Let’s already take stock of what the Moza R5 Bundle is. The Moza R5 is the entry-level model of the brand emerging Chinese in the world of simracing. It’s a ready-to-play set that you can unpack and place on your desk or cockpit in minutes. Just install the PC drivers, plug everything in and start playing. In fact, the package contains the motorized base, a versatile GT steering wheel and a pedal setbut also a suspension system for the desk, non-slip pads for the pedals and all the necessary cables. This bundle is sold for $689.
It’s also possible to purchase the steering wheel and base separately, while the pedals appear to be exclusive to this pack. An option is available for the crankset to add a spring to the brake: the Performance Kit, sold for $40. An addition that, as you will see, seems essential to us. If we look at the competition side, this R5 is positioned against Fanatec’s CSL DD or against Thrustmaster’s TS-PC RACER and T-GT II, with which we will of course compare it.
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Refinement and Crafting: Excellence is now called Moza
The base of the Moza R5 is particularly compact. It’s straight the smallest base we have ever had in our hands. Almost 12.5 centimeters high, 15 wide and 18 deep, including quick release. However, it benefits from exceptional build quality. The exterior is almost all metal (only the rear part, which houses the connectors, is made of plastic), and the steering wheel mounting system, a D1 spec from the automotive world, is also positioned as one of the best for simracing. Inside it is an all-metal axle that awaits us just to convince ourselves of the longevity of the engine transmission.
On the steering wheel side, it’s also a big hit. The stitched leather border is in no way inferior to the most beautiful bikes on the market and the entire center section on a metal frame benefits from a high-quality finish. It will be necessary to look at the top of Fanatec to find better ones, ie. The buttons remain of the “Video Game” type. and do not shine with their realism. But they are comfortable, easy to activate and well positioned. At the back, the two paddle shifters are made of metal with a clear click.
On the feet we find a quasi-replica of Fanatec’s recent CSL pedals. This crank, made entirely of metal, delights us with its simplicity and its possibilities in terms of lateral positioning of the pedals. It houses an accelerator and brake as standard, but can easily leave room for a clutch pedal. The data management of these pedals is managed by a hall effect magnet system, like Fanatec.
Even before playing, we can say that this bundle shines with its build quality and finish. A good step above Fanatec’s proposal with its CSL DD or GT DD Pro, it takes the lead over Thrustmaster’s T-GT II and TS-PC Racer, which look like toys next to the R5. Moza knows how to make beautiful objects, that’s obvious. Whether the flight result is correct remains to be seen.
Installation: A software with many good ideas
It is the Moza Pit House, which serves both as a steering wheel management pilot, but also an adjustment software for all parameters. It is similar to Fanatec’s Fanalab, with managing multiple profiles per game, but differs in a different approach depending on your skill level. So we find everyone a set of pages for beginnerswith pre-recorded profiles (quite consistent, btw) and easy setup options.
who wants to go further the pit house responds with advanced settings, curves for the pedals and even a force feedback equalizer according to the frequencies of the information. It’s great, with a very successful overall ergonomics, in an environment in English (the French version is coming), but it has to be admitted that the little R5 doesn’t make full use of all the software’s possibilities. In fact, with the 5.5Nm motor, most of the adjustments have to be fully made for the sensations to be good.
Sensations: Healthy but performance-limited force feedback
With 5.5 Nm, which the manufacturer specifies, you shouldn’t expect to hold a power monster in your hands. To get an idea, with all cursors below, the Moza R5 is a slight notch below the Fanatec CSL DD (in 5 Nm) and the Thrustmaster T-GT II, and quite reasonably over the T300 RS. For the latter two, the comparison ends here, which is R5 a real direct drivewith sensations that remain much better under the fingers.
In fact, there is no vibration here from a tightening gear or belt, no rumble in the face of a tightening reduction gear. Direct Drive is ensuring a direct physical connection between the engine and flywheel, like in a real car. So we feel what the game wants from us, with no flexibility, with minimal latency. The ideal to spot a drop in grip is the position of the front wheels, as long as the game you’re playing has a physics engine worthy of the name.
On the side of the steering wheel itself, we also appreciate the general ergonomics, since the position of the various buttons has been well thought out for quick access in the game. The steering wheel is certainly quite compact, with a diameter of less than 28 centimeters, and given the power of the engine it is unlikely to increase in diameter. but the paddles are perfectly placed and very responsive. A real fun game for a good mood.
And those good feelings are easy to get. The R5 benefits from a filter that will soften most signals and its adjustments via the pit house are simple and effective. Where a CSL DD with the wrong setting can sometimes overshoot or create air pockets, the R5 is more consistent, smoother, more “mainstream”. The slight disappointment is that you can’t “charge” the R5 like you can with a CSL DD. So choosing this model means accepting a lack of performance in linear force feedback management or a lack of detail in signal amplification. Choosing simplicity for better performance.
The crankset: mandatory equipment, otherwise disappointment
The crankset incorporates the features of Fanatec’s CSL pedals: a wide heel plate, freely positionable pedals and magnetic detection of the brake and accelerator pedal position. Even the crankset installation uses the same mounting points, with a slight added difficulty for the front bolts. It’s also better to have two people for this part if you don’t want to lose your nerve.
a use, The accelerator is satisfactory. Fast and smooth response, low drag, that’s all you need to handle that acceleration with precision and speed. No particular worries on this side. You can’t say the same the brake pedal, which, and this is heresy for us, reacts almost like the gas pedal. So without resistance. Goodbye muscle memory, goodbye precision, goodbye realism and hello to the 10 cm run to reach the maximum values.
However, Moza has a solution to greatly improve this result: a spring and rubber system to simulate resistance at the beginning and end of the race. Except that this solution is optional and of course subject to a charge. 40$ plus transport costs if you forgot to add it when buying the bundle. Admit it’s a bit petty. Luckily, this accessory fulfills its role well, with the obvious possibility of being modified if the base resistance doesn’t suit you.
Conclusion: A healthy family steering wheel that is reserved for beginners
From Forza Horizon to iRacing, through Dirt 5, Dirt Rallye 2.0 or even Assetto Corsa Competizione, the Moza R5 has shown easy to adjust to quickly achieve a satisfactory result. And that’s the main strength of this package, which puts instant access for everyone in the palm of your hand. In addition to a very good build quality, the R5 is a beautiful object that you like to put on your desk, bike stand or racing cockpit.
The fact remains that it suffers in performance compared to its direct competitors and in particular the CSL DD which is faster with its 8Nm motor despite the power supply being limited to 5Nm. Especially since the R5 is not upgradable. Finally, Of course we regret that the crankset is equipped with such a bad brake and being forced to purchase an additional spring to correct this problem. From our point of view, this accessory should have been in the box, even if it increased the price a bit.
Direct drive technology accessible, easy to implement, here is the proposal of this Moza R5 bundle that shines with many qualities. Of particular note are its ergonomics and its build quality, as well as the pleasant rendering that its motorization offers. But this ultra-compact motor still has its limitations, with a drop in performance that will make you choose between precision and the power of feeling. Finally, the original crankset in its basic version did not convince us. To reach the level it is necessary to add the performance option for $40.
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