Possibly the most highly anticipated product we have ever looked at, the Fanatec QR2 quick-release system is here!
Since Fanatec’s original quick-release system was released, the entire landscape of Sim Racing Hardware has completely transformed. Within the Fanatec ecosystem, there are much stronger wheelbases with more detailed force feedback than when the original quick release was implemented, and we now have a huge range of options from other brands when it comes to reasonably priced Direct Drive Systems. Many of them have quick releases that are far superior to the original Fanatec QR1.
So there is no doubt that the QR2 is a make-or-break product for Fanatec. If this new quick release solves the issues of its predecessor, then we can really start to get the most out of the Fanatec ecosystem. But if it doesn’t, then there are plenty of other brands to consider!
We put the Fanatec QR2 to the test to find out just how good it is, and whether or not this could be a valid reason for moving to Fanatec products for the first time. We also looked at the upgrade path for those who already own Fanatec gear, to go through the options for upgrading to the QR2, and what improvements you can expect.
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QR2 Wheel-Side Features
QR2 Lite Wheel-Side
• Upgrades compatible CSL / CSL Elite Steering Wheels with an exchangeable quick release to the QR2 system
• Motorsport-derived quick release (wheel-side)
• Very lightweight – only 211 g
• Carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide construction
• Uses recycled carbon fibre
• Preconditioned to resist humidity changes
• Spring-loaded locking pin mechanism, tapered shape naturally ensures a tight fit
• Can be attached to QR2 Base-Side without touching the spring-loaded sleeve mechanism
• Connects to all QR2 Base-Side variants
QR2 Standard Wheel-Side
• Diecast aluminium with CNC-machined and black anodised finish
• Spring-loaded locking pin mechanism, tapered shape naturally ensures a tight fit
• Can be attached to QR2 Base-Side without touching the spring-loaded sleeve mechanism
• Fits all Fanatec Steering Wheels with exchangeable quick-release (see compatibility guide below)
• Connects to all QR2 Base-Side variants
QR2 Pro Wheel-Side
• Meets FIA standards
• Built for both real-world motorsport and sim racing
• CNC-machined from a single block of aviation-grade billet aluminium using 5-axis CNC technology
• Spring-loaded locking pin mechanism, tapered shape naturally ensures a tight fit
• Can be attached to QR2 Base-Side without touching the spring-loaded sleeve mechanism
• PTFE coating for easy detachment from Wheel Base
• Fits all Fanatec Steering Wheels with exchangeable quick release (see compatibility guide below)
• Connects to all QR2 Base-Side variants
QR2 Base-Side Features
QR2 Base-Side (Type C)
• Upgrades Gran Turismo DD Pro and CSL DD Wheel Bases to QR2
• Diecast aluminium with CNC-machined finish
• Tapered shape naturally ensures a tight fit
• Anodised surface for additional durability and easy detachment of Steering Wheels
• Connects to QR2 Lite QR2 Standard and QR2 Pro Wheel-Side
• Improved clamp ring (included)
QR2 Base-Side (Type M)
• Upgrades Podium DD1/DD2 Wheel Bases to QR2
• CNC-machined from a single block of aviation-grade billet aluminium using 5-axis CNC technology
• Tapered shape naturally ensures a tight fit
• Precision 30 μm nickel coating for durability and easy detachment of Steering Wheels
• Connects to QR2 Lite, QR2 Standard and QR2 Pro Wheel-Side
Fanatec QR2 Bundle Pricing
QR2 Lite - Type C (CSL DD / GT DD Pro)
QR2 - Type C (CSL DD / GT DD Pro)
QR2 Pro - Type M (DD1 / DD2)
QR2 Compatibility
Complete list of compatible devices for each of the new QR2 components
QR2 Base-Side (Type C)
• Gran Turismo DD Pro (5 Nm)
• Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 Nm)
• Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel Base (8 Nm)
• CSL DD (5 Nm)
• CSL DD (8 Nm)
• QR2 Pro Wheel-Side
• QR2 Wheel-Side
• QR2 Lite Wheel-Side
QR2 Base-Side (Type M)
• Podium Wheel Base DD1
• Podium Wheel Base DD2
• Podium Racing Wheel F1
• QR2 Pro Wheel-Side
• QR2 Wheel-Side
• QR2 Lite Wheel-Side
QR2 Pro and Standard Wheel-Side
• CSL Universal Hub
• CSL Universal Hub V2
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC
• CSL Steering Wheel BMW
• CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2
• ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® Esports V2
• ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
• ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® PS4 from Podium Racing Wheel F1®
• ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2 / V2.5 / V2.5 X
• ClubSport Steering Wheel BMW GT2 V2
• ClubSport Steering Wheel RS
• ClubSport Universal Hub V2
• ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox
• Podium Hub
• Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3
• QR2 Base-Side (Type M)
• QR2 Base-Side (Type C)
QR2 Lite Wheel-Side
• CSL Universal Hub
• CSL Universal Hub V2
• CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2
• CSL Steering Wheel BMW
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2
• ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® Esports V2
• QR2 Base-Side (Type M)
• QR2 Base-Side (Type C)
Fanatec QR2 Pros and Cons
I highly recommend you watch our full review to get the full context for these subjective opinions of the Fanatec QR2 System
Pros
- QR2 and QR2 Pro completely eliminate any perceivable flex in the quick-release assembly as well as the clunking, rattling on rapid changes of direction, and harsh vibrations found on the QR1.
- QR2 Lite is also very strong and greatly improved the experience compared with Simplified QR1.
- Brings a new level of detail through the FFB. I’ve said before that you don’t really notice the flex in the QR1 unless you’re paying attention to it. But I definitely felt like I was more connected to the car with the QR2.
- Not as expensive as I feared it might be compared to Xero Play, VRS etc.
Cons
- Not a particularly satisfying click when the wheel is attached compared to Moza/Simagic.
- In my opinion, needs to be supplied with a cheap torque wrench so that people don’t under or over-torque when installing.
- CSL DD type C version scratches easily. I would prefer a raw finish.
- DD1/2 Type M installation might worry some people as it’s easy to lose the short plug inside the shaft.
- Still a small amount of flex inherent in the CSL DD/ GT DD Pro shaft.
If you’re looking to get into the Fanatec Ecosystem for the first time, check out our complete buyer’s guide for Fanatec gear. This will give you a great idea of which Fanatec gear offers the best value, and what will meet your needs best.
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