Fanatec · set of pedals · 2021
Fanatec CSL Pedals
Entry-level steel Hall-sensor pedal pair for Fanatec bases, upgradable to load cell and clutch
Fanatec's entry two-pedal set (throttle and brake) with contactless sensors on a compact steel base. The brake measures travel, not pressure, so treat it as a placeholder until you add the Load Cell Kit.
AI rating
- Brake feel
- 4
- Consistency
- 5
- Adjustability
- 5
- Build quality
- 6
- Value
- 7
Who it suits
- First rig
- 7
- Console racing
- 8
- Competitive racing
- 3
- Small rooms
- 8
- Tight budgets
- 7
- Enthusiasts
- 2
Scores are AI analysis of public information (specs, manuals, published reviews and owner reports), not a hands-on test. How we rate
Pros and cons
- Plugs into any Fanatec base, so it works on PS5 and Xbox through the base
- Compact and light, fine on a wheel stand or under a desk
- Clear upgrade path: the Load Cell Kit adds a pressure-sensing brake and a clutch
- Travel-based brake is hard to modulate consistently
- Light frame can slide on carpet if not bolted down
- No clutch pedal
Watch out: Without a Fanatec base, PC use needs Fanatec's USB adapter (check whether it's included). The brake is the weakest part of the rig until upgraded.
What it feels like
- Stiffness
- Progression
- Damping
- Travel
- Noise
The brake is soft and foam-cushioned, more like pressing a spring than a hydraulic pedal.
You brake by distance rather than pressure, so consistency takes practice.
The steel frame stays planted on the floor, with little flex.
The brake feels like pressing into a dense sponge: light and cushy, with no hard wall.
What the CSL Pedals works with
- Connects by USB on PC, or plugs into a Fanatec wheel base, which is how it works on console.
- On PC it works next to any wheel base.
Wheel bases it plugs into
Plugged into one of these, it works on the platforms shown.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Fanatec ClubSport DD+ (15 Nm) | PS5XboxPC | 83 |
| Fanatec CSL DD (8 Nm) | PS5XboxPC | 81 |
| Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro (5 Nm bundle) | PS5XboxPC | 81 |
| Fanatec ClubSport DD (12 Nm) | PS5XboxPC | 79 |
| Fanatec CSL DD (5 Nm) | PS5XboxPC | 74 |
Tech facts
| Pedals | 2 |
|---|---|
| Brake sensor | Hall |
| Throttle sensor | Hall |
| Load cell upgrade | Yes |
| Connection | RJ12 to Fanatec wheel base; USB via ClubSport USB Adapter (sold separately) or Load Cell Kit |
| Encoder | 12-bit |
| Software | Fanatec driver/control panel (PC) |
| Safety | 3-year warranty |
| Size (W × D × H) | 11 × 14 × 8 in (29 × 36 × 21 cm) |
| Weight | 6 lb (2.6 kg) |
| Materials | Steel, aluminum and plastic |
| Released | 2021 |
Our take
AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.
The CSL Pedals are Fanatec's cheapest pedal set, and they make sense mainly if you are already buying a Fanatec wheel base. You get a steel two-pedal frame with 12-bit contactless Hall sensors on throttle and brake, a PU foam damper on the brake for a progressive, if soft, feel, and adjustable spacing and height. They plug into the base through an RJ12 cable, so you need no USB port or drivers. To use them on a PC alone, you need Fanatec's ClubSport USB Adapter, which is sold separately, or the Load Cell Kit, which adds USB. The stock brake measures travel, not pressure, so it will not train consistent braking the way a load cell does. That is why most buyers treat the Load Cell Kit as a near-mandatory upgrade, and a clutch kit adds a third pedal. Together those add up to a noticeably higher total than the sticker price suggests. Fanatec lists a 3-year warranty. For a first rig it is a fine starting point if you plan to upgrade the brake later. If you won't, compare load-cell pedals from other brands first.
Questions buyers ask
Do the CSL Pedals work without a Fanatec wheel base?
Not directly. They connect by RJ12 to a Fanatec base (CSL Elite, CSL DD, ClubSport, Podium). For standalone PC use you need the ClubSport USB Adapter (sold separately), or the Load Cell Kit, which adds USB.
Can I add a clutch or load cell later?
Yes. Fanatec sells a Clutch Kit for a third pedal and a Load Cell Kit that replaces the brake sensing with a load cell and enables USB.
Are the sensors Hall-effect?
Yes. Fanatec lists 12-bit contactless Hall-effect sensors on both throttle and brake.