Fanatec CSL Elite Racing Wheel Thread- officially licensed for PS4

[Tompie913]

There seems to be a great deal of confusion of what makes a wheel "PS4 compatible," and understandably so. Here's how I understand it: Because of the way Sony has done things with their licensing, there is no binary "PS4 compatible" or "not compatible," even though the Fanatec CSL is a licensed PS4 wheel. Sony does not have any hardware requirements or an SDK for racing wheels - they basically just give out licenses which guarantee that they won't stop a developer from supporting a certain wheel, and maybe will encourage a developer to support it.

I can almost guarantee that if the Logitech G29 were released a few months ago like the CSL Elite was, it wouldn't be supported by GT Sport yet either. But the T300 and G29 have the advantage of having been out for years. The CSL was released less than 6 months ago, and game devs don't always move very quickly (especially Polyphony). It is fully compatible with Assetto Corsa, F1 2017, Dirt Rally, and Dirt 4; Project Cars 2 and GT Sport work well in compatibility mode and both devs have confirmed that they will implement native support in the near future. As far as I can think, these comprise all of the major sim racing games today on PS4.

But sure, if compatibility is your absolute top priority, then the G29 or T300RS would be better options. The CSL Elite is otherwise a much better wheel, with the only other wheel in its class on PS4 being the T-GT which is quite a lot more expensive. Compatibility issues will be solved with time, but a T300 won't suddenly become a better product next year (if it is still even working ).

 

[ANDRITSOULAS]

Guys.... it is obvious, at least for me that csl ps4 version is superior to the tgt. The only better feature that tgt has is the transducer but it works only o Gts. It is also a good deal if you consider csl ps4 version with csl LC pedals vs the tgt set hands down. If both sets were in the same price i can see people going for the tgt for the transducer over the loadcell and smoothnes . But i think tgt is more future proof than csl for console gamers. The tgt base will be suported for future GT titles (i supose in ps5) and will support the transducer in games. That is what the manual says acording some tgt buyers. Could that be confirmed here? I am a bit nervous about csl ps4 version will be supported in ps5 . . . . . . .

I will buy the csl elite ps4 version for sure. I sold my t300rs and i know the csl will be an upgrade. When i will sell my thrustmaster steering wheels i will buy the Fanatec shifter and the LC brake also. I think i will not regret it.

 

[Fanatec...]

I wish we could always please everyone.
Every year at BF we have happy people and some which expected something else.

We put some of our best selling products on sale with a huge discount of 40% and the rest of our product line remains at an attractive price level.

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage. People will not be happy if the product is out of stock.
Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

No matter what we do, it is simply impossible to make everybody happy.
But I am sure that many customers are happy with the offers and that BF will be our best selling weekend as in the years before.

 

[GTFraker]

I wish we could always please everyone.
Every year at BF we have happy people and some which expected something else.

We put some of our best selling products on sale with a huge discount of 40% and the rest of our product line remains at an attractive price level.

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage. People will not be happy if the product is out of stock.
Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

No matter what we do, it is simply impossible to make everybody happy.
But I am sure that many customers are happy with the offers and that BF will be our best selling weekend as in the years before.

Word for word, the reply I expected; you are a good businessman and you have good products, all the luck to you.

 

[Quattro20v]

Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

Including me.

 

[bello2185]

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage.

About that, I'm looking to purchase a PS4 CSL Elite with pedals and a loadcell, and possibly also a shifter and handbrake. Do you know the current delivery time for the PS4 CSL Elite bundle?

 

[JOE998]

I wish we could always please everyone.
Every year at BF we have happy people and some which expected something else.

We put some of our best selling products on sale with a huge discount of 40% and the rest of our product line remains at an attractive price level.

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage. People will not be happy if the product is out of stock.
Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

No matter what we do, it is simply impossible to make everybody happy.
But I am sure that many customers are happy with the offers and that BF will be our best selling weekend as in the years before.

Most people seem unhappy that you have discounted the Xbox bundle 2 years running and left out PS4 owners again.

If supply of the PS4 wheels and the fact it’s new to the market is the issue then why not offer free shipping or some other small gesture for PS4 users on BF?

I’m still going to order (today, as you say stock will get low lol) my wheel and pedals! At least I don’t have to wait until Friday lol

 

[ANDRITSOULAS]

I wish we could always please everyone.
Every year at BF we have happy people and some which expected something else.

We put some of our best selling products on sale with a huge discount of 40% and the rest of our product line remains at an attractive price level.

