Fanatec Adds QR2 Quick Release To CSL DD Wheel Bases

As of today, the 31st July 2024, Fanatec has updated all CSL DD wheels to now include the QR2 quick release as standard. This is a big change as it signals the rollout of the newer quick release nearing its end.

So far, only the ClubSport DD, DD+ and Podium wheel bases have been available with the QR2 base-side adapter pre-installed. This introduction to the CSL DD range now leaves only the GT DD Pro as the sole wheel base that can be purchased with the older QR1 quick release.

Introducing the QR2 quick release to the Fanatec CSL DD wheel base does have some pretty big implications. These include the following;

• Reduced-price CSL DD bundles are no longer available
• CSL DD Ready2Race bundles are no longer available

The QR2 that is included with the CSL DD bundles is the lower-cost Type-C adapter, not the shiny silver Type-M that is designed for more powerful wheels and torque levels. This doesn’t impact performance as the Type-C adapter is constructed from aluminium making it very strong and durable.

The CSL DD no longer available at a reduced price

Over the past few months, you have been able to buy a Fanatec CSL DD at the reduced price of $/€199.95 when purchased alongside a steering wheel and pedal set. This was an incredibly affordable way of buying a good direct drive racing wheel bundle.

This reduced-price CSL DD has now been removed from the Fanatec storefront. The offer messaging has also been removed from the product page for the CSL DD in both the 5Nm and 8Nm forms.

Fanatec discontinues some Ready2Race bundles

As part of the upgrade from QR1 to QR2 with the CSL DD, Fanatec has removed all CSL DD Ready2Race bundles from their store. Currently, we don’t know if this is a temporary removal why they get replaced with an upgraded QR2 bundle, or whether this is a permanent discontinuation.

Trying to click on a Ready2Race bundle using the older QR1 will now result in the below message, saying the product is no longer available.

If you currently own any Ready2Race bundle with the older QR1 quick release, you can opt to buy a new QR2 quick release adapter to bring your current setup up-to-date.

The only Ready2Race bundles now available to buy from Fanatec are the GT DD Pro-based bundles, which include the Gran Turismo-licensed steering wheel.

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How to use the QR2 quick release with the CSL DD

Upgrading from QR1 to QR2 doesn’t change how you attach steering wheels to your CSL DD wheel base. The process is relatively similar from a user perspective. You still pull a collar on the steering wheel to attach and release the quick-release mechanism.

The main changes are internal and how the steering wheel mounts to your wheelbase. The QR2 introduced a new design to ensure a better fit and is designed to eliminate a lot of the flex and wobble that plagued some QR1 quick releases, especially the plastic QR1 Lite.

Read our complete guide on how to use the updated QR2 quick release with any Fanatec wheel.

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Is the QR2 better than the QR1 and worth upgrading to?

We have been using Fanatec wheels for many years and have tested various quick-release iterations during that time.

We used the plastic QR1 Lite quick release with our McLaren GT3 V2 steering wheel, and this is the worst quick release that Fanatec has made. The plastic allows for a fair bit of flex, and the quick release would occasionally slip if larger forces were applied.

The metal QR1 quick release was much better, eliminating much of the flexing found with the QR1 Lite. This was my go-to quick release for many years, and in my experience, it worked well enough. However, other sim racers have reported issues with the QR1 becoming loose over time. Plus, the QR1 required an additional fixing pin to secure it in place when used with higher-torque wheel bases.

I’ve recently been using the QR2 quick release with my Fanatec ClubSport DD+ and Formula V2.5X steering wheel and have had a painless experience. No additional pins are required, resulting in an easier setup process, and the attachment so far seems solid.

If you currently own a CSL DD with the older QR1 quick release upgrading comes down to your own situation. If your QR1 is working as intended, I wouldn’t rush out to upgrade to the newer QR2. If, however, you are thinking of upgrading to a more powerful racing wheel or thinking of ordering a Fanatec product with the QR2 attachment, you may want to manually upgrade your quick release to the newer QR2.

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