A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose Best Sim Racing Pedals
We get it. As a competitive sim racer, you always want the best gear for yourself. While focusing on getting the best racing wheel for your cockpit is always a priority, it doesn’t stop there. You also shouldn’t skimp out on making sure you have a dependable pedal set so that you always have a competitive advantage when racing against other gamers. Therefore, in this article, we are providing some of the best pedal sets available right now for your sim racing needs.
Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted
Inverted pedals are starting to gain popularity nowadays because it creates realism in your favorite simulation racing games and takes it up a notch. The ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted by Fanatec has its pivot points, arrangement, distances, and overall feeling positioned just like in a real car making it highly ideal for gamers who want to feel like they’re driving in real life. The clutch as well as the pivot points are inverted and positioned to the upper side of the pedals. The pedals are attached to a sturdy metal frame and were inspired by real cars in every detail from the pedal distances to the longer pedal travels as you press on them.
The V3 Inverted is equipped with a resistance-adjustable ClubSport Damper Kit that’s already mounted and ready to use on the brake pedal right out of the box. If you combine it with the tool-less adjustment of the brake resistance, you’re sure to experience pure realism just like what you would expect from a Fanatec product. The setup is already pre-mounted but it provides racers with a wide range of adjustability as the pedal extensions can be arranged however you want. The swappable D-shaped pedal plates also allow for minute adjustments to fit your personal driving style so that you’ll gain an advantage even during intense racing situations.
The pedals are also fitted with a new vibration motor on the gas pedal. This new addition lets you know if you lose grip and should let up on the gas on compatible games. The second motor on the brake meanwhile triggers if you brake too hard and lock the tires, or when the ABS activates. In addition, the custom-made load cell is much more precise than ever even when compared to previous Fanatec pedals. Applying realistic pressure on the brakes is now possible. You can even control it with muscle tension just like in a real car due to its 90kg adjustable load cell.
Lastly, the electronics of the V3 Inverted have been completely revamped and now use 4x the resolution when compared to the previous V2 pedals. Each axis can be calibrated through the wheel or via the driver should you want to adjust the setup. This pedal is one of the high-end peripherals of Fanatec so prepare your wallets if you want gaming realism at its finest.
Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3
If the V3 Inverted is out of your usual budget, then the standard version can still give you the competitive edge you need in order to best your opponents and lap times on your favorite sim racing games. The ClubSport Pedals V3 by Fanatec uses the same latest and most advanced technology to deliver realistic and strong pressure to your brakes making it possible to control it with muscle tension just like in a real car. This is due to the durable and precise 90kg adjustable load cell that’s custom made and more reliable than the previous generation pedals.
The V3 uses the new and improved D-shape pedal plates as well as pedal extensions to allow pedal plate angle adjustment or even the angle of the whole pedal arm depending on your driving style. The design of the pedals is simple but the proven design ensures you’ll have countless ways to adjust the pedals according to your preference. Similar to the V3 Inverted, the Pedals V3 features contactless hall sensors with 4x the resolution of the previous-gen V2 models. Each axis can also be calibrated through the wheel or using the driver, just like the V3 Inverted.
The new design of the V3 pedals also allows you to adjust the brake stiffness without using any tools. This pedal has full multi-platform compatibility and depends solely on your connected wheelbase as well as your racing wheel. The damper kit for your gas and brake is optional and the dampening resistance can easily be adjusted with a knob if necessary. Since this pedal works with any Fanatec or compatible racing wheels, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest games without issues such as iRacing, Project Cars, Assetto Corsa, GTR 02, rFactor, and many others.
Fanatec CSL Pedals
The Fanatec CSL Pedals is a really affordable pedal set for sim racing enthusiasts wishing to add a Fanatec product to their existing racing cockpit setup. The CSL pedals are built from solid steel with precise and durable sensors to allow you to stay in control every step of the way thanks to its smooth throttle and brake inputs. The all-metal design ensures this gaming peripheral from Fanatec was built to last without any exception. Unlike other pedals on the market today that are built from cheap plastic, the heavy steel construction of the CSL pedals definitely puts the term pedal to the metal at its finest.
The throttle as well as the brake axes of the CSL pedals utilizes precision Hall-effect sensors to deliver consistent performance even after long hours of play. It’s entirely contactless so the sensor is free from any wear and tear during gameplay. The pedals should connect directly to any Fanatec wheelbase via the RJ12 cable that’s included during purchase. It can also be used as a standalone USB device if you have the ClubSport USB adapter with you. The design of the CSL pedals is actually really simple and pleasing to look at. It’s also very easy to set up which means you can get started right away with your favorite sim racing games.
Once you’ve found your comfortable driving position, the CSL pedals allow you to adjust and customize the pedal plates in terms of spacing and height. It’s also possible to either hard mount the pedals or have them braced against a wall or hard surface because of the vertical plates strategically placed at the rear. While the price of the CSL pedals is certainly welcoming for first-time sim racers and gamers on a budget, you can actually upgrade this peripheral into another awesome version of itself once you’re ready to invest in sim racing games long term.