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage. People will not be happy if the product is out of stock.
Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

No matter what we do, it is simply impossible to make everybody happy.
But I am sure that many customers are happy with the offers and that BF will be our best selling weekend as in the years before.

You are right, but. . . .

My opinion is that there are way more TM/Log. users that want to ''change side'' than people who will now start sim racing / ''smcading'' in a 500+ budget. The new ones will go for a cheap TM like T150 or standard t300 / G29.
I think The csl elite ps4 starter pack is already in a very competitive price but for bigger budgets. Budgets of people who already have a wheel and want to upgrade to something better.

As you can see under your -40% csl elite deal on your Facebook page there are many people that were waiting this opportunity to change their previous wheel with the csl ps4 version. The part that i think triggered all this is of the same (almost) product bundle with last years.
And to be clear people who are on ps4 wanted a deal that also has a PS budge on the product. Not a compatible one.

And i think this will be the case with the new rim if it only has xbox badge on it I think it should be compatible with both bases (xbox - ps) or without console budges. We are used in this industry as customers to have the same product for xbox and for ps or a generic one that can be used either on a ps base or a xbox base.

Your side seems more complicated because the compatibility for xbox is on the steering wheel , but for the PS is on the base.

I can not see people using an xbox licensed product, for example Xbox universal hub, on ps4.

If this is the case i could pay 100+ euros more for the v2.5 or a future v3 base to be multiplatform but with the compatibility for everything to be in the base.

The last think i would like to mention is: With a smaller BF discount of the plain csl elite ps4 version, lets say -25% to go side by side with the -40% of the xbox version would be a perfect choice.

Just my opinion

 

[Marky264]

The brakes aren’t crappy. That said, being a potentiometer brake is inferior to loadcell brakes but the build quality are great! Most simracers came from these kind of brakes and have learned to be fast. They are upgradeble (albeit aftermarket). If you felt conned, perhaps your expectations were to high. The wheel is overpriced and thrustmaster should have developed load cell brakes by now, but they are innovating with new technology. I’m not asking for glowing praise, but I don’t like serial bashing. And you are right this is the csl elite thread and I am interested in the wheel, but You keep mentioning the T-GT being crap in almost every post. And enough is enough.

Yes the Brakes are crappy the T3PGT Pedals that are Included with the T-GT Failed twice on me. I purchased It ahead of the GT Sport Launch & Within a couple hours my first set broke. Sent back to Amazon UK for a Full Refund & Then the 2nd Bought from AO.com which had exactly the same issue. Contacted Thrustmaster via Support Channels and got absolutely nothing not even an apology or an offer for a replacement I was disgusted by their level of service. Took me over 2 Weeks to get £1400 back so I could re-purchase another wheel and now I'm going to move on to something more reliable. Fanatec have always had me intrigued and now with that new BF Rim that's being released (GT3 Rim) I think I'm finally going to move onto purchasing the CSL Elite.

Sorry but anyone that defends the T3PGT Pedals haven't owned a reliable pair of T3PA Pro's and should trade up straight away if Investing in the T-GT I felt very underwhelmed by what I received for how much I paid.

 

[F Inferno]

Some of the whining in here about the deals is hilarious.

You could always wait until next Black Friday if you are too cheap to pay what the wheel is currently worth or buy a worse /cheaper wheel...

There's also the fact that Fanatec are a German company and Black Friday isn't even really a thing there so the fact they are offering anything at all is a positive. How many Black Friday deals have Thrustmaster done?

 

[ANDRITSOULAS]

Some of the whining in here about the deals is hilarious.

You could always wait until next Black Friday if you are too cheap to pay what the wheel is currently worth or buy a worse /cheaper wheel...

There's also the fact that Fanatec are a German company and Black Friday isn't even really a thing there so the fact they are offering anything at all is a positive. How many Black Friday deals have Thrustmaster done?

What ever you say. . . . .

Me personally i would buy the csl elite ps4 in stock price or in BF. But in BF would be a nice chance to buy some other products at once . That would be very good for me and other ps4 users and i think Fanatecs too.

 

[PocketZeven]

Some of the whining in here about the deals is hilarious.

You could always wait until next Black Friday if you are too cheap to pay what the wheel is currently worth or buy a worse /cheaper wheel...

There's also the fact that Fanatec are a German company and Black Friday isn't even really a thing there so the fact they are offering anything at all is a positive. How many Black Friday deals have Thrustmaster done?

I am amazed as well! They are not required to give out deals! I have seen some posts across various media actually being angry for not having a PS4 deal... people really can get crazy!

 

[Twstcrv]

I wish we could always please everyone.
Every year at BF we have happy people and some which expected something else.

