For a long time, the Fanatec CSL Elite V2 pedals were widely regarded as the benchmark for best value load cell pedals in sim racing.
They offered an excellent balance of performance, build quality, and affordability, making them the go-to recommendation for anyone looking to make the jump from entry-level potentiometer pedals into the world of load cell braking.
Fast forward to today, and the market looks very different. Brands like Moza, Simagic, Heusinkveld, and others have all stepped into this competitive mid-range price bracket, bringing with them compelling alternatives that challenge Fanatec’s dominance. Despite this, the CSL Elite V2 pedals remain a strong contender — particularly for console racers, where compatibility can often be the deciding factor in choosing pedals .
So while they may no longer be the undisputed kings of value, the CSL Elite V2s still hold their ground as a solid, reliable, and console-friendly choice for sim racers looking to elevate their braking performance without diving into ultra-premium hardware.
Fanatec CSL Elite V2 Ratings
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COMPATIBILITY
The CSL Elite Pedals V2 feature an RJ12 connection, along with USB. This allows them to be connected either via your Fanatec Wheelbase, or directly to your PC via USB. When connected via your compatible wheelbase, these pedals will also work on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Importantly, the brake force can be adjusted via Fanatec’s on-wheel tuning menu system. This means you can make fine adjustments on the fly without loading up the software on PC. You can also make adjustments when racing on a Console, where adjustments at a game-level are not typically possible.WHAT HAS CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL CSL ELITE PEDALS
The CSL Elite Pedals V2 look similar, but have been overhauled significantly.
Reliability
Hall-effect sensors have replaced the potentiometers used previously on the throttle and clutch. The use of a magnetic field rather than moving parts to determine the pedal position should greatly improve consistency and reliability. As they were not sealed, dirt and debris could be ingested into the potentiometers. This lead to some cases of reliability and consistency issues.
Mounting
The pedals now come fully assembled out of the box, and feature improved access to hard-mounting points. This is a very welcome change. There are now holes on the pedal tray directly above the mounting holes. You will no longer need to try and reach your mounting bolts awkwardly from the side.
Brake Pedal Overhaul
Fanatec have overhauled the brake which completely transforms the experience compared to the old design. This makes these pedals a significant upgrade over the CSL Pedals.
The load cell is now behind the elastomer stack rather than in the pedal arm. While the previous design worked, the position of your foot on the pedal could significantly impact the braking force. This is certainly not ideal in a pursuit where consistency is everything.
Adjustability
The new design is more conventional, with a 200kg load-cell placed directly behind the elastomer stack to allow for a maximum braking force of 90KG. It is adjustable down to 10KG for those with a more sensitive touch. This, along with the included array of 65, 75 and 85 Shore elastomers and springs (which we’ll discuss in a moment) mean a good range of adjustability. Although to get the best experience from these pedals, you will certainly want to hard mount them.
It takes just a few seconds to swap the elastomers and springs with no need for tools. Making it feasible to change the mechanical setup of the pedals when switching between cars. On some other pedals (such as the Fanatec V3 load cell pedals), you are far less likely to bother making these changes due to the complexity.
The pedals feature the same modular design as the previous model. The clutch is removable, and the spacing between pedals is adjustable. However there is no adjustment for pedal angle on any of the pedals or adjustment for stiffness on the clutch or throttle pedals. This was also the case on the original Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Straight out of the box, the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2 have an excellent feel. There is absolutely no slop or dead zone in the pedals. They operate quietly, with rubber end stops eliminating metal-to-metal contact. The throttle and brake have a good feel to them. Essentially the throttle and clutch feel identical to the previous model, but with the added reliability provided by the new hall-effect sensors replacing previous potentiometers.
By default, the brake comes configured in the softest configuration, with a metal spring providing the sensation of initial uptake in the pedal. This simulates the gap between the pad and rotor closing. As you push through this phase, the pedal resistance becomes progressively stiffer until you reach the point where the pedal feels very stiff. This provides an excellent threshold point which you can push your foot to consistently, and then modulate around for threshold braking.
Sim RACING
Discount Codes
Overall Rating: 6.2/10
Great value for everything you need on PC and Console
CONCLUSIONS
The CSL Elite Pedals V2 have really surprised me. For the asking price I think they are outstanding value and a clear upgrade from the CSL Pedals with Load Cell which we previously reviewed.
The new brake design is also a clear step up from that of the older V1 load cell design. Although adjustable, didn’t have the precision we experienced with the new V2 pedal.
While overall performance with these pedals is similar to that of the Fanatec V3 pedals with the Tuning Kit installed, the ease of adjustment provided by the CSL Elite Pedals V2 make them better value in my opinion. While you won’t get the vibration motors, 2-stage clutch,flashy appearance, and there’s no option to upgrade to dampers (which I don’t recommend you do with the V3 pedals anyway). These pedals give you everything you need to drive quickly and consistently at a very attractive price.
The best praise I can give these pedals is to say that I would quite happily run these on my daily driver rig. That is not something I would even say of some pedals we’ve tested that are more than 3 times the price of these.
Fanatec have done a great job with the CSL Elite V2 Pedals. I have no issues at all recommending them.
By purchasing through links on this page you’ll be supporting Boosted Media at no additional cost to you! This option is available for a huge range of Sim Racing gear.
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