You can get an optional clutch or load cell kit, or even upgrade the pedals with an anodized aluminum pedal face attachment. The Clutch Kit or Load Cell kit adds a dedicated clutch pedal to your setup with a tough spring and the same wide pedal face as the brake. The Load Cell kit meanwhile, while soon to be released, is the ultimate upgrade to bring a realistic braking feel across all games. The aluminum pedal faces, on the other hand, will make it possible to perform a comfortable heel-and-toe technique while playing your favorite games, essentially making you drive like you would in real life.
Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals
Check Price and More Details on Fanatec
The last Fanatec product to be featured in this article is the CSL Elite Pedals. It’s in the mid-range in terms of its pricing when compared to other brands on the market today. While at the mid-range, Fanatec did not skimp out on the technology and materials used. It still utilizes 12-bit resolution in its electronics and potentiometer sensors as well as metal gears on the two-pedal arms just like the ClubSport V3 pedals. This means the CSL Elite Pedals still delivers high-end performance for your high-end expectations even at its price range.
It’s made from the same high-quality 100% metal aluminum design as other Fanatec pedals to ensure long-lasting durability even after hours of play for weeks and months. The improved resistance of the CSL Elite delivers impressive stability as well. Not only that, each pedal is individually adjustable, and can even be mounted separately on a customized racing cockpit without the heel-rest plate for more freedom in terms of layout. The extra-long pedals add realism and comfort to make your gameplay experience absolutely smooth as possible. This new, improved, and innovative design provides various tuning as well as setup options too, which is another plus.
When it comes to the included pedal plate surface meanwhile, Fanatec is surprisingly open in terms of its modifications. The rubber pads are completely detachable to give you choices between using a grip or a slick surface depending on your choice or mood. The CSL Elite Pedals, like other Fanatec peripherals, are fully plug-and-play so that you can enjoy your favorite sim racing games right away. It has a direct connection to Fanatec wheelbases as well as racing wheels or via the optional ClubSport USB adapter. The pedals can be used on PC, or consoles if connected through a dedicated wheelbase.
Choosing between the Fanatec products above, you’ll never really go wrong with any of them. The CSL pedals and its Elite version are by far the most affordable from Fanatec’s peripherals, while the ClubSport Pedals V3 is a nice upgrade if you’re going to delve deeper into the world of sim racing. Meanwhile, the Inverted version is next-level, so if you’re going to get the V3 inverted, be prepared to face the best as it will definitely take your skills up a notch and into overdrive.
Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals
[amazon box =” B083MNB4D8 “]
The T-LCM pedals by Thrustmaster are one of the few pedals available right now that uses Load Cell technology without hurting your wallet too much. The T-LCM pedals adjust to your gaming intensity and driving style without any issues because the force sensors provide you with the perfect amount of braking power depending on the force you applied on the brake pedal providing you with the realism you want when it comes to playing sim racing games. The Load Cell used by the T-LCM pedals can handle up to 220lbs or 100kg of pressure. This means that it will be able to handle everything you throw at it even when you slam on the brakes when turning a sharp corner.
The pedals are made from 100% metal materials and were designed with the most hardcore racers in mind. The metalheads are fully attached to the metal pedal arms which ensures a good grip for the ultimate control while racing competitively. The positions of the individual pedals meanwhile are fully adjustable in terms of their height, inclination, and spacing. Thrustmaster has a calibration software you can install so that you can electronically adjust the brake force, along with the dead zones of each individual pedal according to your liking.
The base of the pedals, on the other hand, is reinforced with a large and textured footrest. This non-slip base stops your feet from sliding, as well as preventing unwanted slips, especially during intense racing situations. Buying this peripheral from Thrustmaster also includes a set of 6 springs to allow a multitude of quick adjustments for the customization you’re looking for on the brake pedals to conform according to your liking. It’s possible to adjust the pressure force for the best fit according to your driving style and racing setup. You can buy the T-LCM pedals as a standalone or as part of a bundle that includes an open-wheel, Rally racing wheel, or a standard steering wheel if you want to save in the long term.
Extreme Simracing Inverted Pedals Kit
[amazon box =” B07SPHCLSQ “]
The Extreme Simracing Inverted pedals kit is best for gamers who already own a pedal set from Logitech as it converts your existing pedals into an inverted version to bring realism to the max. The conversion kit is aimed primarily at users of Logitech steering wheels with a bundled pedal set as the kit consists of structural plates to convert existing Logitech pedals to the GT standard position. If you have knowledge in electronic assembly, however, then it’s possible to use this same conversion kit for other brands such as Fanatec, Thrustmaster, and more as others have pointed out.
It’s a must-have conversion kit for Logitech racing wheel owners as it basically reinvents the old plastic case that encloses most Logitech pedals. Logitech racing setup owners know that this is one of the primary weaknesses of a Logitech racing cockpit as the pedals look quite flimsy when compared to other brands making it a highly appealing add-on to essentially transform your cheap looking pedal into an awesome one. Disassembling your existing pedals should only take a couple of minutes and installing the new frame instantly adds a new experience to the feel of the pedals, while upgrading their overall look and robustness. The pedal kit also includes a rubber block you can install inside the brake pedal for more sensation and firmness when pressing on the brakes.
