Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 Review: A Refined Iteration for the Fanatec Ecosystem

Introduction

Fanatec has released the third version of its ClubSport Formula wheel, and it brings a handful of meaningful refinements to a design that has been part of the sim racing landscape for years. The new ClubSport Formula V3 is not the fully redesigned wheel with a large color display that many in the community have been hoping for, but it does offer several practical upgrades over the previous V2.5 model.

The most notable changes include a larger 2.7 inch OLED display, a wider 290 mm diameter, two 7-way funky switches, three mappable rotary encoders, and improved thumb encoder resistance. These updates make the wheel more versatile and easier to use, especially for those already invested in the Fanatec ecosystem.

Who This Wheel Is For

The ClubSport Formula V3 is aimed squarely at sim racers who already own a Fanatec wheelbase and want a formula-style wheel that integrates seamlessly with their existing setup. It is not trying to be a universal wheel for every sim racer, but rather a refined iteration of a proven design for those within the Fanatec ecosystem.

If you are running a PlayStation-compatible Fanatec wheelbase, this wheel will work on both PlayStation and PC. The PlayStation compatibility comes from a security chip inside the wheelbase, so any Fanatec peripheral connected through it becomes compatible. Xbox users, however, are out of luck with this wheel, as Xbox compatibility relies on a security chip inside the steering wheel itself, which this wheel does not have.

The wheel is also a reasonable option for those looking for their first formula-style wheel for a Fanatec base, provided they are comfortable with the price point and do not need Xbox support.

Main Strengths

The ClubSport Formula V3 builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing several long-standing complaints. The wider 290 mm diameter is arguably the most significant improvement, as it makes the wheel more versatile for driving a wider variety of cars. The previous 270 mm diameter could feel twitchy and harder to control, especially on more powerful wheelbases.

The larger 2.7 inch OLED display is another welcome addition. It is the same display module found in the Button Module Endurance and the DD1 and DD2 wheelbases, and it makes navigating the tuning menu and viewing telemetry data much easier. The screen can display lap times, position, fuel levels, tire temperatures, and more, depending on the sim and the page selected.

The two 7-way funky switches, one on each side, are a practical improvement over the previous setup, which had an analog hat switch on one side. Having two identical switches makes it easier to assign one to menu navigation and the other to blackbox functions, such as fuel trim adjustments, without reaching for a mouse and keyboard.

The three mappable rotary encoders in the center of the wheel are another upgrade. Previously, the center dial was exclusively used for switching between analog clutch pedal modes. Now, all three dials can be assigned to a variety of functions, including ABS, anti-roll bar, fuel map, and more, depending on the sim title.

The thumb encoders have also been improved with a more pronounced detent and the addition of push button functionality on both sides. This makes them easier to use with gloves and adds another mappable input to the wheel.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The ClubSport Formula V3 is an iteration of the V2.5 rather than a completely new wheel. If you were hoping for a large color display with Sim Hub compatibility, this is not that wheel. The OLED display is larger than before, but it still operates in the same way as the displays on the DD1, DD2, and Button Module Endurance.

The wheel does not come with clutch paddles out of the box. If you want analog clutch functionality, you will need to upgrade to the Podium Advanced Paddle Module separately. It is possible that a limited edition version of the wheel with clutches included will be released at some point, but that is not confirmed.

Build quality is consistent with previous Fanatec wheels, but plastic creaking in the hand grips can be hit or miss. Some units may creak, while others will not. The hand grips are replaceable and come from the factory with a perforated leather option, which is more durable than Alcantara.

The larger diameter does make the force feedback feel slightly more dampened on weaker wheelbases. If you are running an older ClubSport Wheelbase 2.5 or a CSL DD without the boost pack, this will be more noticeable. Anything above a CSL DD with the boost pack should not be a significant issue.

Buying Advice

The ClubSport Formula V3 is priced at $349.99 in the US, $599.90 in Australia, $499.99 in Canada, and $349.95 in Europe. This is a little more expensive than the previous V2.5 wheel, but it is in a similar price range when you consider the added features.

If you already own a V2.5 wheel and are happy with it, the upgrades here may not be enough to justify the cost of upgrading. The wider diameter is the biggest improvement in terms of driving experience, but if you already have another wheel that fulfills that need, you may want to hold off.

For those who are new to Fanatec or looking for their first formula-style wheel, this is a solid option that integrates well with the ecosystem. The larger display, additional mappable controls, and improved ergonomics make it a positive step forward, even if it is not the game-changing release some were hoping for.

Conclusion

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 is a refined iteration of a well-established wheel. It does not reinvent the formula wheel category, but it does address several practical complaints and adds meaningful functionality. The wider diameter, larger display, and additional mappable controls make it a more versatile and user-friendly option for those within the Fanatec ecosystem.

It is not the wheel with a large color display that many have been asking for, but at this price point, it represents a welcome step forward from the older models. If you are already invested in Fanatec and looking for a formula-style wheel, the ClubSport Formula V3 is worth considering.