Our Verdict
Pros
- Much improved build quality.
- Incredibly sturdy and robust.
- Includes a load cell for precise input control.
- Huge range of adjustments including stiffness, travel, angle and mounting options.
Cons
- More expensive than the older handbrake.
- Can be time consuming to mount.
- Hard to reattach the cover screws.
- Requires a USB adapter for direct to PC compatibility.
While most of Fanatec’s ecosystem included various different options, if you were shopping for a handbrake or shifter, you only really had a single choice. This has changed since Fanatec released its V2 handbrake, giving the dated V1.5 handbrake a nice makeover and some new features.
This is a slightly more premium, robust and better performing handbrake compared to the V1.5, but does it do enough to compete with other sim racing brands. I’ve been putting this Fanatec Handbrake V2 through its paces over the past month or so, and in this review, I’m going to share my thoughts on whether this sim racing peripheral is worth buying.
What is the Fanatec Handbrake V2?
So what is new with this version 2 handbrake? Well, Fanatec has worked to really improve the overall appearance and quality of this handbrake compared to the original.
Where the original design was very simplified and minimalist, this V2 handbrake embraces a chunky, motorsport-esque appearance with sleeker curves and this aggressive styling on the side of the outer casing.
This decision was made to make this handbrake sturdier and stronger, and on first glance, it certainly looks like this handbrake would stand up to some mighty abuse.
Inside, Fanatec have equipped this handbrake with a load cell sensor which is another step up from the older model which used a potentiometer. There is also a lot of adjustability including the preload and initial resistance, as well as the lever angle and travel.
Overall, on first glance, everything seems to be heading in the right direction, but all of these new features do come with an increased cost.
Fanatec Handbrake V2 Cost
Like so many Fanatec products, this handbrake is priced in an upper to mid-range price bracket. At €/$199.95, it is more expensive than handbrakes from competitors MOZA and SIMAGIC. However, it remains cheaper than similar options from more premium brands, but it is a jump up from the price of the older V1.5 handbrake.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Fanatec Handbrake V2 | €199.95 $199.95 |
The design of the Podium Hub
My first impressions of the handbrake and all recent Fanatec products are good, as Fanatec has improved the outer packaging a lot. This Handbrake V2 comes in a matte black box that pivots on one side, providing a really nice unboxing experience.
Inside are all elements of the handbrake nicely positioned, with minimal assembly required. Really the only thing you need to do is attach the handbrake lever to the main body which is done via a single bolt which is tightened at both ends.
There are three angles that you can mount the handbrake to allow the lever to be positioned slightly differently, and you can install the lever either vertically or horizontally.
The entirity of this handbrake is constructed from CNC-finished metal, making every surface feel robust and premium. The only outward facing, non-metal component is the handbrake lever which is rubber, and this is removable to reveal a metal handle.
The main shell of this handbrake is quite large compared to some alternatives, and this can make it feel quite bulky on your sim rig, or substantial depending on how you look at it.
The lever itself is around 260mm in length from the pivot point, and unlike MOZA’s handbrake, it isn’t height adjustable.
Adjustability
Adjustability is one area where this handbrake shines, with options throughout. The first choices you have are with the positioning of the lever. There are three grooves on the bottom of the lever, allowing you to mount it in three different positions. You can also invert the lever to a horizontal position and again use those three different angle adjustments, giving a total of six different lever positions.
If you fancy even finer angle control, you can adjust the lever angle using the nut at the rear of the handbrake. This allows for a further 5mm of angle adjustment to really dial in your setup.
Along with the angle adjustments, you can adjust the travel of the lever by using an optional spacer, which is included as standard. Without this spacer installed, you get 80mm of lever travel, and with it installed, you can choose between 60 or 70mm of travel depending on the direction you install it.
You also get really easy access to making adjustments to the preload strength. These adjustments can be done by simply rotating the internal mechanism either clockwise or anti-clockwise. This will make the preload resistance stiffer or softer and there is a wide range of settings to choose from.
