Newbie wheel and hub questions - Fanatec

XLR_8 · Apr 24, 2020

I'm new here, obviously... and just received my first bit of gear. I'm 3 weeks or so away from my frame getting here but just got my Fanatec universal hub and classic wheel in the mail.
Not sure why I bought the classic wheel but it's fine for my MX5 racing in iRacing as I work my way up. My real questions are what should i do when i want more buttons and switches for GT3 and F1 racing? I have simple buttons and one rotary on this hub but what's normal for most folks? Do i swap out the classic wheel for a GT3 and use custom labels? Then for F1 do i by another hub altogether just for that?

I obviously dont want to rebuild and relabel each time but what options are there? I see all sorts of custom setups but most seem to be usb and aren't plug and pray with the CSW 2.5 i have. Do i just stay in the Fanatec camp for F1 and GT3? Just trying to understand what options are out there as someone new getting my feet wet.

Thanks all!

JimLee · Apr 24, 2020

My suggestion (I am assumming you will be doing all your racing in iRacing and on a PC), is:
1: Do really need more buttons/switches?
a. You currently should have 12 buttons and a "Funky Switch" (with practical assignments/'most used' should accomadate 90% of your needs
b. If not, add add a DSD button box P1 or P2 $ (and if necessary download/install "JoytoKey" to program Button Box and/or Wheel profiles) OR a Streamdeck XL $$
2. For F1/GT3, (buy new wheel) I would suggest the the Fantatec CS Formula Carbon $$ (or second hand CS Formula Aluminum $) OR if you think your really going to go "Pro" and have the driving skills to use the extra Rotary Switches on the fly Fanatec CSF V2 $$$.
3. Suggest Fanatec CS Rim GT Forza (not alcanta) to potentially replace your 'Classic 2' wheel for a more 'GT feel'.

Lots of ways to go, but just start by enjoying what you have.

XLR_8 · Apr 26, 2020

Thanks for all your feedback, truly appreciated. I'll likely buy a different GT type wheel or pull one from one of my cars. I'll definitely buy an F1 wheel but not likely the priciest ones. I'm trying to learn all i can and frankly these wheels are more complicated than what's in my endurance car and it has an AIM dash plus streaming data and comms.