understand what really affects the feel of the ride, but the Flat 2 V2 doesn't complicate matters. Its clear ergonomics help you concentrate on driving rather than on the menus.

As far as compatibility is concerned, we're sticking to the usual Fanatec framework: you can use it on a PC, or a console, depending on the base you're using. The wheel itself doesn't make a base compatible or not, it adapts to it. What's important is the base you already own: CSL DD, DD Pro, Clubsport DD... the Flat 2 V2 completes all this without any fuss.

The ecosystem remains one of its strong points. You can use it with the CSL or Clubsport crankset, add a shifter, a handbrake, and build a complete setup without changing brands. In terms of upgradeability, it can be seen as a serious rim, capable of keeping up with a basic move upmarket. If tomorrow you move from a CSL to a more powerful Clubsport DD, this wheel will remain relevant. We're clearly talking about something that can be integrated into a long-term setup, not just a starter wheel that you change after two months.

Sensations in play

Where the CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2 really comes into its own is on the track, especially in GT3, LMP and touring cars. The flat shape and contained diameter immediately give an impression of responsiveness. Small movements of the wrist to adjust trajectory go down very well, without the impression of having to "catch up" with a big round steering wheel made for road cars.

In terms of feedback, the rim does the job well. With a direct-drive base, you can feel that the rigidity of the steering wheel allows micro-variations in torque to be transmitted. The beginnings of loss of grip, mass transfers on corner entry, small oscillations of the car over bumps: all this comes through clearly. The rim doesn't magically increase FFB, but it doesn't stifle what the base wants to convey, and that's exactly what we want it to do.

When cornering, you can really feel where the front end starts to slip. It's not the most "telling" rim on the market (that's mainly down to the base and the play), but compared to a softer or wider entry-level wheel, you get a much sharper feel. You immediately understand what the car is doing, even in fast sequences with changes in downforce. That's where the flat shape really makes sense, especially if you're a regular circuit racer.

On the vibrators, the feeling is rather dry, in a good way. Strikes on aggressive vibrators, slightly high kerbs, grass/asphalt transitions feel good in the hands, without giving the impression of vibrating for nothing. With the right settings, you can get something very informative without it being tiring. The rim doesn't interfere with the effects, and that's essential.

On long sessions, comfort will depend very much on your riding position and cockpit. The grip remains pleasant, and the shape of the grips ensures a secure hold without excessive tension. For intensive hotlap or long races, you can feel that this is a steering wheel designed to be held firmly without any particular discomfort. The only limitation is that the covering is a little less "soft" than top-of-the-range leather. Over several hours, you can feel it, especially if you drive without gloves.

In fast corrections, such as oversteer on re-acceleration or snaps out of corners, the steering wheel reacts quickly. The rim is neither too heavy nor too light, giving a good balance between precision and control. With a less powerful base (such as a small direct-drive or belt-type base), we especially appreciate the better connection with the car compared with a more entry-level steering wheel. With a more powerful base, we can see that the Flat 2 V2 takes the strain without twisting, but we're beginning to touch the limits of the coating and the feeling of "luxury" compared with more high-end rims.

In pure immersion, the steering wheel feels serious and coherent. You really feel like you're in a modern racing car, especially if you're playing in cockpit view. It doesn't try to impress visually with integrated screens or an explosion of LEDs, but to offer an effective tool. For someone who values driving sensations over gimmicks, this is a very good point.

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

The Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2 is clearly aimed at simracers who want a credible racing wheel without the crazy price tag. Typical profile: intermediate to advanced player, rather PC or console oriented with Fanatec base, who mainly drives on circuits. Motivated beginners can also find something to their liking if they already know they want to invest in the discipline and build an evolving setup.

What I appreciate most is the overall consistency. The rim is rigid, well-built, and can handle even the most torquey chainstays without flinching. Secondly, the flat shape and diameter make a real difference to the feel of GT, proto and virtual single-seater driving: reactions are more direct, and cornering control is more instinctive. Last but not least, its compatibility with the entire range of Fanatec bases means it can be considered an investment that keeps pace with the evolution of your setup. You're not buying a disposable steering wheel, but a central part of your ecosystem.

In terms of limitations, the first is clearly the feel of the finish. It's above entry-level, but below Clubsport wheels in terms of materials and feel. Those who like very premium steering wheels will quickly feel the difference. Second point: it's very much geared to the modern racetrack. For someone who does a lot of rallying, drifting or loves vintage cars, a round or more versatile steering wheel will often be more comfortable. Third aspect: the value/price ratio depends very much on whether you're already in the Fanatec ecosystem. If you have to buy base + steering wheel, the overall investment remains substantial compared with other, more "all-in-one" solutions.

In terms of perceived value, for someone already equipped with a Fanatec base, the Flat 2 V2 makes sense: you clearly improve your feel and consistency in play compared to a simpler wheel, without going up in price to very high-end rims. For a serious but financially controlled setup, it's well worth a look.

Verdict: should you buy the Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2?

Above all, the Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2 brings one thing to a setup: a credible, effective racing rim, perfectly suited to circuit disciplines, that lets you really take advantage of a modern direct drive base without venturing into the budgets of ultra-premium steering wheels. It doesn't magically transform a small setup into a pro simulator, but it does take you a step further in terms of precision and feel than a more basic steering wheel.

On the market, it's positioned as a solid mid-range product in the Fanatec ecosystem: more serious, more rigid and more racing than the entry-level options, but deliberately less luxurious than the high-end rims. It's an interesting pivot point for those who want to move upmarket without crossing the threshold of very expensive wheels.

I clearly recommend it to simracers who drive mostly GTs, LMPs and single-seaters, and who already have a Fanatec base or are seriously considering entering this ecosystem. If you're looking for an ultra-versatile steering wheel for rallying, drifting, old cars and trucks, this might not be the best choice. But if your thing is modern circuitry, vibratory attack and tight racing, this wheel clearly makes sense.

If you're looking for a serious, rigid and consistent racing wheel to accompany a modern Fanatec base without blowing your budget, the CSL Steering Wheel Flat 2 V2 can clearly make the difference in your setup.