The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 98 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great wheel!
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Well, built, solid construction, not a bunch of cheap plastic. Great quality and feel.
The pedals do need to be assembled, but it’s not that hard. tool and screws are provided
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Moza Racing R5 Bundle blew me away with its performance and build quality. The 5.5 Nm direct drive delivers smooth, powerful, and detailed force feedback that completely changes the racing experience. The ES wheel feels premium with responsive buttons and satisfying paddle shifters, and the SR-P Lite pedals are solid and accurate right out of the box.
For an even more realistic braking feel, I highly recommend getting the brake performance kit add-on — it makes a huge difference in control and immersion.
Setup is fast, tuning is easy with Moza Pit House, and the value for money is unmatched.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hands down one of the best sim racing bundles for its price.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great feedback through the steering wheel. Easy to assemble. Connects to computer via usb so pretty much it’s plug and play. Glad I went this route instead of a G29.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Stop looking and just buy it. Warning that this is addictive and you will then want a rig to put it in, upgraded pedals, shifters, hand brake, your wife will hate you. But it is amazing.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Any decent Direct Drive racing base system was well over $1k three years ago. And the quality of some of the products was... often substandard. A few years ago the entry level products were mostly light weight plastic. So much has changed over that time frame. There are now wheelbase, steering wheel and pedal combos like the Moza R5 is much less. It’s getting much more affordable to participate in the "DD" because of products like this Moza R5 Racing Simulator.
The R5 package weighs 29 lbs in its packaging. It's got some heft. My first impressions of the wheelbase is that it is tiny, but heavy (compared to others). It’s only 4.5" in deep (not including the shaft). This makes it much easier to desk mount right in front of a monitor or notebook. The steering wheel is only 12" wide which is really small (compared to others). But this is a great design decision. It's not that fancy but it has plenty of buttons and two great shifters. It is big enough, heavy enough, so it does not seem like a toy. It is small enough to give you decent torque quite accurately. More on the force feedback later; but it more than met my expectations. The pedals are heavy metal, they offer some adjustment that you don't find at this price point. You can adjust the throw, the pedal face height and even the spacing between the pedals. There is also an optional brake upgrade and an optional (SR-P Lite) clutch to complete the floor pedals. Both options are very reasonably priced, great options to complete the kit.
The hardware installation, fortunately Moza supplies a desk mounting bracket with the bundle but at my dest I found the mount to be too close to my knees. So for testing I mounted it to a granite counter in my kitchen, where I use several notebooks. Mounted to a standard desk I did feel that leg clearance was less than it needed to be. The desk mount can accommodate desks/counters up to 2.5" thick. The mount is also heavy metal making it very stable. It has a fixed angle (not adjustable) which should be fine for most installations. The pedals should be connected to your wheelbase before mounting them. They plug in under the heel plate which can’t be accessed when mounted. Mounting them was relatively simple with the bolts which were provided. The steering wheel has 11 pins on the rear. These pins provide power and data communications. The R5 does not have a wireless module (making it more reliable). There are inputs for the pedals, dash, shifter, expansion ports, & E-Stop on the rear of the wheelbase (image shows all connections).
The software installation, I'd previously used the notebook in my kitchen with the Asphalt Racing series and Raceroom. The version of Steam I had installed was out of date so I upgraded it (all my windows games use it). I then installed the Moza Pit House. When it started it recognised what Moza hardware was installed/connected. It also prompted me to update the wheelbase firmware. Once done I had to remove the "quick release" steering wheel and reinstall it. The software shows all the basic things on the home tab. You can see your pedal inputs, button presses, rotation and overall force settings. You can fully adjust the pedal curves and dead zones via their software (more of a high end feature). You can adjust the force feedback setting using a 'equaliser' setup screen. It works quite well (but depends on the sim you're - you make changes on the fly while driving). MOZA also gives lots of presets. You can tweak the settings all you'd like. It even has one click configuration for multiple games which don’t natively support MOZA the wheelbase. The Moza Pit software needs to be running in order for the LEDs on your steering wheel to work. The software has just about everything you could ask for.
