I recently - finally - made the switch from a G29 with various Logitech G29 mods to the Fanatec eco-system. After several weeks the Fanatec CSL Elite Mclaren GT3 V2 having been put through its paces, it is time to share my experiences. Is this wheel as good as all reviews say? In this article you will read all about this 'entry-level' model from Fanatec and also why this is an absolute must-have! Curious? Then read on quickly!

Fanatec Mclaren GT3

The original Mclaren GT3 steering wheel was one of Fanatec's most popular. The wheel is an exact replica of the Mclaren 650s GT3. Lightweight, ergonomic and feature-rich, the wheel had everything you needed on a racing wheel. And all at a very affordable and competitive price. The second version of the popular steering wheel offers the necessary upgrades and adjustments what the Fanatec CSL Elite Mclaren GT3 even better.

Price of the Fanatec Mclaren GT3

The Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 is offered at a competitive price of € 199.95. This makes it an excellent choice for both novice sim racers and those on a tight budget.

Despite its affordable price, this steering wheel set still offers impressive quality and functionality. Fanatec is known for its high-quality products and the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 is no exception. It offers a professional racing experience without going deep into the pocket, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-quality steering wheel at an affordable price.

Fanatec CSL Elite Mclaren GT3

The CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 has been designed with an eye for detail and durability. The steering wheel - as mentioned - has an authentic look and feel, inspired by the McLaren GT3 racing wheel. The Fanatec Mclaren GT3 has an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. The construction is sturdy and durable, with high-quality materials that guarantee a long service life, even under heavy use.

Quality and material

Initially, I was sceptical about the quality and price of the Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2. Could a €200 steering wheel really be that good? Wasn't it better to save a bit more for, say, the higher-quality and more advanced Fanatec Steering Wheel Formula? And in what areas did Fanatec make concessions to lower the price?

The all-plastic design of the steering wheel, with a carbon print, initially gave the impression that it would feel a bit cheap. But nothing could be further from the truth. Using plastic as a material choice is a way of cutting production costs. However, this concession does not detract from the build quality and overall look and feel of the steering wheel in my opinion.

Despite the handlebars being quite substantial in size, the overall fit and finish is very good. The grips are made of rubber, which feels nice and offers sufficient grip. Another added advantage - compared to alcantara leather - of this is that this material is more durable. With intensive use of alcantara leather handles, partly due to sweaty hands, you notice that the material wears out faster. Good sim racing gloves are recommended for maximum grip and comfort!

More than enough buttons

What immediately stands out about the Fanatec CSL Elite Mclaren GT3 V2 is the huge amount of buttons and rotary encoders. These allow you to control up to 54 functions! This offers more than enough possibilities to change all kinds of settings from your wheel. From your thumb and hands, you can easily control all the buttons. After a few weeks of intensive use, I soon came to the conclusion that this made my self-made button box somewhat redundant.

LED display with (gear) indicator

In the centre of the steering wheel you will find an OLED display - small or otherwise - on which you can see the usual information such as speed and gears. This display is also handy for quickly changing various Fanatec profiles and settings. These include Force feedback and sensitivity.

Magnetic shifters and dual-clutch system

What immediately stands out about the handlebars are the reinforced and anodised orange aluminium magnetic shifters. This is one of the improvements over the V1. Because the shifting system is now one piece, it is possible to shift with one hand.

The analogue paddles (dual-clutch) have also been revised. These now consist of a highly visible honeycomb structure which adds to their sturdiness. In terms of finish, I personally think this looks a bit cheap and would have preferred a carbon look here as well.

Technical specifications

• Platform - PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5
• Shifter - Magnetic Rocker Shifter
• Quick release - Simple Quick Release
• Display - 1", 128 x 64 resolution OLED display
• Rev lights - No
• Weight - 1090g
• Diameter - 300mm

Fanatec Mclaren GT3 review

Boosted Media has made a very good and comprehensive review of the Fanatec Mclaren GT3. This review is definitely a must watch!

Our verdict of the Fanatec Mclaren GT3

All in all, the Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 offers an impressive list of unique selling points and key features that deserve the attention of any sim racer. The steering wheel delivers unrivalled value for money, especially for beginners or sim racers on a limited budget. The solid plastic design feels sturdy and the added ability to customise the wheel with extra button caps and stickers is a nice extra. Compatibility with various platforms, such as Xbox, PC and PlayStation, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The improved magnetic shifters and dual-clutch system add to the realistic riding experience. The included Quick Release Adapter meets basic needs, but should be used for more powerful and advanced wheelbases, such as the Fanatec DD1 or DD2, are replaced by a metal Quick Release Adaptor for firmer attachment.

While there are some drawbacks, such as the smaller LED display and hard-to-see buttons in the dark, there are solutions available, such as using glow-in-the-dark stickers To increase visibility.

In my personal opinion, the Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 has convinced me as an excellent choice for both beginners and sim racers on a limited budget. Its value for money, solid construction and impressive features make the steering wheel a must-have for anyone looking for a realistic racing experience. Despite some minor shortcomings, the overall quality and performance of the product far outweighs the cons.

In short, the Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 is a top choice for enthusiastic sim racers looking for a high-quality steering wheel with excellent functionality and an affordable price.

Ordering Fanatec CSL Elite Mclaren GT3

Hopefully, this review has convinced you of the great features and value for money of this fantastic steering wheel. With its unrivalled features and excellent value for money, this steering wheel is an absolute must-have for any sim racer. Get the most out of your racing game experience and order the Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 now for only € 199.95.

Fanatec Mclaren GT3

A must-have steering wheel

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