Fanatec has stood out in the sim racing world for its exceptional peripherals. Anyone that takes sim racing seriously has browsed the company’s products, particularly their steering wheels, at some point.
Fanatec speeds ahead of competitors like Thrustmaster and Logitech by offering high-end products with a more realistic driving experience. Their products may come at a premium price point, but sim racing “Fanatecs” know it’s worth it for the experience these steering wheels deliver.
The company’s ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) is another excellent entry into its steering wheel line. This steering wheel combines style, comfort, and performance into a slick package that would look exceptional in any home sim racing setup.
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) has received widespread praise for its excellent features and stylish form. It exudes the premium aesthetic you would expect from an actual Porsche product, but one that can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Users should be prepared to feel an exhilarating rush the first time they wrap their hands around the wheel of this cutting-edge peripheral.
What’s In the Box
The product comes with the following three components:
- Podium Button Module Endurance
- ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox
- Podium Wheel Rim Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Leather
You will receive a Quick Guide to set up the steering wheel and some Fanatec sticker set to customize the module. It also comes screws to help you adjust the wheel depth and an adapter for connecting the module to the hub.
Podium Button Module Endurance
The Podium Button Module Endurance is the heart of the Steering Wheel. This module is a full-sized GT3-class endurance button module replica packed with many fantastic features. This includes a customizable 2.7-inch OLED display with Intelligent Telemetry Mode (ITM).
The Podium Button Module Endurance is also decked out with a dazzling array of bright RGB LEDs. This includes six high-intensity FlagLEDs and nine high-intensity RevLEDs. It also has a 7-way FunkySwitch, a handy Tuning Menu button, and two 12-position rotary momentary buttons. These buttons are positioned well and can be found intuitively when you’re playing in the dark or are using a VR headset.
The buttons and display are mounted onto a solid carbon fiber front panel that looks and feels great. The module’s build quality is exceptional, considering it retails for a modest $199.95 when purchased separately.
ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox
Every sim racer needs a reliable hub that can comfortably accommodate its module and wheel. After all, the thought of purchasing a hub that doesn’t fit your wheel can be terrifying, especially if you’ve already thrown away your receipt. The good news is that the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox perfectly fits the Podium Button Module Endurance and Podium Wheel Rim Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Leather.
While the original ClubSport Universal Hub was already popular among sim racers, the V2 version takes it to the next level with better electronics, an exchangeable quick release, and magnetic shifters. We were especially impressed with the strong magnetic resistance and satisfying “click” the shifter paddles provided.
The hub’s exchangeable QR1 Quick Release Adapter is also useful for wheel upgrades if you ever decide to get a QR2 system in the future. This hub works beautifully for Xbox Series X and S devices and is a fine addition for any sim racing setup, let alone one featuring an exquisite Porsche 911 GT3 replica wheel and module.
Podium Wheel Rim Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Leather
The Podium Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Leather Wheel Rim is arguably the show’s star. It is a full-scale replica of the Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car’s wheel rim with built quality that rivals the real deal.
This isn’t just an approximation of the actual wheel. Podium actually used the CAD data from the original wheel when designing their replica. The 32 cm rim is made from brushed and anodized aluminum covered in genuine leather with a smooth finish. You might feel bad for wearing gloves while using this exquisite wheel because the leather feels amazing to grip.
Did we mention the highly detailed 3D metal Porsche badge on the wheel’s center? We had to resist the urge to run our fingers over it during our test repeatedly. The metal logo is etched incredibly well for a wheel that normally retails for only $149.95.
Once all these components are put together, we’re happy to report the match feels heavenly. The module’s buttons always felt easy to reach when our hands were in the 9 and 3 positions. There was also ample room for our fingers to move around between the module and wheel. This is the kind of balance every sim racer strives for with a module, wheel, and hub combo.
ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) Specs
Wheel Rim Diameter | 32 cm |
Wheel Covering Material | Premium Smooth Leather |
Module Build Material | Carbon Fiber |
Number of Buttons on Module | 10 |
Number of Buttons on Hub | 16 |
Number of Toggle Switches | Two 2-Way |
Multi-Position Switches | Two 12-way |
FunkySwitch | 7-way joystick |
LEDs | 9 RGB RevLEDs and 6 RGB FlagLEDs |
Display | 2.7-inch 256×64 resolution OLED display support |
Intelligent Telemetry Mode( ITM) | Yes |
Detachable Button Caps | Yes |
Connections | Reversible DataPort-C connector |
Compatible Systems | Xbox One and Xbox Series X | S PC Playstation Ready |
Price | $549.95 |
ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather)
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) is chock full of fantastic features that make it worth the money. This review would be three times as long as it currently is if we decided to talk about all of them. So we’ve instead chosen to highlight eight of our favorite features that stand out on the ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather).
The Inputs
Inputs are more than just bells and whistles in sim racing. They control the core sim racing car functions you need to beat the competition. The Podium Button Module Endurance has ten buttons, a two-axis analog stick, two two-way toggle switches, a 7-way FunkySwitch, and two 12-position rotary momentary switches. The rotary switches are extra special because they can also be configured to function as endless rotary encoders.
The above inputs and buttons feel solid and sturdy with just the right positioning. The rotary switches, in particular, offer a satisfying click when you rotate them. You can also swap out the button caps for custom Fanatec ones. However, we chose to leave the stock ones on because they look so good.
The Outputs
The wheels outputs make for an extra immersive sim racing experience. The set of six high-intensity RGB FlagLEDs and nine high-intensity RevLEDs add some visually pleasing illumination to the wheel. They also help you monitor your performance and stay in tune with what’s going on.
OLED Display
The OLED display is arguably the most striking component on the module. This 2.7” display features a 256×64 resolution that’s perfect for showing detailed performance information.
You can switch between any of the five game telemetry layouts easily depending on the game. The Intelligent Telemetry Mode (ITM) programs the display to switch between numbers and metrics periodically to ensure you see all the important data as you’re playing. This telemetry layout will run in Legacy Mode by default if you load up a game without ITM integration.
Technical talk aside, the display is a treat to look at. It is nestled comfortably under the module’s RGB LED lights. The on-screen characters have neatly defined edges and are bright enough not to get obscured by the intense multicolored light show occurring just above the display.
The Paddles
Every sim racing steering wheel needs great paddles, and the ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 definitely delivers in this area. These black anodized aluminum paddles are 3mm thick and feature neodymium magnets.
These magnets are quite strong and create a satisfying click when you trigger the paddles with enough force. The paddle’s module cage consists of CNC machined aluminum which feels sturdy enough to support the rest of the paddle mechanism.
The paddles performed excellently during our test. We typically held the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 positions, so your fingers held and triggered each paddle around their middle portion. We did notice that the paddle plates (backplate) wobbled a bit if you held and triggered them from near their top edge. However, that issue came up only when one of our testers held the steering from a higher 10 and 2 positions.
Tuning Options
It includes many tuning options you can easily access using the dedicated Tuning Menu button. This includes controls for:
- Sensitivity
- Force Feedback
- Brake Level Indicator
- Shock
- Force Effect Intensity
Fanatec offers two tuning menus for users: A Standard and an Advanced tuning menu. You can switch between menus easily by pressing the Tuning Menu button, pressing it a second time, and then holding it for 3 seconds.
The Standard tuning menu has one Auto and one Custom setup. This menu lets you change core parameters related to force feedback. It is intended for beginners seeking a comfortable experience the moment they plug and play.
The Advanced Tuning Menu has one Auto and five Custom setups. This menu lets you change a wider range of parameters and fine-tune your wheelbase, and set force feedback to match your driving style.
Build Quality
Fanatec has earned a reputation for offering high-end sim racing peripherals. They may charge a premium price for their products, but they justify it by using high-quality materials for each component.
For example, the module features a carbon fiber front panel. This material is significantly stronger than steel but is also a fraction of its weight.
The wheel is made from anodized aluminum with a brushed finish, which feels like the real thing. However, this build material is overshadowed by the pristine leather material wrapped around the rim. This is genuine leather that looks and feels premium. Such leather lasts for many years and retains its gorgeous exterior when maintained well.
