A round steering wheel that holds its own among the big players

The CSL Steering Wheel R300 V2 occupies a specific niche in the Fanatec lineup: that of a full-size round steering wheel designed to pair with a Direct Drive base without the high price tag of top-of-the-line models. This is a ready-to-use package—a 30 cm steering wheel mounted on the new CSL Universal Hub V2—aimed at intermediate sim racers who primarily drive GT and road cars.

Construction: aluminum, leather, and reinforced strapping

The bezel is machined from brushed and anodized aluminum, wrapped in smooth automotive-grade leather, and accented with gold stitching. The whole unit exudes solidity, with the steering wheel weighing in at around 775 g and the hub—equipped with the QR2 Lite—weighing nearly 660 g. The major new feature of the V2 is an additional metal reinforcement, which Fanatec claims increases rigidity by up to 23 percent. In practical terms, the structure better withstands the torque from the most powerful Direct Drive bases, with less play at the joint.

Full control at your fingertips

When it comes to features, the hub doesn’t skimp. It includes eight snap-dome buttons, a two-position rocker switch, two two-position toggle switches, and a 7-way FunkySwitch with a rotary encoder. A three-digit LED display rounds out the package, showing Tuning Menu functions as well as certain telemetry data from compatible games. This lets you adjust haptic feedback or keep an eye on key information without letting go of the thumbstick.

Revised paddles with adjustable width

The V2 has redesigned its shift paddles, with a new shape for comfort and a new spring mechanism. They are part of a sliding system that adjusts the width of the button clusters and paddles from 214 to 274 mm. This allows you to adjust the position to fit your hand size and the type of crown, a real plus for finding a natural grip in the racing position.

Quick-release mechanism and scalability

The set comes with the QR2 Lite, a quick-release mechanism that can be tightened by hand without tools. For those aiming for maximum performance, upgrading to the metal QR2 (sold separately) unlocks High Torque Mode on Podium bases, and the hub is upgraded to Fanatec’s QR2 Lite standard. Another advantage is that the CSL Universal Hub V2 is compatible with third-party steering wheels that use the 6 x 70 mm or 3 x 50 mm standard—such as Sparco, MOMO, or OMP models—which opens up a wide range of customization options.

Compatibility: The Fanatec PC Ecosystem

This steering wheel integrates with the entire Fanatec ecosystem on PC, from the CSL and ClubSport bases to the Podium DD1 and DD2, as well as the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro. An important note: it is not compatible with Xbox, so you’ll need to stick with PC. Also note that it does not work with the Podium Button Module Endurance, and that the deep, large-diameter rims make it harder to access the buttons and paddles.

For whom, and at what price point?

The R300 V2 is positioned as a lightweight ClubSport—a true round racing-style steering wheel compatible with Direct Drive—at a mid-range price point. It’s a logical choice for drivers who want to move beyond a bundled steering wheel and gain better visibility, more features, and greater compatibility with a more powerful setup—without investing in a premium model. Its 30-cm diameter makes it a versatile all-rounder, suitable for a wide range of cars.