A hub that turns your wheel rim into a real steering wheel

The concept behind the CSL Universal Hub V2 is simple, and that’s what makes it so appealing. Instead of buying a ready-made steering wheel, you simply screw on the rim of your choice (a Fanatec, a MOMO, Sparco, or OMP with a standard design) and instantly get all the electronics that a bare rim lacks: eight buttons, a rocker switch, two toggles, a FunkySwitch, and shift paddles. In short, this central unit transforms a simple rim into a full-fledged control station, and it’s exactly for this kind of custom setup that we recommend it.

When you first try it out, the logic behind the product line is clear. It sits above the rigid entry-level solutions, without going as far as the premium hubs and their steep price tags. It’s a product that strikes a balance—but a well-thought-out one.

What V2 Actually Fixes

Let’s be honest: the first generation had two recurring flaws—a chassis that lacked rigidity and paddles that were too flexible. Fanatec has addressed these issues. A metal reinforcement now runs through the back of the housing, resulting in a significantly sturdier feel in the hand (the manufacturer claims about 23 percent more rigidity). In use, you can really feel the difference: the hub no longer flexes when you pull hard on it while cornering.

The shift patterns have also been revised. The play hasn't completely disappeared—you can still feel it a little—but it's gone from being an annoyance to something perfectly acceptable for this class of vehicle. It's the kind of subtle improvement that makes a difference in everyday driving when you're shifting gears one after another.

Our impressions with the controller in hand

On the track, the shift paddles are the first thing we evaluate, and the verdict is mixed. The shifting is reliable and smooth: every gear change goes in without hesitation or slipping into neutral. What’s missing, however, is that crisp, distinct click of high-end hubs—that mechanical sensation that snaps under your finger. Here, it’s softer, more subdued. In a race, this isn’t a drawback—you can shift cleanly both into and out of corners—but enthusiasts who crave that intense mechanical feedback will be left wanting a bit more.

The snap-dome buttons provide a crisp, distinct click—which is crucial when you need to adjust the brake mapping or traction control blindly while on a straight stretch. The 7-way FunkySwitch, with its rotary encoder function, remains the true ergonomic standout: you can navigate the Tuning Menu and adjust settings without taking your eyes off the track. The small three-digit LED display shows settings or telemetry data from compatible games—a valuable feature for monitoring a gear ratio or other information without taking your eyes off the road during long sessions.

Adjustable width—a really great idea

What we liked best was the smooth-sliding mechanism without notches. You can move the button clusters and paddles apart or closer together over a 60-mm range—without tools—to adjust the paddle width from approximately 214 to 274 mm. In practical terms, you can adapt the unit to your rim and your hands instead of being stuck with a fixed setup. For anyone who builds their own steering wheel, that’s what makes this hub so appealing.

One honest caveat, though: on very wide and, above all, deeply dished rims, the buttons and shift paddles become harder to reach. A flat GT rim around 320 mm fits perfectly under your fingers, whereas a large, dished NASCAR-style rim does not. Keep this in mind when choosing the rim to pair with the hub.

Installation and Compatibility: What You Can't Afford to Miss

Installation takes about 20 minutes and is within anyone’s reach, as long as you’re careful not to damage the fragile pins on the connection side when screwing on the rim. It’s not rocket science, but take your time. The threaded holes are compatible with 3 x 50 mm and 6 x 70 mm patterns, so they work with all current Fanatec rims and a wide selection of third-party rims.

Be careful, however, about platform compatibility—it’s a classic pitfall. The CSL Universal Hub V2 works on PC and PlayStation (provided it’s mounted on a licensed PlayStation base, such as a Gran Turismo DD Pro), but it’s not compatible with Xbox. Microsoft console gamers will have to look elsewhere. As for bases, it pairs seamlessly with the brand’s CSL DD, ClubSport DD, and Podium DD models. It is also not compatible with the Podium Button Module Endurance.

Who, exactly?

This hub is for anyone who wants to customize their steering wheel without breaking the bank: a driver who already owns a Fanatec base (or plans to get one) and dreams of a precise rim—whether made of leather, Alcantara, or from a third-party brand—while keeping buttons and paddles within easy reach. The construction is mostly plastic, which explains the reasonable price, but the package holds its own for its price point. If you’re looking for the luxury of metal throughout and the perfect mechanical click, you’ll need to look higher up in the lineup. For everything else, it’s an excellent starting point for a modular steering wheel.