Nice review fella. The ergonomics of the Maclaren wheel seems to be the feature over the Formula V2 wheel. I think I would be more leaning towards the Formula V2 for the bang for buck. The Maclaren wheel seems great but the build quality for the price isn't really there for me. Oh and good onya for standing with 604. Shows great community support.👍
THE McLaren is a winner and will eventually become their bestselling wheel. The plastic feel you mention isn't there when you're driving so it's not too relevant for peeps if they on the fence. Nice review
thinking about getting into sim racing. looking into the csl dd and gt3 rim. can always upgrade later, but as an entry into it. it sounds really good and would be a hell of an upgrade from keybord or controller on my pc haha
I actually really like the shifter feel. The rocker arm takes a little bit of getting used to. But it is really nice in long races. If I need to adjust car settings or scratch my nose, I can shift up and down with a single hand. There's a reason they used that type of shifter in the McLaren 650S GT3 car.
I got my mclaren wheel today, and it looks like they upgraded the shifter cause it does hardly sound at all now. Saw another person who bought one too said the same thing.
How are you reckoning the Formula to be the premiere Fanatec rim? Take a peek at the website and have a drool over their higher spec stuff. The Mclaren rim has saved sim-racing for me. Recently lost a leg and was dreading the thought of having to go back to a controller or have somebody build me an expensive solution. For just 200 quid I'm back in the game with all the control I need. I like the feel of the shifters and the push/pull motion gives me options. Cheers Fanatec for keeping me racing.
Glad to see that youre able to enjoy our beloved hobby even though its tough. If you dont mind me asking,how is it driving without your legs? Is it harder or easier?
@@maxboskeljon6440if I were to take a guess I’d assume it’s harder. Take billy monger for example who has to have pedals custom lay built on his wheel for him to race. You would lose some feel of the car as it’s more difficult to gradually increase throttle
I wish they would release a Pro/SportsCLub/Podium version of the McLaren wheel with better shifters, vibration motors, real carbon fiber and and all together higher quality finfish, that would be sweet!
I sold my Formula V2 following getting the Mclaren. Shifters are loud and long-throw as standard but easily fixable. The QR could be better as it transpires that many find it has a 'clunk' if there's any play whatsoever between the notch and the keyway on the wheel shaft and I've stuck my hand up with Fanatec to make them aware of a wider problem. Even so, it's bloody great if you ask me, just right.
i have the McLaren GT3 wheel on order together with the CSL DD and shifting feel is one of the most important things for me when it comes to racing, so i hope i will not find it too bad otherwise i might have to send it back and get the Formula V2... Quick Update, it came exactly as i expected, i was not satisfied with the shifting on the McLaren GT3 wheel and also did not like how the handles material felt in my hand, so i sent it back after one week and got myself the Formula V 2.5 (not the x version as i dont like alcantara grips) and its perfect. Taking into consideration that the metallic quick release is inculded with the formula wheel (350€) you basically end up paying only 50€ more compared to the McLaren wheel plus QR (300€ together) and its a no-brainer to me.
This is exactly what I'm considering ordering, a DD Pro base and one of these 2 wheels but I'm torn between them because of the diameter which so many people are saying the Fv2.5 @ 270mm isn't best for GT3 style.
@@F.Piccolo dont worry about it, i drive the smaller diameter wheel and have no problem with longer races. Jardier for example also has the smaller wheel and he is doing way longer races than i do. The problem is that the overall quality of the mclaren wheel is so bad, i HATE using the paddle shifters there and its such an essential part of racing, i can't ignore it. And the rubber used for the wheel is simply cheap stuff, unless you wear gloves, i don't want to touch it ever again.
@@th3orist Thanks Andre, yeah I'm leaning towards the Fv2.5, but need to be extra careful on choice because of cost and being in Canada I have to order from the USA, so sending anything back is not a good option for me. 😊
Have to disagree massively on the shifters and I know a lot of others would agree, the magnetic shifters on the McLaren are far superior to the formula wheels imo. They just use a switch that feels decent but you can’t match magnets, plus the feel of the macca rim is also more premium. Not the mention the clutch paddles which the FV2 just doesn’t have unless you spend well over £500. When you consider you get magnet shifters and clutch paddles all for £199. It’s a no brainer for most.
23:11 That caveat is one of its biggest pros: the light weight makes it easier for the base to send road signals to the hands. The tiny impulses are less dampened than with a weighty wheel, so you should feel more details, like road textures. The shifter (on the first version) did make me look for old style two fingered MTB gloves, but I didn't find them at my local online store. :)
I love the formula v2. You may want to dial the FFB strength down a couple of notches coming from a larger wheel though. There is definitely less leverage hence stronger FFB.
I have both of these wheels, and I agree 99%. F v2 is just too small. 30cm is the optimum. Also the F v2 has some sharp edges which will hurt your hands on long runs. The McLaren is very nice to hold and steer. I agree with the shifters, but it's not that bad, I forget about it pretty quickly during racing.
You're comparing a formula wheel to a GT3 wheel while sim racing in a GT3 car. Of COURSE the GT3 wheel will be better regardless of price. If you really want to compare cheap vs expensive, compare them in the same category of racing. Take the Fanatec Porsche GT3 wheel vs the McLaren GT3 wheel
Great comparison! I replaced my Formula rim with the Maclaren V2 and haven’t touched the Formula rim since. The Maclaren V2 is just about perfect with the Clubsport V2.5.
After watching your video few months ago, i made my decision to buy this McLaren GT3 V2 steering wheel. It's just arrived today. Sad to see you no longer doing video on this channel. wish you all the best.