We tested this wheel side-by-side with its suede counterpart and found that the suede’s rougher and thicker material offered a better grip. However, the leather’s luxurious feel took our sim racing experience to another level.
The FunkySwitch
The FunkySwitch is one of the signature controls found exclusively on Fanatec modules. This 7-way switch was one of our favorite inputs to play with because it can be mapped to a number of functions.
The FunkySwitch on this wheel also feels solid and should be able to handle a fair amount of wear and tear. You could swap this FunkySwitch out for an aftermarket one, but the stock one is still quite good.
The Wheel Rim
Fanatec has a reputation for building excellent quality wheel rims, and the Podium Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Leather Wheel Rim is no exception. This wheel isn’t just an approximation of the original. It’s a true replica manufactured using the 911 GT3’s original’s CAD model.
This wheel rim is the closest you can get to experiencing the real thing and is definitely worth the money. However, the look and excellent build quality are just the first couple of things we love about this wheel rim.
We noticed how well the wheel’s 30 cm diameter worked with the button module. Our fingers had no trouble reaching the module’s numerous buttons and inputs. They also never felt cramped, regardless of where he held the wheel from.
Fanatec has definitely knocked it out of the park with this wheel rim and button module combinations. You need to try it in person to really appreciate how natural the pairing feels.
System Compatibility
This steering wheel is obviously Xbox compatible. It works with the Xbox One X and Xbox One S models. However, it is also listed as PC-compatible and Playstation Ready.
This model’s system compatibility details are as follows:
Xbox
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 is optimized for the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. This Xbox-licensed wheel has approximately the same number of inputs as the standard Xbox controller, with the exception of the left-stick and right-stick. The Xbox One S and Xbox One X detect the wheelbase quickly to ensure you can start sim racing as quickly as possible.
PC
It also works for PCs as long as you are using a PC-compatible wheelbase. You should note that you will need to install the latest driver and update the wheel base’s firmware before mounting the peripheral.
PlayStation
The ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 is also Playstation Ready. This means it is compatible with Playstation consoles when you pair it with a Playstation-licensed wheelbase. Fanatec offers many of these wheelbases, so you should be able to find a setup that allows you to enjoy the ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 with your Playstation.
ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 (Leather) vs Steering Wheel GT V2
As you can see, we’re huge fans of the ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 (Leather). However, our features assessment may be more helpful if we compared the peripheral with an alternative. Few brands can compete with Fanatec, so we’ve chosen to compare the 911 GT3 R V2 with Fanatec’s very own ClubSport Steering Wheel GT V2.
Let’s see how these two steering wheels stack up against one another in different areas.
Modules
The first thing you’re likely going to notice about 911 GT3 R V2 and the GT V2 when they are viewed side-by-side is the difference in their modules. While the 911 GT3 R V2 has a colorful module loaded with a wide range of exciting buttons and inputs, the GT V2’s module is far more modest. In fact, this wheel’s module portion is part of its hub.
The GT3 R V2 has all sorts of dedicated buttons labeled:
- Wiper
- High Beam
- Pit Speed
- Display
- Radio
- Mark Fuel Reset
- Alarm
- Reverse
The GT3 R V2 also has a pair of excellent rotary controls we praised earlier. By contrast, the GT V2 sports a modest button layout with buttons labeled after those found on the standard Xbox controller. This includes
- A
- B
- X
- Y
- Change View
- Menu
- LT
- RT
- LB
- RB
- LSB
- RSB
Based on this button configuration, we felt the GT V2 lacks the immersion the GT3 R V2 provides. After all, the latter’s button layout was modeled after the actual Porsche 911 GT3.
The Display
The next thing you’re likely to notice when the GT3 R V2 and GT V2 are placed side-by-side are the displays. The GT3 R V2 has a bright and clear 2.7-inch OLED with Intelligent Telemetry Modes. This display is large enough to display three lines of characters.
