Fanatic ClubSport Pedals v2
Brake away from the pack
Price: $329.95
While a nice steering wheel can have a
decent impact on lap times, a good set of pedals can make all eth difference
between being a virtual hero and a virtual zero. Fanatic’s secret is the use of
a load-cell brake system, which delivers much more realistic braking forces
than the analogue brake found on cheaper pedal sets, and these v2 pedals
combine this with an adjustable oil damper. Both make this pedal set the most
realistic brake pedal we’ve used.
The ClubSport Pedals v2 even include a
force feedback motor on the brake pedal to simulate ABS shake, though sadly the
number of zero (iRacing does, but only with the help of a third-party plugin).
Fanatic
ClubSport Pedals v2
Like the new Fanatic wheel base, this pedal
set is built of materials usually associated with heavy weaponry, and it’s a
big step up from the first version. The sheer weight suggests they’ll last many
years, though the load cells have been improved, with a new spring that makes
it move more like the real thing.
Once again, Fanatic has delivered a product
that is stupidly expensive by average PC gamer standards, but quite affordable
compared to most simming products. With a range of improvements over the
already-excellent v1, the ClubPort Pedals v2 set establishes a new level of
quality at this price point.
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Load cell brake and clutch feel real
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Better lap times as a result
·
Heavy build quality
·
Oh so expensive
·
Force feedback motor not support by most games
Verdict: 10/10
Fanatic has created the perfect match for
its new wheel in the ClubSport Pedals v2, but you’ll have to pay a high price
for the privilege.
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X
Trainee pilots sign up here
Price: $58
There’s no denying that a lot of simming
gear is very expensive, but there’s also some great gear at the low end for beginners.
Take this HOTAS system from Thrustmaster: at the same price as a case of
imported beers, it’ll give you many more hours of enjoyment, and you’ll be less
likely to vomit.
For the price, you get a stick and separate
throttle, and their ergonomic design makes them a pleasure to hold. Pedals
aren’t included so the joystick twists instead, giving you full rubber control.
There’s a second titling lever on the throttle hand piece that does the same
job, just in case don’t like controlling your rudder with eth joystick. The
throttle can be clipped to the stick for a more stable base, or separated to
replicate the traditional placement of stick and throttle.
Thrustmaster
T.Flight HOTAS X
Our only concern is the lack of buttons.
There are twelve in total across both the stick and throttle, which is fine for
a World War II flight sim like War Thunder, but you’ll need a keyboard in reach
when flying more complex aircraft in DCS A-10C Warthog. The stick is also a
little small for those with spider fingers, who thankfully make up a small, yet
creepy, portion of the populace.
If you’re just getting into sims and don’t
want to blow your bank account straight off the bat, the Thrustmaster T. Flight
HOTAS X is an excellent way to take your flying to the next level without
making a lifetime commitment. Perfect for the rookie pilot
·
Very cheap
·
Rudder control despite pedals
·
Solid build
·
Lack of buttons
·
No force feedback
·
No pedals
Verdict: 8/10
The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X is the
perfect investment for newcomers to flight sims, exponentially more immersive
than using eth keyboard yet still perfectly affordable.
Thrustmaster RGT Clutch Racing wheel
A great place to start
Price: $139
Newcomers to racing games don’t want to
spend the big bucks on a professional wheel until they know they’re sticking
with the genre for the long haul, which is where entry-level wheels like the
RGT Clutch make sense. Armed with a fraction of the features of high-end products,
the important thing is that it allows drivers to do the basics – tear around
the track with a wheel and pedals.
Thrustmaster
RGT Clutch Racing wheel
Built of solid black plastic, the wheel is
limited to 270 degress of rotation, which is fine for most racing games.
Despite the low price, it’s still packing force feedback, but don’t expect the
same precise level of detail of more expensive products; there’s just enough
tactile information to convey when things are about to go gear go pear-shaped.
A full set of pedals are included, and there’s even a clutch pedal, which is a
rarity at this price point. All three pedals use an analogue travel system,
with no sign of a load cell for the brake, but we didn’t expect such an
advanced feature at this entry level. We also didn’t expect a sequential gear
shifter, so its inclusion was a happy surprise.
It might not use real leather for the wheel
cover or mahogany knob on the gear shifter, but Thrustmaster has covered all of
the racing basics with this very affordable wheel and pedal kit. It’s the
perfect way to embark on your career as a simulator race driver.
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Pedals including clutch sequential gear shifter
·
Solid construction
·
Basic force feedback
·
270 degrees of rotation
Verdict: 8/10
A lot of gear for a surprisingly small
price tag, this kit is a great way to get into racing sims.
