Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSR Elite Wheel Overview
manufacturer: Fanatec, Endor A.G
country of origin: Germany
product family: Fanatec CSR
countries of assemble: Germany / PRC
release date: December 2011
price: 499 / 499 $ / (wheel only)
total price with pedals: model-dependable (from 529 to 699 /$/£)
official web: www.fanatec.de
product description: specialized gaming/steering controller
platform compatibility: Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox 360, PC
usage compatibility: driving/racing games and other genres (through controller mode)
hardware compatibility: various Fanatec accessories, various third-party accessories
game compatibility: all major driving/racing titles on all platforms
>> OVERVIEW
main driving features: 900-degree mode, force feedback effect, 30 cm wheel diameter (interchangeable)
main technology features: point-sensor on the main driving axle, belt-driven system (belts made by Optibelt, Germany), FFB/dampening mechanism, unique mechanics with central FFB threshold-shaft, two separate Mabuchi 550 FFB motors and 2 vibration motors
other features: real-time on-wheel setting adjusting, satin-iron sequential-shifters, 10 function buttons, directional stick with click-to-confirm function (instead of classic D-pad)
special features:upcoming interchangeable wheel-rims
included in the package: power unit, power cable (very long), USB connection cable, UTP/ PS/2 adapters (for connection of Fanatec and third-party PS/2 accessories), headset-adapter
*user-manual for the CSR Elite soon will be dowloadable from the Support section of the official web
Main competitors in the worldwide market / non-compatibility and platform related
Other competitors / compatibility and platform related
*all prices in this overview are current MSRP and does not reflect the possible special-deals available in various online retailers or country-based specific discounts or promotions
CSR Elite official accessories (main):
*for full breakdown of accessories visit the official web: www.fanatec.de
Other accessories (third-party):
Upcoming official accessories:
*these pictures of ClubSport Shifter and interchangeable rims are taken out of the YouTube videos and edited for better visibility. However they are all work-in-progress and not resembling looks or final design of the finished products
Comparison of CSRE with features of other Fanatec wheels is available on the official Fanatec web.
>> INTRODUCTION.
Fanatec CSR Elite is the latest and to this date most advance steering controller in the history of the Fanatec brand. Engineered and built with the obvious goal to set the standards in it's price range - and even to compete with high-end PC wheels of the highest price-category - CSR Elite is fascinating and versatile product that will satisfy the expectations of every driving-games players willing to upgrade their hardware with high-end solution.
Through the following overview I did detailed and throughout testing of the CSRE on many fields, comparing it with other wheels I have on my disposal or have tested through time. I was using CSRE in all major franchises on both console platforms, with separate notes made for both in-game performance overview for two major franchises, Gran Turismo 5 and Forza Motorsport 4.
//CSRE looks are very distinctive thanx to unique design and color combination.
>> HARDWARE OVERVIEW.
Weighing almost 12 kilograms and separately packed into nice protective cloth-bag with Fanatec logo, fascination with CSR Elite begins from the very first moment you get it out of the box.
The list of CSRE unique and positive features is really long. First - and one of the most important for many players outhere - would be compatibility with all 3 major platforms, PlayStation, Xbox360 and PC - and almost every driving game ever released for them. That comes without constraints of CSRE being the official wheel of Forza Motorsport 4 on X360. Please notice how this overview will cover only console platforms, while I have no doubt how other overviews will successfully tackle great versatility and possible customizations of features that CSRE will deliver to players on PC.
Second is already well-known ability of previous wheels of Fanatec family to allow for on-the-fly adjustments of different settings of the wheel. Player can adjust and store up to 5 different setups of various wheel-related settings. You can change steering-degree value (from the game-default OFF to 900), force feedback strength, vibration strength, motors dampening resistance, all the way to strength of the central-spring or moment when vibration effect of the Fanatec pedals will create an sensation of non-ABS braking.