The gt3 is the best bang for your buck of any wheel rim on the market. Yes any lol its funny that its preference the shifters are amazing on it most like it. Don't state something that's subjective as a fact.
You can get a conversion kit and then use it on any wheel base, at the moment I use it on my T300 but my plan is to get a simucube 2 pro at some point. Check out www.simracingmachines.com/WebShop/conversion-kit-for-mclaren-v2-gt3-wheel
@@inebium does it work well on the t300? ive been wanting to get a nice rim like this for mine but i havent been able to find anyone who's actually using a t300 (ive just seen people converting it to simucube etc)
@@neilbasuracing Yes, it works perfect. I got the adapter for thrustmaster also from simracingmachines: www.simracingmachines.com/WebShop/thrustmaster-qr-adapter. The support/service on this website is amazing.
Have you tried assigning one of the buttons as a shift key. It’s really helpful for me in acc. To then have multiple uses for each button. For example the red toggles I have set to be brake bias. Then when I hold shift it changes the tc2 setting.
I love my McLaren GT3 wheel so much I now have both a V1 and a V2, but my F1 2018 rim with the PAPM gets so much more use. There's very few buttons on the Mclaren that are easily accessible, while I have 8 buttons, 2 rotaries. a joystick, and a funkyswitch that I can use without having to move my hands from the grips on the Formula V2. The McLaren's issues are furthered thanks to the insane amount of resistance on the pit and neutral buttons, making it futile to map them to a function that's used regularly.
So I'm not the only one who doesn't like Formula rim. It's too small but apart from that, I don't have the words to describe why it doesn't suit me. The first time I tried it it was for about 15min and I was impressed but when I had it for a week, it slowly changed... everything. For my large hands and fingers, button placement is not optimal and even LEDs were starting to bother me. Too much of everything.
I wish Fanatec would have made the F1 rim the one with open bottom grips 280mm and the Formula V2 with the closed bottom grips 300mm they could have made them almost using all the same parts. I also love the Diablo theme music.
So, I've been using the fanatec f1 wheel with podium shifters that came with my DD1. Love it. However, I mostly race Indycar. Lately tried my 918 Porsche wheel (which mostly has just sat on the wall since buying it) for GT3 cars and it definitely seems way better to me for that type of car then my f1 wheel. I do wish the BMW wheel was going to be more reasonably priced as I prefer the format of non-round wheels but seems something bigger than my podium F1 wheel is best for GT3 cars. For now I'll just use the 918 wheel but hoping they come out with something nicer then the McLaren wheel but nice as pricey as the BMW. We'll see I guess.
great comparison, wanted the mclaren purely for it being a bit bigger... but I will wait it out, as I'm so sued to the v2 already if every fanatec listen when they do a new gt wheel, make one that resembles the formula wheel in quality + buttons + leds on the v2, but with a larger size still as my hands are smaller it doesn't wear me out that fast, so sticking to the v2 for now and see what the future brings
I had the mclaren wheel and found it cheap feeling i didn't like the plastic feel and mine started to squeak in my hands, i sold it and got a v2 formula and yes at first it wasn't as comfortable but once my hands got used to it i much prefer the build quality.
Simmakerz have a mod "the Magnetic SimShifterZ Hybrid McLaren GT3 Evo" for the shifters on the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2, it will fix your problem and make the perfect wheel for you. The catch is its 110€ with shipping...
Hey can you tell me how to move in ACC with Fanatec? No matter what I do, my car does not move at all. The game don't react to my Fanatec. Everything is connected and I was able to move my wheel in the menu but in the actual racing, the car does nothing.
I love my V2 Formula but its too small, not even talking about the diameter necessarily but where your thumbs go its just too tight for quick lock to lock movements when trying to catch a oh shit moment. I find it often times have to use one arm which works but isn't really ideal. I end up bumping the rotary knobs or something by mistake. I have small hands to boot haha
My mclaren GT3 V2 shifter broke after only 3 months. Got a new one through warranty, but I can already feel it going back to the same broken state very slowly. It's an awesome wheel feature wise for the price. But quality of the shifter is very poor durability wise as well.
No mention of the clutches being logitech quality tho.... You guys need to get off fanatecs ballsndicks and put honest reviews out...... But hey put what fanatec wants and get your free shit
Nice music. Just switched my OMP Kubik (310 mm) with Ascher bottonbox against an Ascher F28-SC (285 mm) and even before trying it, I reduced the torque by about 15% and individually per car often enough as well. So with a belt-drive-system you get considerable more torque with a smaller rim and switching from a >2 kg heavy 320 mm BMW-wheel to this 270 mm light Formula wheel is probably almost like getting a DD1. Certainly it's also a trade-off between more precision or faster counter-steering. 270 mm seems too small for my size and 285 mm the bottom line to keep control over my SC2 Pro, which already kicked it out of my hands a few times during collisions.
good video and i agree with you on the most parts. but.... how can you find the shifters on the Formula V2 better? They're springloaded metalplates with no actual feedback telling you when the shift is done. and they're so light i happened to press them without noticing more then once. They just invite you to misshift xD still great review!
I have the Formula Carbon and the shifters are the worst thing on older Fanatec wheels. I can't get it how he can find the old springy shifters better as the more taktile magnetic ones. Even on the CSL WRC wheel the shifters feels way better as the old Fanatec Formula shifters :D
0:07 I actually really appreciate the honesty here 😂 You’re good bro. Great info. I just bought the GT3 and looking forward to giving her a go, as my bundle included the Gran Turismo wheel and GT DD Pro (with boost kit). That wheel does look fun but when I saw the Mclaren edition wheel I had to have it. So glad to see that it’s actually proper. Also, 17:55 wow lol.
