Brian Clancy
Premium
Here is the next xmas hardware review! This time we are going to look at Fanatecs very comprehensive 'tuning kit' for the already massivley adjustable and impressive Clubsport pedal set from Fanatec. Can this kit really improve upon what I think is near perfection (in my view) already?
Lets see!
Okay, first off, the format for this review will be slightly different due to the type of product, but I will still go into a fair degree detail........
Presentation and contents:
First of all, the kit comes really well packaged and presented, as you can see in the picture above, the parts are held in nice foam trays inside the box. Not just nice presentation, it makes the packaging ideal to continue storing the parts inside that you are not currently using, a good start!
Inside the box you will find:
Next up, you may have noticed a replacment pedal plate, might seem an odd thing to include at first, but actualy, its a great idea if you wish to invert your pedals and shows that Fanatec really listen to customer feedback by including this item. Lastly, you will find two bottles of lubricant, one for the metal surfaces and one specifically for the PU Foam in the brake block (a very handy inclusion).
Driving with the 'tuned' CSP's :
I opted to fit the 30% stiffer springs to both the clutch and gas pedals first. WOW! big difference, plus you still have the built in 'spring tension' adjustment to play with too. For me this was an improvment, but again, its all personal taste as to your preference!
The smaller PU Foam insert makes a noticable change and reduces the pedal pressure. Add to this the shorter or longer brake bar and the adjustable 'pivot hight' the available adjustment is simply amazing now!
Conclusions:
Did it make a real difference? Oh yes, in fairness the standard CSP's are in my honest opinion nearing perfection as they are! But the quality and thought that has gone into this kit and the further adjustments really add to the pedals and just push them closer to perfection for me! I think some of you may wonder that I always write 'rave' reviews of Fanatecs products, but I honestly rate them as I see them and also only review what I think will be top notch products also (I'm guessing you dont want to see poor quality items reviewed!)
If you already own a set of CSP's, dont mess about, order this kit now, you will love it!
A WARNING!
Now this part is, errr, well, a little bit embarasing for me....... I made a small mistake when I dissasembled the CSP's to fit some of the components from the kit. I neglected to unhook the small plug that connects the load cell to the PCB. This small error meant I pulled the cable slightly as I released the pedals whilst under the tension from the springs. No visable damage (infact I never even noticed the cable get pulled as I was thinking I was being carefull!!). A quick and very embarrasing e-mail to Thomas and he kindly sent me out a new load cell............
You have been warned, unplug the load cell BEFORE you undo anything else!!!
Value : 97/100 At 49.95 Euro's, you get an awful lot for your money
Functionality : 99/100 Couldnt work much better to be honest!
Quality : 97/100 Once again, top stuff, beautifully made, finnished and packaged!
RD Rating: 293/300 Only the CSP's themselves scored higher, enough said....
Buy One?? : Its on my xmas prezzie list along with the CSP's thanks Santa
Lets see!
Okay, first off, the format for this review will be slightly different due to the type of product, but I will still go into a fair degree detail........
Presentation and contents:
First of all, the kit comes really well packaged and presented, as you can see in the picture above, the parts are held in nice foam trays inside the box. Not just nice presentation, it makes the packaging ideal to continue storing the parts inside that you are not currently using, a good start!
Inside the box you will find:
- Brake/Clutch pedal plate (to replace the gas pedal for increased adjustability or inverted pedals)
- Spring for gas pedal (regular)
- Spring for gas pedal (30% weaker)
- Spring for gas pedal (30% stronger)
- Spring for clutch pedal (regular)
- Spring for clutch pedal (30% weaker)
- Spring for clutch pedal (30% stronger)
- PU Foam for brake (regular)
- PU Foam for brake – smaller diameter (for reduced friction)
- Metal bar short for brake (Good for placing the pedal in the second hole position for higher stiffness at same throw)
- Metal bar long for brake (reduce throw at same stiffness)
- 6 pedal axis bearings made of brass
- Lubricant for PU foam
- Lubricant for metal bars
Next up, you may have noticed a replacment pedal plate, might seem an odd thing to include at first, but actualy, its a great idea if you wish to invert your pedals and shows that Fanatec really listen to customer feedback by including this item. Lastly, you will find two bottles of lubricant, one for the metal surfaces and one specifically for the PU Foam in the brake block (a very handy inclusion).
Driving with the 'tuned' CSP's :
I opted to fit the 30% stiffer springs to both the clutch and gas pedals first. WOW! big difference, plus you still have the built in 'spring tension' adjustment to play with too. For me this was an improvment, but again, its all personal taste as to your preference!
The smaller PU Foam insert makes a noticable change and reduces the pedal pressure. Add to this the shorter or longer brake bar and the adjustable 'pivot hight' the available adjustment is simply amazing now!
Conclusions:
Did it make a real difference? Oh yes, in fairness the standard CSP's are in my honest opinion nearing perfection as they are! But the quality and thought that has gone into this kit and the further adjustments really add to the pedals and just push them closer to perfection for me! I think some of you may wonder that I always write 'rave' reviews of Fanatecs products, but I honestly rate them as I see them and also only review what I think will be top notch products also (I'm guessing you dont want to see poor quality items reviewed!)
If you already own a set of CSP's, dont mess about, order this kit now, you will love it!
A WARNING!
Now this part is, errr, well, a little bit embarasing for me....... I made a small mistake when I dissasembled the CSP's to fit some of the components from the kit. I neglected to unhook the small plug that connects the load cell to the PCB. This small error meant I pulled the cable slightly as I released the pedals whilst under the tension from the springs. No visable damage (infact I never even noticed the cable get pulled as I was thinking I was being carefull!!). A quick and very embarrasing e-mail to Thomas and he kindly sent me out a new load cell............
You have been warned, unplug the load cell BEFORE you undo anything else!!!
Value : 97/100 At 49.95 Euro's, you get an awful lot for your money
Functionality : 99/100 Couldnt work much better to be honest!
Quality : 97/100 Once again, top stuff, beautifully made, finnished and packaged!
RD Rating: 293/300 Only the CSP's themselves scored higher, enough said....
Buy One?? : Its on my xmas prezzie list along with the CSP's thanks Santa