Latest firmware (715) will allow for enhanced control of both Spring/Damper settings and introduce a new Auto-clutch functionality. Some games - like Forza 4 - allows mapping of the clutch to buttons and this gives an advantage for controller users. If you turn ACL on then you can use the mode "manual with clutch". The timing will be improved, and to avoid the complaint how this functionality is cheating, clutch axis isn't mapped to the shifter paddles so it only works with games which support button clutching.
//Position of buttons is good and overall ergonomy of the rim is enhanced by the touring-shape. Alcantara parts will provide better grip while turning the rim. Sequential shifters switches feels great
MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION
Third feature - most important from actual driving-sensation perspective - is the mechanical construction of CSRE, where already established belt-drive system was drastically improved over existing Fanatec models with inclusion of camshaft-resistance system that allows for perfectly smooth steering, adds weight to the steering and evens-out rapid steering movements through rotation limiter. Mechanics are paired with 2 separate motors that are delivering unprecedented counter-steer power to the central-shaft during driving, allowing for great sensation of force feedback on both platforms and main driving-franchises tested. Another result of strong motors is actual speed of the wheel. Stronger motors allowed Fanatec to change the gear-ratio of the belt-drive system which resulted with more force being applied on the belts and overall greater speed of the wheel.
Another important construction-related improvement is repositioning of the point-sensor for the steering-axis. Instead of being attached to the rear of the FFB motor (as on previous Fanatec models and majority of other wheels on market), point-sensor in CSRE is attached directly to the central-axle of the steering column. CSR Elite comes with ultra-high electric-resolution sensor that takes full advantage of the mechanical construction which is most meritous for providing the sensor with very smooth mechanical resolution. Fanatec officially calls it "Direct Sensor Technology". It results with beautiful precision in steering and pitch-perfect sensation of knowing what the car will do movement-wise.
What are the benefits of all this hi-tech points above? Well, it is very safe to say that CSRE delivers the best force feedback sensation and most detailed FFB effects of all wheels I've tested before, including whole range of the Fanatec wheels-family (on both PS3/X360), Thrustmaster T500RS or Logitech wheels (on PS3).
Fourth important feature of CSR Elite is actual build-quality and quality of materials-used. Body of the wheel is made of CNC-carved aluminum painted in red, with top covered with translucent polycarbonate that allows for beautiful view to mechanics inside. Actual wheel have distinct touring-style shape, achieved with interconnected matte polycarbonate tubes. Alcantara parts were used on rim-sides and thumb-rest areas for maximum comfort and grip. Central console is made out of carbon-fibre piece over aluminum plate and hosts all function buttons, directional stick and function LED-display with beautiful blue light. Following evolution from previous models and standards introduced by competitors, CSR Elite comes with long paddle-shifters made of satin-finished iron that resembles matte aluminum which are not fixed to the wheel-body - as on T500RS for example - but instead made movable on the steering column (as on all other wheels).
Fifth feature is great compatibility with almost all existing Fanatec accessories and some third-party accessories that have PS/2 standard enabled for connection. CSR Elite is out-of-the-box compatible with all Fanatec pedal-sets and shifters, despite the most significant change in hardware-inputs: the PS/2 ports of previous Fanatec models have been replaced with UTP-ports for both pedals/shifter connection on CSRE. Adapter-cables included in package solves the compatibility fast and easy. All inputs (power/pedals/shifters/USB out/audio) are now hidden in the back of the wheel-body which will allow for sleek cable-management. Testing was done with Fanatec ClubSport Pedals (CSP) and Frex Shifter+ sequential-shifter - accessories combo I used on my Fanatec GT2 wheel - and everything was working flawlessly.
/Frex Shifter+ is handcrafted in Japan and it is the dream-come-true accessory for all drivers who love sequential-shifting. Build-quality is unbelievable and it is a perfect fit to CSRE/CSP looks and design. Robustness of Shifter+ can't be matched by any other shifter - you can molest it as you're driving a real touring car with full-strength
Worth noticing is how CSR Elite comes with the screws on the wheel-column that will allow for detach and change of the actual wheel-rim in the future. Overall, the great versatility of available accessories - as well as ability to use every Fanatec accessory you already have for from your previous wheels - is more than welcomed. Of course, same as its predecessors, CSRE is also compatible with pedals of Logitech G25/27 wheels, making it more attractive as possible upgrade for all LogGee-series owners.
