Fanatec Mclaren GT3 Wheel Review - Low Cost LEGEND
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- čas přidán 18. 10. 2023
- Talk about a missed opportunity - it should have been the first of a long line of cheap replica wheels ingratiating the GT3 cars so many of us love, but for now we just have this. It'll do just fine...
Fanatec: www.fanatec.com/?F...
Text-based article at www.dannylee.co.uk/
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I use this wheel in ACC and the F1 23 game... this wheel is a MASTERPIECE... no 200$ wheel has the right to be this damn good... it's so, so, sooooo good... the grips are so strong and don't get damaged at all, the rubber is perfectly sturdy... the buttons are clicky and tactile, the magnetic paddles are good enough while a wheel of 200$ normally has no right to even think of having magnetic paddles... this wheel is a 500-600$ carbon fiber wheel made out of plastic and being shipped for 1/3 of the price... and honestly, for us that are not super rich and have to count every last Euro we make this wheel is a blessing...
I'm in love with this wheel... bought it along with my CSL DD 8Nm and it's been so good...
Fanatec gets a lot of crap by snobs that think their products are low and trash and people need to buy Asetek or Sim Cube... hell... even Moza products are being hailed while Fanatec is trashed... but honestly, this is pure bullshit... all the products I've bought from Fanatec are way above their price-point in terms of performance... the CSL DD 8Nm bundle has no right being only 500$... really now... the 8Nm FFB is so smooth and so polished... the basic wheel for an 80$ wheel made out of plastic is ridiculously good and well made and sturdy... the basic CSL Pedals for 80$ pedals are just stupidly good (I saw the basic Moza Pedals... they're a joke compared to the CSL... are so flimsy... CSL basic pedals are sturdy af... plus they're really good until I move to my new home where I'll have space for proper mounting where I'll be able to use the load cell... for now I play on my desk, so no load cell yet 😭)
So far I've been beyond impressed by what Fanatec has been able to produce in terms of product quality and price range... I'm a very VERY happy customer... and I won't give them shit at all like others do...
yeah from all that i have seen, this wheel is so good looking but is dragged through the dirt so much. im about to upgrade to this from my g920 (new sim racer moment) and i cant wait for the delivery
@@dudeos3400 Don't buy fanatec right now... they're in some hostile takeover situation in the company and their support is dogshit... I've been waiting for a month on an RMA for my shifter and nothing... buy anything else at the moment... buy Moza probably... the most cost effective next to Fanatec...
it’s insane that this and the bmw gt4 wheel are the only gt style wheels fanatec sell. for such an obvious sweet spot , there must be a lot of mclaren gt users who would easily upgrade to some sort of 300mm club sport gt wheel
I just pulled the trigger on this because I can’t stand how small the 270mm formula feels. Since I ordered this one I’m sure an awesome feature filled new updated 300mm wheel will release anytime soon lol
Also check out the GT Neo by Simmagic. Looks amazing at like $300. The problem is you need a Fanatec Emulator and quick connect so you end up $500-$600 in to get it to work on your wheelbase by the time you’re all said and done.
I'm fortunate enough to own eight Fanatec wheels from low to high end. This is the one I find that I naturally gravitate to the most. The rocker style shifters were hate at first shift, so I've upgraded to an aftermarket adapter that allows use of the ClubSport shifter modules. I've also upgraded to the vastly superior QR2 system. The versatility of this wheel- formula to GT cars- and it's simple and uncluttered functionality have made it a favorite.
Just got it today, completely changed my CSL DD 8Nm from my 7 year old BMW GT2 rim, much more lively, much quicker, and also the amount of buttons and dials are super convenient. Super happy with the purchase!
Great review Danny. I’ve had mine or 18 months and certainly no issues to report.
If you are part of the Fanatec Ecosystem then you can’t go wrong at this price point especially if you play sims like ACC where you need lots of buttons for all the different settings.
As you say it would be great to have other lower priced replicas but this is a gem for the money and would recommend it to anyone on a budget 👍🏼
Thanks for showing us your unit! I keep thinking of buying one of these for guests to use, so they don't have to use a D-shaped wheel or put on gloves for my F1 wheel (alcantara grips). But then I think I'm spending 200 notes on something only guests would use a couple of times a year and that's a bit silly. :D I do kinda want one just to see what all the fuss is about though, as everyone seems to love this wheel, even people who also have hella-expensive options.
New to sim racing. In the summer I bought an aluminium rig, sprint pedals and a SC2 Pro. Left me little money for a rim so got this. Been great!
