It has taken some time for Fanatec to give one of their most popular accessories - the ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 - a well-deserved upgrade. With the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 Fanatec has (finally) an updated load cell handbrake in their range. This is a slightly more premium, more robust and better performing handbrake compared to the V1.5. But does it offer enough to compete with other brands? Time to test this updated ClubSport V2 handbrake in detail to see if it's worth the upgrade! Let's go!

Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2

In any case, it is immediately clear that Fanatec has made great strides in both design and functionality. As the successor to the outdated ClubSport Handbrake V1.5, this new version introduces many improvements that will significantly enhance your sim racing experience, but above all give a lot of fun among rally and drift enthusiasts.

The price of the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2

The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 costs € 199,95 and is thus, like many other Fanatec products, in the mid- to high-end segment. This makes the handbrake more expensive than alternatives from MOZA and Simagic, but competitive with premium brands such as the Sim-Lab XB1.

With the V2, you get solid aluminium construction, advanced load cell technology for precise inputs and extensive customisation options. This makes it an excellent product for sim racers looking for a combination of performance and durability, regardless of whether you already have several products from the Fanatec eco-system or not.

Note: However, it is important to keep in mind that the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 is not directly compatible with your PC unless you already have a Fanatec wheelbase, such as a DD1/DD2 or DD+. If you want to use the handbrake standalone, you are required to use the Fanatec ClubSport USB adapter to be purchased separately. This adapter will cost you another €19.95, bringing the total investment to €219.90.

Unboxing: Luxury and Durable Packaging

The packaging exudes class and sophistication. The all-black box has a minimalist design, with the Fanatec logo, the model, and an image of the product in contrasting white on the front. This simple, sleek presentation immediately gives a premium feel with a product designed with care.

When you open the beautifully designed and well-packaged box, you immediately notice how clear and well-organised the layout is. The design of the box is not only beautiful, but also extremely functional. For example, Fanatec has thought carefully about durability. The entire box is made of cardboard, except for two small plastic bags that contain screws and tools. It's a subtle detail, but it shows that the brand pays attention to eco-friendly choices, which is definitely a plus in this day and age.

What makes this unboxing experience so special is that Fanatec has clearly invested in both functionality and experience. Not only does the product feel premium, but the packaging reinforces that feeling from the very first moment. This level of care and attention to detail makes the first impression of the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 extremely positive. With the packaging alone, Fanatec sets the tone: you have in your hands a product designed to impress - from presentation to performance.

In summary, this is what's in the box:

• Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2
• Mon1TP3Materials
• RJ12 cable (2m)
• Quick Guide

Installation & Montage: Frustrating and Cumbersome

While the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 impressed with its solid build quality and sophisticated design, the installation unfortunately left a lot to be desired. What seemed a simple process at first glance turned out to be a frustrating job in practice. In particular, assembling and disassembling the housing presented the necessary challenges.

Looking at the outside of the handbrake, it is immediately noticeable that no obvious montagepoints are visible. Especially not at the rear. This is because Fanatec has chosen to hide all montagepoints internally, behind the upper housing. On paper, this is a smart choice to give the handbrake a sleek look, but in practice it results in more work - and unnecessary frustration - than expected.

In fact, to install the handbrake from below or on the side, you first have to dismantle part of the handbrake. The top cover can be removed by loosening two screws at the front. This sounds simple, but these screws are unusually tight. Loosening them took me a lot of effort and patience, and reattaching them proved even more difficult and frustrating. Partly because these screws fall to the ground quickly and easily, forcing me to search for them on the floor of my simulator. It all feels hugely cumbersome and everything seems unnecessarily difficult. A missed opportunity!

Flexible installation options

One aspect I appreciate in the design is the flexibility in how you mount the lever. There are three different angles at which you can position the lever, depending on your preferences. Once you remove the top cover, you get access to slots at the front and rear of the handbrake. These slots allow you to attach the handbrake from below and provide space to mount the handbrake at a slight angle. This is super convenient!

Incidentally, I chose to mount the ClubSport Handbrake V2 directly to my aluminium profile, so no side montage. There are holes in the side of the handbrake for side montage. Also included is an adapter for side montage.

Moreover, you can install the lever either vertically or horizontally, which is ideal for different riding styles or cockpit setups. Although the handbrake itself is not height-adjustable, these adjustment options offer enough variety to comfortably integrate it into your rig.

