Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

[Spagetti69]

I am right on the edge. I just wish Thomas would release something. A video. Feature list. Something.

Well I'll tempt you over the edge lol.

The TH8RS is now an established piece of kit.
Plenty of reviews amongst the user base around these parts.

Seems very reliable from what I've heard.

You know yourself, when Thomas releases any info, your months maybe a year before you get your hands on it.
Then there's the reliability factor and Fanatec rollercoaster.

Am I swaying you. Lol.

 

[mrbasher]

Here's what I see and take this however you wish...

The current shifter offering from Fanatec is the CSR shifter. This shifter is almost made entirely from plastic. The only difference between it and the previous shifter is the knob itself. It's important to understand the relationship between what it's made of and what it costs to purchase. It's likely these are not expensive to produce. They are $59.95 before shipping.

Now, with this in mind... Remember the photos you have seen thus far of the CSS. It looks to be made almost entirely of metal. Metal is expensive to machine and expensive to work with in general compared to plastics. Actual machining is involved in order for it to work precisely, you can't just injection mold it like you can plastics.

Taking this one step futher... Look at the cost of the ClubSport V2 pedals. Metal, fairly precision, machining is required, lots of parts involved as well as assembly. (much like a CSS) Their cost is $249.95.

To finish up... I would estimate the cost of a CSS, if released, to be right around $250 if not higher. I feel this is the primary reason it has not been released. The price is not competitive, despite community desire.

That's just my couple cents.

 

[bevo]

Here's what I see and take this however you wish...

The current shifter offering from Fanatec is the CSR shifter. This shifter is almost made entirely from plastic. The only difference between it and the previous shifter is the knob itself. It's important to understand the relationship between what it's made of and what it costs to purchase. It's likely these are not expensive to produce. They are $59.95 before shipping.

Now, with this in mind... Remember the photos you have seen thus far of the CSS. It looks to be made almost entirely of metal. Metal is expensive to machine and expensive to work with in general compared to plastics. Actual machining is involved in order for it to work precisely, you can't just injection mold it like you can plastics.

Taking this one step futher... Look at the cost of the ClubSport V2 pedals. Metal, fairly precision, machining is required, lots of parts involved as well as assembly. (much like a CSS) Their cost is $249.95.

To finish up... I would estimate the cost of a CSS, if released, to be right around $250 if not higher. I feel this is the primary reason it has not been released. The price is not competitive, despite community desire.

That's just my couple cents.

Didn't Thomas say early on that they were going to hit a price point of under 150$? I'm pretty sure that was on his priority list. It might have even of been less then that. It's been so long ago that I can't remember . I gave up on waiting for it and went ahead and bought the thrustmaster one. I would have liked to go full on Fanatec, but the CSS is starting to sound more like a myth then something they actually plan on releasing anytime in the foreseeable future.

 

[mrbasher]

Didn't Thomas say early on that they were going to hit a price point of under 150$? I'm pretty sure that was on his priority list. It might have even of been less then that.

It's possible that this is the issue. That's kind of what I was getting it, in a round about way.

 

[paskowitz]

Well I'll tempt you over the edge lol.

The TH8RS is now an established piece of kit.
Plenty of reviews amongst the user base around these parts.

Seems very reliable from what I've heard.

You know yourself, when Thomas releases any info, your months maybe a year before you get your hands on it.
Then there's the reliability factor and Fanatec rollercoaster.

Am I swaying you. Lol.

 

[LogiForce]

To give you the final push, mate.

Mr Basher is going to try to also make the SFA1 compatible with the analog handbrake mode of the TH8 RS.
If this works (and he reckons it will) then it will also replace your so desired ClubSport Handbrake (which the release of is just as far if not farther down the line).

So it's up to you.

 

[JogoAsobi]

To give you the final push, mate.

Mr Basher is going to try to also make the SFA1 compatible with the analog handbrake mode of the TH8 RS.

...and if I may add...according to post #40 of this page on this thread;

I believe Cheeba has both the TH8RS and the DSD shifter connected to his CSW at the same time using two of the adapters.

Pretty handy that the wheel has those two inputs on it.