Good review Danny. I've had mine now for around 8 months and find it just the right size and weight for me. I have it paired with a Clubsport V2.5 wheel base, which while not the strongest FFB out there, the 8NM it generates is more than enough for my needs. However, just last night in the middle of a race, the wheel started to become unresponsive and started to generate spurious inputs. On examination, I've found that 2 of the pins that connect the wheel to the base have snapped. I don't think this is something unique to the McLaren wheel, but even at this low price point, I would have expected that the pins had a longer life than 8 months. I'm getting the wheel rim repaired, and also taking the opportunity to look at an alternative Fanatec wheel rim.
Thanks Danny for another amazing Video like this!😃
Thanks Luis for another lovely comment like this!
It's been a while since I sold my Fanatec equipment. I had a Fanatec steering wheel from pretty much every category. I used them on a DD2. In the end, this one was always my favorite...I just replaced the paddles with individual paddles...
great video of a great wheel
one thing you missed about the shifter paddle is that because it's a single lever for both sides, you can shift up and down using either side. useful of you are taking a sip of water or have issues with one of your hands.
Thanks man, and good point
Hello, just wondering to your shifter have the same exact audible tone? For some reason my right upshift paddle has a more pronounced louder clunk sound, while my right one has a more muted clunk and can hear the "click" more because of it. Both click the same when pushed slow to test it but when normal use the right upshift is louder forsure. Just wondering if yours is like this? Thank you!
You can't go wrong with this wheel..i have it since day one 12/2020.. After 3 years its still perfect..i use it now with qr2 and it seems that i get even more noticable ffb with my dd pro. It's very decent for its money
Dude, it's insane that this 200$ wheel is still used by goddamn pros with rigs that costs thousands upon thousands of Euros and Dollars... really shows you that this wheel is a fucking MASTERPIECE for it's price... Fanatec have produced a monster that even kills their own high end wheels... 🤣🤣🤣
I will add this is a GREAT wheel which is perfect for GT3 and can fit into F1 games as well. It's one of the things fanatec did right! I love mine...can't think of a complaint!
The only thing I didn't like about this wheel was the loud, spongy shifter paddle; got the SimMakerZ shifter mods and so much happier. I recommend them.
Did the same. They are wonderful. Highly recommended.
Thanks for dropping your experience in the comments, the one thing I'm definitely seeing a lot of is praise for the SimMakerZ mod!
did you notice on the default paddles the up-shifter was less clunky and less pronounced than the down-shifter? is this on purpose?
I fitted the sim makerz magnetic shifters to this wheel made it so much better
Same, the quality of them is pretty damn good too. Highly recommend them
@@SimRacingEh yeah I can’t fault them! Much better feel and a lot quieter
Excellent, good to know they're worth it
Thanks mate 🙏
Great video mate, I have this wheel with the SIMSHIFTERZ mod, it is indeed an awesome product, It is a gem of a wheel, perfect size just enough features and a great all-rounder, I'm using this on a DD2 and have had no issues at all, and I'm quite heavy-handed,. Yes it's not the best quality item out here, but this has never been a problem, it simply just does the job, you will be searching for a long time to find anything as good as this even close to its price range, To put it into context, I have had the formula V1 & V2 and the Porsche Podium effort they have all been sold, but the McLaren is still a proud member of my wheel collection as is my BMW GT2 wheel.
I have moved away from Fanatec products in favour of different manufactures, but my DD2 i will keep till it stops working, and them same for my McLaren & BMW wheels.
Keep up the good work
Cheers man, was the shifter mod worth the money? Would you have used the wheel without it?
I also have the simshifterz mod and now it's simply the perfect wheel rim. I use it with a DD1 and after the mod I just don't see any need to search for other wheel.@@dannyleeracing
It was for me as I had bent my orange paddle, and had the odd misshift, and they do feel much better and are very easy to fit, if the paddle is working for you and feels good I wouldn't bother. @@dannyleeracing
Thank you Danny for pointing with a Bourbon biscuit, I have found many other reviews completely unwatchable and downright confusing because they pointed with inferior biscuits like rich tea
But yes good wheel I like it, I like putting the pit limiter on the P button, stops me activating it like a mong while I'm driving
Bought mine today, is the up-shifter supposed to be depressed more and less clicky than the down-shifter?
loving the bourbon pointers
11:28 Oh I'm glad I'm not the only one with that problem. When I first unboxed my wheel and rotated it a bit I noticed this.😐
Just got it 2 weeks ago love it
Could you review the WRC wheel ?I think They both GT3 and WRC are creat for XBOX but the GT3 is for Sim and WRC for drifting
The lack of shift lights is a bit of a deal breaker for me. At the very least they could have included some form of Revstripe like found on some of their round CSL rims.
