Name: Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2
Brand: Fanatec
Price: 409.90 EUR
Rating: 6.0 (1 reviews)

Table of contents

Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2 – Review

The Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2 is currently the hardware of choice if you want to use your own steering wheel rim with a Fanatec wheelbase without sacrificing shifters and buttons. We put the hub through its paces for this review.

Order and Shipping

To make the most of the ClubSport Universal Hub V2, you’ll need not only the hub itself (including the QR mount) but also a compatible steering wheel rim. You can purchase a rim directly from Fanatec or from third-party vendors. Alternatively, you can opt for one of Fanatec’s pre-configured sets, which are often available at a discount. We tested the combination of the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 and the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3. The individual components were shipped in separate packages directly from Fanatec.

ClubSport Universal Hub V2 + QR2 Wheel-side: 409,90 €
ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3: 99,95 €

ClubSport Universal Hub V2

The product tested was provided by the manufacturer for the duration of the review. At no point was the content of this review influenced.

Scope of Delivery

The hub’s modular design comes as a bit of a surprise when you first unbox it. In addition to the hub itself, we find a whole range of accessories, some of which, like the magnetic shifters, are pre-installed. There are also various screws, alternative paddles, and button caps, for example. The separately packaged Quick Release is the standard black version of the QR2, which is sold individually for €89.95.

ClubSport Universal Hub V2
4 x button clusters with three buttons each
2 x small levers and 2 x long levers
1 x FunkySwitch™
LED display unit
ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module with aluminium paddle plates (pre-installed)
Large and small paddles, bolts and spacers
QR2 Wheel-Side (packaged separately)
Safety pin for long-term storage
Safety screw for permanent mount on wheel base
Set of bolts
Racing-style button caps
Quick Guide

Compatibility

The ClubSport Hub is designed to be compatible with various steering wheel types and features a modular, adjustable design. The individual button clusters can be repositioned, allowing for use with virtually any steering wheel. There are also two paddle shift designs to choose from, making it possible to use even very large steering wheels. The hub is designed to be used on a Fanatec base with the QR2. Data transmission and power supply are handled wirelessly via the Quick-Release.

As for steering wheel rims, the newly introduced ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3, with a diameter of 318 millimeters and rubber grips, is likely Fanatec’s most attractive offering at a price of 100 euros. The wide selection available directly through the Fanatec shop is a major highlight. This is where Fanatec stands out from competitors, who typically offer only a few variants through their own shops. The hub is compatible with any rim featuring standard bolt patterns of 6 x 70 mm or 3 x 50 mm.

The following Fanatec products are fully compatible with the ClubSport Universal Hub V2:

Podium Advanced Paddle Module
ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module
ClubSport Button Cluster Pack
Podium Button Module Endurance
Alle Lenkradkränze

Assembly

When using a standard rim, the button clusters are screwed in place as usual. However, to change their position, you must loosen both the screws on the front and the screws on the back of the hub, which makes the adjustment process relatively time-consuming. The rim can then be secured using the included screws (countersunk and pan head). The cables for the button clusters and the Funky-Switch are routed through somewhat fiddly, rubberized guides into the inside of the hub, where they can be plugged into their corresponding ports.

For the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3, Fanatec includes a matching bracket that provides mounts for the button clusters and the Funky-Switch. This greatly simplifies positioning and provides additional rigidity. However, the clusters must each be rewired individually. It is important to follow the correct order, and you should allow about 30 minutes for the conversion (at least the first time). Overall, the hub’s positive, very high versatility comes at the cost of a relatively time-consuming installation process.

Features

The hub, which is made of aluminum and features clean, high-quality craftsmanship, offers a variety of features, which are described below.

Inputs

The available inputs are distributed among the various screw-on clusters and the internal buttons on the top of the hub.

Button Cluster (4x): Each cluster features three relatively small push-buttons with a gentle pressure point. Because they can be positioned freely, they can be placed close to your hands on virtually any wheel, making them very comfortable to use. Any of the 25 included button caps can be attached to each button.
Funky Switch: In addition to the buttons, there is a Funky Switch module (up, down, left, right, left and right rotation, press), which, unlike most other Funky Switches, is very large. This makes it even easier to operate, even if it is not mounted within direct reach of the thumbs.
Buttons (Top): The top of the hub also features 12 buttons, a directional pad, and a small button for Fanatec’s tuning menu. Due to their positioning, the buttons are not designed for use while driving. They are rubberized and have a rather utilitarian design.

Overall, however, compared to other hubs, there are still relatively few usable functions while driving. In particular, there are no rotary controls or thumb encoders.

Shifter

On the back of the hub are two magnetic shifters that come pre-installed. They are identical to the ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Modules sold separately and are made of aluminum. The shift paddles are included in two sizes and are also made of aluminum on the ClubSport Universal Hub. The shifters themselves offer a very pleasant shifting feel that is crisp yet not too loud.

The shifters can theoretically be swapped out for the Pro version (Podium Advanced Paddle Modules). However, the price of around 200 euros makes an upgrade less appealing.

Display

A nice feature is the screen that can be plugged into the top. It can display up to three digits, making it ideal for showing gear or speed. You can configure it in the Fanatec software. Even though the screen is a handy extra, it doesn’t quite measure up to a full-fledged screen with a fully customizable interface.

Driving impressions

Conclusion

The Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub V2, when paired with the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3, is a well-designed product. It is primarily aimed at sim racers who own multiple rims and want to switch between them occasionally. Its standout features include the included accessories and high level of modularity. However, this is offset by its relatively high price compared to the competition, as well as its limited number of features. Overall, the hub continues to have its place within the Fanatec ecosystem and should be an interesting addition to the manufacturer’s ready-made wheelsets for many users.