Included in the box are 1 ESR Inverted Pedals Logitec Add-on, an assembly manual, as well as all the screws, nuts, bolts, and cable extension for the clutch pedal to complete the assembly. The conversion kit is reasonably priced so if getting a brand-new pedal set is out of your budget, then converting your existing one into an Inverted version can definitely transform your sim racing experience like you’re driving a real car in the comforts of your own home.
Thrustmaster T-3PM Racing Pedals
[amazon box =” B096D5JTZX “]
Last on our list of the best pedals for sim racing you can buy right now is the T-3PM racing pedals from Thrustmaster. The T-3PM racing pedals are equipped with 100% metalheads that can withstand up to 200kg of pressure resistance for the ultimate heart-pounding experience. The non-slip materials on the base of the pedals ensure it sticks firmly to the ground. This means that even if you accidentally slam on the brakes during a high-stakes race, the racing pedals will be ready to absorb the force of your feet without any fuss.
Like the T-LCM pedals earlier on the list, the T-3PM utilizes Thrustmaster’s patented H.E.A.R.T technology. The magnetic sensors provide 12-bit resolution for smoothness and precision when you’re putting on the brakes and immediately accelerating when playing on any platform, be it PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. It absolutely stays precise even after repeated use and won’t decrease in quality over time. The weighted pedal base is also 20% more stable than the previous Thrustmaster T3PA pedal set making this a nice upgrade if you already own the brand’s previous peripheral.
In addition, the T-3PM is equipped with 4 distinct pressure modes on the central pedal if you want to optimize your braking preferences according to the configuration of your racing cockpit. Whether your racing setup is mounted on a desk, cockpit, stand, or other methods, you shouldn’t have any issues setting up the T-3PM for you to enjoy your games without any worries. This pedal set is compatible with all Thrustmaster racing wheels as well as select steering wheels from other brands. Getting this pedal set is recommended for casual racers who don’t have the budget for a pedal with load cell capabilities as it can still provide a smooth and realistic feeling when playing sim racing games.
Buying Guide
Price
The price of pedals varies from cheap ones to peripherals that really put a dent in your wallet. There are affordable pedal sets that don’t sacrifice features and longevity if you do the right research. However, if you’re a hardcore sim racer or a professional e-sports player and want to top the leaderboards, chances are you’ll want a premium pedal set to ensure you’re always ahead of the pack. If winning drives you, then the price shouldn’t be an issue because the best pedals can certainly help you achieve the winning glory that you want.
Compatibility
If you mainly play on PC, then compatibility isn’t a problem as almost all peripherals are compatible with the platform. For sim racers on consoles meanwhile, it’s quite tricky as getting a Fanatec pedal means it will only work with racing wheels from the same brand. This is the same with Thrustmaster, Logitech, and other peripheral makers due to the console’s software limitations. It’s not a deal-breaker if you’re just about to set up your own personal rig as the process is actually quite easy because you can build around the racing wheel and pedal set that you want.
Durability
Another must-have feature of a reliable pedal set is the way it was constructed from the materials to the overall build quality. Getting a plastic pedal sure saves you money in the short term but plastic pedals are too flimsy and will definitely need replacing after only a few months or even weeks of use. It’s recommended to get a pedal set made from metal, even the lightweight kinds, as they can withstand pressure and feel closer to a real car during actual gameplay. It’s also harder to accidentally break your pedal if it’s made from metal so they last longer by virtue of their way of construction.
Extra Features
Lastly, you should also take particular notice of the extra features your pedal is fitted or equipped with. Having non-slip materials on the bottom of your pedal set is nice to keep the pedals firmly on the ground. Otherwise, the pedals should have a mounting mechanism of some sort so that you won’t accidentally slip when driving during intense racing situations. If the pedals are adjustable and can be moved according to your driving style, then it’ll definitely increase the comfort factor in a physical sense. Being able to modify the resistance as well as pressures per pedal is also a great feature to have.
FAQs
What are load cells?
You’ll often hear the term “load cells” when looking for a reliable pedal set online. Load cells are also known as “Force Transducers,” and they are used to measure the force of pressure as an electrical signal that is then amplified in the pedals’ electronics. Unlike a potentiometer that requires some sort of leverage reduction to remove the forces, load cells deal with very high forces which makes them simpler and more reliable.
Should I get expensive gaming pedals?
While cheap pedals are certainly fine for playing sim racing games, pedals are a crucial interface for your overall experience so investing in a reliable set is a must. If you’re serious about achieving better lap times than the rest of the competition, better brake control can definitely help you achieve that.
What’s the difference between a Load Cell pedal and a potentiometer pedal?
While a potentiometer pedal utilizes displacement to determine braking, Load Cell pedals use pressure. In layman’s terms, a potentiometer pedal determines braking in-game by how far you push it, while a Load Cell pedal will determine the braking on how hard you push the pedals. Pedals that use potentiometers are by far the cheapest peripherals out in the market today but can still deliver the realism you want on your favorite sim racing games. If you want the best, however, then Load Cell pedals are the way to go. This is because braking works just like in real cars and they’re more accurate and responsive overall.