We put some of our best selling products on sale with a huge discount of 40% and the rest of our product line remains at an attractive price level.

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage. People will not be happy if the product is out of stock.
Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

No matter what we do, it is simply impossible to make everybody happy.
But I am sure that many customers are happy with the offers and that BF will be our best selling weekend as in the years before.

Thanks for the effort and time you put into being in touch with your customers. Also the attention to updates. That is the best thing about your company right now vs goliath tm. Little glitches or bugs are much easier to forgive with the knowledge somebody cares and is working on it. Since Im apparently gushing, let me also say I sincerely appreciate the effort you have put into quality design and manufacture vs minimum standards just to sell stuff. These qualities are getting hard to find.

 

[bluetusk]

Supe, $430 gets you a wheel, wheel base and the load cell ($130) for CSL pedals.

Damn, the Man did not lie when he said they were going to make it hard for people not to switch to fanatec.

hello. how do you get this $430 price? Starter kit csl elite for ps4 reflects $499.95 for wheel and non load cell pedals

 

[BuckFly]

You are right, but. . . .

Your side seems more complicated because the compatibility for xbox is on the steering wheel , but for the PS is on the base.

I can not see people using an xbox licensed product, for example Xbox universal hub, on ps4.

If this is the case i could pay 100+ euros more for the v2.5 or a future v3 base to be multiplatform but with the compatibility for everything to be in the base.

Just my opinion

Truthfully, Andritsoulas, that is what I am still contemplating.

I wish we could always please everyone.
Every year at BF we have happy people and some which expected something else.

We put some of our best selling products on sale with a huge discount of 40% and the rest of our product line remains at an attractive price level.

The demand of our PS4 racing wheel is very strong and we are risking a shortage. People will not be happy if the product is out of stock.
Please understand as well that if we would put a brand new product on sale we would have made a lot of customers angry which just bought this product.

No matter what we do, it is simply impossible to make everybody happy.
But I am sure that many customers are happy with the offers and that BF will be our best selling weekend as in the years before.

It is unfortunate. However, fortunately for me two of the deals are very attractive, almost to the point of not being able to pass up.

That said, I am asking for the board members' patience with my post as I am laying out my scenario possibly for your input, but just as much to see it in writing and sort of "think out loud" or have this be the work space for my thinking and I will try and be as brief as I can. If it is inappropriate here, Mods, let me apologize in advance.

I am making an approximately $1,500 decision (higher without the BF sale) to a brand, fanatec, that I've used exclusively previously, use partially now, and have decided to make the eco-system move back to going forward because of my belief in the quality of their product.

Here's the thing, though, of those $1,500 or so, the constants are the shifter, break performance kit, handbrake cable, pedals (V3 now) and Universal Hub and Steering wheel (thanks for that deal, too). Those items are not going to change for me, especially given the BF deals (although fanatec gives assurances on stock, I still may be up at 3 am EST trying to purchase!)

Therefore, it really comes down to an essentially $500 decision for me, which it has been from the start: to go with the compatibility of the CSL Elite for the PS4 ($479) or do I just plain go with the better wheel, the CSW V2.5 ($499), and continue to have faith in the Drive Hub?

The funny thing is, there has been so much going back and forth on the compatibility issue, but truthfully it is a lesser issue for me. Regardless of where the issues stand now (and I know the wheel works) I absolutely have full faith in any of the remaining issues getting worked out.

No, for me it still comes down to the potential noise issue of the CSL Elite Wheel for an early morning/late night driver in an open concept home with a daughter and a wife sleeping. I know about the FEI update. However, I am weary of spending $500 for something and then taking some of the functionality off to make a problem go away (btw, I know someone explained their conversation with fanatec about that, I believe earlier in this thread...putting that aside for now).

However, as a currently and primarily console gamer am I really going to get the top of the line V2.5 (pre fanatec DD wheels) that essentially is just translating through a third party device on some of my platforms?

Throwing something else into the mix here is the fact, and to be honest about this for the first time online, I was a guy who was almost exclusively a Forza man who is having trouble going back to F7 because I am enjoying GT Sport so damn much...which surprises the hell out of me.

So there it is...in the last 24 hours I may have changed my mind...I may take a chance on the CSL Elite, at my own risk, with the idea if it is such a problem for me I could just move on from that wheel. I may even pull the trigger on the locked in items above, and the Elite, before BF just due to any concerns I might have over shortages and hoping that I can find my PS2-RJ12 cable somewhere as that thing is harder to find online than the Holy Grail (fanatec pre-order for a long time, and I think one other site has it).

