Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

[museumsteve]

From the blog - not cheap again

So your favorite style is to always drive in the same direction and slipstream is more important to you than high-tech? Try out the NEW OVAL RIM for your ClubSport Wheel.

It is an authentic 1:1 replica of the original steering wheels and is covered with suede leather. The soft hub cover in the middle can be exchanged against a metal hub cover just like on the Classic rim but in black colour.

The dish is deeper than the Classic but the diameter is the same with 350 mm. That is the same diameter as they have in the NASCAR race cars.

And in order to keep the original design we added just one button. In fact it is an encoder button so you can map 7 functions to it.

It will be available this summer at a price of 349,95 Eur / USD (excl.tax / incl. tax)

 

[Carson79]

The words I'd use to describe my reaction to the price are not aloud on the forum ....Holy **** are they ****ing nuts!?

 

[AGP5000]

Carson, he will get my money on the Nascar rim.... While many on here know of my reservations in regards to Fanatec, I always stated I would purchase a 350mm Nascar style rim when produced. Bravo on this one Thomas.

Now to get this one signed up like my BMW rim Mad Max & many other Nascar guys! 👍

 

[Mahnegold]

NASCAR wheels are either 350, 380 or even 410mm in diameter.

 

[AGP5000]

NASCAR wheels are either 350, 380 or even 410mm in diameter.

Anymore, the biggest are 350-380. When the cars had NO power steering back in the day, the drivers would prefer a bigger rim to ease the amount of force needed to turn the wheel. Now, for precision, we see drivers getting down to <300mm rims at some tracks. Most Nascar drivers are using a 330-350mm rim, fyi. 400mm+ is ancient.

I spoke with Max at length for a bit at Martinsville. Thank him for Monza on iRacing, he was the proponent of them scanning it He may be able to develop a custom rim for me. We have been emailing since then, but I just don't know how much I am looking to spend now that this is out there. I have a feeling he may be a part of this being a licensed Momo dealer. I will follow up when I hear from Max.

 

[Carson79]

I'm hope you enjoy it AGP5000. I know if its something you really want a customer will pay for it. Personally I think these new rims are very over priced.

 

[AGP5000]

I'm hope you enjoy it AGP5000. I know if its something you really want a customer will pay for it. Personally I think these new rims are very over priced.

Not arguing the expensive fact at all. But, a rim I reallllllllllllllllllllllllly want. Think though, IF you could make a custom rim, it would cost 2x+ more than this. So, this bullet bit is not so bad. My .02.

 

[fatkrakr]

Oh you can bet these prices are based directly on what people are paying for some of those T500 rims. Im sure Thomas felt as if he was almost giving the BMW rim away.

 

[EZ1978]

Recently mounted my G27 set (I have the complete set CSW, less gearbox), my G27 pedals are modified again, accelerator and clutch with stiffer spring and brake pedal with the perfect pedal kit. I have no doubt, the beauty of the CSW is not discussed. But this is better (best results) and more realistic to use the G27. I guarantee it! I was afraid to come to that conclusion, but had the courage and really is quite noticeable difference in performance. I also expect a cheap upgrade to try to save the investment if it is not sold cheaply for less demanding people.

 

[lemansfanatic]

Fanatec have to be insane, here we have an exact wheel but made in wood and cost only a fraction of what the Fanatec does.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OD-2023-L...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d1c96c330

Link to screenshot if it gets sold:

SPECIFICATION

OMP Model Name: OMP MUGELLO STEERING WHEEL

OMP Part Number: OD/2023/LE

Product Description: A CLASSIC DESIGN STEERING WHEEL IDEAL FOR ANY VINTAGE OR CLASSIC CAR. EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY.

Material: WOODEN PLASTIC FINISH

In other words, not comparable.

But here is a better example of a wooden finish one for £145.82 ($200) looks of comparable quality to the Fanatec offering. Once you include the electronics needed to make the wheel compatable with the base, you can see how the Fanatec wheel's price point is most likely not a huge profit maker for them. Of course I have no idea what the profit margins are, just guessing

 

[bumer]

Once you include the electronics needed to make the wheel compatable with the base, you can see how the Fanatec wheel's price point is most likely not a huge profit maker for them. Of course I have no idea what the profit margins are, just guessing

I think quick release should be much more expensive than electronics, seeing what they usually cost.