Good ya for adding that. I saw the mod the other day but for the life of me couldn't remember it. Here's the link if anyone is interested. www.simracingmachines.com/WebShop/gear-shifter-upgrade-for-mclaren-wheel
I just sold my Formula v2 with APM. I didn’t like it at all. Felt too small, like my arms were being pressed in. The stock shifters felt not great and left my fingers no room. And the worst thing was I spent a year with it afraid to touch it with my bare hands. I just bought a McLaren v2 to replace it.
Well, not cheapest at least. Gt3 Maclaren only works well if you change paddles and hub for metal ones, since fanatec only works with DD bases and higher torques on DD1 and DD2,
The Formula V2 has the rpm lights because it is meant for clubsport/DD bases. The McLaren is a CSL, it is meant to be used on that base, and the CSL base has the lights already, so you don't need them (like my case, I got a CSL Elite PS4). But you're right, the smaller the rim, the easier to move but also it is easier to get tired. That is why I got a NASCAR wheel for my long NASCAR races.
Just like everyone else with a Podium wheel base. The giant OLED screen sits idle on the splash screen. Me- “Wouldn’t it be great if you could use it as a tuning menu with just a Podium Hub, button clusters and aftermarket rim?” Fanatec- “Naw dummy, we want you to use a wheel that already has a screen on it to access that screen.” Me- “Well since that’s the case can’t you just cut the screen out and make the Podiums a little cheaper in cost?” Fanatec- “Naw dummy, you’re rich, we have a multi thousand dollar BMW rim coming that you Podium owners can also use in your BMW race cars. It uses out newest feature called Placebo-dirt-shock-carbon fiber. It’s great, it will do absolutely nothing for you but you’ll think it does. Me- “Asking $2k for all of it. I’m out!”
Fantastic video! What about Maclaren GT3 vs GranTurismo DD PRO rims? Is it worth it to purchase the bundle DD PRO and add a new rim or not? Thinking on playing GTSport and ACC. Thanks in advance!
I bought the GT3 rim for GTSport... but more because v2 was out and I knew the price would go up - but honestly .... I much prefer my round wheel I use for iRacing - gt3 rim is great until you drive any other style car ... road car, rally car, nascar ... its just dumb as fuck using a gt3 with a regular car - yet with a round wheel I hardly think about it no matter what car I'm driving
Frankly, who watches his steering wheel while driving? The only thing that I find important is the shift light, everything else is a distraction. That being said I plan to drive using VR and the only thing for me that the Formula has an advantage over the McLaren apart from the obvious (shifters) is those thumb scrolling switches which allow you to change brake bias on the fly and fast. That being said using VR I think I won't be able to use all these buttons as I won't be seeing what I am doing. Less is more in this case
Well, this refew is now two years old, so is my McLaren. This video, and some others, helped me with my decition to buy the McLaren. All the buttons and the fact that it is a 30 inch wheel was importantnto me. In the two years I never had any issues. But then the Problems startet with the shifter. At times, it just didn't shift up and it finally gave up completley. The shifter button inside kinda disintigrated. So, the wheel is basically done. A new shifter is not worth the money.
Got my Mclaren gt3 wheel. They seem to have updated the shifters cause they hardly make a sound now. Only bad thing is the 3 encoders. They feel really cheap. Maybe they are mounted on a wobbly pcb, but the dont give a premium feel. I wished they felt like a encoder on some expensive synth
Formula V2 looks better and higher quality than CSL Elite in picture and video, but does Formula V2 looks better if you see in real? if you have seen both, tell me.
Can fanatec not provide us a gt3 rim with the quality of the f1 and not costing thousands of pounds like new bmw rim. I got bmw rim the round one, and it creaks like mad, really puts me of buying anymore fanatec rims and the bmw rim wasn’t cheap I would hate to use this over a long period of time, most likely fall apart .
in my experience, the shifters are REALLY bad. i could barely drive formula or lmp cars that require quick shifting inputs. it feels like the shifter takes half a second to return into its original position after every shifting input, its really weird
Thanks to your video, I cancelled my formula v2 order and ordered the McLaren gt3. Ergonomics are more important to me then a premium feeling and extra knobs. Plus, the Mclaren wheel is an actual replica of a wheel used in a GT3 car. its a no brainer.
I have purchased this Mclaren V2 wheel like the layout etc, but the rattling from the buttons are just a non starter for me. Reverted back to my old wheel which does not rattle like this. I have emailed Fanatec with video and they say this is normal. Not sure if I can purchase another wheel just don't want the rattle
Just a thought about the comfort with the v2, as you have mentioned your body size. Surprisingly enough, Jardier has used the McLaren GT3, but seems that ended up coming back to his formula v2, no longer using the GT3 in later videos; and he is such a big guy, and tall. So maybe is a matter of posture also. I've got the v2 but didn't have to change to use it yet. I was hesitant to get the GT3 but, as someone else pointed, the quality of materials maybe will not pleased me and also because I already own a Huracan GT3 rim custom made 300mm...
