FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 game steering wheel: description and reviews

FANATEC is the brand of the top-tier simulator market, which offers many beautiful racing products that are distinguished by German engineering skills and uncompromising approach when it comes to build quality. Clubsport Wheel Base V2 is considered a miracle of modern technology and the best choice for enthusiasts of motorsports. However, the price of $ 600 is undoubtedly very expensive and unaffordable for most consumers. Fortunately, FANATEC's product catalog offers cheaper options, such as the FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 gamepad (shown in the following article) at a cost of $ 249.95. This model is an exact reproduction of the original and is designed to work with PC-simulators.

FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 game steering wheel: description

The manufacturer used a glossy gray coating that merges with the black GT2 logo. The result is a stately contrast of color, which looks great on the table and compares favorably with the boring black finish of other manufacturers. Users are pleasantly surprised by the purity of gloss and its resistance to contamination.

The base of the rudder works through a smooth and silent belt drive, which minimizes the number of mechanical dead zones and provides instant feedback due to the high resolution of the sensor. The consequence is very satisfactory turns that give a distinct sense of progression when the belt rotates. Owners who tried the wheel FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 in simulators such as Assetto Corsa, Raceroom Racing Experience, Race 07, etc., say that the belt drive GT2 is great and you can quickly get used to it. There are no delays, unbalanced rotation and other problems in any formula, from NASCAR to F1. Automatic calibration of beginners will worry a bit, because the belt is not in the center position. However, this does not mean that the wheel of the FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 is not aligned. You can adjust its position by setting it to the desired position, and then in the PC mode, simultaneously press the LSB and RSB buttons, then the Xbox Guide and release.

Installation

The installation, of course, is unique, but, for example, inferior to the Thrustmaster T500RS. The installation process is to adjust the position of the clamping device. It is necessary to loosen its mount, lower it down and install the game console on the edge of the table. Then, the clamping device should be pressed to the base to pressurize the adjustable plastic fastener, and secure it by lifting the clamps. In theory, this seems simple, but in fact it does not work so well.

The first problem is scraping when tightening, which can be removed with a small amount of lubricant. But the final fastening is not reliable enough. Although the base is functional and does not move during the game, users strongly recommend installing it on the Playseat or the RennSport steering rack.

Quality of performance

The rim of the steering wheel is phenomenal and frighteningly similar to the 911 GT2 due to the genuine metallic Porsche logo, Alcantara lining and 300 mm diameter. The large size seems real, when the hands automatically slide into the correct position. The disadvantage of this is the inconvenience for users with small hands or for those who mostly play with open steering forms, such as in Formula 1. In F1 2013, the FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 steering wheel works perfectly, but its increased weight causes a slightly strange feeling when it comes to Comes to filigree driving. Of all the possible disciplines, it is most suitable for ring races and rally competitions.

From an aesthetic point of view, the game steering wheel FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 reviews users call unsurpassed. Artificial coating of Alcantara is superb and comfortable. Finishing does not make your hands sweat or glide. Pleasant sensations are enhanced by the rubber core and the stunningly detailed Porsche logo. The only disappointment is the gear lever, which feels too soft and does not give tactile feedback in the form of a click. Although it is completely functional and it uses aluminum plates, it is difficult to adapt to it.

Controls

The company FANATEC has chosen a more effective style of button placement and decided to use LEDs instead of traditional solutions. Buttons are located in a well thought out manner and react instantly when you need to quickly change the camera angle, DRS, KERS and other important parameters. Lighting is executed masterfully - it is very clearly visible in the dark. This allows you to conduct night races with the lights off to reach the maximum level of immersion. As a rule, buttons on the steering wheels of other manufacturers are quite difficult to discern, and they require a lot of time to study, but bold bright LEDs encourage changing parameters on the fly.

Game steering wheel FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2: how to use?

Taking the console out of the box, installing drivers and pedals, and connecting everything to the PC, you can turn on the power. The steering wheel starts to rotate, performing a calibration, and immediately the buzz of a small fan inside the base is heard. The sound does not really bother, especially after the engine noises are heard, but still there is.

Naturally, for the game you will need to recalibrate both the rudder and the driver. You can adjust the overall strength of the vibration effect, the linearity of the wheels, the angles of rotation and another half a dozen other trifles. As a rule, parameters are set through the menu of a particular game, but if this option is not available, then this function becomes irreplaceable.

The pedals are even easier to adjust, but it's just as difficult to adapt to them.

Information screen

Customization underlies the philosophy of the company FANATEC, which clearly confirms the LED display 911 GT2. This small screen allows you to change settings, including steering linearity within 270-900 degrees, feedback power, turn on the ABS effect and even add artificial dead zones to increase stability on uneven surfaces. You can store up to 5 settings for 5 computer games and switch between profiles. Initially, this function may seem a little onerous, but it is surprisingly intuitive and is a huge advantage of the model, since you can adjust the parameters and enter the menu during the race. In addition, in some simulators, customization and rudder profiles will allow you to change the driving style even if the developer did not provide such an option in the program. The indicator panel is bright red, and there are two small buttons for saving, switching and changing parameters.

Realistic vibration effect

The FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 steering wheel has a feedback system that is powered by the Mabuchi RS 550 motor and creates a vibration effect. In addition, there are two actuators that simulate the unevenness of the track. In general, the feedback is excellent and reproduces, like the smallest vibrations in the absence of adhesion, and the strongest high-speed collisions on the track. Users are impressed by the quality of the effect and its realism. Many simulators, such as Assetto Corsa, significantly benefit from this functionality.

What do I have to buy?

The basic kit includes only the FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 steering wheel with a base and a gear lever and requires additional purchase of pedals, for example, the Clubsport Pedals for $ 250. Although this may seem a high price, users are advised to give them serious consideration, given their unrivaled quality.

Conclusion

The FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 is an exemplary product for racing simulators, which sets new standards in assembly quality and the creation of a licensed gaming periphery. Although there are questions about the system of fixing the device and the gear lever, otherwise everything works flawlessly. Pedals of high class significantly increase the cost of the kit, but without them the steering wheel seems incomplete.