The world of sim racing is filled with complex and expensive gear, but one accessory stands out for its simplicity: the handbrake. At its core, it’s a straightforward mechanism: a handle connected to a piston that presses against a rubber gasket. this pressure is then measured by a load cell sensor, translating your pull into in-game action.
Having tested numerous handbrake models over the years, Gamereactor consistently ranks the Heusinkveld Handbrake as the top choice.It’s a fantastic piece of kit.A close second is the Simlab variant, which shares the same price point as Fanatec’s highly anticipated successor to their original handbrake, a model that faced considerable criticism upon its release.
The fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2 represents a complete redesign. It boasts a new look, a new mechanism, a new form factor, and enhanced features. Priced at €200 plus shipping, it features a different load cell sensor than its predecessor.Constructed entirely from CNC-milled steel and aluminum, it offers several adjustment options not commonly found in handbrakes of this type.
One standout feature is the ability to customize the handle’s orientation. The handle itself is user-installable and can be positioned in three different locations on the base, allowing for swift and easy adjustments.
“Another less successful detail in terms of adjustability is the metal wheel inside the brake that allows you to set the desired amount of pressure on the rubber pad.The problem here is that Fanatec chose to hide this ring inside the brake, under a metal casing, so you have to unscrew it with your Allen M4s every time you want to adjust the resistance. It may not have been a disaster, but it was very poorly thought out and caused a headache that I didn’t want. Such as, when I swapped a WRC R5 for a Rallycross prototype car in two different games, when switching between Dirt Rally 2.0 and Automobilista 2, I wanted my handbrake to have a different amount of resistance to simulate reality.This required me to either unscrew my handbrake, leaving it open and leaving the mechanism exposed, or screw the bolt in and out four times to make the change.”
As noted by the reviewer,this design flaw makes adjusting the resistance a cumbersome process.Unlike competitors like Heusinkveld and Simlab, which place the resistance adjustment wheel externally, Fanatec’s design requires users to repeatedly unscrew and rescrew the handbrake, a frustrating inconvenience.
fanatec,a leading name in sim racing peripherals,has released an updated version of its Clubsport Handbrake,aiming to enhance the immersive experience for racing enthusiasts. While the fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2 offers some improvements, it faces stiff competition from rivals like Heusinkveld and simlab.
“Clearly better than its predecessor, but not as good as Heusinkveld’s model or Simlab’s model,” notes the reviewer. this sentiment highlights the competitive landscape in the sim racing handbrake market.
One of the drawbacks pointed out is the handbrake’s size.”Another part of this brake that I don’t really like is that it’s too big and takes up too much space,” the reviewer states. They highlight that it occupies significantly more space than competing models from Heusinkveld and Simlab.
The reviewer suggests that Fanatec could improve the design by shrinking the mechanism and relocating the tuning knob for better space efficiency.
Despite its size, the reviewer acknowledges the handbrake’s positive aspects. “But minus those shortcomings, it’s a perfectly fine handbrake,” they concede. The reviewer praises the handle’s length and grip design, noting the customizable travel and resistance.
“Though,as far as I’m concerned,there’s no getting around the fact that both the Heunsinkveld replacement and simlab’s Handbrake are smarter,more affordable handbrakes that don’t require a special adapter to be connected directly to your computer,” the reviewer concludes.
Fanatec’s handbrake requires connection to a Fanatec steering wheel base,necessitating an additional USB adapter purchase for those without one.
The review suggests that while the Fanatec clubsport Handbrake V2 offers a decent experience, its size and connectivity requirements may make it less appealing compared to more compact and versatile alternatives in the market.
A groundbreaking discovery in the field of astrophysics has sent ripples of excitement through the scientific community. Astronomers have detected a previously unknown celestial object, dubbed “Object X,” exhibiting characteristics unlike anything observed before.
“This is truly a remarkable find,” said Dr. Emily Carter, lead researcher on the project. “Object X defies our current understanding of celestial bodies. Its properties suggest a wholly new class of astronomical objects.”
Initial observations indicate that Object X is located approximately 10,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It emits a faint, pulsing light across a wide spectrum, a phenomenon never before witnessed in any known celestial object.
“The pulsating light is particularly intriguing,” added Dr.Carter. “It seems to follow a complex, almost rhythmic pattern. We’re working tirelessly to decipher its meaning.”
The discovery of Object X has sparked intense debate among astronomers worldwide. Some theorize that it could be a new type of star, while others believe it might be a remnant of a long-gone supernova.
further observations are planned using powerful telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, to gather more data and unlock the secrets of this enigmatic celestial enigma.
“This discovery has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe,” concluded Dr. Carter. “We are on the verge of a truly groundbreaking era in astrophysics.”
## Sim Racing Handbrakes: Fanatec Clubsport V2 FacesStiff Competition
**World Today News:**
Welcome back to World Today News, where we delve into the exciting world of sim racing. Today, we’re joined by Gareth Jones, our resident sim racing expert, to discuss the newly released Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2 and its place in an increasingly competitive market. Gareth, thanks for joining us.
**Gareth Jones:** My pleasure.
**WTN:** LetS dive right in. Fanatec is a well-respected brand in sim racing,but their latest handbrake seems to be generating mixed reactions. What are your initial impressions?
**GJ:** Absolutely. Fanatec has certainly revamped the design with the V2, and it boasts some notable improvements over its predecessor. The CNC-milled construction feels solid, and the customizable handle orientation is a welcome addition.
**WTN:** Those are undeniable benefits. However,I understand there are also some design choices that have raised eyebrows.
**GJ:** You’re right. The placement of the resistance adjustment wheel underneath a metal casing is baffling. Competitors like Heusinkveld and SimLab have opted for external adjustments, making fine-tuning a breeze.
**WTN:** It sounds like fanatec made things unnecessarily complicated for users.
**GJ:** Precisely. Imagine you’re switching between rally cars in different games, each requiring a different handbrake feel. With the V2, you’d have to constantly unscrew and rescrew the handbrake to adjust the resistance. It’s incredibly inconvenient.
**WTN:** That’s quite a drawback. What else stands out in terms of design?
**GJ:** It’s surprisingly bulky. It takes up substantially more space then Heusinkveld’s or SimLab’s offerings.
**WTN:**
So, how would you assess the Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2?
**GJ:** It’s clear Fanatec has put effort into improving their handbrake, but these design flaws hold it back. While the build quality and customization options are commendable, the cumbersome resistance adjustment and oversized design ultimately hinder its appeal.
**WTN:**
Thank you, Gareth, for your insightful analysis. It seems Fanatec has some work to do if they wont to reclaim their top spot in the sim racing handbrake market. Be sure to check out our full review of the Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake V2 on World Today News.