Only a few months after releasing the Moza R9, the Chinese manufacturer is taking aim at the entry level with the release of the Moza R5 package. Our evaluation of the Moza R9 demonstrates that despite the Chinese company’s short history, it already has a strong foundation in simracing.
According to the company’s marketing plan, the Moza R5 is the most budget-friendly option for a direct drive steering wheel on the market. But does the Moza R5 live up to what is expected from a direct drive steering wheel, or is it little more than a cheap steering wheel? Where does that leave the rest of the bundle? That’s what we’re about to find out; it’s time to put Moza’s new R5 bundle—possibly an upcoming best-seller—to the test.
Our recommendation? Pick R9 as your operative wheel. The R5’s steering wheel and pedals are small and cheaply made. There is no loadcell and zero resistance in the brake. It’s about the same size as a Logitech and noticeably smaller than a conventional steering wheel. Moreover, the base is incompatible with the vast majority of the Moza wheel lineup, making upgrades a chore.
Eventually, you’ll want to upgrade the steering wheel and pedals even if 5 nm of torque is enough to keep you happy. Invest in a R9 and you’ll have access to nearly double the torque, as well as better controls. To spend a little more is well worth it.
Reviews and Presentation of the Moza R5 Steering Wheel
In comparison to the Moza R9, the R5 looks almost identical, down to the “X”-shaped design and black metal body.
The R5, which can deliver up to 5.5NM, is only 17cm long compared to the R9’s 24cm, making it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of room.
So much for the R5’s design; let’s move on to its networking and compatibility options.
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Compatibility and connectivity
The Moza R5 has four ports in the back for use with a personal computer.
- 1x connection with the pedal board
- 1x Dash connection
- 1x USB (PC)
- 1x Power supply
It’s interesting that the SR-P Lite crankset only has one connection point, and that’s the steering wheel that will be wired into the computer. The R9 requires a connection between the pedals and the control wheel and the computer, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
The R5 is a “bottom mount” base, meaning it is attached using 4 fixing holes located on the base’s underside. Sufficient to fit most seats and racks.
Included in the package is a clamp (table clamp) that is ideally suited for mounting on a desk. Also, 5.5NM is plenty adequate for your workplace, so relax. The only real negative is that the base angle of the wheel is fixed at 15 degrees.
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Moza R5 assembly
The R5 wheel’s quick-release pattern is distinct from the R9 wheel’s. This decision puzzles me because it eliminates the possibility of using older components of the Moza ecosystem. You can forget about hooking up your vintage GS or CS wheels, and if you want to upgrade from, say, an R5 to a R9, you’ll need to buy a new wheel. However, if you’re interested in switching things up, you may still use two wheels: the Moza FSR and the RS V2 model.
What kind of performance do you get from the Moza R5 bundle?
The Moza R5 really shines once you get it out on the track, where the combination of 5.5NM and direct drive provides responsive and powerful force feedback. Even with only 5.5Nm of FFB, you’ll soon improve your regularity, speed, and precision because of its excellent equilibrium.
Although more advanced gamers may prefer 8-9Nm models, the R5 holds its own and should be enough for those seeking their first direct drive experience. Compared to other models of steering wheels, this one is notably quieter, helping us to focus on the virtual environment.
Conclusion
Invest in the R9 since you know you will eventually upgrade. Don’t even think about buying a wheel that isn’t a direct drive.
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