This is the all-new Fanatec CSL Cockpit, and that’s right—Fanatec is back in the sim racing cockpit game, starting with an entry-level offering with the all new CSL chassis!

Aimed at the entry-level market but designed to accommodate even Fanatec's highest-end offerings, the CSL cockpit promises a lot for a $400 rig. But does it live up to the hype? Fanatec has sent this chassis over to me along with the seat, monitor stand, and shifter mount so today, I’ll be putting it all to the test, sharing my experience—the good, the bad, and whom this offering may be for.

Also, keep in mind that if you are interested in purchasing this or any other Fanatec product, using my affiliate links (found here) greatly helps me out at no extra cost to you. With that said, let’s get started by discussing this product's pricing.

Pricing

I mentioned that this cockpit retails for $400. However, what you’re seeing on screen right now will set you back $660, and it's probably closer to $700 after taxes and shipping. For $400, Fanatec offers the CSL chassis, with an additional $100 for the optional seat, another $120 for the integrated monitor mount, and $40 more for the shifter mount. So, all together, this adds up to a more mid-range sim racing cockpit.

Granted, at this $660 price point, it does come with a seat and integrated monitor stand—something that comparable aluminum profile rigs usually don’t offer. With the price in mind, let’s get started with what’s good about this rig, which actually surprised me in many ways I wasn’t expecting.

Fanatec CSL Cockpit Review - is this the best sim racing cockpit for beginners?

What I like | Fanatec CSL Cockpit

From my experience with the CSL cockpit, there is a lot of good worth discussing, starting with the packaging. It comes in four boxes, each pertaining to their individual product; every single component of this rig arrived neatly packed and without a scratch. Compared to other rigs, which sometimes come in a multitude of boxes with nuts and bolts flying around, this was a refreshing change to see.

All put together and set up, I'm also pleasantly surprised by the design and look of this rig which, although nothing extravagant, does appear very sleek and modern. The yellow accents stand out, the Fanatec branding is visible, the seat features matching yellow stitching, and the monitor mount looks surprisingly cool. So, compared to rigs in this price range, which often look like lawn chairs or have a pole running between your legs, I think this one does a great job in terms of design. It's also worth noting that this rig is quite light and compact in size, making it great for a bedroom setup or for use in places with limited space. However, it can't be folded up and stored like some similarly priced competitors.

Though not extensive, some adjustability is also available with the CSL cockpit. Equipped with a GT driving position, you can also achieve a karting feel by inverting the wheelbase brackets. The pedal deck offers forward and backward as well as tilt adjustability, and the seat can also move a few inches back and forth, although the seat movement is very limited. Similar adjustability is found on the shifter and wheelbase mount, allowing changes to the angle and distance.

On-Track Performance

Jumping out on the track with the new 12nm Fanatec ClubSport DD attached, the rigidity of the wheel mount here left me extremely surprised. Though this cockpit looks a bit flimsy, once side-mounted onto my wheelbase, it was going absolutely nowhere. Even when maxed out, the 12nm ClubSport DD stayed perfectly in place, with maybe a tad of visible movement, but absolutely nothing that hindered my in-game performance. Surprisingly, Fanatec also states that this rig can withstand even their most powerful 20+nm wheelbases, which is shocking for a rig in this segment. The included shifter mount also remained fairly sturdy, with some visible movement when purposefully yanking on it, but no impactful flex when normally using my H-pattern shifter out on track.

Through 1-2 hour race sessions, the $99 CSL seat wasn’t bad either. It’s made of fabric with supportive foam cushioning, giving it a decent enough feel. With no substantial lumbar or neck support, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting on it for extended periods of time, but this part is subjective. Ultimately, for a seat at this price point, it’s not going to turn any heads, but it doesn’t look too bad either, although I do wish a logo or just something was added onto the back of the seat to make it stand out.

Though slightly pricey at $120, I’m also easily able to recommend the monitor stand. Not only does it look very cool, but it also does a great job in my case, holding up my large and heavy Samsung Odyssey Super Ultra Wide display. I was able to get this mounted to the exact position I wanted with substantial tilt and height adjustability, and it has seemingly handled the weight of my monitor without breaking a sweat.

Negatives | Fanatec CSL Cockpit

Starting off, one of the main hassles I found with this rig was the difficulty in making adjustments. With no included seat slider and the necessity to use two wrenches for practically any adjustment, this rig is intended for a single person's use without the need for constant modifications. For example, if you’re a father who wants to let his young son also race, this probably isn’t the best choice, as spending several minutes re-adjusting everything time after time will quickly become unbearable.

The adjustability of the seat, in terms of its front-to-back movement, is also fairly limited. For this reason, and the fact that Fanatec provides no indication of what user heights and weights are supported, I would be skeptical about choosing this rig if you are very tall or very short. I’m kind of in the middle ground, so it was perfect for me. Getting in and out of it was also perfect for me, but since it is nearly on the floor, this may be harder and a serious consideration for some of you.

