Just before Christmas 2024, I revamped my sim racing setup with the then-new Fanatec CSL cockpit and the 8 Nm CSL DD wheelbase. I opted for the Fanatec V3 pedals on top of that, but have recently replaced them with Asetek Forte S pedals. However, was the upgrade worthwhile?
With a minimal physical area to have my sim racing rig, the CSL cockpit was one of the only options I could comfortably fit within the designated space. Whilst it is certainly not perfect, it has been sturdy and a significant change to the DIY rig I used for years. The wheelbase has also been great, but I have struggled to click with the Fanatec V3 pedals.
Fanatec V3 Pedals. Image: Fanatec
During Sim Formula Europe 2025 earlier in January, I could directly test the Fanatec V3 pedals against the Asetek Forte set on two of the rigs we had on the OverTake.gg stand. The difference was night and day, so I started shopping around for a set for myself before the event ended.
On the way home from the airport, I picked up a set from website member @D Rilstone. It was a very last-minute deal, and David was very kind in showing me around his amazing sim racing setup; thank you, David, for your hospitality and these awesome Forte pedals! With little to no usage, these like-new pedals have transformed my modest sim racing setup - albeit not without challenges.
Asetek Forte S-series pedals. Image: Asetek Sim Sports
However, my situation could be very different from yours. For example, if you are racing across the PS5 and PC platforms, the Forte pedals will not be much help, but the Fanatec V3s are arguably one of the best on offer for console racers as of January 2025.
I chose Asetek's offering instead of the Simagic P1000s or something similar because it is upgradable. If and when I want, I can add Asetek's T.H.O.R.P hydraulic kit and make these pedals into an Invicta-level set.
Forte pedals in action in our pedal comparison video
With this upgrade, there are plenty of adjustability options. Currently, I am using the red elastomer, but there are many other options for determining how stiff you want the brake pedal. I intend to use and try each extensively to find the perfect one for my driving style. Asetek has a range of videos to help you set your pedals up.
Asetek Forte pedals sideprofiles
Overall, the Asetek Forte S series pedals are sublime. The GT-style stiff feedback is precisely what I wanted from a pedal set, and I can see these staying on my rig for a long time. The adjustability and user-friendly setup are exactly what I needed on my sim racing rig, and it is safe to say that these pedals have transformed my trail braking especially.
Whilst not a long-term solution, the CSL cockpit was able to cope with these pedals. However, be aware that the pedal plate has a significant flex. This flex is very noticeable with anything other than the softest elastomer in the brake pedal. So, if you also have a CSL cockpit, be aware that unless you have a plan to reinforce the pedal plate with more support, you could end up breaking or wearing out your pedal plate much faster. Fanatec does not endorse the use of hardware from other brands on the CSL cockpit, so install it at your own risk!
Asetek Forte pedals installed on my CSL Cockpit. All it needs is a better monitor and a clutch pedal now!
If you are interested in purchasing the Fanatec CSL cockpit, FanatecV3 pedals, or the Asetek Forte pedals mentioned in this article, and like what we do here at OverTake, please consider using our Fanatec orAsetek Sim Sports affiliate links. We make a small commission on each sale made using this link, without any extra costs for you. With that, you can support your favourite sim racing community so that we can keep hosting all the downloads you need and post all the news, reviews, features, and more.
Which pedal set are you currently using? Make sure to let us know in the comments down below!
With a minimal physical area to have my sim racing rig, the CSL cockpit was one of the only options I could comfortably fit within the designated space. Whilst it is certainly not perfect, it has been sturdy and a significant change to the DIY rig I used for years. The wheelbase has also been great, but I have struggled to click with the Fanatec V3 pedals.
Fanatec V3 Pedals. Image: Fanatec
During Sim Formula Europe 2025 earlier in January, I could directly test the Fanatec V3 pedals against the Asetek Forte set on two of the rigs we had on the OverTake.gg stand. The difference was night and day, so I started shopping around for a set for myself before the event ended.
On the way home from the airport, I picked up a set from website member @D Rilstone. It was a very last-minute deal, and David was very kind in showing me around his amazing sim racing setup; thank you, David, for your hospitality and these awesome Forte pedals! With little to no usage, these like-new pedals have transformed my modest sim racing setup - albeit not without challenges.
Strength and upgradability
The Forte set has an unbelievably stiff brake pedal compared to the Fanatec V3 pedals. With some tuning, you can get it exactly how you like it. For me, a really stiff brake pedal with lots of feedback was essential, and for my budget, these Forte pedals were the best in the business. The V3 pedals were just not stiff enough for my liking.Asetek Forte S-series pedals. Image: Asetek Sim Sports
However, my situation could be very different from yours. For example, if you are racing across the PS5 and PC platforms, the Forte pedals will not be much help, but the Fanatec V3s are arguably one of the best on offer for console racers as of January 2025.
I chose Asetek's offering instead of the Simagic P1000s or something similar because it is upgradable. If and when I want, I can add Asetek's T.H.O.R.P hydraulic kit and make these pedals into an Invicta-level set.
Forte pedals in action in our pedal comparison video
With this upgrade, there are plenty of adjustability options. Currently, I am using the red elastomer, but there are many other options for determining how stiff you want the brake pedal. I intend to use and try each extensively to find the perfect one for my driving style. Asetek has a range of videos to help you set your pedals up.
Asetek Forte pedals sideprofiles
Overall, the Asetek Forte S series pedals are sublime. The GT-style stiff feedback is precisely what I wanted from a pedal set, and I can see these staying on my rig for a long time. The adjustability and user-friendly setup are exactly what I needed on my sim racing rig, and it is safe to say that these pedals have transformed my trail braking especially.
Whilst not a long-term solution, the CSL cockpit was able to cope with these pedals. However, be aware that the pedal plate has a significant flex. This flex is very noticeable with anything other than the softest elastomer in the brake pedal. So, if you also have a CSL cockpit, be aware that unless you have a plan to reinforce the pedal plate with more support, you could end up breaking or wearing out your pedal plate much faster. Fanatec does not endorse the use of hardware from other brands on the CSL cockpit, so install it at your own risk!
Asetek Forte pedals installed on my CSL Cockpit. All it needs is a better monitor and a clutch pedal now!
If you are interested in purchasing the Fanatec CSL cockpit, FanatecV3 pedals, or the Asetek Forte pedals mentioned in this article, and like what we do here at OverTake, please consider using our Fanatec orAsetek Sim Sports affiliate links. We make a small commission on each sale made using this link, without any extra costs for you. With that, you can support your favourite sim racing community so that we can keep hosting all the downloads you need and post all the news, reviews, features, and more.
Which pedal set are you currently using? Make sure to let us know in the comments down below!