The pedals are the weakest part of this bundle. They perform pretty well, but they very much are entry level. I wish they included a clutch, but some sim racing games don't need/require it. I had a minor issue calibrating the brake where the high end was not being set right. The steering wheel is exceptional. The materials feel quite good, better than I expected. There are plenty of buttons that are easy to reach. I really like the d-pad and the shifters. The size of this steering wheel is perfect for this setup. It's nice with a quick reaction.
The force feedback is what really matters; you really cannot expect the world. But the accuracy and speed of the movement of the wheel is excellent. The force feedback was enjoyable and above my expectations. I tried this wheelbase across several sims and it performed very well. The default settings in the MOZA pit house software are good starting points for most cars. I did have to play with the settings quite a bit to get set up for drifting. The more I used it, the more I liked the smaller size. It gives you a nice tight, crisp force feedback.
I love the form factor. The quick release wheel is quiet and reliable. It has no flex whatsoever. I had no connectivity issues throughout my testing. The steering wheel is basic, containing lots of simple buttons and two surprisingly good shifter paddles. The pedals are functional but unremarkable. But they are perfect for entry level sim racers. I really recommend this setup to those that are looking to get into sim racing. It’s a great set up to get started with.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
TLDR: Takes racing games to the next level, adding a level of immersion that makes any game feel new and fun again. Premium materials and customizable software make it even more realistic and immersive.
PROS
Premium materials
Direct Drive FFB (Force Feedback) Wheel has more torque and resistance than competition
Programmable “curves” for brake and throttle.
Extensive “tuneability” and trouble-free firmware updates
CONS
Antiquated USB-B connection makes new product feel old
Limited brake and throttle pedal travel
Considerable translation issues with documentation & software
Contents are misleading on box
INITIAL CONFIGURATION & SET-UP
The R5 is set-up and configured using Moza’s Pit House software. It is available on Moza’s website, as is either the Android or iOS companion app. The Windows software installed without issue, though downloading the components and installation took roughly 5 minutes or so. Not to mention, the installer and installation package looks and acts like something designed for Windows 98. It is clunky, but it works.
With most things, my go-to game for testing and playing is Forza. In this case, it was Motorsport 7. After installing Pit House and rebooting the computer, FM7 recognized the R5 and mapped the pedals and controls almost perfectly. However, it constantly indicated that both the brakes and throttle were being applied at the same time, forcing numerous Window swaps and digging to find out what and why the R5 was behaving like it did.
While the R5 self-calibrates during installation, the calibration and wheel position were off considerably (like a car with a bad alignment). Here lies the biggest issue with the R5 compared to the competition; you must adjust the R5 in both the game and in the Pit House software to function properly. My recently replaced competitor’s product (at an equal price point) was much more user-friendly during the set-up process and less time-consuming. I estimate it took me nearly 4x longer to get the R5 close to dial-in than the competition, and I still don’t have it quite perfect.
However, the Moza software allows for much more “tuneability” than Moza’s primary competitor. There are tremendously more adjustments you can make with the Moza than the competition’s product. Nearly everything on the R5 is adjustable. FFB intensity, resistance, throttle and brake curves, etc. is adjustable. Because you can make so many more finite adjustments to the R5 than the competition, the R5 will suit more drivers.
PROS VERSUS THE COMPETITOR
How does the R5 stack up against the primary competitor?
First. The pedals included with the R5 feel much more realistic. They have a spring, like a real throttle and brake pedal, where the competition has a plastic plunger and coil spring that looks and feels like a shock off an RC car. The R5 pedals should prove to be far more durable, as not only are they a superior design, but there are also no plastic parts in the moving pieces.
Second. The FFB (Force Feedback) from Moza’s servo-based motor is more powerful and realistic feeling. Rated at the same torque as the competition, the Moza wheel and feedback feel more natural and far more powerful. Most likely because I took the time, and had the ability to customize the wheel and its behavior in the Pit House app. Like I said earlier, the Pit House allows for far more tuneability than the competitor. This motor feels stronger and heavier duty than the others.
NEGATIVES VERSUS THE COMPETITOR
First. There is less pedal travel. While not a deal breaker, there is less pedal movement with the R5 than the competition and substantially less travel than a real car. So, even with reduced “tip-in” curves, brakes and throttle application happen at a faster rate requiring more precise control.
Second. The Moza Pit House software feels 10 years older than the rest. It is functional and it works, it just feels outdated and antiquated.
