Last week, I finally had the chance to try Fanatec’s new Podium pedals, which are positioned as their new flagship model. Fanatec has introduced a patented elastomer compression control system, claiming that the components never overstress, even under heavy braking.
Adjustability and Features
All pedal adjustments, including travel and resistance, can be made completely tool-free, and users will be able to fine-tune pedal curves through the Fanatec App. I didn’t get to see the app in action, but I witnessed how easily the adjustments could be made. By simply twisting the cylinders, you can instantly change both the pedal travel and resistance. This is incredibly convenient, as it allows quick adjustments on the go without any hassle.
Brake Pedal Performance
Personally, I believe the brake pedal is the most important part of any pedal set. Everything else can have some flexibility, but the brake pedal needs to be absolutely perfect to give you the right feeling under braking and maintain full control of the car.
I tested a few setups. The first one was completely stiff, and I was almost instantly hitting the load cell with virtually no pedal travel. Then, just by twisting the cylinder, I could add more travel and adjust the stiffness. The brake pedal uses a load cell rated for over 200 kilograms, although it’s calibrated at 150. It’s difficult to describe the exact feeling, but it was surprisingly easy to get used to the brakes, which usually takes some time with new pedals. It wasn’t perfect, as preferences vary, but overall, it was a very positive experience. I’m curious to see how the final version will perform and what other adjustment options will be available.
Compatibility
It’s also important to mention that the pedals are compatible with all Fanatec wheel bases, which means full support for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Clutch and Accelerator
I didn’t get the chance to test the clutch pedal, but Fanatec mentioned that it will feature a physical bite point adjustment, which sounds like a great addition. The accelerator pedal felt natural and smooth, with no noticeable delay or inconsistency. Overall, the experience was impressive.
Final Thoughts
The new Podium pedals deliver a premium feel with impressive flexibility and customization. However, the final verdict will likely depend on the pricing and how well the performance justifies it. For now, it’s safe to say that Fanatec’s new Podium pedals make a very strong first impression.