The GT V2 has a simple three-digit LED display built into the hub. It displays menu functions and limited telemetry data. It also lacks the Intelligent Telemetry Modes of the GT2 R V2. This means users will need to manually cycle through the display to see multiple parameters.
The display on either wheel can be installed in an upright or flat position.
Platform Compatibility
Let’s investigate the platforms supported. The GT3 R V2 and GT V2 are both compatible with Xbox devices. They are also compatible-PCs and are Playstation Ready. This means you can expect either one to function just as well as the other on your chosen gaming system.
Comfort
Both these steering wheels have comfortable coverings. The GT3 R V2’s wheel rim is covered in genuine leather, while the GT V2’s wheel rim is covered in suede.
Suede has a reputation for being softer and more flexible than genuine leather. Its surface is also rougher, which lends to a better grip. The GT3 R V2’s leather’s smoothness is detrimental to its grip. However, it feels more premium.
Both steering wheel covers felt equally comfortable when we used gloves. We noticed our hands became slightly sweaty when we used the GT3 R V2’s wheel for extended play sessions. This wasn’t an issue for the GT V2, thanks to its suede covering.
Paddles
The GT3 R V2 and the GT V2 utilize the same hub, so they have identical paddles. This means you get that excellent resistance from the paddles’ neodymium magnets. There’s nothing quite like hearing that satisfying click when you hit the paddles just right during a race.
Customization
If you’re interested in customization options for your steering wheel, you will probably be disappointed with the GT V2. The GT3 R V2 comes with a set of stickers that make your steering wheel resemble the module on the actual 911 GT. You can also swap out the buttons for custom Fanatec ones.
The GT V2 doesn’t offer any of these customization options, so you’re limited to the stock buttons and labels printed on the peripheral.
Price
At this point, it is evident that the GT3 R V2 packs a lot more features and premium shape design elements than the GT V2. All these extra do place it at a higher price. However, the difference might not be as great as you think.
The GT V2 retails for $399.95, while the GT3 R V2 retails for $549.95. So if you’re willing to shell out an extra $150, you can get a high-end sim racing wheel with Porsche branding and a more immersive experience.
Tips to Maintain Your Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel
Hardcore sim racing enthusiasts don’t mind spending hundreds of dollars on high-end steering wheels because they value the experience they provide. These peripherals can certainly deliver on giving you a more immersive sim racing experience. However, you will need to maintain your equipment properly to ensure it remains in working condition for many years.
After all, no one wants to spend so much money on a gaming peripheral, only for it to degrade or wear out within a few months due to lack of maintenance or improper use. Some tips for maintaining your Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Include:
Wiping Down the Hardware
It is important to wipe down the module, steering wheel, and paddles with a clothy regularly to remove any sweat or grime that gets on them. Any particles that stay on these hardware components could make their way into the electronics and damage them.
Sweat can be especially damaging to leather because it leaves visible stains on the surface. Such stains harm the wheel’s otherwise pristine appearance, so it’s best to ensure the leather stays clean and dry in-between gaming sessions.
Wear Gloves
Many sim racing players wear gloves during their sessions. These gloves help them get a better group on the steering wheel and reduce the likelihood of their fingers and palms developing sores. However, they also reduce the amount of sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells that accumulate on the steering wheel cover and buttons.
Cover the Steering Wheel When It Isn’t In Use
While many of us enjoy sim racing as often as possible, there will always be periods when you can’t find the time to play. So it’s not uncommon for people to go for days or even weeks without ever touching their sim racing setup.
This can be bad because dust can accumulate on your steering wheel and other peripherals. You might not need to worry about dust getting onto your pedals, but the steering wheel may become damaged or take on a worn-out appearance if enough dust gets into it.
For this reason, you should remove the steering wheel and store it somewhere dust-free. Alternatively, you can place a large sheet over the steering wheel and hub when it isn’t in use.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the steering wheel has many exciting features that are sure to impress the pickiest of sim racers. We spent many days familiarizing ourselves with the unit before creating this ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) review, so we hope it has helped decide whether it is right for your sim racing setup.
If you’re interested in reading up on other sim racing peripherals, please check out the other reviews on our website.