Design of the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2

As I mentioned earlier, the first impression, of both the packaging and the handbrake itself, is very positive. The whole thing feels sturdy and solid and has a nice finish and appearance. Fanatec has clearly taken a step forward with this model and it shows in every detail.

Solid build quality

What really impressed me is the all-metal construction. The body of the handbrake is made of cast and CNC-finished metal, giving it a robust and high-quality look. Every surface feels solid and well-finished, with no cheap plastic parts that could diminish the quality. The only visible non-metallic part is the rubber grip on the lever. This grip fits surprisingly well in the hand and provides extra comfort.

The CNC finish not only gives the ClubSport Handbrake V2 a sleek look, but also ensures consistent and smooth operation. This is further enhanced by the ball bearings on the pivot, which ensure that every movement of the lever feels smooth and friction-free.

Large and sturdy design

One aspect that struck me immediately during fitting is that the handbrake is quite large compared to other models on the market, such as the Sim-Lab XB1 Handbrake which I use myself. For comparison, see the difference below! The case has a slightly larger footprint, which makes it feel quite hefty on my sim rig.

Depending on how you look at it, this can be perceived as a disadvantage or an advantage. Since I don't use a handbrake very often, I find the ClubSport V2 too present in my simulator. The handle itself is about 260 mm long from the pivot point, which is a comfortable size and makes it easy to grip the handle. Unfortunately, the length of the handle is not adjustable in height, which I still find unfortunate in my situation and setup.

Adaptability

One of the things that immediately struck me about the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2, is how flexible this handbrake is in terms of settings. No matter how you like to drive or what your sim rig looks like, the adjustment options are so extensive that you can fine-tune the handbrake exactly to your needs. I spent some time with it to fine-tune everything and I must say that this handbrake feels very nice.

What I really appreciate about this handbrake is that it feels like I have control over every detail. Whether it's the angle, the length of travel or how stiff the lever should be, I was able to adjust everything quite easily to make the handbrake work exactly the way I wanted it to. The assembly took me some time (and frustration), but in the end it was absolutely worth it and I'm having a huge amount of fun with this revamped handbrake.

Playing with the position of the lever

The first thing I adjusted was the position of the lever. At the bottom of the lever are three slots that allow you to set the angle. I tried them all and found that the middle position works best for me. But that's not all: if you prefer a horizontal lever, you can reverse it and choose from three angles again. That gives you six possible positions! For me, this felt like a huge luxury because I like to experiment to find just the right position.

Adjust travel with supplied spacer

Another detail I loved is how easily you can adjust the travel of the handbrake. Without adjustments, the lever has a travel of 80 mm, which works fine for most situations. With the included spacer, you can opt for a shorter travel of 60 or 70 mm. I found this particularly useful during drift sessions, as a shorter travel feels a lot faster and more responsive. The great thing is that you can play with this depending on the kind of riding you do.

Preload settings to your liking

The preload settings were a real discovery for me and it always takes some time to test this properly and set it to your liking. You can easily adjust the resistance of the lever by turning the internal mechanism one turn to the left or right. Simple, but incredibly effective. When I first used the handbrake, I noticed that it was quite stiff, which I personally thought was just a little too much. So I turned the preload down slightly and that already made a world of difference. With less resistance, the lever felt much more natural and comfortable, especially during longer rally sessions. The great thing is that you have the choice and you can adjust the handbrake completely to your style.

User experience ClubSport Handbrake V2: A Good Step Forward

I have been using the ClubSport Handbrake V2 for several weeks now and I am generally positive about this updated V2. Fanatec has taken a good step forward with the updated Clubsport Handbrake. One of the absolute plus points of this handbrake is of course the load-cell technology. In terms of performance, the ClubSport Handbrake V2 does exactly what you would expect from it - and maybe even more. The load-cell technology offers precise and consistent input. Especially in rally sessions, I noticed that the handbrake is extremely responsive and made it easier to improve my precision. Using a load cell instead of a traditional potentiometer provides a realistic feel and after a short period of getting used to it, pulling the lever feels almost natural.

User-friendliness and grip

The rubberised handle is also pleasant to use and feels good. It offers a good grip even during long sessions, and thanks to the solid construction of the lever and base, I haven't had a single moment when the handbrake felt unstable. This makes it easy to focus on racing without being distracted by the material. It is a strong and solid handbrake you can rely on. In any situation and at any rally stage.

