A Close Look at the Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2

I’m a sim racer and amateur racer with a passion for Motorsport, good racecraft and the technical and setup aspect of sim racing.

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Featured Image: Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2

Today I’m taking a look at the new Clubsport Handbrake V2 from Fanatec. It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to catch up with Fanatec – they’ve been through some very interesting financial challenges recently. All of this was of course resolved when Corsair stepped in and acquired the company. For Fanatec fans, this is a big deal and I expect to see more great new hardware appearing in 2025.

Anyway – the handbrake. Fanatec will be well aware of just how competitive the sim racing landscape has become for manufacturers, especially with price pressure from Chinese manufacturers such as Moza.

Fanatec Clubsport V2 Handbrake box — Fanatec have revised their packaging since I last bought one of their devices

At €199.95, the Fanatec device positions itself as a premium option against those competitors (the Moza HBP is approximately €109). While the price difference is substantial, the load cell technology and Fanatec system integration should play a role in your decision-making.

Construction

The Clubsport Handbrake V2’s construction centres around a cast and CNC-finished metal framework, featuring ball bearings at the lever pivot point.

It’s quite a heavy-duty device and that weightiness makes it easy to input precise movements during use.

Load Cell Technology

The standout feature is the load cell sensor system, which provides more nuanced control compared to traditional position-based sensors.

As you might remember I was very much a fan of the Sim-Lab XB1 handbrake for this very reason. While the Moza HBP’s 16-bit position sensor offers good precision, the load cell in the Fanatec offers that “little extra” precision, especially when you’re modulating partial brake forces during drifting or rally scenarios.

Installation and Setup

One area where the Fanatec excels is in its straightforward assembly and adjustment process. The system offers:

Multiple mounting positions
Adjustable preload for customising initial resistance
Fine-tuning of angle and travel distance
Simple integration with Fanatec equipment

The Moza HBP requires initial software setup through Pit House, adding an extra step that the Fanatec avoids when used within its ecosystem. However, it’s worth noting that the Fanatec requires the Clubsport USB adapter (sold separately) for standalone PC use, which seems a very curious omission at this price point.

Adjustability and Customisation

Fanatec’s provisions for setup and adjustability feel polished enough at this price. It comes with:

Three-position angle adjustment (the base of the lever will sit at 3 different angles)
Standard road car handbrake configuration or rally style vertical lever position
Fine-tuning via rear bolt assembly
Adjustable travel (60, 70, and 80mm options)
Preload adjustment

Clubsport Handbrake V2 in “Rally” configuration

Ecosystem Integration

For the many of you invested in the Fanatec ecosystem, the RJ12 connection to your wheelbase is ideal. The cable is easy to deal with and tidy away and, if all of my equipment was Fanatec, this is how I’d have everything connected.

Value for Money

At nearly double the price of the Moza HBP, the Fanatec needs to justify its premium positioning. I think the Fanatec handles this well, particularly with the load cell feature. Checking eBay it’s obvious that Fanatec holds its value in the second hand market too – so look after your gear!

My only criticism of the package (which is excellent otherwise) is that missing USB port. The Clubsport USB adapter retails at €19.95, which is OK, but you have to add delivery cost and wait time into the decision too.

It’s great to have choice, and, at the moment I would look closely at the features and build quality of the Sim-Lab and Moza devices too. They all feel pretty good and, in Fanatec’s case especially, the revised V2 handbrake is a quantum leap in build quality than the previous Clubsport V1.5 handbrake!

Consider the Fanatec if you:

Already use Fanatec equipment
Prioritise owning a load cell handbrake
Want precise control
Value potential resale worth
Need console compatibility
Would like to set the handbrake up as a standard road-style handbrake

Consider the Alternatives I Mentioned If:

You want to spend less
You need standalone USB connectivity
You use non-Fanatec equipment

Conclusion

I’m pleased to see Fanatec revising some of its staple products. The new handbrake is a great deal better than its predecessor. Over the past few years, Fanatec has moved from market dominance to a manufacturer threatened by competition.

As a sim racer, I have a really good choice of how I spend my money. Fanatec clearly recognises this shift in the market.

That requirement for an additional USB adapter for standalone use does feel like an unnecessary limitation. Despite this, it’s a great deal better than previous efforts and feels on par with the alternatives. If you’re looking to replace your handbrake, you have some research to do!