I tested the preload set at the extreme settings and found that a slightly lower preload was my preference as this handbrake is pretty stiff out of the box.
Mounting the handbrake
When it comes to mounting this handbrake, you may look at the outer shell and be a little confused. There are holes on both sides but no clear mounting points. This is because Fanatec has concealed all mounting points inside the outer case.
To mount the handbrake either from the bottom or sides, you need to do a little deconstruction. The top cover is removable thanks to these two screws. These are unusually tight and tricky to both remove and reinstall, but one out, the whole front and top side of the handbrake comes away.
This reveals a slot gap at the front and rear to allow you to mount from underneath. These slots are wide enough to allow for some angle adjustment when mounting.
You can also mount this handbrake from the side using the holes in the side of the shell, and there is an adapter included for mounting this directly to a Fanatec Clubsport V1.5 Shifter.
Issues
One slight issue I did have with the handbrake was to do with the cover plate itself. In theory this cover is a great way of hiding all elements and as its removable, you should be able to easily get access to mounting points and adjustments.
However, while the theory is great, the actual process of removing and reinstalling the cover is tricky thanks to the design. The cover itself is shaped in such a way that it is constantly applying some upwards force, meaning both removing and reinserting the two screws at the front of the handbrake can be hard.
Removal wasn’t as bad as the reinstallation, and during reassembly, I had to apply a lot of force on the top of the handbrake to allow the holes in the cover to align correctly with the screw holes in the chassis.
If you factor in that this handbrake could be mounted in a tight spot on your sim rig, accessing these screw holes can be tricky. It’s a relatively small issue, but one that can be annoying if you want to adjust or move the handbrake in the future.
Compatibility
As with most peripherals, Fanatec has ensured the Handbrake V2 is compatible across all platforms including PC, Xbox and PlayStation. They have upgraded the connectivity to use an RJ12 cable which connects directly to the rear of any Fanatec wheel base, including the ClubSport DD+ that I’m using.
When racing on console, as long as your wheel base is compatible with your console choice, this handbrake will also work perfectly. If you are sim racing on PC, and not using a Fanatec wheel base, you can still use this handbrake, although you’ll require the ClubSport USB Adapter to convert the RJ12 connection to USB so it can connect to your PC.
Performance review
Now, how does this handbrake feel during use? That is the really important part of any piece of sim racing hardware. The first thing I have to say is that the rubber hand grip feels nice. I typically sim race wearing gloves, and the rubber provided a lot of grip when quickly applying the handbrake.
Next up, if you haven’t made any adjustments, you’ll probably feel like the resistance is on the stiffer side. This does add to the robust feeling, but if you lower the preload resistance, the activation is easier and more comfortable.
In terms of precision, this handbrake is very impressive. The load cell sensor allows for precise measuring of the input you are applying and the resistance builds as you pull on the lever.
There is a little bit of wobble at the start of the movement which many sim racing shifters and handbrakes suffer from. Even with adjustments to the travel, angle and preload, I couldn’t remove this small wobble that was present.
Is the Fanatec Handbrake V2 worth buying?
Despite a few small quirks and issues, the Fanatec Handbrake V2 provides a much better sim racing experience than the older model. I don’t like how tricky the outer case is to remove or the fact that a separate USB adapter is required if you aren’t using a Fanatec wheel base.
However, the design and build quality along with the sheer amount of adjustability available, and the great performance do make for a very good handbrake. And its one which I would recommend, especially if you already have a Fanatec wheel base and looking for a handbrake.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Fanatec Handbrake V2 is compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation when used with a Fanatec wheel base. Simply connect the handbrake to your Fanatec wheel base via the RJ12 cable and it will be recognised in game.
There is a bracket included with the Handbrake V2 to allow you to mount it to the side of a Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5.
Technical Specifications
Review written by Felix König