Posture and ergonomics make a HUGE difference. If you look closely you can see him having his forearms a bit too stretched. Maybe two-three inches closer to the rim or rim to his body would widen the space between his elbows as well as give them a bit more angle in the bend...gives more precise movement without moving the shoulders as much and release the tension in his wrists. (Watch a professional racing driver...none of them move their upper body...arms only...not Ermin...he still uses quite a lot of upper body movements especially shoulders. another guy doing this is Jimmy Broadbent...although I feel he toned it down a bit lately) I did the exact same thing coming to this rim and a few degrees in elbows make a huge difference. It feels a bit awkward at first if you have this bad habit but you get used to it very quickly and for me it makes the whole difference in the world :P PS: The same exact thing applies to the legs and feet as well...you need to nail the ratio between upper leg force for pressing the brake and enough flex in the ankle/foot to still be able to modulate it finely without stressing the ankle. Also huge difference. The problem now is that I get so comfortable in the cockpit that if the race is boring...I very much get sleepy. :P
@@marian-gabriel9518 hey, thanks a lot for this... I'm always interesting in listening people that I feel have an idea of what they are talking about, and I do think you do. Thanks. Always learning something new....
Hé..nice vid! Hope people still wondering around here 😋 I have my eye on the mclaren wheel for quite some time and i’m wondering if you can put buttoncaps over the standard buttons? Like over the four colerd xbox buttons. Thanks in advance. And i do agree you’re saying about the v2 wheels. I had 4 of them and i’m about to sell a third just because of the size. There so small. Just saying..ltrrr
How tall are you? I'm 6'0" and want this because the only wheel I can find (V2.5) with leather grips and aluminium paddles that does cost the moon. If you know of alternatives with this material please let me know.
When you go down the pit lane with the clubsport v2x the lights blink in sinc with the ones on the screen it looks so cool, its irreplaceable .If your on F1 23
So i am quite lost, what is actually the difference between the plastic QR and the metal QR? Is it so much of a difference or is the extra money not worth?
Comprehensive, thanks! Was looking to get a better wheel than the stock CSL DD one, and the McLaren GT3 seems like the better buy considering the size.
Pff i am still in big doubtbwitch to choose. How much better is the force feedback om the v2? Thats for me the only reason to choose the v3 over the mclaren
I have the Formula v2 and I love it. Ermin about the v2, you're right about fatigue specially on the shoulders. I would go to a GT wheel next but not the Maclaren GT3 wheel.
Hey mate just curious if you still are using the Formula V2 and if you still love it…Im about ready to upgrade my setup from thrustmaster to a bundle from fanatec..thanks ahead!!
Spot on review. Like you, I have big hands and the v2 is too small. Causing cramping in my fingers and hands. Picked up the McLaren to be my go to main rim. I’ll use the v2 for hotlap and quick sessions. Cheers!
Lol what? Who thinks that the spring resistance shifters on the V2 are better than the magnetic ones on the GT3? like what, funny that you don't even mention that fact either
perfect timing. My Formula v2 will arrive in 3 hours.
Rip
F
You’ll be happy and love it. I have both and neither is a bad pick. Enjoy 😉
I have it and have had a blast with it. I picked it up after Barrys sim racing garage review and have no complaints!
You'll love it, man. I have had mine for a week or so and it really adds to the experience. It really punches above its weight.
Nice review fella. The ergonomics of the Maclaren wheel seems to be the feature over the Formula V2 wheel. I think I would be more leaning towards the Formula V2 for the bang for buck. The Maclaren wheel seems great but the build quality for the price isn't really there for me.
Oh and good onya for standing with 604. Shows great community support.👍
THE McLaren is a winner and will eventually become their bestselling wheel. The plastic feel you mention isn't there when you're driving so it's not too relevant for peeps if they on the fence. Nice review
The screen should have been reversed.. large view for the wheels and small window for the game..
thinking about getting into sim racing. looking into the csl dd and gt3 rim. can always upgrade later, but as an entry into it. it sounds really good and would be a hell of an upgrade from keybord or controller on my pc haha
diablo music at the end lol?
it costs almost twice as much, it better be a lot better
I actually really like the shifter feel. The rocker arm takes a little bit of getting used to. But it is really nice in long races. If I need to adjust car settings or scratch my nose, I can shift up and down with a single hand. There's a reason they used that type of shifter in the McLaren 650S GT3 car.
mod it with a thumbtack and you won't be hearing it as much either
agreed its super nice
I got my mclaren wheel today, and it looks like they upgraded the shifter cause it does hardly sound at all now. Saw another person who bought one too said the same thing.
How are you reckoning the Formula to be the premiere Fanatec rim? Take a peek at the website and have a drool over their higher spec stuff.
The Mclaren rim has saved sim-racing for me. Recently lost a leg and was dreading the thought of having to go back to a controller or have somebody build me an expensive solution. For just 200 quid I'm back in the game with all the control I need. I like the feel of the shifters and the push/pull motion gives me options. Cheers Fanatec for keeping me racing.
Glad to see that youre able to enjoy our beloved hobby even though its tough. If you dont mind me asking,how is it driving without your legs? Is it harder or easier?
@@maxboskeljon6440if I were to take a guess I’d assume it’s harder. Take billy monger for example who has to have pedals custom lay built on his wheel for him to race. You would lose some feel of the car as it’s more difficult to gradually increase throttle
Congratulations on being succesful enough to get others making negative videos about you.
Peak of popularity
Who making a negative video of our lad ermin?
@@untrainedprofessionals2374 Moldovan mod thieves probably.
Ignore the haters. They are almost without exception jealous, frustrated people.
@@kiekiek Like I say to whingers. If you don't like it have a go at it yourself. Not so easy.