Gentlemen all, your thoughts, as always, are greatly appreciated.

EDIT: BTW, sorry for what may be a stupid question, but on BF do we order the Universal Hub and Wheel Rim separately, or do we still get the same discount by ordering them as the $399 package?

 

[super_gt]

hello. how do you get this $430 price? Starter kit csl elite for ps4 reflects $499.95 for wheel and non load cell pedals

This

+ CSL Elite Pedals Loadcell Kit

 

[BuckFly]

This

+ CSL Elite Pedals Loadcell Kit

Supe, I was going to do that a few minutes ago, however, I wanted to give my post above a few minutes to breath and get out there.

That said my friend I ask, neigh, I DEMAND you read my post above and respond!

No, if you feel like it. I respect you and others around here and I'd like your input.

Peace!

 

[axeMaltesse]

How you guys like the new McLaren wheel rim? I was waiting for F1 wheel discount, but maybe I'll go and buy the new one instead. It will be only revelated with original price or discounted as well?

 

[BuckFly]

How you guys like the new McLaren wheel rim? I was waiting for F1 wheel discount, but maybe I'll go and buy the new one instead. It will be only revelated with original price or discounted as well?

Hey axe...a compatible F1 rim for the Xbox? 👍

However, I think we will see it at a full price (maybe $399?) and a 2018 release. I just can't imagine a brand new product being discounted and the BF deal doesn't say anything about a discount.

 

[maks]

hello. how do you get this $430 price? Starter kit csl elite for ps4 reflects $499.95 for wheel and non load cell pedals

There is no ps4 deal possible for that price. The deal linked to you in a previous reply is for the original CSL Eilte which is xbox/pc compatible.

 

[axeMaltesse]

Hey axe...a compatible F1 rim for the Xbox? 👍

However, I think we will see it at a full price (maybe $399?) and a 2018 release. I just can't imagine a brand new product being discounted and the BF deal doesn't say anything about a discount.

I'm trying to fish out this one: https://www.fanatec.com/eu-en/steer...net&utm_campaign=General+Links&a_aid=gtplanet
For pc/ps4. I think that price will be 300/350£ ish, but it depends how many the McLaren license cost and which materials they used to make it. My only hope is: not too much please

 

[bluetusk]

There is no ps4 deal possible for that price. The deal linked to you in a previous reply is for the original CSL Eilte which is xbox/pc compatible.

oh. thank you for clarifying.

 

[BuckFly]

I'm trying to fish out this one: https://www.fanatec.com/eu-en/steer...net&utm_campaign=General+Links&a_aid=gtplanet
For pc/ps4. I think that price will be 300/350£ ish, but it depends how many the McLaren license cost and which materials they used to make it. My only hope is: not too much please

axe, you know how badly I've wanted an F1 rim?

I'll tell you...very badly!

Dying to see this thing, in all its glory...and it will be glorious!

 

[maks]

@Fanatec... thanks for your generous offers this black friday. Although i didnt quite find the right deal for myself this year, i hope to join your ecosystem in the near future.

One question, is there plan to upgrade the xbox compatible CSL base to the same level of materials as the ps4 CSL base? It seems like they are at 2 different tiers of quality due to the ps4 version using csw 2.5 materials. Makes me feel like the xbox version needs a refresh to catch up since they are both labeled as "CSL elites"

 

[Shinu]

Truthfully, Andritsoulas, that is what I am still contemplating.





It is unfortunate. However, fortunately for me two of the deals are very attractive, almost to the point of not being able to pass up.

That said, I am asking for the board members' patience with my post as I am laying out my scenario possibly for your input, but just as much to see it in writing and sort of "think out loud" or have this be the work space for my thinking and I will try and be as brief as I can. If it is inappropriate here, Mods, let me apologize in advance.

I am making an approximately $1,500 decision (higher without the BF sale) to a brand, fanatec, that I've used exclusively previously, use partially now, and have decided to make the eco-system move back to going forward because of my belief in the quality of their product.

Here's the thing, though, of those $1,500 or so, the constants are the shifter, break performance kit, handbrake cable, pedals (V3 now) and Universal Hub and Steering wheel (thanks for that deal, too). Those items are not going to change for me, especially given the BF deals (although fanatec gives assurances on stock, I still may be up at 3 am EST trying to purchase!)

Therefore, it really comes down to an essentially $500 decision for me, which it has been from the start: to go with the compatibility of the CSL Elite for the PS4 ($479) or do I just plain go with the better wheel, the CSW V2.5 ($499), and continue to have faith in the Drive Hub?

