Overview
The Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 are Fanatec’s flagship in the pedal lineup - the choice for professionals, esports racers and serious enthusiasts. With a 120kg load cell, built-in vibration motors, and extreme build quality, these pedals deliver performance that rivals high-end brands like Heusinkveld.
Who are these pedals for?
Perfect for:
- Competitive racers and esports athletes who want the maximum
- Sim racers with a generous budget who invest in their hobby
- Professionals training for real race events
- Perfectionists who make no compromises on quality
Less suitable for:
- Beginners (overkill for entry level)
- Budget-conscious racers (CSL Elite V2 approaches 90% of performance for less money)
- Users without sturdy rig (heavy pedals require stable mounting)
Build Quality - Professional Level
The ClubSport V3 is built as tools for professionals:
- All-metal construction without plastic components
- Extra heavy and solid for zero flex during aggressive braking
- Aluminum pedal faces with premium finish
- High-quality bearings and hinges
This is the build quality found in setups of professional sim racing teams.
120kg Load Cell - Extreme Precision
The 120kg load cell offers:
- 30kg more braking force than CSL Elite V2 (120kg vs 90kg)
- Extreme precision for fine brake modulation
- Consistent behavior even under maximum load
- Interchangeable elastomers (soft, medium, hard, ultra-hard)
For most racers, 90kg is more than sufficient, but the 120kg gives extra headroom for aggressive braking styles or GT3 simulation.
Vibration Motors - Tactile Feedback
The ClubSport V3 has vibration motors built into throttle and brake:
- ABS feedback feelable in the brake pedal during lock-ups
- Traction control feedback in the throttle pedal during wheelspin
- Road surface vibrations via games that support this feature
This feature is subtle but effective - it adds extra immersion, especially in games like iRacing, ACC, and rFactor 2.
Note: Not all games fully support this feature.
Throttle and Clutch
The throttle and clutch pedals are just as premium:
- Hall-effect sensors with extreme precision
- Adjustable resistance via rubber dampers and springs
- Smooth movement without dead zones or jitter
- Vibration motor in throttle pedal for traction control feedback
Software and Adjustability
Via Fanatec Control Panel you can:
- Calibrate each pedal individually
- Adjust sensitivity curves per pedal
- Set vibration motor intensity
- Update firmware
- Diagnostics and monitoring
The V3 offers more software options than the CSL line.
Installation Flexibility
The ClubSport V3 can be mounted on:
- Cockpits via M6 threads
- Floor (comes with mounting brackets)
- Inverted mount (upside down, like in real race cars)
The inverted mount option is unique in this price range and provides more realistic pedal geometry.
Compatibility
PC:
- Standalone USB (adapter included)
- Via Fanatec wheelbase (RJ12)
- Full software control
Console (PlayStation/Xbox):
- Requires Fanatec wheelbase
- Plug-and-play after wheelbase setup
- Vibration motors work on supported games
Alternatives
Compare the ClubSport V3 with:
- Fanatec CSL Elite V2: Approaches performance for lower price
- Heusinkveld Sprint: Modular high-end, but significantly more expensive
- Simucube Active Pedals: Cutting-edge tech, but many times pricier
- Moza SR-P: Budget choice, good performance but lower build quality
Conclusion
The Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 are among the best all-round pedals in the higher mid-range. They offer professional build quality, an extreme 120kg load cell, and unique features like vibration motors - everything you need for competitive sim racing.
The question is: do you need the extra investment over the CSL Elite V2? If you seriously race competitively or pursue perfectionism, then yes. For most advanced racers, however, the CSL Elite V2 is already more than sufficient.
Our rating: 9.6/10 - Premium quality for serious racers, but the price is steep.