I wish they would release a Pro/SportsCLub/Podium version of the McLaren wheel with better shifters, vibration motors, real carbon fiber and and all together higher quality finfish, that would be sweet!
I sold my Formula V2 following getting the Mclaren. Shifters are loud and long-throw as standard but easily fixable. The QR could be better as it transpires that many find it has a 'clunk' if there's any play whatsoever between the notch and the keyway on the wheel shaft and I've stuck my hand up with Fanatec to make them aware of a wider problem. Even so, it's bloody great if you ask me, just right.
Wow you sold your v2! I also have the mclaren, its perfect
i have the McLaren GT3 wheel on order together with the CSL DD and shifting feel is one of the most important things for me when it comes to racing, so i hope i will not find it too bad otherwise i might have to send it back and get the Formula V2...
Quick Update, it came exactly as i expected, i was not satisfied with the shifting on the McLaren GT3 wheel and also did not like how the handles material felt in my hand, so i sent it back after one week and got myself the Formula V 2.5 (not the x version as i dont like alcantara grips) and its perfect.
Taking into consideration that the metallic quick release is inculded with the formula wheel (350€) you basically end up paying only 50€ more compared to the McLaren wheel plus QR (300€ together) and its a no-brainer to me.
This is exactly what I'm considering ordering, a DD Pro base and one of these 2 wheels but I'm torn between them because of the diameter which so many people are saying the Fv2.5 @ 270mm isn't best for GT3 style.
@@F.Piccolo dont worry about it, i drive the smaller diameter wheel and have no problem with longer races. Jardier for example also has the smaller wheel and he is doing way longer races than i do. The problem is that the overall quality of the mclaren wheel is so bad, i HATE using the paddle shifters there and its such an essential part of racing, i can't ignore it. And the rubber used for the wheel is simply cheap stuff, unless you wear gloves, i don't want to touch it ever again.
@@th3orist Thanks Andre, yeah I'm leaning towards the Fv2.5, but need to be extra careful on choice because of cost and being in Canada I have to order from the USA, so sending anything back is not a good option for me. 😊
Have to disagree massively on the shifters and I know a lot of others would agree, the magnetic shifters on the McLaren are far superior to the formula wheels imo. They just use a switch that feels decent but you can’t match magnets, plus the feel of the macca rim is also more premium. Not the mention the clutch paddles which the FV2 just doesn’t have unless you spend well over £500. When you consider you get magnet shifters and clutch paddles all for £199. It’s a no brainer for most.
23:11 That caveat is one of its biggest pros: the light weight makes it easier for the base to send road signals to the hands. The tiny impulses are less dampened than with a weighty wheel, so you should feel more details, like road textures.
The shifter (on the first version) did make me look for old style two fingered MTB gloves, but I didn't find them at my local online store. :)
I love the formula v2. You may want to dial the FFB strength down a couple of notches coming from a larger wheel though. There is definitely less leverage hence stronger FFB.
Woohoo.. just received my gt3 rim this past weekend and its been a blast to use. Even the wife approved 👍
🤣🤣🤣 Can't go pass the Missus tick of approval.
I have both of these wheels, and I agree 99%. F v2 is just too small. 30cm is the optimum. Also the F v2 has some sharp edges which will hurt your hands on long runs. The McLaren is very nice to hold and steer. I agree with the shifters, but it's not that bad, I forget about it pretty quickly during racing.
For F1 games I think the size is fine, the Genuine F1 Wheels are 280mm this F1 v2 is 270mm
You're comparing a formula wheel to a GT3 wheel while sim racing in a GT3 car. Of COURSE the GT3 wheel will be better regardless of price. If you really want to compare cheap vs expensive, compare them in the same category of racing. Take the Fanatec Porsche GT3 wheel vs the McLaren GT3 wheel
Great comparison! I replaced my Formula rim with the Maclaren V2 and haven’t touched the Formula rim since. The Maclaren V2 is just about perfect with the Clubsport V2.5.
oooh funny you say that, just got that second hand no pedals yet, but fun 1st day
Same. I tried my Formula V2 last night. I put the Macca back on. I upgraded to the Cbspt Mag shifter.
McLaren
So enjoyable review/comparison. Your pace, background music, relaxed talking, .... Thanks!
After watching your video few months ago, i made my decision to buy this McLaren GT3 V2 steering wheel. It's just arrived today. Sad to see you no longer doing video on this channel. wish you all the best.
The gt3 is the best bang for your buck of any wheel rim on the market. Yes any lol its funny that its preference the shifters are amazing on it most like it. Don't state something that's subjective as a fact.
Too bad i don't own any fanatec equipment. Will you be doing a comparison with the new Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 rim that comes out later this year?
You can get a conversion kit and then use it on any wheel base, at the moment I use it on my T300 but my plan is to get a simucube 2 pro at some point. Check out www.simracingmachines.com/WebShop/conversion-kit-for-mclaren-v2-gt3-wheel
@@inebium does it work well on the t300? ive been wanting to get a nice rim like this for mine but i havent been able to find anyone who's actually using a t300 (ive just seen people converting it to simucube etc)
@@neilbasuracing Yes, it works perfect. I got the adapter for thrustmaster also from simracingmachines: www.simracingmachines.com/WebShop/thrustmaster-qr-adapter. The support/service on this website is amazing.
Haven't heard anything about that!
I think Fanatec knows if they put those paddle shifters on the Mclaren rim , it's going to be the only one they sell lol.
yeee
Id take my Formula 2.5x over the Mclaren every day.