The first review I saw for the McLaren GT3 V2 I was in love. Unfortunately when I was upgrading to Fanatec it was not available so I went for the Formula V2.5x, so many buttons. When I got the GT3 it felt huge compared to the Formula wheel and I flitted between them for a while. My only gripes with the McLaren are I can't use is barehanded due to the feeling of the handgrips and the shifter was too short. I've seen there are mods that extend the shifter but I've not seen them for sale anywhere. So I ended up gluing metal plates on the ends and wrapping them in tennis racket tape; so much better. I don't notice the buttons rattling when I racing nor do I miss rev lights.
Do you prefer the Mclaren GT3 over the F1 wheel ?
How does the Mclaren feel in your hands quality vise vs the F1 wheel ?
I ask because i have a F1 esports v2 and i wonder if i should go for the Mclaren too.
Thanks.
i upgraded the shifters threw srm well worth the extra cash lv the wheel have the 2.5 clubsort aswell costly habbit lol
The only part of this wheel I'm not sure about is the rocker style shifter and would it feel odd but it's always been a wheel I have considered.
Still use it till this day. Awesome wheel
I just ordered mine yesterday and I am pumped to own my first fanatec wheel, i think this is a perfect wheel for starters like me
did you ever get it?
@@Kerjjn yea 4ish days ago
Fantastic job with lighting in this movie .
Thanks dude, my office looks like a rave from the outside - so I'm told...
Beautifully produced and shot - just magnificent!!!
Regarding the Wheel: I couldn‘t agree more.
Thanks! Appreciate the lovely comment, makes a difference
Excellent video Danny.
I've used the McLaren wheel for some time now as my daily driver, and while it isn't the best out there I think it is very good value for money.
I find the 300mm size is just right for me.
Gear shifting is not the best experience, but it is useable and I find it is possible to shift up and down with either hand while I'm having a quick drink on the straights.
I only have the CSL DD 8Nm base so a heavier wheel would take away a lot of the fidelity of the feedback.
So until I splash out on a new more powerful base I won't be getting a new wheel.
Although I had Delta Sim-Tech's new EVO wheel in my hands at the Sim Expo and it was absolutely beutiful.
Cheers Doug, it's the size that sets it apart! If the formula wheel was 300mm then I think it'd surplant the Mclaren wheel with it's better build and materials, but it ain't so it don't! Hope you had a good time at the exhibition trying out all the crazy gear
Is there a similar 300mm metal chassis alternative!
I do wish Fanatec would make a CSL grade round wheel with the same functionality of the McLaren GT3 wheel. I really like my WRC wheel, but not having dual clutch Pit and Neutral buttons is a let down. A CSL GT4 wheel would be dope!
Honestly, they're killing it around the 300 EUR range and you'd think with their title sponsorship of the GT series they'd have some in-roads into bringing other manufacturer wheels forward
I need to get me one of those...the Bourbon pointer obviously!
Makes the british segment sit up and take note
I see you have a proper rig now!
Its funny how I like to watch review video’s multiple times although I’ve no interest in the product🙃 Another great one👌
I get what you mean. I find that watching reviews can provide a combination of entertainment and learning.
Mate, that's CZcams in a nutshell! Like, I've got no business watching videos about the automatic transmission on a 2004 Honda Odyssey (I have never and will never drive one) but it just calls to me
I know it’s a popular wheel given its price however when I was looking at purchasing a wheel I ultimately went with the formula v2.5. Pre QR2, if you included a QR1 the cost wasn’t much different but the quality difference is clear, aluminium and carbon fibre, qr1, shift lights, thumb encoders, overall a more premium wheel for your money. Default qrlite is absolutely terrible, even with qr2, if they eventually swap to that as default, you still going to be limited in nm on your wheelbase or pay to swap.
Just my opinion only, I have both the Formula v2.5 and the MCL GT3…I would not want to run a GT car with the Formula wheel, but the MCL wheel is okay for formula cars.
Are you referring to the V1 version of this wheel? Because as far as I'm aware, the shifter feels MUCH more solid and has significantly more travel on the V2 version, right?
Also, has the "rattling buttons issue" been addressed at the V2 version?
