MOZA Racing has just announced another Direct Drive Wheel Base for their line-up. The MOZA R5 comes as a complete bundle with a steering wheel, pedals, and table clamp for US$599.
Here are the main talking points and our thoughts on how the new MOZA R5 compares to the Fanatec CSL DD, GT DD Pro and MOZA Racing R9 Direct drive wheel bases.
What you get in the new MOZA Racing Bundle
– The MOZA R5 Direct Drive Wheel Base
– The new MOZA ES Steering Wheel
– A “Lite” Version of the MOZA SR-P Pedals
– MOZA Table Clamp
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What is the MOZA Racing R5 Wheel Base?
The MOZA R5 is a new entry level direct drive wheel base offering 5.5 Nm of PEAK torque. MOZA’s previous entry level wheel base was the R9 with 9 Nm torque. The R9 will set you back US$439 for the wheel base on its own compared to US$599 for this complete bundle.
Make sure you check out our detailed review of the MOZA R9 to get a good understanding of how the MOZA ecosystem works, what the Pit House software and mobile app are like to use, and some of the limitations we have found with MOZA Products.
On the surface the R5 is constructed very similarly to the R9. Both of which have an aviation grade aluminum shell with plastic rear housing.
The R5 is smaller than the already small R9. This is great news as it makes it very easy to get your screen nice and close to the wheel, especially when using the included table clamp.
We were very impressed to see the same high quality quick release used on this entry level offering as is found on their more expensive units. Along with Simagic and Immsource who use the same NRG inspired system, we believe this to be the best quick release currently offered by a wheelbase manufacturer outside of aftermarket due to its quality, ease of use and lack of flex or play.
MOZA R5 Dimensions
MOZA R9 Dimensions
MOZA vs Fanatec
The MOZA R5 makes for a very interesting comparison to the Fanatec CSL DD and GT DD Pro bundles. As with other MOZA wheel bases, the MOZA R5 does not have officially licensed console support. The GT DD Pro remains the cheapest DD wheel base for PlayStation users.
As with the CSL DD and GT DD Pro without the Boost Kit 180, we found the R5 to provide enough torque to achieve a good level of force feedback. We were immediately struck with just how smooth this wheelbase feels. There isn’t a hint of torque ripple or cogging as you rotate the wheel. The only other wheel bases we have tested that have achieved this to date have been far more expensive. While subtle, it does provide the driver with a deeper sensation of turning a wheel that’s actually connected to a steering rack and not an electric motor.
By comparison, the CSL DD and GT DD Pro have a slight underlying sensation of grain as you rotate the wheel. Although you really have to pay attention to notice it.
As with the CSL DD and GT DD Pro, we believe ~5 Nm peak torque to be enough to provide a good level of force feedback to get the details you need to drive fast. However you can have much more immersion and enjoyment from a more powerful wheelbase. Hear all our thoughts on that topic in our CSL DD and GT DD Pro reviews.
Pros for Fanatec
– Official Console Compatibility
– Range of Steering Wheels & Accessories
– On Wheel FFB adjustments
Pros for MOZA
– Much better quick-release system
– Incredibly Smooth
– Availability
– Price
– New FSR wheel with built-in Dash!
MOZA vs Logitech
Another very important point of consideration when compared to entry level cog and belt driven wheel bases is that the R5’s operation is almost completely silent.
If you own a Logitech G series cog driven wheel, you know it’s loud enough to be unusable in many circumstances. For example, when other people need to be considered. This is certainly not an aspect that should be overlooked. It may well be the difference between being able to race with your mates, or pack up for the night when the kids go to bed.
You are also getting a far superior force feedback experience with the MOZA R5. Compared to any of the Logitech cog driven wheel bases, you will be blown away by the smoothness and detail that is achieved.
MOZA ES Steering Wheel
On to the ES wheel which is included in the bundle and currently only compatible with the R5 wheel base.
At this price we were expecting a wheel comparable in quality to the Fanatec Gran Turismo wheel. (included with the GT DD Pro) However this is very much not the case. While the buttons on the face have a similar feel, the 11 inch rim seems to be a ploy-leather material. (it doesn’t smell genuine) As opposed to the cheap feeling rubber and plastic used on the Fanatec equivalent. The shifter paddles and wheel rim are also constructed of aluminum, giving the shifter a superior feel (similar to the Fanatec WRC wheel we reviewed here).
In stark contrast to Fanatec’s more entry level wheel offerings, this wheel has almost no flex or twist at all. This again greatly enhances the immersion and overall driving experience and exceeded our expectations.
MOZA SR-P Lite Pedals
The SR-P Lite Pedals included in the R5 bundle are without doubt the weak point. They will be the first thing more serious racers will want to upgrade.
Their all steel construction is strong and sturdy, they can be used on carpet or solid floors, and overall feel is good. But the brake is a let down even at this price point.
All three pedals utilize hall effect sensors. Input is position based rather than force or pressure based which is to be expected for the price. The brake pedal has a completely linear and non-progressive feel. This results in little sensation of how much pressure is being applied.
Other position based pedals such as the CSL Pedals from Fanatec and even the pedals included with Logitech’s G923 do a good job at providing the driver with progressive resistance throughout the brake pedal stroke. This allows the driver to better modulate their inputs threshold and trail brake. Resulting in faster and more consistent lap times.
I have no doubt you could learn to be fast with these. But if speed and consistency is your top priority, these pedals leave a lot of potential on the table.
We hope the aftermarket and modding community will release a mod to provide the progressive resistance the brake pedal lacks in its out of box form.
Is the MOZA R5 the best Direct Drive Wheel For You?
While the brake pedal left something to be desired, overall the R5 bundle is exceptional value. It is well suited to those looking for a gateway into sim racing Or as an upgrade from a more entry level belt or cog driven setup.
A similar experience just a few years ago would have cost well over double the asking price for this, which is remarkable.
Between the quiet operation, high build quality, consistent feel across sim racing titles, sublime smoothness and surprising fidelity, I can’t see anyone being disappointed for the price. Especially if a cheap brake pedal mod becomes available, which we are sure is only a matter of time.
5.5NM won’t be enough to satisfy those looking for the ultimate in immersion. But is plenty to provide all the cues you need to drive quickly and consistently whilst maintaining a healthy balance of you driving the car rather than the car driving you.
Moza has done a great job with this bundle and we hope they make it available without pedals at a cheaper price in the future.
If our MOZA Racing reviews have helped you decide what the best sim racing gear is for you, and you would like to support our work at Boosted Media at no additional cost, follow the affiliate link below and we will earn a small commission from your purchase.
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