Now, and this may be a shocker to many as it was a huge shock to me, the Fanatec CSL Cockpit is actually only designed to be used with modern Fanatec wheel bases that support side mounting, and any other sim racing wheel base from another brand is very likely not to work with this chassis. Fanatec also doesn’t endorse it. The reason for this could be because Fanatec designed this product from the ground up for maximum rigidity for their exact wheelbases, but it also makes you wonder if they’re just trying to lock you into their ecosystem. The answer is probably yes. Now, if you’re a Fanatec customer, this isn’t really a bad thing as ultimately you are getting maximum performance for your wheelbase, but at the same time, if you ever upgrade your wheelbase to another brand or try to sell this rig as used, you’re probably out of luck.

As for the shifter plate, although it did its job well, it unfortunately is also very small and in my case, was only able to mount one shifter in it with no accompanying handbrake. By coincidence, this works great for Fanatec ClubSport shifter owners who can directly mount the Fanatec handbrake onto the shifter, thus using both of them with this cockpit. But if that’s not your setup, then you’ll have to choose between a handbrake or a shifter.

At this point, some of you have probably wondered why I haven’t mentioned the pedal deck, and that’s because it wasn’t too great from my experience. Though a part of the flex you see on screen is probably because the chassis would sink into my carpeted floor, there was more visible flex than I was expecting to see, especially when purposely slamming on the brake with a lot of force. In many cases, I found myself needing to go back in and retighten everything, but even with all that, a fairly moderate amount of flex was still noticeable here. However, I will admit that it didn’t have too big of an impact on me in-game. Ultimately though, any movement here is not a good thing and certainly something I didn’t like to see.

My Final Thoughts | Fanatec CSL Cockpit

All in all, the Fanatec CSL Cockpit is a very unique offering by the company and marks the start of its lineup of sim racing rigs, with plans to release more in the future. There are many things this rig does well, and it really left me impressed, although there are a few aspects that could use some improvement.

In my opinion, if you already have a seat, can mount a monitor on a desk, and only need the $400 chassis to use alongside your Fanatec direct-drive wheelbase, this is a strong contender. However, if you’re starting from the ground up and will be spending $660 for a fully equipped unit like the one I have here, and want to share it with others at home, there are probably better options considering your unique circumstances. For this reason, it's worth looking at your specific situation, exploring what else is available, and determining how the positives and negatives I've discussed in this review relate to you.

OC SCORE: 6.50

FANATEC CSL COCKPIT FAQ’s

What is included in the basic $400 Fanatec CSL Cockpit package?

The basic package includes the CSL chassis only. Accessories such as the seat, monitor stand, and shifter mount are optional and come at additional costs.

Can the Fanatec CSL Cockpit be adjusted for different users?

Yes, the Fanatec CSL Cockpit offers some adjustability. However, it's designed with limited seat and pedal adjustability, making significant changes for different users a bit cumbersome. It's intended more for a single user setup rather than for multiple users who require frequent adjustments.

Is the Fanatec CSL Cockpit compatible with other brands of sim racing wheel bases?

The Fanatec CSL Cockpit is specifically designed for modern Fanatec wheel bases that support side mounting. It may not be compatible with sim racing wheel bases from other brands, and Fanatec does not endorse such use.

How durable and stable is the Fanatec CSL Cockpit when racing?

Despite its somewhat flimsy appearance, the cockpit provides a surprisingly rigid mount for the wheel. There is minimal movement, even under strong force, which does not significantly affect in-game performance.

Are there options for adding a handbrake along with a shifter to the Fanatec CSL Cockpit?

The shifter mount is quite small and typically accommodates only one shifter. Fanatec ClubSport shifter owners can mount the Fanatec handbrake directly onto the shifter, allowing the use of both. If you require both a shifter and a handbrake and are not using compatible Fanatec products, this may not be feasible.

What are the main drawbacks of the Fanatec CSL Cockpit?

The main drawbacks include limited adjustability for multiple users, compatibility primarily with Fanatec products, and a requirement for tools to make adjustments. Additionally, the cockpit’s low position can make getting in and out difficult for some users.

What should I consider before buying the Fanatec CSL Cockpit?

Consider your specific needs, such as whether you will share the cockpit with others, the types of adjustments you might need, and the compatibility with your existing or planned equipment. Assess whether the strengths of the cockpit, such as its design and stability, outweigh its limitations for your particular situation.

How does the seat comfort and support measure up in the Fanatec CSL Cockpit?

The $99 CSL seat is made of fabric with supportive foam cushioning, providing decent comfort for short to moderate session lengths. However, it lacks substantial lumbar and neck support, which might be uncomfortable for extended use, depending on personal preference.

Is the Fanatec CSL Cockpit easy to assemble and adjust?

While assembly is straightforward, making adjustments can be challenging due to the lack of a seat slider and the need for tools to adjust various components. This setup is best suited for individuals who do not need to frequently adjust the cockpit.

How well does the monitor stand perform in the Fanatec CSL Cockpit?

The monitor stand is praised for its cool appearance and functionality, capable of supporting large and heavy monitors with significant tilt and height adjustability, handling weight without issues.

FANATEC CSL Cockpit Review | Bang or BUST?!