Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit review - superb performance with style to boot
The Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit certainly looks the part, and the good news is that its feature set, ease of use and overall performance make it a really compelling rig option for sim racers, albeit a premium one.
Fanatec is one of the most recognisable brands in sim racing hardware, offering a vast selection of racing wheels, wheelbases, pedals and essentially every other accessory you could ever want. And, since peripheral giant Corsair acquired the brand, Fanatec has branched out into making its own sim rigs, with its entry-level CSL Cockpit V1.5 and its more premium offering, the ClubSport GT Cockpit.
Having tried it out for the last few weeks, here's my take on Fanatec's new sim rig offering.
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Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit design and featuresFirst things first, this rig is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cockpits I've ever seen. The 50mm-diameter round steel tube design philosophy means it's curved and sleek, and it just looks super cool from any angle. It reminds me of one of the Pod Racers from Star Wars, and what's cooler than that? Don't answer that.
The tubular design also gives you a lot more options for cable management, as you can integrate the cables inside and thread them through where you need them, which is super helpful.
I was also sent the GT Cockpit Seat (an additional extra) for this review, and this fits into the style of the cockpit perfectly, while also being customisable and adjustable without the need for any tools, meaning you can easily adjust from a GT driving position to a Formula position, or anything in between! It's not the thickest seat in the world, and it's certainly thinner and cheaper-feeling than other dedicated racing chairs, but it's not any less comfortable, and the material is nice and breathable. But you don't even need to use Fanatec's seat, because if you already have a racing seat, it's compatible with most third-party seats. Neat!
Another super useful feature is a built-in VESA-compatible monitor mount, which also supports ultra-wide screens, and is positioned really nicely on top of the rig. Again, the placement is fully adjustable, so you can have it as close or as far away as you like, as well as the height. Having it not only included in the rig but also being integrated into the core design, rather than being an afterthought, is a very nice touch, meaning you don't have to get an external monitor stand and set up yet another thing.
The build process was pretty straightforward, not any harder than putting together Ikea furniture, as you get detailed step-by-step instructions and each step has its own specific bag, so you're not opening a bag full of bits and having to dig around for the correct bits you need. Although I built the rig completely solo, I wouldn't recommend it, as the rig itself comes in two big, very heavy boxes, and putting together some of the tubing was a challenge with no help, so having someone to help lift at certain points would be something I'd recommend.
Another thing to note is that I was also sent a GT Cockpit Keyboard Tray, but unfortunately, not the GT Cockpit Shifter Mount (which was 100% my fault, to be clear), and you need the latter to be able to install the former. So, don't be like me, and make sure you read the website before ordering add-ons!
Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit design and features: 4.5/5
I've tried plenty of racing rigs over the years, from brands like PlaySeat, Next Level Racing, and more, but without a doubt, the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit is the most adjustable and frictionless racing rig I've ever used. On other rigs I've used, adjusting a seating position or changing out a set of pedals would result in cuts all over my fingers and a sore back from contorting just so I could remove screws that were very hard to reach.
That's because tool-less adjustment is a key feature of this rig, with the wheelbase and pedal position also adjustable to suit almost any driving position. You simply twist a few handles, adjust to the position you want, and then tighten up again. It really is that easy, and it's a superb experience.
Performance-wise, it's really difficult to knock the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit; it's incredibly sturdy, even with a 25Nm Moza R25 Ultra wheelbase attached, there's no flex and more importantly, there are no weird squeaks or creaking sounds to distract you from racing. It's not quite as solid as a proper profile rig, but you can't really expect it to be, due to the style and design. And on the seat, wheel, and pedal positioning, it's hard to fault, given the sheer number of adjustability options.
Having used it pretty much daily for the last few weeks, the performance has been exceptional, and it's a very, very nice place to sit and race.
Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit performance: 5/5
The Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit comes in at just under £800 / $1080, and that's without the additional GT Cockpit Seat, which costs an extra £300/ $400. But how does that compare against the market?
Playseat's Sensation Pro comes in at £1099, and that includes a racing seat too, while Next Level Racing's F-GT Pro Formula comes in at £899, also with a seat included, and both feature a tubular design. Options without a seat include the Trak Racer Tr8 Pro V2, also with a tube design, which comes in at £549.
There are so many options out there that it would be pretty impossible to list them all here, but it's clear that, when you compare this cost to other similar options on the market, even full-profile rigs, Fanatec's rig is certainly a premium option in a very competitive market.
Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit value for money: 3/5
Overall, I've been really impressed with the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit. Is it the cheapest rig option on the market? No, but if you're looking for a stylish, fully adjustable, toolless, comfortable and frictionless racing rig that also offers superb performance and compatibility with almost every third-party seat, wheel, pedal set and more, then it's certainly a very compelling option.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this rig to anyone who wants an easily adjustable racing rig, with the performance and style to match. Albeit with the asterisk that you are paying a premium, in what is a very competitive space right now.
Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit overall score: 4/5