Third. Even without spending the time to tailor the wheel and pedals to my liking, the competitor’s product is more plug and play with greater native game compatibility. The R5 requires the Pit House software to be the intermediary between the wheel and the game to function correctly.
Fourth. Translation and documentation. Moza’s documentation and translations leave a lot to be desired. At this price point, Moza’s documentation is substandard, as is its translations. I’ve seen better documentation in $5 auction site products. Not to mention, the box the R5 comes in is very misleading. The box and instructions clearly indicate a three-pedal configuration with a clutch. If I were in a store and looked at the box, I would absolutely think I was getting a 3-pedal set-up, not only does the box depict a 3-pedal assembly, but the documentation is also for assembling a 3-pedal rig.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I am fortunate to be able to make a true back-to-back comparison between the R5 and its primary competitor.
If I were buying a racing wheel and pedal set, I would buy the R5. Why? For three reasons. One. The Force Feedback from the wheel is stronger and more lifelike. Two. The Pit House software, as dated as it is, allows you the ability to tailor the R5 to a far greater realism, and lastly, the R5 feels more premium with an all-metal motor housing and a full aluminum wheel and quick release mechanism. Those three reasons alone are enough to earn the R5 a spot on my sim rig.
RECOMMENDED
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Excellent bundle, it’s my first direct drive wheel and it’s a big difference from what I had. It’s quietness and smoothness, it feels like driving a car in the Assetto Corsa.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I picked up the Moza R5 because I always wanted a wheel/pedals for my PC but didn't want the basic setups you find with other brands. The Moza R5 doesn't disappoint with the level of customization available if you're willing to dedicate the time. This is for the sim racers that want complete control. Unfortunately, for those that want a plug and play experience the Moza might be a little much.
Build quality of the R5 is great. The steering wheel is actual leather and is sturdy. It has a plethora of buttons on it, to include a D Pad and paddle shifters. The paddle shifters have a click to them, but its very sharp sounding and I didn't find it very enjoyable.
The pedals are too far apart in their base configuration. I ended up moving mine closer together like they would be in a real car, but quickly found out that they don't stick to the floor like that and end up moving when you try to use them. I also couldn't figure out how to adjust them so the incline wasn't so steep. The instruction manual included wasn't very good so I'm stuck with them like this for now.
The action of the wheel is great. The feedback and torque of the motor really immerse you into the racing experience. Its much stronger than I thought it was going to be. The software allows you to configure turn radius of the wheel as well as pedal fall offs.
Problem I had with the software though was lack of button configuration. The steering wheel has a ton of buttons, but you can't configure them in the software. You also can't get the wheel to act as a controller through the software which I feel is a huge drawback, especially with how much in game configuration you have to do.
Finally, the desk clamps. They worked great holding the wheel down, but after removing the steering wheel to make use of my keyboard I noticed it chewed up my desk quite a bit. I feel like the clamps need to be lined so that it doesn't do damage to desks.
Compatibility is hit or miss. I tested out 4 games, 2 of which worked, 1 supposedly would work but I coudn't get it to work right (kept spinning out at high speeds, death wobble), and 1 that wouldn't work at all.
Overall its a very fun steering wheel and the software has a lot of depth to it. Unfortunately the complexity of getting this configured to work with some games takes away from the desire to use it. Additionally, the inability to get the steering wheel to act as a controller while it has those buttons on the wheel was disappointing.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
SETUP 6.5/10:
I struggled with the setup originally. Part of that was because when I first downloaded the software it launched in Chinese (even though I got it off the English site) and then forced me to go through some configurations that I had no idea about as I couldn’t read it. But I couldn’t change the language before I went through everything. Causing me to setup things incorrectly which then made the game not work correctly. As they do claim this is a “plug-and-play” device. Which is mostly true if you know what you’re doing. I highly advise going to their website and reading through their instructions for the game you are playing. As they go step by step and are easy to follow and include pictures. For Forza Horizon 5 (which is the game I did my testing on) you need to enable a setting to point to the wheelbase. And there is a preset you can download for controls. Which takes about 5 minutes to complete and then you should be good to go. You can go also access the instruction by opening the software, going to the game you want on the right hand side, and then clicking config. Which either will do it automatically, or show you how to do it manually.
