Before the introduction of Fanatec’s CSP pedals, the available choices on the market was limited. On one side we had the Logitech and Thrustmaster pedals and on the other, we had to aim for productions for the pros, but for the price of amateurs. Fanatec has introduced a midrange pedal, quality and affordable.

The “Inverted” version (the pedals are attached from the top) is the last iteration of the range, and it’s a product that was in great demand by the GT car fan community. For information, apart from the car type Formula and Prototype, all racing cars have pedals that are attached from the top. For fans of simulation, it’s mostly a matter of preference and the quest for realism.

LOOK DESIGN

All milled and anodized aluminum, the pedal is simply beautiful, robust and heavy. Most of the elements are taken from the normal version of the pedal that is a reference on the market. You can choose between flat pedals aluminum or plastic curved “D”. Note also that the heel rest is larger than that of the F1 version.

FEATURES

The most important to improvement to mention is obviously the “Load Cell”, which will significantly change the way of driving. Rather than have a position sensor on the brake pedal, the V3 has a pressure sensor “Load Cell” to copy what is done in the sports car. The major difference will be that we will no longer need to put our pedal at a precise angle, but just to remember the pressure exerted. At first, it will be necessary, but eventually, you will need to increase the hardness to increase accuracy. The sensor is changeable if it ever breaks. The brake pedal is also equipped with an adjustable damper, which is optional on the F1 version of the product, which allows even more realism and have a more flexible braking.

The acceleration and clutch pedals have a magnetic sensor (contactless) for them to last a long time. There will be a choice of two spring hardness settings for the accelerator.

The vibrators on the brake pedals and accelerator are not included in all games, you will need to download a third-party program like Fanaleds, for use on most games. Attention, it will be necessary to be connected by USB to make them work, personally, I have not managed to make them work via the cable connected to the steering wheel.

you gotta appreciate the possibility of connecting the pedal directly to USB if we have no Fanatec flying base, to make the pedals “stand alone”. Adjustments via the software are simple and will allow you to calibrate the pedals during game sessions.

ERGONOMICS

In addition to having a small gain of realism with the inverted pedals, we have access to a large number of settings:

Hardening of the accelerator change the spring
Hardening of the brake pedal and its shock absorber
Height and inclination of the pedals
Pedal type

Does it scare you? No fear, the original settings are a great base for novice and intermediate riders. The only downside will be the spacing of the pedals which, meanwhile, can not be changed and it took me a little time to do the pedal to correctly run the heel/tip, which I find easier to do on the F1 version of the pedal with pedals at the same level.

Performance

If you use a Logitech or Thrustmaster crankset, the change is drastic and the gain in time and consistency is quickly noticeable. Adjustments, hardness, damping clearly increase the degree of realism. It was difficult to play with the G29 afterward.

CONCLUSION

The quality of the mechanics, the finishes, the resistance of the pedals, the pedals excel on all levels. Its brake and throttle are also equipped with vibration motors to feel the ABS, locking wheels. It is also great to have the adjustment of the hardness of the brake, which is original combined with an adjustable damper. If you are looking for realism “Grand Tourism” it will be the best value for money in the market.

If you’re only looking for performance, the F1 version will offer the same features at a better price.