EDIT: The firmware to do that has not yet been released for the retail SFA1s.

 

[LogiForce]

...and if I may add...according to post #40 of this page on this thread;

I like your add! Great point! 👍

 

[JogoAsobi]

I am right on the edge. I just wish Thomas would release something. A video. Feature list. Something.

According to post #7458 on page 373 of this thread on August 1, 2012;

Where is the club sport shifter?

In my suitcase and with me on the way to China to finalize design stage.

 

[paskowitz]

According to post #7458 on page 373 of this thread on August 1, 2012;

That was a long long time ago... in a country far far away.

 

[thehawk05]

I'm still hopeful the CSS sees the light of day as I'm curious as to how good it could potentially be. With that said though I'm not holding my breath waiting for it and honestly don't care all that much if it does get produced.

Like many I was holding out buying a shifter awaiting the CSS. I was impressed by the TH8 the minute the videos began to surface of it. Back when the Interfaceone came out to allow it to be used with my wheel I was tempted to buy but at the time it was just simply way too expensive to go that route......with currency rates, shipping, taxes, etc it would have cost me over $350 to go that route for a TH8/Interfaceone setup.

But now that the TH8 can be had so cheap and Mr.Basher provided us with an interface device that is not only cheaper but better in every way I said enough was enough and jumped on the wagon. I still haven't got to drive with my setup yet but the TH8 looks and feels terrific

 

[porsche 9146]

I hated the T500 RS both times I used it, but the one time I used the TH8 RS I found it to be top notch equipment. by far the best shifter I've ever used.

 

[LogiForce]

I hated the T500 RS both times I used it, but the one time I used the TH8 RS I found it to be top notch equipment. by far the best shifter I've ever used.

Yup. I am coming from the T500 RS as a wheel and have the CSW now with the CSPv2 pedals and TH8 RS.
I went back to the T500 after some time to help my dad to set it up properly in a couple of games. At that point I really felt how extremely smooth the CSW is, and how horribly heavy the T500 goes (not to even start about the cogging).

Then again I still use my TH8 RS with an lot of fun every day. Slamming it into gear is still as fun as when I got it last year upon release.
Though I might need some short throw plates for the old Lotus F1 cars in pCARS. However, I always feel like it is too much work to unscrew half the shifter. So I just leave it as is.
This is also the other main reason why I love the CSW over the T500... quick release!

 

[AGP5000]

I'm still hopeful the CSS sees the light of day as I'm curious as to how good it could potentially be. With that said though I'm not holding my breath waiting for it and honestly don't care all that much if it does get produced.

Like many I was holding out buying a shifter awaiting the CSS. I was impressed by the TH8 the minute the videos began to surface of it. Back when the Interfaceone came out to allow it to be used with my wheel I was tempted to buy but at the time it was just simply way too expensive to go that route......with currency rates, shipping, taxes, etc it would have cost me over $350 to go that route for a TH8/Interfaceone setup.

But now that the TH8 can be had so cheap and Mr.Basher provided us with an interface device that is not only cheaper but better in every way I said enough was enough and jumped on the wagon. I still haven't got to drive with my setup yet but the TH8 looks and feels terrific

+1, this is pretty much my reasoning for jumping on the TH8RS bandwagon a few months back. I am very happy with the purchase! Since I do not play consoles currently, no need for the basher box, yet. When NTG:IL comes out, I MIGHT be interested, all depends on reviews and gameplay.

My only possible regret down the road is the TH8RS only has a 2 year warranty. While the SST Lightning shifter has lifetime warranty, and is only a little bit more in price, and is a better overall shifter. However, you would need an interface one card to make it work on consoles, and that is no more.

I am still interested in the CSS, however, it's pretty obvious Thomas' original $99.95 price-point is WAY off. And, to compete with the TH8RS & SST will be tough since it has been so long, and many have jumped over already.

 

[12thgear]

+1, this is pretty much my reasoning for jumping on the TH8RS bandwagon a few months back. I am very happy with the purchase! Since I do not play consoles currently, no need for the basher box, yet. When NTG:IL comes out, I MIGHT be interested, all depends on reviews and gameplay.

