This is the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5X. It's been a part of Fanatec's lineup of wheel rims for a long time now, and I think it's undoubtedly one of the best-looking. Today, I'll be reviewing this unit, talking about all the good, the bad, and giving my thoughts on whether the ClubSport Formula V2.5X is still worth it in 2024. And if you are interested in purchasing or learning more, check out the Fanatec affiliate links below:

Lowest Priced FORMULA V2.5X on FANATEC.com

POSITIVES

Starting with the positives, there is a lot to like about the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5X. Although it doesn't look much different from all of Fanatec's other formula style rims, the color scheme used here is by far one of the best as it maintains an aggressive yet modern-looking design.

Unique about the V2.5X and one of its biggest selling points will, of course, be its Xbox compatibility. As many know, Fanatec integrates the Xbox chip on certain wheel rims, this being one of them, which means that by using this wheel with any compatible Fanatec base, you'll be able to use your wheelbase plus this rim on Xbox. Moreover, if you're using a PlayStation compatible wheelbase like the GT DD Pro and want to use this steering wheel on PlayStation, you can do that as well. This means the V2.5X can, with the proper gear, be compatible with PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles - this being a massive advantage for this rim.

Ergonomically, I found this wheel to be fantastic. At its 270mm diameter, it is smaller in size but suitable for a formula-style rim, and every single button, dial, and encoder is placed in a very well-thought-out and comfortable place. For a wheel of this size, it is extremely impressive the amount of functionality Fanatec has been able to squeeze in here as there are a total of two thumb encoders, two 2-way toggle switches, two 12-way multi-position switches, 11 buttons, a small OLED display, RGB shift lights, an analog joystick, and a 7-way funky switch. Yes, all of that packed into this wheel.

As for how they feel, they're all really good with the exception of the thumb encoders. The buttons have a firm click, the encoders have good resistance, and the included paddle shifters are very commendable with a sturdy and clicky feel without being obnoxiously loud. The faceplate of this rim is composed of a 5mm thick carbon fiber sheet with the rest of the housing being made from injection molded plastic. Apart from just looking cool, I also found zero noticeable flex on this rim, not even when purposefully pushing and pulling the handles. Talking about the handles, they are wrapped in genuine alcantara and feel solid in hand. Those with very big hands may find this wheel to feel a bit small, but for someone like me, and I suppose most of you, it felt fine and again, I was able to comfortably reach all the buttons.

Taking a look behind the rim on my unit, you'll find the new Fanatec QR2 Pro quick release; however, as standard and from my understanding looking at the Fanatec website, this wheel comes with the old QR1 system and if you want the updated version like I have, you'll need to shell out a lot more in order to upgrade both your wheel and wheelbase to the new QR2 system.

If you are interested in learning more about that, make sure to watch my dedicated video explaining the Fanatec QR2 ecosystem. Anyways, here you will also find the aforementioned paddle shifters which do look and feel good; however, if you are looking for a more premium option with lots more functionality, these can be upgraded with the Podium Advanced Paddle Module for an additional $180, something I suspect most won't be doing but at least it's an option. If you do want to hear my thoughts on that paddle module, make sure to watch my review on the 2023 Fanatec F1 licensed wheel.

On-Track Performance

Taking this wheel out on track, there is a ton that I liked and also a lot that could use some improvement, more of which I'll talk about in the negatives section of this review. However, as per the good, one of the standout features of this wheel for me has got to be it's vibrating handles.

You see, this rim is equipped with vibration motors within the Alcantara grips of the wheel that can simulate a variety of things such as road effects, engine rumble, ABS, and lots more. I decided to crank up the engine rumble effect to max, and it really provided a different level of immersion - most comparable to what you would feel with TrueForce on some Logitech wheels. For me, this effect gave me that sensation of road vibration which you would expect to feel in a real car, and paired with the precise feedback of the ClubSport DD I was using, gave me a very immersive driving experience.

The wheel as a whole also held up very well on track. No flex whatsoever was felt, and the small and lightweight nature of this wheel allowed me to feel maximum feedback from the wheelbase with no sort of interference. Overall, the driving experience, build quality, and ergonomics of this wheel were very well done. However, I've certainly found the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5X to have its flaws.

NEGATIVES

Starting with one of the things that I don't really understand about this rim is that it still comes with the old QR1 quick-release system by default instead of something at least like the QR2-Lite. See, if Fanatec expects to make the full transition into these new quick-release systems, I don't really see why they're still selling them separately even if you're buying a completely new wheel rim. This wheel, priced at $350, will only get far more expensive once adding on the wheel-side quick releases, not to mention the base sides if you happen to need that too.