I have mounted CSRE on the existing GT2 setup of my Rinoseat GTR cockpit. Paired with such superior cockpit-solution as Rinoseat GTR undoubtedly is - it is the best cockpit I have ever driven in - I can only say how my personal driving have become absolute joy, not even to mention the impression and looks.
// When you assemble everything and if you are lucky enough to own Fanatec CSP pedals, you can be sure that you will host one of the most beautiful driving setups available. Notice how the CSRE comes with an adapter unit which makes it 100% compatible to the mounts of the Porsche wheel series
>> PERFORMANCE PART ONE > PERSONAL OVERVIEW.
For steering wheels everything comes down to one single thing at the end: in-game performance. From the earliest days of consumer force-feedback wheels - Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel being first do deliver Immersion force feedback technology as we know it in 1999 - all up to latest Thrustmaster T500RS model, only thing that really mattered was actual performance and delivery of force feedback sensation to the wheel and driver. First great revolution in field of FFB came in early 2001, when Logitech launched their budget-series of Driving Force wheels, which corresponded with worldwide release of Gran Turismo 3 game. Wheel-peripherals, that was until that moment pretty much tied to niche PC-market, finally went into full mainstream. In 2003 Logitech introduced their breakthrough Driving Force Pro model - developed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital and Immersion company - and sold hundreds of thousands of DFP wheels, in the same time carving the foundation of the saturated and rich force feedback wheel market we have today.
Fanatec CSR Elite definitely is the very top of the current offer in the worldwide market. Its performance lays in layers of its actual mechanical-components, precise engineering, great software that drives it and fantastic compatibility with all games I tried it on. In my lifetime I really had almost all commercial wheels ever made, with respectable exclusion of esoteric Frex SimWHEEL and ECCI 6000 series. More than a decade ago I started playing with then superior Thrustmaster Ferrari models, than went to Logitech Dual Force as soon it was introduced in 2001, jumped on Logitech DFP at the very first moment in 2003 and was among the first to have G25 once it was out. I had G27 for a short period of time, but I sold it since it didn't have sequential-shifter, which is very important component to my personal driving style. I even had a Microsoft Force Feedback X360 wheel and Logitech FX, because they were the only solution for X360 in the early days.
I had a chance to try Fanatec PWTS as soon it was released, but first Fanatec I actually owned was GT3 model. At the very moment multiplatform GT2 was released I purchased it, and later had a Thrustmaster T500RS for a 2-week comparison and testing in GT5 (it is after all a GT5 official wheel). Because of the fixed-shifters and than unconfirmed side-shifter for T500RS, I didn't bought it at launch. The CSRE was announced at the same time of T500's launch and I decided to wait to see what will CSRE deliver before I decide my mind.
Today I am amazed.
I am amazed by one single thing: sensation and delivery of the force feedback effect (FFB) on the wheel in total. CSRE is so direct, insanely smooth, detailed in FFB, strong and stiffed all the time, fast in actions and it allows for the best low-speed steering and low-speed force feedback sensation I ever tried. Also, I can't describe the actual strength of the motors and feeling while driving by any other word except - perfection. I really didn't expect how CSRE will be such superior product.