The v.2.5x went on sale on 2023 Black Friday sale for 199.95 US dollars. Had to pick one up and almost grabbed two 😂
Have you tried assigning one of the buttons as a shift key. It’s really helpful for me in acc. To then have multiple uses for each button. For example the red toggles I have set to be brake bias. Then when I hold shift it changes the tc2 setting.
Can you explain how to do that ?
can you explain that x2
I wish they would make the formula v2.5 rim in the size of a GT3 rim. Would be perfect.
Pre-ordered the McLaren GT3, comfort is supreme for me. I get the vibrations through the CS pedals and $200 is far easier to swallow.
I love my McLaren GT3 wheel so much I now have both a V1 and a V2, but my F1 2018 rim with the PAPM gets so much more use. There's very few buttons on the Mclaren that are easily accessible, while I have 8 buttons, 2 rotaries. a joystick, and a funkyswitch that I can use without having to move my hands from the grips on the Formula V2. The McLaren's issues are furthered thanks to the insane amount of resistance on the pit and neutral buttons, making it futile to map them to a function that's used regularly.
Wow at 24:00 I heard the FIRST sound and knew, this is Diablo 2 :D Thanks for the review!
Hey Folks ? What no legends!? and no brake bias mapping!?
So I'm not the only one who doesn't like Formula rim. It's too small but apart from that, I don't have the words to describe why it doesn't suit me. The first time I tried it it was for about 15min and I was impressed but when I had it for a week, it slowly changed... everything. For my large hands and fingers, button placement is not optimal and even LEDs were starting to bother me. Too much of everything.
I wish Fanatec would have made the F1 rim the one with open bottom grips 280mm and the Formula V2 with the closed bottom grips 300mm they could have made them almost using all the same parts. I also love the Diablo theme music.
Watching this I knew instantly what it was glad someone else noticed.
I ended up getting the F1 V2 over the GT3 because the GT3 Lacks RPMs LED and that's a deal. Breaker plus the wheel feels cheap.
So, I've been using the fanatec f1 wheel with podium shifters that came with my DD1. Love it. However, I mostly race Indycar. Lately tried my 918 Porsche wheel (which mostly has just sat on the wall since buying it) for GT3 cars and it definitely seems way better to me for that type of car then my f1 wheel. I do wish the BMW wheel was going to be more reasonably priced as I prefer the format of non-round wheels but seems something bigger than my podium F1 wheel is best for GT3 cars. For now I'll just use the 918 wheel but hoping they come out with something nicer then the McLaren wheel but nice as pricey as the BMW. We'll see I guess.
23:56 Idk if anyone picked up the background music here or not, but I appreciate that it's Diablo!
great comparison, wanted the mclaren purely for it being a bit bigger... but I will wait it out, as I'm so sued to the v2 already
if every fanatec listen when they do a new gt wheel, make one that resembles the formula wheel in quality + buttons + leds on the v2, but with a larger size
still as my hands are smaller it doesn't wear me out that fast, so sticking to the v2 for now and see what the future brings
I had the mclaren wheel and found it cheap feeling i didn't like the plastic feel and mine started to squeak in my hands, i sold it and got a v2 formula and yes at first it wasn't as comfortable but once my hands got used to it i much prefer the build quality.
When using the smaller rim maybe try adding a little more degrees of rotation ( I'd add 10 degs each time ), the car won't be as snappy hopefully
Simmakerz have a mod "the Magnetic SimShifterZ Hybrid McLaren GT3 Evo" for the shifters on the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2, it will fix your problem and make the perfect wheel for you. The catch is its 110€ with shipping...
Hey can you tell me how to move in ACC with Fanatec? No matter what I do, my car does not move at all. The game don't react to my Fanatec. Everything is connected and I was able to move my wheel in the menu but in the actual racing, the car does nothing.
The Fanatec Clubsport v2.5 is a f1 wheel, not a mclaren wheel
21:51 the L I C C
I love my V2 Formula but its too small, not even talking about the diameter necessarily but where your thumbs go its just too tight for quick lock to lock movements when trying to catch a oh shit moment. I find it often times have to use one arm which works but isn't really ideal. I end up bumping the rotary knobs or something by mistake. I have small hands to boot haha
My mclaren GT3 V2 shifter broke after only 3 months. Got a new one through warranty, but I can already feel it going back to the same broken state very slowly. It's an awesome wheel feature wise for the price. But quality of the shifter is very poor durability wise as well.
Which part of the shifter broke?
Formula wheel is better. However if you suck, you suck. No setup will change that. I'm faster on my old logitech wheel because of muscle memory.
No mention of the clutches being logitech quality tho.... You guys need to get off fanatecs ballsndicks and put honest reviews out...... But hey put what fanatec wants and get your free shit
I have esport f1 porsche podium mclaren gt3 formula v2. But 90% of the time I am using the mclaren wheel
Nice music. Just switched my OMP Kubik (310 mm) with Ascher bottonbox against an Ascher F28-SC (285 mm) and even before trying it, I reduced the torque by about 15% and individually per car often enough as well. So with a belt-drive-system you get considerable more torque with a smaller rim and switching from a >2 kg heavy 320 mm BMW-wheel to this 270 mm light Formula wheel is probably almost like getting a DD1. Certainly it's also a trade-off between more precision or faster counter-steering. 270 mm seems too small for my size and 285 mm the bottom line to keep control over my SC2 Pro, which already kicked it out of my hands a few times during collisions.
i have both and i definetely preffer the mclaren v2 because of ergonomics (much more confortable) and bigger size
good video and i agree with you on the most parts.
but.... how can you find the shifters on the Formula V2 better? They're springloaded metalplates with no actual feedback telling you when the shift is done. and they're so light i happened to press them without noticing more then once. They just invite you to misshift xD
still great review!