Thanks, Matthias
This is the V2 wheel
If anyone does plan to use this wheel with xbox the dials don't work (the blue one does) the red switches dont work it's binded to throttle and the handbreak paddle doesn’t work. Still fun to use though
Good to know - having only been on PC for like, forever, I don't have any awareness of what sort of experience you get with consoles so I definitely appreciate the input
Currently borrowing one of these from my brother for an upcoming review. I think it took more getting used to than the P1 wheel my bundle came with but I'm going to be sad when i have to give it back now.
Funnily enough I've got a P1 sitting here waiting in the wings. Good luck with the review, I'll keep an eye out for that!
@@dannyleeracing thanks!
What's the one piece of networking advice you'd give to an aspiring review channel creator?
I race NASCAR tracks on Iracing. I use this wheel on all road courses. Love it. Lot better than the huge NASCAR wheel. 😊
I have experienced cracking on my first wheel where it mounts to the quick release and where the shifter paddle pivots. FANATEC confirmed (in writing) it was due to a weakness and replaced the case. Unfortunately the same thing happened and I now live with a fabricated alloy plate to hold it together. And I’m not a regular user.
That's interesting - first I've heard of anything happening to the case, but for it to happen to you twice is crazy. Is it something that actually affected the wheel physically or was it just something you spotted under close inspection?
It still works. Most people wouldn’t know unless they take a look behind the wheel where the shifter paddle pin sits. I’m not a rough user nor did I over tighten the QR. I’m a mechanic by trade and have to remove and refit a lot of delicate plastic trim work.
Danny, can you use the Mclaren wheel with the new Clubsport DD+ Base, if upgraded to the QR2 ?
Yep
Did you know the bottom left analog stick also turns like a dial? I had no clue for over a year...
That comes under the 'twiddling' action
Haha yeah I wrote that before seeing the video, but I definitely agree, it's a solid wheel. I'm going to the Formula 2.5x wheel now. It's on order with the QR2 upgrades and... Club sport DD is in the works for January! I got a $150 discount on wheel by bundling everything and lining up a buyer for the package when it comes in
I have this and the twice as expensive Porsche Cup wheel. I use this one because its lighter (=better ffb) and more ergonomic. Biggest downside of this wheel is button placement imo.
I really enjoy this wheel. However, if you run high FFB the buttons will rattle. Not a biggie if you don’t mind the plastic rattling sound but it’s worth mentioning.
Not to fear, that's mentioned!
just ordered it i have the wrc wheel which is great but i want to race gt3 cars so i wanted to experience it better with this wheel.
The Esport Formula wheel is only 220 euros. I swear it used to cost around 250 or 270 something euros. I have the older version of the Esport wheel and loved it. How it compare to the McLaren wheel I will never know as I never touched it. Please talk about the Esport wheel, if you used it before. I think the Esport is a better quality build than the McClaren but has less buttons and don't have clutch pedals. And a good in-between steering wheel between McLaren and ClubSport Formula. Try a Esport wheel some time and compare it to your McLaren wheel.
5:37 Aww dude, that's some beautiful bourbon work, my compliments..
Thanks man, the bourbon tap is industry standard
Best Wheel from Fanatec for me... i hope for a new Wheel like them 🥹
Is it worth upgrading from the lite qr?
Now that the metal QR1 has been reduced to half price (assuming it's in stock) then it's not a bad move
Now that I have Moza KS, the only comparison I can take is from this one, and I definitely made a great purchase, since there's almost no downsides compared to this wheel. ^^
The Moza KS is certainly awesome, I LOVE the KS
I still like this better than the ks
Just got mine yesterday. It's a great wheel for the price of it. Just disappointing the display screen doesn't work with the xbox
I have Xbox too. it’s unfortunate the orange buttons, red toggles and rotors don’t work
Maybe I missed it, but an added benefit of the wheel is that it works for Xbox. I'm starting out on Xbox, but fully expect to stick w/ this wheeel when I move to PC, so it is something that can make that tranistion, but not cost extra in order to "future proof" as some sim hardware does.
It does suck that you can't take advantage of the dials and red up/down clickies on Xbox though...
I’m in the same boat. Just checking now this bundle looks promising. And as you said good point you can start on Xbox. My plan is the same will invest in a pc so don’t have to buy another setup straight away. What you think will worth to wait until Black Friday ?
@@robertveres6735 That "$199" CSL DD deal is already pretty low, and the Club Sport DDs just launched, so I can't imagine they would shave much, if anything off for BF.
Would this be okay on a 12nm wheel base?