In my personal opinion, as far as actual sensation of the driving and feeling of FFB you get from the wheel is concerned CSRE is the best FFB wheel I know of. Usually, I am extremely critical about every wheel - wheels are expensive hardware that often cost a damn lot of money and there is always a critical-spot or place for improvement. During last year I was very fond in experimenting with Fanatec GT2 model and it took me a while until I reached a desired level of performance through settings and firmware - but CSRE is really just another league. CSRE is the league of its own.
manufacturer: Fanatec, Endor A.G
country of origin: Germany
product family: Fanatec CSR
countries of assemble: Germany / PRC
release date: December 2011
price: 499 / 499 $ / (wheel only)
total price with pedals: model-dependable (from 529 to 699 /$/£)
official web: www.fanatec.de
product description: specialized gaming/steering controller
platform compatibility: Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox 360, PC
usage compatibility: driving/racing games and other genres (through controller mode)
hardware compatibility: various Fanatec accessories, various third-party accessories
game compatibility: all major driving/racing titles on all platforms
>> OVERVIEW
main driving features: 900-degree mode, force feedback effect, 30 cm wheel diameter (interchangeable)
main technology features: point-sensor on the main driving axle, belt-driven system (belts made by Optibelt, Germany), FFB/dampening mechanism, unique mechanics with central FFB threshold-shaft, two separate Mabuchi 550 FFB motors and 2 vibration motors
other features: real-time on-wheel setting adjusting, satin-iron sequential-shifters, 10 function buttons, directional stick with click-to-confirm function (instead of classic D-pad)
special features:upcoming interchangeable wheel-rims
included in the package: power unit, power cable (very long), USB connection cable, UTP/ PS/2 adapters (for connection of Fanatec and third-party PS/2 accessories), headset-adapter
*user-manual for the CSR Elite soon will be dowloadable from the Support section of the official web
Main competitors in the worldwide market / non-compatibility and platform related
Other competitors / compatibility and platform related
*all prices in this overview are current MSRP and does not reflect the possible special-deals available in various online retailers or country-based specific discounts or promotions
CSR Elite official accessories (main):
*for full breakdown of accessories visit the official web: www.fanatec.de
Other accessories (third-party):
Upcoming official accessories:
*these pictures of ClubSport Shifter and interchangeable rims are taken out of the YouTube videos and edited for better visibility. However they are all work-in-progress and not resembling looks or final design of the finished products
Comparison of CSRE with features of other Fanatec wheels is available on the official Fanatec web.
>> INTRODUCTION.
Fanatec CSR Elite is the latest and to this date most advance steering controller in the history of the Fanatec brand. Engineered and built with the obvious goal to set the standards in it's price range - and even to compete with high-end PC wheels of the highest price-category - CSR Elite is fascinating and versatile product that will satisfy the expectations of every driving-games players willing to upgrade their hardware with high-end solution.
Through the following overview I did detailed and throughout testing of the CSRE on many fields, comparing it with other wheels I have on my disposal or have tested through time. I was using CSRE in all major franchises on both console platforms, with separate notes made for both in-game performance overview for two major franchises, Gran Turismo 5 and Forza Motorsport 4.
//CSRE looks are very distinctive thanx to unique design and color combination.
>> HARDWARE OVERVIEW.
Weighing almost 12 kilograms and separately packed into nice protective cloth-bag with Fanatec logo, fascination with CSR Elite begins from the very first moment you get it out of the box.
The list of CSRE unique and positive features is really long. First - and one of the most important for many players outhere - would be compatibility with all 3 major platforms, PlayStation, Xbox360 and PC - and almost every driving game ever released for them. That comes without constraints of CSRE being the official wheel of Forza Motorsport 4 on X360. Please notice how this overview will cover only console platforms, while I have no doubt how other overviews will successfully tackle great versatility and possible customizations of features that CSRE will deliver to players on PC.
Second is already well-known ability of previous wheels of Fanatec family to allow for on-the-fly adjustments of different settings of the wheel. Player can adjust and store up to 5 different setups of various wheel-related settings. You can change steering-degree value (from the game-default OFF to 900), force feedback strength, vibration strength, motors dampening resistance, all the way to strength of the central-spring or moment when vibration effect of the Fanatec pedals will create an sensation of non-ABS braking.