It is kind of pointless to arque about prices, as no one else knows how much making those rims really cost. We could say about everything that are made in USA or Europe that they are way overpriced, because you get comparable products a lot cheaper from China.

 

[Simmpa]

SPECIFICATION

OMP Model Name: OMP MUGELLO STEERING WHEEL

OMP Part Number: OD/2023/LE

Product Description: A CLASSIC DESIGN STEERING WHEEL IDEAL FOR ANY VINTAGE OR CLASSIC CAR. EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY.

Material: WOODEN PLASTIC FINISH

In other words, not comparable.

But here is a better example of a wooden finish one for £145.82 ($200) looks of comparable quality to the Fanatec offering. Once you include the electronics needed to make the wheel compatable with the base, you can see how the Fanatec wheel's price point is most likely not a huge profit maker for them. Of course I have no idea what the profit margins are, just guessing

Ops I should have read that. Just assumed when the seller wroted that it was 100% genuine that it was real wood. My bad.

 

[lemansfanatic]

I think quick release should be much more expensive than electronics, seeing what they usually cost.

It is kind of pointless to argue about prices, as no one else knows how much making those rims really cost. We could say about everything that are made in USA or Europe that they are way overpriced, because you get comparable products a lot cheaper from China.

Yes, I forgot about the quick release, which would add considerably to that bottom line estimate by an easy $50-$100 or upwards, so there is another reason that Fanatec's price is not insane if you compare like items. I don't think its pointless to argue price because that seems most of the critics complaints about the new wheel has to do with price. They simply don't realize how much it costs to make or buy a quality steering wheel, with quick release and electronics. Are they all made in China? - yes of course, most of the products made today are, even some of Momo's "genuine" steering wheels are. Does it mean they are crap? Not at all. Let me say I am no Fanatec fanboy either, I just get tired of hearing about the same old complaints about price when its not a ridiculous price for nice steering wheels.

Momo prototipo Wheel $200
Quick release hub $50-$100 (est)
Electronics...?? $1-$100 ??

So if you add it all up: between $251 and $400 estimated to do it yourself comparably. Fanatec charging $350 oesn't seem so ridiculous anymore (I'm assuming they might have snuck in a profit there as well seeing as how they are in business to make some kind of money).

 

[eKretz]

I think the main point of those arguing that the price seems high is that the original offerings were much lower priced for what seems to be more features. I can see their point and I think for most people it makes no difference if the wheels are branded as long as they are well made and the price is lowered by leaving the branding out.

 

[lemansfanatic]

From Fanatec Blog:


We are continuously getting a lot of questions but also complaints
from our customers about the COMPATIBILITY of Xbox 360 wheels to Xbox
One so we decided to make a FAQ and poll about it.

Did Microsoft allow steering wheels (or other input devices) of the first generation Xbox to be compatible to the Xbox 360?

No

Was there a legal and official way to make Xbox (first generation) wheels fully compatible to Xbox 360 ?

No

Will it be technically possible to make an adapter to use Xbox 360 peripherals (like steering wheels) on the Xbox One?

Probably
yes but the effort and complication would be significant. The new
console uses a completely different force feedback communication
protocol, wireless transmission protocol and a different security chip.
The security chip needs to be purchased by the 3rd party manufacturer
from Microsoft and it makes sure that only official licensed products
can be connected to the console. Only if you get the official approval
from Microsoft you will be able to purchase such a security chip for
Xbox One. Besides that, given the high development costs and limited
market it would not be possible to offer it at a cheap price.

Does Microsoft allow the use of Xbox 360 devices to be used on Xbox One?

So
far no and there is no indication that this will change. This means it
is impossible to make such an adapter. This is the case for any company
and not just us. There are other expensive peripherals like music
instruments for Xbox 360 which also cannot be used anymore.

Did Fanatec plan to make such an adapter or do you rather prefer to sell new wheels?