The funny thing is, there has been so much going back and forth on the compatibility issue, but truthfully it is a lesser issue for me. Regardless of where the issues stand now (and I know the wheel works) I absolutely have full faith in any of the remaining issues getting worked out.

No, for me it still comes down to the potential noise issue of the CSL Elite Wheel for an early morning/late night driver in an open concept home with a daughter and a wife sleeping. I know about the FEI update. However, I am weary of spending $500 for something and then taking some of the functionality off to make a problem go away (btw, I know someone explained their conversation with fanatec about that, I believe earlier in this thread...putting that aside for now).

However, as a currently and primarily console gamer am I really going to get the top of the line V2.5 (pre fanatec DD wheels) that essentially is just translating through a third party device on some of my platforms?

Throwing something else into the mix here is the fact, and to be honest about this for the first time online, I was a guy who was almost exclusively a Forza man who is having trouble going back to F7 because I am enjoying GT Sport so damn much...which surprises the hell out of me.

So there it is...in the last 24 hours I may have changed my mind...I may take a chance on the CSL Elite, at my own risk, with the idea if it is such a problem for me I could just move on from that wheel. I may even pull the trigger on the locked in items above, and the Elite, before BF just due to any concerns I might have over shortages and hoping that I can find my PS2-RJ12 cable somewhere as that thing is harder to find online than the Holy Grail (fanatec pre-order for a long time, and I think one other site has it).

Gentlemen all, your thoughts, as always, are greatly appreciated.

EDIT: BTW, sorry for what may be a stupid question, but on BF do we order the Universal Hub and Wheel Rim separately, or do we still get the same discount by ordering them as the $399 package?

Honestly DriveHub for me works great (I'm csw v2 user). If I were to buy a new wheel I would wait for DD and use GIMX (or possible drivehub update) or grab myself a CSW v2.5.

 

[maks]

Yes the Brakes are crappy the T3PGT Pedals that are Included with the T-GT Failed twice on me. I purchased It ahead of the GT Sport Launch & Within a couple hours my first set broke. Sent back to Amazon UK for a Full Refund & Then the 2nd Bought from AO.com which had exactly the same issue. Contacted Thrustmaster via Support Channels and got absolutely nothing not even an apology or an offer for a replacement I was disgusted by their level of service. Took me over 2 Weeks to get £1400 back so I could re-purchase another wheel and now I'm going to move on to something more reliable. Fanatec have always had me intrigued and now with that new BF Rim that's being released (GT3 Rim) I think I'm finally going to move onto purchasing the CSL Elite.

Sorry but anyone that defends the T3PGT Pedals haven't owned a reliable pair of T3PA Pro's and should trade up straight away if Investing in the T-GT I felt very underwhelmed by what I received for how much I paid.

As a happy owner of t500rs i too was interested in t-gt but shocked at $800 price with a pedal set not on par with t3pa pro. Is it even selling well? It seems like there's no way it stays at that price point. I really expect it to hit $600 to $650 street prices but even then i can see CSL elite being a better value proposition.

 

[BuckFly]

Honestly DriveHub for me works great (I'm csw v2 user). If I were to buy a new wheel I would wait for DD and use GIMX (or possible drivehub update) or grab myself a CSW v2.5.

Seriously, Shinu, thank you very much for your input. Have you been using the V2 with GT Sport? I believe also that the usage of the V2 with the DH is a little more direct, due to the CSW V2's previous compatibility...don't know whether that makes a dffierence.

We are in a golden age of racing games right now, in my opinion. If I further consider the DD wheel from fanatec, I will. It just seems like we are still a long way out from them coming out (March?) and then being readily/more easily available (Fall 2018?).

I love my TX and my CSR Elite (2011) pedals...but it is time to move on, especially now.

Again, thank you.

 

[super_gt]

That said my friend I ask, neigh, I DEMAND you read my post above and respond!

I am a Drive Hub owner who loves your product (TX used on the PS4...for now). I am just trying to make my wheel decision, going forward.

In case you already have Drive Hub and the noise from CSL PS4 wheel is a big problem for you the CSW V2,5 is a good option for you.

 

[BuckFly]

In case you already have Drive Hub and the noise from CSL PS4 wheel is a big problem for you the CSW V2,5 is a good option for you.

An honest and straight answer from the man who hails from the homeland of my Rseat N1!

Thank you.

 

[ANDRITSOULAS]

I have also found a pretty good deal of a v2 base in a very good condition.

What do you think about v2 through drive hub vs csl elite ps4 version? Some one mentioned here that csl is better. Is that the case. . . ?