I have the Formula Carbon and the shifters are the worst thing on older Fanatec wheels. I can't get it how he can find the old springy shifters better as the more taktile magnetic ones. Even on the CSL WRC wheel the shifters feels way better as the old Fanatec Formula shifters :D
@Ermin are you using fanalabs? If you are can you do a video of your settings for ACC... THANKS
I'm getting a new DD1 soon to diagnose some issues, but after I'm sure everything is running normally here I can definitely put it on the list.
No PS4/PS5 love? I got GT Sport and GT7 (when it comes out) id like to race on when im not on a PC sim?
PS compatibility is determined by the wheel base in the Fanatec ecosystem, not by the wheel rim. Both rims are compatible with PS if the base is.
The wheel is compatible as long as the wheel base is playstation compatible - (csw elite plus & dd1) come to mind.
Great honest reviews! Surprising since most sim youtubers seem to shill big time.
0:07 I actually really appreciate the honesty here 😂
You’re good bro. Great info. I just bought the GT3 and looking forward to giving her a go, as my bundle included the Gran Turismo wheel and GT DD Pro (with boost kit).
That wheel does look fun but when I saw the Mclaren edition wheel I had to have it. So glad to see that it’s actually proper.
Also, 17:55 wow lol.
SRM has a shifter upgrade for the mclaren wheel, but it requires some modification
Good ya for adding that. I saw the mod the other day but for the life of me couldn't remember it.
Here's the link if anyone is interested.
www.simracingmachines.com/WebShop/gear-shifter-upgrade-for-mclaren-wheel
Why have the wheel in the small window? Im not interested in big screen gameplay for a hardware guide
I just sold my Formula v2 with APM. I didn’t like it at all. Felt too small, like my arms were being pressed in. The stock shifters felt not great and left my fingers no room. And the worst thing was I spent a year with it afraid to touch it with my bare hands.
I just bought a McLaren v2 to replace it.
Well, not cheapest at least. Gt3 Maclaren only works well if you change paddles and hub for metal ones, since fanatec only works with DD bases and higher torques on DD1 and DD2,
For a $200 wheel, it's not bad.
Do you have issues with your hands? Genuine question cause you seem to have alot of discomfort when discussing these?
The Formula V2 has the rpm lights because it is meant for clubsport/DD bases. The McLaren is a CSL, it is meant to be used on that base, and the CSL base has the lights already, so you don't need them (like my case, I got a CSL Elite PS4). But you're right, the smaller the rim, the easier to move but also it is easier to get tired. That is why I got a NASCAR wheel for my long NASCAR races.
Do I hear Diablo 1 Music in the background ?
I. Want this just looks complicated to use
Excellent and thorough comparison- sharing it with some friends that are stuck deciding between these two wheels.
Just like everyone else with a Podium wheel base. The giant OLED screen sits idle on the splash screen.
Me- “Wouldn’t it be great if you could use it as a tuning menu with just a Podium Hub, button clusters and aftermarket rim?”
Fanatec- “Naw dummy, we want you to use a wheel that already has a screen on it to access that screen.”
Me- “Well since that’s the case can’t you just cut the screen out and make the Podiums a little cheaper in cost?”
Fanatec- “Naw dummy, you’re rich, we have a multi thousand dollar BMW rim coming that you Podium owners can also use in your BMW race cars. It uses out newest feature called Placebo-dirt-shock-carbon fiber. It’s great, it will do absolutely nothing for you but you’ll think it does.
Me- “Asking $2k for all of it. I’m out!”
If only fanatec will make a quality gt3 wheel
Basically it’s $60 more than the GT3 after you make them comparable with the QD attachment.
Do you think it’s $60 better?
Fantastic video! What about Maclaren GT3
vs GranTurismo DD PRO rims? Is it worth it to purchase the bundle DD PRO and add a new rim or not? Thinking on playing GTSport and ACC. Thanks in advance!
Diablo music…. I dig it.
I too am "driving impaired", so the Mclaren GT3 V2 sounds like a great entry level / mid market wheel for me. Thanks for the review! It's on order!
holly shit the BMW M4 GT3 is $2,300 AUD :O, Ermin wasn't kidding when he said it costs several times more
199.99$ USD "Unless you live in california" ..... I have had mine for 2 weeks now and love it though
I bought the GT3 rim for GTSport... but more because v2 was out and I knew the price would go up - but honestly .... I much prefer my round wheel I use for iRacing - gt3 rim is great until you drive any other style car ... road car, rally car, nascar ... its just dumb as fuck using a gt3 with a regular car - yet with a round wheel I hardly think about it no matter what car I'm driving
Frankly, who watches his steering wheel while driving? The only thing that I find important is the shift light, everything else is a distraction. That being said I plan to drive using VR and the only thing for me that the Formula has an advantage over the McLaren apart from the obvious (shifters) is those thumb scrolling switches which allow you to change brake bias on the fly and fast. That being said using VR I think I won't be able to use all these buttons as I won't be seeing what I am doing. Less is more in this case
Well, this refew is now two years old, so is my McLaren. This video, and some others, helped me with my decition to buy the McLaren. All the buttons and the fact that it is a 30 inch wheel was importantnto me. In the two years I never had any issues. But then the Problems startet with the shifter. At times, it just didn't shift up and it finally gave up completley. The shifter button inside kinda disintigrated. So, the wheel is basically done. A new shifter is not worth the money.