Of
course we would have rather made a simple adapter or even just a
firmware update and continue to sell the wheels we have. Instead we now
have to develop something completely new. As other companies were
faster, the chance of losing customers is very high. This is not in our
interest at all!

Can you make such an adapter without the confirmation of Microsoft and sell it directly or indirectly to your customers?

Making
a device which cracks the security chip of Microsoft is clearly not
legal and we would immediately destroy the good relationship with
Microsoft. Furthermore we would be sued if we would attempt to sell or
even just support the development of such a device.
If Microsoft would
allow such an adapter then the whole security chip system would not make
any sense anymore as it would suddenly be an open system and you can
connect anything to the console.
This system actually has positive
effects for the consumer as well as it makes sure that all connected
peripherals are tested and work with all games. This is not the case on
other consoles.

Since when do you know that such an adapter is not possible?

Microsoft
never confirmed that such an adapter is possible or not and we were
waiting up to now. But given the technical complexity and also the
philosophy of Microsoft, we do not expect any more that such an adapter
will ever come to the market.

Are you working on a new Xbox One wheel
and when will it be released?

We do work on a next generation wheel and
the Xbox One is a key market for us. But at that point we cannot reveal
any further information or give a timeline. If there is any announcement
it will be made here on the blog.

Why did you not release an Xbox One
wheel at launch?

We would have loved to do so but the 3rd party
peripheral department of Microsoft which authorizes all Xbox peripherals
has limited capacity. Therefore other companies which make much bigger
business with Microsoft than us got this wheel business first. Our
relationship is very good with them but we have to respect that bigger
customers get better service. That is a standard business practice and
there is not much we can do about it.

The only one who can change that
is the Xbox One customer with its’ buying behavior because Microsoft
likes whatever the Xbox user likes and buys.

PS: PS4 compatibility will
be discussed separately as it is a completely different and independent
subject

-------------------
What I got from all that: "Sorry its not our fault that Microsoft has made our wheels obsolete by changing the FFB system, but its not the end of the world (rubbing hands together like Mr. Smithers). We are working on a replacement to the CSW that will be in stores soon and will give us a chance to claim Xbone was the reason we redesigned our flagship wheel and not motor failures cough cough."
MARK MY WORDS GUYS!! CSW will be history soon. you watch, Fanatec will have a shiny new wheel out soon compatable with the Xbox One and the CSW will be swept under the rug soon to be a figment of your imagination! In a couple years people will say, "boy that Fanatec makes some amazingly reliable products." They'll say this because by then everyone will be playing Forza 12 on their Fanatec RENNSport Wheels thinking: "Wasn't there another wheel before this one that had some kind of issue? oh well, the new RennSport wheel is awesome!"

Edit: this would also explain slow development of new wheel rims. YOUR GENUINE F1 RIM WILL COME OUT WITH THE NEW WHEEL! Hahahahahaha!!

 

[eKretz]

Heh, probably for twice the price as well.

 

[museumsteve]

Maybe there will be a new console base coming - Xbox One?

This was posted by Fanatec on their FB page in response to someone:-

• 
  

  [*]you do not have a controller or base for Xbox one. Correct me if I am wrong, please
  
  
  [*]
  Fanatec This is correct. But all wheel rims we develop are not just designed for our current Generation of wheel bases.

 

[museumsteve]

Another rim (with playstation buttons on top)

Small, Round, Fast!

The Round1 rim for your ClubSport Wheel.

Have a look at the picture and let us know if you have an idea what is coming up next.

 

[Simmpa]

Another rim (with playstation buttons on top)

Wow that one looks nice but only 270mm? Atleast the F1 fans will be pleased as it is same size as a classic F1 rim. I want to see a rally rim perhaps with Volkswagen branded and atleast 350 or 320mm.

 

[Caz]

Looks like ithas a trackpad on it like the ds4. Ps4 compat coming soon?

 

[HoiHman]

Quote from the blog:


Round 1 Wheel Rim for ClubSport Wheel

• And here is the next one: Say hello to the ROUND 1 WHEEL RIM for your ClubSport wheel.
  