Moving on, although I think the Alcantara grips are well-made and comfortable in hand, I (and probably the majority of sim racers) would take a leather or rubber finish over Alcantara every day of the week for added grip but more importantly, to keep this wheel looking good even after months of use. As anyone who's had Alcantara wheels knows, they require you to wear gloves and maintain them in order to keep them looking good - something many people just can't be bothered with. As such, I reckon a leather or rubber finish would have been more desirable.

You may have noticed that the center encoder only has four modes, each of which is already pre-configured to adjust how the clutch paddles function. The only problem is… this wheel doesn't come with clutch paddles, and if you also don't want to spend more to get some, well, this encoder that sits smack in the middle won't have any use.

Also, one quick thing that I noticed is that by default, this center 1” screen displays the speed you're going at, which to some might be useful. And although this screen can be completely customized in the software to display other things, I noticed that there is no way to get it to display your speed in miles per hour, something which those of us living in… a certain country, would find nice.

One of the most glaring flaws of this wheel, in my opinion, has also got to be the thumb encoders, which although are of great quality and are in a great position, have an extremely light feel, meaning I found it very hard to precisely move it by the amount that I wanted when flying down the track. If these thumb encoders had more resistance, I reckon they could be significantly more useful and reliable than they currently are.

And talking about reliability, the biggest thing I noticed with this wheel was that the RGB shift lights and OLED display stopped working several times out of absolutely nowhere. I would quite literally be driving with everything working perfectly when everything would just freeze, and although the actual functionality of the wheel was fine and I was able to continue driving with no issues, the shift lights and screen simply cut out for a reason which I don't know, even as I'm running all the latest firmware.

Fanatec Formula V2.5X 2024 Review - is this the best sim racing formula 1 steering wheel

Conclusion

That being said, all in all, I really am happy with the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5X. Not only is it one of Fanatec’s best-looking wheels, but it also packs a ton of functionality and compatibility with its console support. It's certainly not without its flaws, but I think that for the money, you do get a lot of value here, and it's for that reason that I do recommend this wheel, albeit you should weigh the good and the bad to make your decision.

OC SCORE: 7.98

FAQ’s

What makes the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5X stand out among other racing wheels?
The ClubSport Formula V2.5X is known for its exceptional build quality, compact and ergonomically designed formula-style rim, and unique color scheme that presents an aggressive yet modern look. Its standout feature is its compatibility across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles when paired with the appropriate Fanatec wheelbase, making it a versatile choice for sim racers.

Is the ClubSport Formula V2.5X compatible with Xbox and PlayStation consoles?
Yes, the ClubSport Formula V2.5X includes an Xbox compatibility chip, allowing it to work with Xbox consoles when used with a compatible Fanatec wheelbase. If you're using a PlayStation-compatible wheelbase like the GT DD Pro, this steering wheel can also be used on PlayStation, providing broad compatibility across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms.

What are the key ergonomic features of the ClubSport Formula V2.5X?
This wheel features a 270mm diameter, suitable for formula-style racing, with strategically placed buttons, dials, and encoders for ease of access. It includes two thumb encoders, toggle switches, multi-position switches, an OLED display, RGB shift lights, an analog joystick, and a 7-way funky switch, all packed into a compact design with handles wrapped in genuine Alcantara.

Does the ClubSport Formula V2.5X come with the QR2 quick release system?
By default, the wheel comes with the older QR1 quick release system. However, there is an option to upgrade to the QR2 Pro quick release system for enhanced compatibility and performance, though this requires additional investment to upgrade both the wheel and wheelbase to the new system.

Can the paddle shifters on the ClubSport Formula V2.5X be upgraded?
Yes, the included paddle shifters can be upgraded to the Podium Advanced Paddle Module for additional functionality, though this comes at a significant extra cost which may not be justifiable for all users.

Are there any known issues with the ClubSport Formula V2.5X?
Some users have noted issues such as the light feel of the thumb encoders, making precise adjustments difficult, and occasional malfunctions with the RGB shift lights and OLED display. Additionally, the Alcantara grips, while comfortable, may require maintenance and use of gloves to maintain their appearance.

Is the ClubSport Formula V2.5X worth its price?
Despite its flaws, the ClubSport Formula V2.5X is considered to offer good value for the money, given its build quality, functionality, and broad compatibility. Potential buyers are advised to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

FANATEC Formula V2.5X Still Worth it in 2024?! (Review)