Got my Mclaren gt3 wheel. They seem to have updated the shifters cause they hardly make a sound now. Only bad thing is the 3 encoders. They feel really cheap. Maybe they are mounted on a wobbly pcb, but the dont give a premium feel. I wished they felt like a encoder on some expensive synth
Formula V2 looks better and higher quality than CSL Elite in picture and video, but does Formula V2 looks better if you see in real?
if you have seen both, tell me.
Can fanatec not provide us a gt3 rim with the quality of the f1 and not costing thousands of pounds like new bmw rim. I got bmw rim the round one, and it creaks like mad, really puts me of buying anymore fanatec rims and the bmw rim wasn’t cheap I would hate to use this over a long period of time, most likely fall apart .
in my experience, the shifters are REALLY bad. i could barely drive formula or lmp cars that require quick shifting inputs. it feels like the shifter takes half a second to return into its original position after every shifting input, its really weird
Thanks to your video, I cancelled my formula v2 order and ordered the McLaren gt3. Ergonomics are more important to me then a premium feeling and extra knobs. Plus, the Mclaren wheel is an actual replica of a wheel used in a GT3 car. its a no brainer.
Playing Diablo 2 music for the Formula V2 conclusion.... now I am not so sure about that wheel anymore... getting creeped out ;)
I have purchased this Mclaren V2 wheel like the layout etc, but the rattling from the buttons are just a non starter for me. Reverted back to my old wheel which does not rattle like this. I have emailed Fanatec with video and they say this is normal. Not sure if I can purchase another wheel just don't want the rattle
Just a thought about the comfort with the v2, as you have mentioned your body size.
Surprisingly enough, Jardier has used the McLaren GT3, but seems that ended up coming back to his formula v2, no longer using the GT3 in later videos; and he is such a big guy, and tall. So maybe is a matter of posture also.
I've got the v2 but didn't have to change to use it yet.
I was hesitant to get the GT3 but, as someone else pointed, the quality of materials maybe will not pleased me and also because I already own a Huracan GT3 rim custom made 300mm...
Posture and ergonomics make a HUGE difference. If you look closely you can see him having his forearms a bit too stretched. Maybe two-three inches closer to the rim or rim to his body would widen the space between his elbows as well as give them a bit more angle in the bend...gives more precise movement without moving the shoulders as much and release the tension in his wrists. (Watch a professional racing driver...none of them move their upper body...arms only...not Ermin...he still uses quite a lot of upper body movements especially shoulders. another guy doing this is Jimmy Broadbent...although I feel he toned it down a bit lately) I did the exact same thing coming to this rim and a few degrees in elbows make a huge difference. It feels a bit awkward at first if you have this bad habit but you get used to it very quickly and for me it makes the whole difference in the world :P
PS: The same exact thing applies to the legs and feet as well...you need to nail the ratio between upper leg force for pressing the brake and enough flex in the ankle/foot to still be able to modulate it finely without stressing the ankle. Also huge difference. The problem now is that I get so comfortable in the cockpit that if the race is boring...I very much get sleepy. :P
@@marian-gabriel9518 hey, thanks a lot for this... I'm always interesting in listening people that I feel have an idea of what they are talking about, and I do think you do. Thanks. Always learning something new....
I'll try your recommendations!
I would kill for this wheel to be 2 inches larger. ( That's what she said 🤣🤣🤣)
Fanatec Formula Esport wheel: Why am I ignored??????? I sit in between the two wheels.
The McLaren wheel looks much more comfortable, but I find it so ugly that I would never buy it instead of any of the F1 wheels.
Hé..nice vid! Hope people still wondering around here 😋 I have my eye on the mclaren wheel for quite some time and i’m wondering if you can put buttoncaps over the standard buttons? Like over the four colerd xbox buttons.
Thanks in advance. And i do agree you’re saying about the v2 wheels. I had 4 of them and i’m about to sell a third just because of the size. There so small. Just saying..ltrrr
How tall are you? I'm 6'0" and want this because the only wheel I can find (V2.5) with leather grips and aluminium paddles that does cost the moon. If you know of alternatives with this material please let me know.
When you go down the pit lane with the clubsport v2x the lights blink in sinc with the ones on the screen it looks so cool, its irreplaceable .If your on F1 23
24:02 Broski pumpin the Tristram track from diablo in the background like a true OG
So i am quite lost, what is actually the difference between the plastic QR and the metal QR? Is it so much of a difference or is the extra money not worth?
Comprehensive, thanks! Was looking to get a better wheel than the stock CSL DD one, and the McLaren GT3 seems like the better buy considering the size.
Pff i am still in big doubtbwitch to choose. How much better is the force feedback om the v2? Thats for me the only reason to choose the v3 over the mclaren
I have the Formula v2 and I love it. Ermin about the v2, you're right about fatigue specially on the shoulders. I would go to a GT wheel next but not the Maclaren GT3 wheel.
Hey mate just curious if you still are using the Formula V2 and if you still love it…Im about ready to upgrade my setup from thrustmaster to a bundle from fanatec..thanks ahead!!
I have both, and prefer V2.5, esp with chunky pineapple grips :-)
Spot on review. Like you, I have big hands and the v2 is too small. Causing cramping in my fingers and hands. Picked up the McLaren to be my go to main rim. I’ll use the v2 for hotlap and quick sessions. Cheers!
Lol what? Who thinks that the spring resistance shifters on the V2 are better than the magnetic ones on the GT3? like what, funny that you don't even mention that fact either