My only possible regret down the road is the TH8RS only has a 2 year warranty. While the SST Lightning shifter has lifetime warranty, and is only a little bit more in price, and is a better overall shifter. However, you would need an interface one card to make it work on consoles, and that is no more.

I am still interested in the CSS, however, it's pretty obvious Thomas' original $99.95 price-point is WAY off. And, to compete with the TH8RS & SST will be tough since it has been so long, and many have jumped over already.

Well said guys. I'm not giving up on the CSS and I hope Fanatec can bring something unique out (even better build quality, unique feel, etc). But as time marched on I wanted something now, which is why I've got a Basher SFA1 and TH8RS coming.

It's interesting you like the Lightning SST more. There's no question it's incredibly robust (and will likely never need warranty service), but I really didn't like the feel at all when I tried it. As a precision instrument for high-level competition it's peerless. As a realistic, immersive shifter it left me cold. I'm hoping the TH8RS feels more like something out of a car.

 

[AGP5000]

Well said guys. I'm not giving up on the CSS and I hope Fanatec can bring something unique out (even better build quality, unique feel, etc). But as time marched on I wanted something now, which is why I've got a Basher SFA1 and TH8RS coming.

It's interesting you like the Lightning SST more. There's no question it's incredibly robust (and will likely never need warranty service), but I really didn't like the feel at all when I tried it. As a precision instrument for high-level competition it's peerless. As a realistic, immersive shifter it left me cold. I'm hoping the TH8RS feels more like something out of a car.

Well, you CAN tighten the TH8RS shifting function with a screw at the bottom of the base. However, tightening it up not only did not feel right, I felt the motion put more stress on the interior bearings/mechanisms than necessary. I ever so slightly added a little resistance from stock, and that is good enough for me. I want it to last a while.....

When I had both Side by side, the SST had a more real feel than the TH8. Just my opinion, I know others feel differently.

 

[mrbasher]

While the SST Lightning shifter has lifetime warranty, and is only a little bit more in price, and is a better overall shifter. However, you would need an interface one card to make it work on consoles....

This is not entirely true... I will make any USB shifter on the market work with the SFA1 with a simple firmware update. I've already added the DSD Pro Sequential.

 

[AGP5000]

This is not entirely true... I will make any USB shifter on the market work with the SFA1 with simple a simple firmware update. I've already added the DSD Pro Sequential.

I was simply saying currently Rock on Mr. B!

 

[mrbasher]

Gotcha. (and thanks for the support!) Anybody that has a shifter they want supported, or just wants to help. Feel free to send me a PM so I can get a few details from you.

 

[JogoAsobi]

...damn forgot about the SST...hmm

H-shifter: SST
Sequential: DSD
Handbrake: TH8 RS

...wow suddenly this maybe possible...

 

[LogiForce]

...damn forgot about the SST...hmm

H-shifter: SST
Sequential: DSD
Handbrake: TH8 RS

...wow suddenly this maybe possible...

I see an even busier busy Mr Basher in the near future.

 

[AGP5000]

I just want to pop in and say I am loving my CSW. I know a lot of threads get created with issues, however, I want to say mine has been excellent from day 1! There has been a night and day difference from going to the CSW from the GT2. The consistency & effects of FFB were exemplified with the CSW. The true steering shaft feel alone makes it worth every penny, and I am sure the Elite can go into the same category. On track, in game with iRacing, I have more confidence in myself to pass & not get sideways or lose focus.

Also, my CSP V1's continue to be the staple of my Fanatec endeavor. With the mods from the Tuning Kit & adjustments, they are tuned in to my liking. Another confidence & performance boost!

As for the CSR shifter set, try again. Well documented here, and by many others. This is a true, wait and see from Fanatec. I am slightly concerned with the lack of information coming from Thomas/Fanatec though. I can understand if there is nothing to report. However, relative silence for a span of time is not a good thing, imho. Coming from a sales & marketing background myself.