Should be fine! Just needs the full QR, not the Lite version
I own this wheel too. Overall it's a decent wheel for the money. But here are the downsides imo:
1) if you are a playstation user (like me), you will be annoyed with the fact that it comes with Xbox buttons. The stickers that come with the wheel are pointless since they're to be installed on the wheel casing rather than the buttons themselves. This is a minor issue that you'll eventually not think about after some getting used to, but it's still a peeve of mine. More importantly, it'll give you problems with figuring out how to map your buttons in-game (for example, R1/R2/R3 and L1/L2/L3). Since these buttons are not layed out for PS, I always have issues with figuring out button mapping.
2) as mentioned in the video, the buttons tend to rattle. Not VERY loud but loud enough.
3) the joystick that comes with the wheel is VERY clicky when using as a d-pad. Not just a little clicky, VERY clicky. You will hear every click. It sounds cheap. I don't have a more expensive fanatec wheel to compare it to, but it's clear they built this wheel to a price point. If more premium wheels come with the same hardware, then shame on Fanatec.
4) The shift paddles are NOT always reliable. I sometimes find myself having to click the upshift paddle twice for the game to recognize an upshift. This is a big deal imo for obvious reasons, buyer beware.
5) Only comes with 1 joystick on the wheel. I have another Fanatec wheel (GT DD Pro wheel) that also only comes with 1 joystick, so this seems to be a Fanatec-specific problem. Why on earth do they only include 1 joystick when Xbox and PS include two is beyond me, but you'll sometimes find yourself trying to figure out how to map your buttons in-game because of this. This is another big deal for me and i really hope this is not the case for all of Fanatec wheels.
The wheel is decent and looks realistic, but it definitely has its flaws that will annoy you at some point.
Great insights, as I said to another commenter it's hard to know the quirks of console compatibility if I don't own a console, so this is helpful and informative
Is there any chance that you'll review cammus bases?
Probably not as I don't have much interest in them and my time is as stretched as a pizza dough slipping into a black hole's event horizon. Some folks have solid reviews and vids but I'm not likely to join them on it anytime soon unfortunately
best wheel for endurance praces
It's an amazing wheel for the price
Mine stopped working last night during a league race qauli. It's over 3 years old.
Damn. The whole thing just stopped?
@@dannyleeracing I figured out what happened. The DD Pro clamp on the shaft became loose. Causing the base side of the QR to pull away. Disconnecting the rim. The wheel is fine. Common problem apparently. I think removing the wheel from the base alot causes it. Or, the torque.
Loved this wheel until lt kept refusing to shift on many occasions. It got to the point that I couldn't complete a lap without it not shifting. Too bad.
Damn - when did you buy it?
my screen stopped working in acc
I will buy if Fanatec makes a Mclaren GT3 deluxe version. Better shifters out of the box and better quality build material etc
All they'd need to do is make a 300mm Formula and that box would be ticked!
@@dannyleeracing yes, that will do the trick too :)
Ergonomics are the best. They should make a v3 a better quality and magnetic shifters.
I just want them to make more! Would love to see other manufacturers join the ranks, porsche in particular as Fanatec already works/worked with them!
Thank you for this convinced me this is not for me lol
So long as it was useful!
I want a GT3 wheel with build quality of the Formula wheel, and with a display. The forever unreleased Bently wheel just isn't it.
Nice video. Thank you.
Physics neat picking though. The overall weight difference between steering wheels is really negligible as long as it is equally distributed.
The rotor inside the base, the shaft, even the weight of your arms impact more the rotational inertia.
The diameter is the main spec to consider as of FFB liveliness as it is directly related to forces applied on our hands while dealing with the same torque.
bought this in japan fanatec, only 160$😂
Their big hit, they just wont send it out to you and ignore your emails lol. By far the worst company feedback from customers I have ever seen.
Sadly most unreliable piece of simkit i ever had. RMAd twice. It really deserves a clubsport version, cause quality is a joke compared to a formula carbon wheel.
What was faulty?
@@dannyleeracingthey replaced the cable going from the pins to the board. And 2nd time they replaced the wheel alltogether. And thats with a metal QR lol
creaks and cracks
not enough buttons
My first Mclaren wheel did start creaking after a little while, the torx bolts on the faceplate just needed a nip-up and it was good for a long time after that
Why are you reviewing it now? Is this some Fanatec marketing trick to revive the brand? "Buy Clubsport DD and Mclaren V2 bla bla?" I am a bit disapointed in you...
Why not, it is still available, and people might find Danny's video helpful.
@@davidslater5965 i agree, but there are so many better 300mm wheels for same cost. And review came out just days after QR2, im just sayin.