I bought the csw 2.5 in 2020 and I think it’s the smoothest wheelbase ever. Purchased a DD2 in January and my wife is using the CSW with the newer csl pedals. Even though you have to tweak the CSW 2.5 it’s so much more work on the DD2. If the CSW 2.5 had just a little more torque I would never have upgraded and my wife absolutely loves it as I do.
It’s a great wheelbase right? I’ve used a bunch of stuff like the CSL DD and DD2 and I’m honestly so happy with it, not sure my rig would handle any more torque
Current owner of a CSW 2.5 and god I love this thing. It's taken everything I've thrown at it like a champ. The fans are obnoxious and the heat generated combined with VR is intolerable during the summer but a small price to pay before I soon upgrade to a DD2. Important to note that this was replaced and discontinued after the release of the CSL DD. Mine was $550 USD so I would highly recommend the CSL DD with the boost kit over the CSW any day of the week. Its cheaper, and it's better.
I think my point is, yeah obviously the CSL DD is better, but with extremely long wait times and poor quality control on the DD if you can find the CSW 2.5 used at a cheap price point its quite a good option because they built the CSW like a tank but didn't with the CSL DD but thats just my opinion
CSW 2.5 build quality is hard to beat. Tighten the belt every so often and it’s more like a DD. Mine feels like a tank. The CSL DD looks like they cut corners, and the podium DD is too strong for the weak QR which will get more flex over time if you run it at high force. I have zero flex in my CSW. I may get a fanatec DD after QR2 is released, and they come out with a nicer CSW version.
My five year old Clubsport 2.5 literally seized two weeks ago during the usual startup calibration check routine. Thinking the worst, upon examination it was actually the black plastic lock limiting "collar" - after five years the threads on it literally disintegrated and jammed up the mechanism. Apparently this failure is quite common at this age (and even considerably less). I ended up having to have a new collar manufactured using an SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing process using the hardest resin possible (Shore D hardness 85) since buying a new replacement is next to impossible. It was a nightmare to replace it - much more difficult than working on a pedal set. But the repair was successful and it feels brand new again. Actually probably better than new if only because the grease I used was likely more expensive than the one Fanatec used at the factory! But this is not a job I am looking forward to next time. The older you get, the harder these things are to service.
I sold my CSW about a week ago. Going to a CSL DD. YES, the base can make alot of noise at times. It is probably more that the logitech, because the fan noise is constant. Yes, 8nm is great for most people. Yes, it is very detailed, and with the right settings (fanatic has recommended settings on the forum) it becomes amazing. Yes, it is reliable (for the most part) most of these wheels are getting old, so it might be a gamble. Also, the f1 esports rim, in my case the v2, with magnetic shifters. Is really good for the money, and I would 100% buy it again. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. I will also be able to compare it with the CSL DD, once it arrives.
I've been running this since almost day 1 and still loving the CSW 2.5, the pedals (have the three) and the various wheels. I've been at the stage for a long time now, where I believe I can no longer blame the hardware for any mistakes, just my driving..........except for in ONE case. Everything is fantastic with RaceRoom Racing Experience (best feel for me with the new tyre model), Automobilista 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione, project Cars etc., but, I was silly enough to buy Forza Motorsport. You know, the Forza Motorsport that they told us they worked on for what was it? Three years or something? What a con that was/is. Anyway, just wondering if you got SUCKED IN and fell for their marketing too and if so have you managed to some up with any settings for the CSW 2.5 that helps it in any way resemble driving an actual car? I think I have more chance of throwing jelly around a corner than getting any of the cars to do just OK. Your video is great advice for anyone starting up as it's so easy to overspend unnecessarily.
Thanks for the reply Gavin - Well done :-) I trusted them and paid for the early release. Something I will never do again as I'd say I got screwed on this one. It is absolutely nothing like a simulation. I test again with every update but they make no difference. Still the stupid thing cannot even remember what wheel I am using. Still the Fanatec is doing a great job on all ACTUAL Simulators. Anyway, thanks again.@@GavinNaylor
Although I love the CSW 2.5 for 219 quid you're getting a little bit up there in price in 2023 imo, for about 80 quid more you could get a Moza R9 or for just over 100 more you could get the full CSL DD bundle - i'd argue both of those would do you much better because you're on direct drive
Can confirm it is louder
I bought the csw 2.5 in 2020 and I think it’s the smoothest wheelbase ever. Purchased a DD2 in January and my wife is using the CSW with the newer csl pedals. Even though you have to tweak the CSW 2.5 it’s so much more work on the DD2. If the CSW 2.5 had just a little more torque I would never have upgraded and my wife absolutely loves it as I do.
It’s a great wheelbase right? I’ve used a bunch of stuff like the CSL DD and DD2 and I’m honestly so happy with it, not sure my rig would handle any more torque
@@GavinNaylor it is and after you get a feel for the settings it’s fairly easy to get dialed in compared the the DDs.
Current owner of a CSW 2.5 and god I love this thing. It's taken everything I've thrown at it like a champ. The fans are obnoxious and the heat generated combined with VR is intolerable during the summer but a small price to pay before I soon upgrade to a DD2. Important to note that this was replaced and discontinued after the release of the CSL DD. Mine was $550 USD so I would highly recommend the CSL DD with the boost kit over the CSW any day of the week. Its cheaper, and it's better.