Installation and Montage is a Cumbersome Process

My biggest criticism of the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 lies with the installation and montage. It all feels unnecessarily cumbersome. Fanatec has chosen to hide the montage points internally behind the upper housing, which sounds logical on paper to keep the design sleek. In practice, however, this makes the process unnecessarily cumbersome. Once the handbrake is mounted and in place, it's fine and you obviously don't need to look at it again. One aspect that I found to be positive are the slots that allow you to attach the handbrake to the aluminium profile of your simulator at a desired angle. This is super nice!

The Mandatory USB Adapter Is a Disappointment

My experience with the mandatory purchase of the Fanatec USB Adapter for standalone use was disappointing. It simply feels out of date that a premium product like the ClubSport Handbrake V2 is not USB-compatible by default. For users who do not have other products from the Fanatec ecosystem, this is a major drawback and an unnecessary extra expense. It makes the handbrake less accessible and detracts from the plug-and-play feel you would expect in this price range and from a manufacturer of Fanatec's magnitude.

Size of the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2

Finally, I also have some mixed feelings about the size of the handbrake. Since I only use a handbrake occasionally - mainly because I don't play rally games very often - it feels on the large side for my setup, especially when you compare it to the Sim-Lab XB1 hand brake which I use and is many times more compact. This makes the handbrake quite present on my simulator and a bit cumbersome at times, especially as I am used to a more compact setup. That said, the larger size also adds to the sense of sturdiness and quality. So it really depends on how you look at it and what your personal preferences are.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 is a premium handbrake designed to provide a realistic and accurate experience for rally and drift enthusiasts. With advanced technology and a sturdy all-metal construction, this handbrake promises to be an impressive addition to any sim rig. But what are the pros and cons of the Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2?

Is the Fanatec Handbrake V2 Worth it?

The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 is a huge leap forward from its predecessor. Thanks to the precision of the load cell technology, the solid build quality and the extensive customisation options, this is without a doubt one of the better handbrakes on the market. Whether you are taking hairpin turns in rallies or perfecting your drifts, the ClubSport V2 delivers in every way.

After a few weeks with the Fanatec Handbrake V2 having spent some time with it, I can say it is a big step forward from its predecessor. Still, the product has a few minor drawbacks that do not go unnoticed. For instance, I found it difficult to remove the outer housing when I wanted to make adjustments, and the fact that you have to buy a separate USB adapter if you don't use a Fanatec wheelbase feels like an unnecessary extra expense. Too bad!

Apart from these drawbacks, the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 has impressed me nonetheless. For example, what really impressed me was the solid build quality and attention to detail in the design. The handbrake feels incredibly large (!), solid and robust. The many adjustment options, such as lever angle and resistance, made it easy for me to adjust it exactly to my preferences. While driving, I noticed that the performance is sublime: every move feels precise and responsive, which allowed me to tackle my turns and drifts in WRC 24 with more confidence. The Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2 feels incredibly good, no word on that.

Although the extra cost of the USB adapter and the somewhat cumbersome customisation may be a drawback for some users, this device is an excellent investment for if you are looking for a good handbrake within the Fanatec eco-system. In my opinion, if you already own a Fanatec wheelbase, this is a great addition to your setup.

The Handbrake V2 offers a premium experience that will no doubt make your driving enjoyment during rally or drift races more fun and intense. Even with its few drawbacks, I would recommend it without hesitation. Don't have a Fanatec wheelbase and are thus forced to buy the additional Fanatec USB Adapter? Then I would personally opt for a good alternative.

Conclusion: Strong, but with Areas for Improvement

Overall, the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 is an impressive device that impresses in terms of performance and build quality. The load-cell technology and solid construction ensure a reliable and professional experience. Still, there are a few points that could be improved, such as the cumbersome montage and the mandatory USB Adapter for standalone use.

The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 is an excellent choice for Fanatec users looking for a premium handbrake with top performance. The ClubSport Handbrake V2 is an impressive device that impresses in terms of performance and build quality. But if you are looking for a compact, plug-and-play alternative, there may be better alternatives.

Good choice!

Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2

The Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 is a premium sim racing handbrake designed for maximum precision and durability. With a fully CNC-finished metal construction, load cell technology for accurate force measurement and extensive adjustment options, this handbrake offers a professional experience. Ideal for rally and drift enthusiasts, with a sturdy build and versatile montage options. A robust addition to any serious sim rig.

Buy now