Latest firmware (715) will allow for enhanced control of both Spring/Damper settings and introduce a new Auto-clutch functionality. Some games - like Forza 4 - allows mapping of the clutch to buttons and this gives an advantage for controller users. If you turn ACL on then you can use the mode "manual with clutch". The timing will be improved, and to avoid the complaint how this functionality is cheating, clutch axis isn't mapped to the shifter paddles so it only works with games which support button clutching.
//Position of buttons is good and overall ergonomy of the rim is enhanced by the touring-shape. Alcantara parts will provide better grip while turning the rim. Sequential shifters switches feels great
MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION
Third feature - most important from actual driving-sensation perspective - is the mechanical construction of CSRE, where already established belt-drive system was drastically improved over existing Fanatec models with inclusion of camshaft-resistance system that allows for perfectly smooth steering, adds weight to the steering and evens-out rapid steering movements through rotation limiter. Mechanics are paired with 2 separate motors that are delivering unprecedented counter-steer power to the central-shaft during driving, allowing for great sensation of force feedback on both platforms and main driving-franchises tested. Another result of strong motors is actual speed of the wheel. Stronger motors allowed Fanatec to change the gear-ratio of the belt-drive system which resulted with more force being applied on the belts and overall greater speed of the wheel.
Another important construction-related improvement is repositioning of the point-sensor for the steering-axis. Instead of being attached to the rear of the FFB motor (as on previous Fanatec models and majority of other wheels on market), point-sensor in CSRE is attached directly to the central-axle of the steering column. CSR Elite comes with ultra-high electric-resolution sensor that takes full advantage of the mechanical construction which is most meritous for providing the sensor with very smooth mechanical resolution. Fanatec officially calls it "Direct Sensor Technology". It results with beautiful precision in steering and pitch-perfect sensation of knowing what the car will do movement-wise.
What are the benefits of all this hi-tech points above? Well, it is very safe to say that CSRE delivers the best force feedback sensation and most detailed FFB effects of all wheels I've tested before, including whole range of the Fanatec wheels-family (on both PS3/X360), Thrustmaster T500RS or Logitech wheels (on PS3).
Fourth important feature of CSR Elite is actual build-quality and quality of materials-used. Body of the wheel is made of CNC-carved aluminum painted in red, with top covered with translucent polycarbonate that allows for beautiful view to mechanics inside. Actual wheel have distinct touring-style shape, achieved with interconnected matte polycarbonate tubes. Alcantara parts were used on rim-sides and thumb-rest areas for maximum comfort and grip. Central console is made out of carbon-fibre piece over aluminum plate and hosts all function buttons, directional stick and function LED-display with beautiful blue light. Following evolution from previous models and standards introduced by competitors, CSR Elite comes with long paddle-shifters made of satin-finished iron that resembles matte aluminum which are not fixed to the wheel-body - as on T500RS for example - but instead made movable on the steering column (as on all other wheels).
Fifth feature is great compatibility with almost all existing Fanatec accessories and some third-party accessories that have PS/2 standard enabled for connection. CSR Elite is out-of-the-box compatible with all Fanatec pedal-sets and shifters, despite the most significant change in hardware-inputs: the PS/2 ports of previous Fanatec models have been replaced with UTP-ports for both pedals/shifter connection on CSRE. Adapter-cables included in package solves the compatibility fast and easy. All inputs (power/pedals/shifters/USB out/audio) are now hidden in the back of the wheel-body which will allow for sleek cable-management. Testing was done with Fanatec ClubSport Pedals (CSP) and Frex Shifter+ sequential-shifter - accessories combo I used on my Fanatec GT2 wheel - and everything was working flawlessly.
/Frex Shifter+ is handcrafted in Japan and it is the dream-come-true accessory for all drivers who love sequential-shifting. Build-quality is unbelievable and it is a perfect fit to CSRE/CSP looks and design. Robustness of Shifter+ can't be matched by any other shifter - you can molest it as you're driving a real touring car with full-strength
Worth noticing is how CSR Elite comes with the screws on the wheel-column that will allow for detach and change of the actual wheel-rim in the future. Overall, the great versatility of available accessories - as well as ability to use every Fanatec accessory you already have for from your previous wheels - is more than welcomed. Of course, same as its predecessors, CSRE is also compatible with pedals of Logitech G25/27 wheels, making it more attractive as possible upgrade for all LogGee-series owners.