 

[the_greeze]

I just want to pop in and say I am loving my CSW. I know a lot of threads get created with issues, however, I want to say mine has been excellent from day 1! There has been a night and day difference from going to the CSW from the GT2. The consistency & effects of FFB were exemplified with the CSW. The true steering shaft feel alone makes it worth every penny, and I am sure the Elite can go into the same category. On track, in game with iRacing, I have more confidence in myself to pass & not get sideways or lose focus.

I moved up from a GT2 myself 👍 Totally agree with you

 

[K_Soze]

I moved up from a G25 to an Elite, I have tried iRacing (not bad but not such a big big difference with FM4 or GT5 for me, it is harder, a little bit more realistic but not the FFB killer I was hoping).

Then I tried rFactor2 Formule Renault 3.5. What a smile on my face. I have driven some super cars on circuit, tried goKart and also drive a Cruden simulator. RFactor 2 and the CSR Elite is what I was expecting from a simulation and FFB. It feels REAL ! I totally suck when driving but I have the feeling I drive a real mono place.

 

[drummermaniac]

Hi guys , after almost 2 years of full dedication to GT5 with my Logitech G27 , i´m ready to enjoy FM4 with a new compatible wheel for the Xbox 360, the CSR Value Pack .

But my concerns are not with the CSR Racing Wheel itself , it´s with the CSR pedals .

How they do compare to the G27 pedals in feel , stability and overall quality of the plastic ?

I´m selling my G27 , i´ll not have those pedals to connect with the CSR Wheel.

Thanks

 

[Rivanov]

I also have bought the Fanatec CSR Valuepack! Using it since last friday! I absolutely love it. I had the Logitech Driving Force GT, but wanted a wheel I could use across al my platforms (PS3, Xbox360 and PC).

 

[qt]

We actually plan a service pack for CSW users so that you can send in the CSW and we make a complete overhaul and replace critical parts. In any case it will be possible to buy all major spare parts like motors and belts in the future.

It will be awesome if there's also a provided service to transform a CSR Elite into a CSW since it's the same base and just different circuit board, wires, and shaft

 

[Patrocles]

I moved up from a G25 to an Elite, I have tried iRacing (not bad but not such a big big difference with FM4 or GT5 for me, it is harder, a little bit more realistic but not the FFB killer I was hoping).

Then I tried rFactor2 Formule Renault 3.5. What a smile on my face. I have driven some super cars on circuit, tried goKart and also drive a Cruden simulator. RFactor 2 and the CSR Elite is what I was expecting from a simulation and FFB. It feels REAL ! I totally suck when driving but I have the feeling I drive a real mono place.

welcome to the iracing darkside! 👍
the best, cleanest pickup racing around. After starting iRacing I let GT5 drop to the wayside. I upgraded to a Fanatec wheel and love it.

 

[bevo]

I moved up from a G25 to an Elite, I have tried iRacing (not bad but not such a big big difference with FM4 or GT5 for me, it is harder, a little bit more realistic but not the FFB killer I was hoping).

Then I tried rFactor2 Formule Renault 3.5. What a smile on my face. I have driven some super cars on circuit, tried goKart and also drive a Cruden simulator. RFactor 2 and the CSR Elite is what I was expecting from a simulation and FFB. It feels REAL ! I totally suck when driving but I have the feeling I drive a real mono place.

One thing about Iracing is you have to get the FF settings right. On the forum there is software that allows you to figure out the best settings for each car and track. There is also a thread devoted to FF and in the first post there is a list of alot of the cars and what strength to use for that car on a certain track. I don't change the setting for each track but I do for each car. It makes a huge difference and makes it way better then GT5 and forza. For instance I think the setting for the mustang is like 33 but some cars are as low as 12. If you have it set to high or low for a car it ruins the effects.

 

[redmalloc]

One thing about Iracing is you have to get the FF settings right. On the forum there is software that allows you to figure out the best settings for each car and track. There is also a thread devoted to FF and in the first post there is a list of alot of the cars and what strength to use for that car on a certain track. I don't change the setting for each track but I do for each car. It makes a huge difference and makes it way better then GT5 and forza. For instance I think the setting for the mustang is like 33 but some cars are as low as 12. If you have it set to high or low for a car it ruins the effects.

http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/2023748.page