  A lot of people are waiting for small, round and light GT rim and here it
  is. Fine, smooth leather, plenty of buttons and a diameter of just 270
  mm. Available this summer for 349,95 Euro / USD (incl. tax / excl. tax)
  
  Do you already see where we are going? ;-) We have still not shown you everything so what do you think will be next?

This rim i actually like VERY much

Don't like the prices, but ...... It's only money LOL

 

[museumsteve]

I must get me tape measure out, it sounds very small :s

 

[LogiForce]

Seriously... what's up with these royal cows being made into royal Fanatec Leather pieces and their idiotic prices? I don't get the button construction of this one either to be honest. The back ones you can't reach normally, and with the wheel only being 270mm those buttons will get in the wheel.

Let's see. I can get a SPA Technique 270mm wheel for $168.55 and I can pick for that price either Suede or Leather in the colors Red, Blue or Black. (Yes, the same wheel as in Niels Heusinkveld's latest talk and drive)
Add to this 40 bucks for a T500 hub from Derek and I go a little over 200 bucks.

Links: https://www.spatechnique.com/product_pages/productdetails.cfm?id=63


As to why you don't want buttons to be in the way. Just watch Niels grabbing his 270mm wheel in panic when he spins out with the Lotus 98T. Those buttons will really be in the way.




*awaits the next silly move from Fanatec*

 

[museumsteve]

I guess a new base will be next/soon

 

[museumsteve]

..actually, what if you can swap the rim out Is there really only 3 screws/bolts holding it?

 

[amar212]

Those button placement must be the most un-ergonomical thing I have ever seen on some wheel.

It has to be a button-box somehow attached on top, but with ability of separation from the base.

However, I like the size and the "F" functional button below, it looks like it has "dial" functionality - I hope they will map the left-right functions on it this time - so it can actually be used for navigation.

Prices are still... interesting.

 

[paskowitz]

..actually, what if you can swap the rim out Is there really only 3 screws/bolts holding it?

I was just about to say this. Fanatec will likely never do this but a wheel rim base would be an awesome concept. Basically sell that and attach whatever rim you want to it. Unless Fanatec sells truck loads of them, I figure they will make more money staying the course.

Also... wow the BMW rim seems like a bargain now!

 

[LogiForce]

..actually, what if you can swap the rim out Is there really only 3 screws/bolts holding it?

So you buy a 350 dollar wheel and add another 150 to 200 on top? I don't see the use. Plus the buttons could get in the way of the spoke and dish design of the new wheel you'd buy.

Those button placement must be the most un-ergonomical thing I have ever seen on some wheel.

It has to be a button-box somehow attached on top, but with ability of separation from the base.

However, I like the size and the "F" functional button below, it looks like it has "dial" functionality - I hope they will map the left-right functions on it this time - so it can actually be used for navigation.

Prices are still... interesting.

Also note the shifter paddles on the back! Nice for those who like it.
Though I don't prefer such a wheel myself. Like you say un-ergonomical, too full and too cluttered.

The smaller the wheel, the less you'd want attached to it due to space restrictions, and the bigger the wheel the more space you have to add controls and lay them out properly. At least that's how I feel about it.

 

[museumsteve]

So you buy a 350 dollar wheel and add another 150 to 200 on top? I don't see the use. Plus the buttons could get in the way of the spoke and dish design of the new wheel you'd buy.

You maybe would if you just have to buy a base and something like this rim. Then buy as many cheaper rims as you like in whatever style you want. Maybe that's why the button cluster is separate from the actual rim. The PS4 controls are not much more than a button box so may be removable

 

[LogiForce]

You maybe would if you just have to buy a base and something like this rim. Then buy as many cheaper rims as you like in whatever style you want. Maybe that's why the button cluster is separate from the actual rim. The PS4 controls are not much more than a button box so may be removable

Good point. Maybe with that in mind its good if we wait for a little more info on this one.


Eh.... Wait a second!

Why does this wheel have something that is like a Playstation controller? Shouldn't this mean a license of sorts for such things? And do these buttons relate to the PS3 or PS4?