I have mounted CSRE on the existing GT2 setup of my Rinoseat GTR cockpit. Paired with such superior cockpit-solution as Rinoseat GTR undoubtedly is - it is the best cockpit I have ever driven in - I can only say how my personal driving have become absolute joy, not even to mention the impression and looks.
// When you assemble everything and if you are lucky enough to own Fanatec CSP pedals, you can be sure that you will host one of the most beautiful driving setups available. Notice how the CSRE comes with an adapter unit which makes it 100% compatible to the mounts of the Porsche wheel series
>> PERFORMANCE PART ONE > PERSONAL OVERVIEW.
For steering wheels everything comes down to one single thing at the end: in-game performance. From the earliest days of consumer force-feedback wheels - Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel being first do deliver Immersion force feedback technology as we know it in 1999 - all up to latest Thrustmaster T500RS model, only thing that really mattered was actual performance and delivery of force feedback sensation to the wheel and driver. First great revolution in field of FFB came in early 2001, when Logitech launched their budget-series of Driving Force wheels, which corresponded with worldwide release of Gran Turismo 3 game. Wheel-peripherals, that was until that moment pretty much tied to niche PC-market, finally went into full mainstream. In 2003 Logitech introduced their breakthrough Driving Force Pro model - developed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital and Immersion company - and sold hundreds of thousands of DFP wheels, in the same time carving the foundation of the saturated and rich force feedback wheel market we have today.
Fanatec CSR Elite definitely is the very top of the current offer in the worldwide market. Its performance lays in layers of its actual mechanical-components, precise engineering, great software that drives it and fantastic compatibility with all games I tried it on. In my lifetime I really had almost all commercial wheels ever made, with respectable exclusion of esoteric Frex SimWHEEL and ECCI 6000 series. More than a decade ago I started playing with then superior Thrustmaster Ferrari models, than went to Logitech Dual Force as soon it was introduced in 2001, jumped on Logitech DFP at the very first moment in 2003 and was among the first to have G25 once it was out. I had G27 for a short period of time, but I sold it since it didn't have sequential-shifter, which is very important component to my personal driving style. I even had a Microsoft Force Feedback X360 wheel and Logitech FX, because they were the only solution for X360 in the early days.
I had a chance to try Fanatec PWTS as soon it was released, but first Fanatec I actually owned was GT3 model. At the very moment multiplatform GT2 was released I purchased it, and later had a Thrustmaster T500RS for a 2-week comparison and testing in GT5 (it is after all a GT5 official wheel). Because of the fixed-shifters and than unconfirmed side-shifter for T500RS, I didn't bought it at launch. The CSRE was announced at the same time of T500's launch and I decided to wait to see what will CSRE deliver before I decide my mind.
Today I am amazed.
I am amazed by one single thing: sensation and delivery of the force feedback effect (FFB) on the wheel in total. CSRE is so direct, insanely smooth, detailed in FFB, strong and stiffed all the time, fast in actions and it allows for the best low-speed steering and low-speed force feedback sensation I ever tried. Also, I can't describe the actual strength of the motors and feeling while driving by any other word except - perfection. I really didn't expect how CSRE will be such superior product.
In my personal opinion, as far as actual sensation of the driving and feeling of FFB you get from the wheel is concerned CSRE is the best FFB wheel I know of. Usually, I am extremely critical about every wheel - wheels are expensive hardware that often cost a damn lot of money and there is always a critical-spot or place for improvement. During last year I was very fond in experimenting with Fanatec GT2 model and it took me a while until I reached a desired level of performance through settings and firmware - but CSRE is really just another league. CSRE is the league of its own.