I think my point is, yeah obviously the CSL DD is better, but with extremely long wait times and poor quality control on the DD if you can find the CSW 2.5 used at a cheap price point its quite a good option because they built the CSW like a tank but didn't with the CSL DD but thats just my opinion
@@GavinNaylor im thinking buying used csw v2.5 with v3 pedals and damper kit and v2 rim is 750dollar is it good deal? i think it is
@@Daniel-n6d5s I’d say that’s a pretty good deal for all that kit
CSW 2.5 build quality is hard to beat. Tighten the belt every so often and it’s more like a DD. Mine feels like a tank. The CSL DD looks like they cut corners, and the podium DD is too strong for the weak QR which will get more flex over time if you run it at high force. I have zero flex in my CSW. I may get a fanatec DD after QR2 is released, and they come out with a nicer CSW version.
I like it thank you for that review it helped me a lot!
Glad I could help
My five year old Clubsport 2.5 literally seized two weeks ago during the usual startup calibration check routine. Thinking the worst, upon examination it was actually the black plastic lock limiting "collar" - after five years the threads on it literally disintegrated and jammed up the mechanism. Apparently this failure is quite common at this age (and even considerably less). I ended up having to have a new collar manufactured using an SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing process using the hardest resin possible (Shore D hardness 85) since buying a new replacement is next to impossible. It was a nightmare to replace it - much more difficult than working on a pedal set. But the repair was successful and it feels brand new again. Actually probably better than new if only because the grease I used was likely more expensive than the one Fanatec used at the factory! But this is not a job I am looking forward to next time. The older you get, the harder these things are to service.
That's a great way to get around the problem my wheelbase is still going strong till this day
I sold my CSW about a week ago. Going to a CSL DD. YES, the base can make alot of noise at times. It is probably more that the logitech, because the fan noise is constant. Yes, 8nm is great for most people. Yes, it is very detailed, and with the right settings (fanatic has recommended settings on the forum) it becomes amazing. Yes, it is reliable (for the most part) most of these wheels are getting old, so it might be a gamble. Also, the f1 esports rim, in my case the v2, with magnetic shifters. Is really good for the money, and I would 100% buy it again. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. I will also be able to compare it with the CSL DD, once it arrives.
Thanks for the insight!
Hi, have the csw 2.5 (not long) -- I've always found the recommended settings on fanatec forums to be fairly terrible
@@Gambit8319 I agree I tend to look at TH-cam for recommended settings based on the game because the ones on the forum are awful
@@jonathanparle8429 I found FEI setting is quite important for the feel... if that helps.... I keep it at 60 to 80 based on the sim
Amazing video keep it up mate 🎉
Thanks man!
💪🏼👍🏆
The Thrustmaster "quick" release is actually a masterpiece, it's extremely simple and easy to 3d print adapters for it
hmmm maybe
got this combo for $150 with the xbox forza wheel on FB market no regrets
Nice!
Same, I just got a csw v2.5 with the xbox clubsport formula wheel v2 for 100 bucks off Facebook like 5 hours ago 😭
Could you share your settings for different games please 🙏🏼
default settings
On my CSW v.2.5 I've set the force feedback to 0, but it still feels like it is at least 20%. What could be the reason? 🤔
hmmm not sure there maybe reset or update the firmware
I've been running this since almost day 1 and still loving the CSW 2.5, the pedals (have the three) and the various wheels.
I've been at the stage for a long time now, where I believe I can no longer blame the hardware for any mistakes, just my driving..........except for in ONE case.
Everything is fantastic with RaceRoom Racing Experience (best feel for me with the new tyre model), Automobilista 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione, project Cars etc., but, I was silly enough to buy Forza Motorsport.
You know, the Forza Motorsport that they told us they worked on for what was it? Three years or something? What a con that was/is.
Anyway, just wondering if you got SUCKED IN and fell for their marketing too and if so have you managed to some up with any settings for the CSW 2.5 that helps it in any way resemble driving an actual car?
I think I have more chance of throwing jelly around a corner than getting any of the cars to do just OK.
Your video is great advice for anyone starting up as it's so easy to overspend unnecessarily.
I haven't done anything with FM I watched a bunch of reviews and saw how much of a mess it was so actually stayed away from it and saved my money
Thanks for the reply Gavin - Well done :-) I trusted them and paid for the early release. Something I will never do again as I'd say I got screwed on this one. It is absolutely nothing like a simulation. I test again with every update but they make no difference. Still the stupid thing cannot even remember what wheel I am using. Still the Fanatec is doing a great job on all ACTUAL Simulators. Anyway, thanks again.@@GavinNaylor
How do I dial it in
Took me a while of messing around with the settings and figuring out what I liked with the FFB
@@GavinNaylor ok thanks
I can confirm too.Its very loud :)
I'm running a thrustmaster tx and can get a good deal on a csw v2.5 for £219 I just need to supply the fanatec wrc wheel
Although I love the CSW 2.5 for 219 quid you're getting a little bit up there in price in 2023 imo, for about 80 quid more you could get a Moza R9 or for just over 100 more you could get the full CSL DD bundle - i'd argue both of those would do you much better because you're on direct drive
What shifter were you using in this video?
Random one from AliExpress
@@GavinNaylor Thank you!
Please change the mic 🤦♂
Its in the bin
@@GavinNaylor you'd just have to speak into it from the side, not from the top.
Fanatec is garbage always is and will with shit customer service
These days yeah pretty much