Fanatec Handbrake V2 Review: A Frustratingly Limited but Strong Performer

Fanatec’s new ClubSport Handbrake V2 arrives as a complete redesign of their old and notoriously inconsistent original model. It now comes with a full metal body, a firmer load cell mechanism, a cleaner design, and far more tuning than before. On paper it seems like the exact upgrade everyone had been asking for. In reality, it is a much better handbrake, but not without some very avoidable downsides.

Below is my full experience with the Handbrake V2 after using it extensively in rally, drifting, and general track driving.

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Adjustability

One of the biggest improvements Fanatec made here is the adjustability. Like most premium handbrakes, the V2 can be used in both traditional and rally style orientations, and switching between them takes only a few seconds. Once you remove the top plate, you get access to a surprising amount of internal tuning. Fanatec uses a simple metallic disc to adjust preload on the elastomer. Turn it one way and the handbrake gains more initial resistance, turn it the other way and it lightens up. The travel adjustment spacer also lets you swap between 60 mm and 70 mm of movement, or 80 mm if you remove it entirely.

Actual lever angle can also be shifted using the rear nut, although this adjustment is fairly small. Beyond this, the only remaining tuning will be the angle and mounting position on your rig, which thankfully is simple and flexible. Fanatec also includes an extra spacer for those attaching it directly to the Fanatec H pattern shifter. The tuning overall works well, although I wish these adjustments were accessible without removing the top plate every time.

Compatibility

This is where things fall apart. The Fanatec Handbrake V2 cannot be plugged directly into your PC without spending an additional 20 dollars on Fanatec’s USB adapter. Out of the box, it only connects to the back of Fanatec wheelbases, which is a limitation Fanatec really should have abandoned by now.

Ten years ago this might have been acceptable. Today, in a market full of flexible and more open products, it feels outdated and unnecessary. Especially at 200 dollars. The only upside is that connecting it through a Fanatec base unlocks Xbox and PlayStation support. But even then, this restriction will absolutely push many potential buyers away, especially when rivals can plug straight into any PC with zero fuss.

Build Quality

To Fanatec’s credit, the Handbrake V2 looks and feels premium. The construction is entirely metal, the handle is thick and comfortable, and the lever mechanism remains completely flex free even under aggressive use.

This is genuinely a well built piece of hardware. It finally feels like the quality level the original model should have had.

On-Track Performance

Mounted on my rig, the handbrake feels excellent in use. It is stiff, confident, and gives a reassuringly mechanical response when pulled. The load cell implementation is far more precise and realistic than the old potentiometer system, and the overall feel is suitable for serious rally and drift driving. However, no matter how I tuned it, the handbrake always remained on the stiffer side. That is expected for a load cell handbrake, but it may not be ideal for casual use. Someone who only needs a quick tug to initiate a slide may feel like this is excessive.

That said, for dedicated rally and drift drivers, the firmness works beautifully. It offers excellent control and repeatability, which is exactly what advanced users need. There are only two major things I wish Fanatec had added. First, a brake-like elastomer setup like the Heusinkveld Sim Handbrake V2, which can make it truly feel like whatever you are replicating. Second, a few integrated buttons like the new Moza SGP. Both would have added flexibility without hurting the design.

Still, as a pure handbrake, the V2 performs very well.

Final Thoughts:

The Fanatec Handbrake V2 is powerful, solid, and extremely capable. It is built well, performs well, and offers meaningful improvements over the original. For serious rally, drift, and off road sim racers who want firm load cell control, this is absolutely a competitive option.

But it is also a niche product, and for many drivers it will simply be more than they need. If all you want is a lever to initiate slides, the V2 may feel like overkill both in strength and in price. The biggest misstep, though, is the lack of USB support out of the box. That single decision will almost certainly turn a large portion of the market away, especially when alternatives plug directly into a PC with no limitations.

So while the hardware itself is very good, Fanatec’s ecosystem decisions continue to get in the way. Whether this handbrake is right for you will depend almost entirely on how invested you already are in Fanatec gear, and how serious you are about rally and drift driving.

If those boxes are checked, the Handbrake V2 will not disappoint. If not, there are easier and more flexible options available.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

OC Racing

Sim racing hardware reviewer and creator. Every review on this site is hands-on tested across direct-drive wheelbases, pedals, cockpits, motion systems and accessories before a word is published.

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