As for the attaching the direct drive system, pedals, etc. Extremely easy to setup and really is just plug and play. The steering wheel is frustrating as it doesn’t clip on easily or come off all that easily. And most of the time when I thought it was on as it made a loud clicking and wouldn’t come loose. But then I would start a game and it would freak out, the wheel would fall off, and then I’d have to scramble to get it back on. After looking into this issue, it isn’t just me. I guess it requires a very deliberate action to ensure it's locked securely, and it's possible to get a 'false positive' click. It's not a simple clip; it requires aligning the pins and then ensuring the collar is fully tightened. Compared to more simplistic mounting systems. Such as the Turtle Beach Velocity Steering Wheel which I have no problems with. I also like that the ethernet port (for the pedals to connect to the main drive system) is on the left-hand side (can be moved to the right) which means when I push the pedals against something I’m not going to break the port. The rest of the ports come straight off the back. Single power cable for everything.
R5 WHEEL BASE/MOTOR 8.5/10:
This is what translates the virtual world into sensations you can feel. The Direct Drive System (DD) mounts directly to the wheel helping you get the most detail feedback possible. It provides Force Feedback (FFB). Which translates as force to the wheel to simulate the feeling of driving a real car. Which includes resistance when turning, jolts from bumps, curbs, going off road, and pull and tug of the car’s tires interacting with the asphalt to help prevent over/under steer. It comes with a 5.5 newton-meter (Nm) of torque. Which is a measure of rotational force the wheel can produce. 5.5 Nm is on the lower end of DD systems. Which go up to 21 Nm (with their R21 model). Which is significantly better than non-DD wheels. Giving you enough detail without being overwhelming or fatiguing and perfect for beginners. This is coming in on their lower end (R3, R5, R9, R12, R16, R21). But still does a great job at allowing you to feel the different textures. I used Forza Horizon 5 for my testing, which is more arcade than simulator making some of the sensations felt be less accurate than the true simulator games like Forza Motorsport or Assetto Corsa. As those have better physics and the wheel can only translate the information the game provides. Making me think those games would do a superior job in the way things feel. With that disclaimer out of the way, the wheel did an excellent job communicating road textures, but the feedback for loss of traction felt slightly delayed. I felt the Turtle Beach wheel did that particular part a bit better. But feel like this is far more accurate and responsive than that wheel. And the shifting is dramatically better. Also, not sure how good the Forza Horizon series is in detailed delivery. Overall, I really enjoy the feel of this wheel base. It is also compact making it very easy to store somewhere and then setup. Which that alone is HUGE. As anything that allows you to spend less time setting up and tearing down makes it so you are more likely to actually use it. The same goes with the pedals.
STEERING WHEEL 9/10:
I’m a big fan of this steering wheel. It feels high quality. It is their ES variant. The marketing reports it’s an 11-inch D shaped gaming wheel with microfiber leather grips, aluminum alloy rim, and 22 customizable buttons. It has a racing-level quick release system which I have a lot of problems with (see setup section, second paragraph). And RGB sequential flow shift light. I think it is very comfortable. All of the buttons feel high quality like a high-quality controller. Where they aren’t loose in the housing, have good travel, with good tactile bumps, and are satisfying to press. The shifting paddles are excellent giving a good amount of movement, while being stiff, and are very responsive while being made from metal. Never had any issues with the shifting paddles or buttons not registering in game. The RGB on the front can be configured for shifting. Though, I’m not sure how you would be able to see that when you’re watching the game. But I like that it is configurable, and make it feel more cockpit like for those not using onscreen HUD, or those who stream their gameplay. Overall, no complaints here outside of the mount being finicky.
SR-P LITE PEDALS 7/10:
This bundle comes with the SR-P Lite pedals. You can adjust the spacing of the pedals. Along with it having room to buy a clutch pedal separately. This is the next critical aspect to get a good feel and simulator experience. They use high precision hall effect sensors to measure the position of the pedal. Making it so your gas/breaking is measured on how far you press each respective pedal. Which translates more to how you would pull the trigger on a controller but with your feet instead. I found them to be extremely accurate and responsive in game. They are made from high strength steel. Feel very smooth. They are pure metal without any rubber or anything. Except for on the bottom which has four small square rubber pads to help prevent slippage. Which on my carpet didn’t do a great job as they constantly moved further and further away as I was playing. It is best to brace it against a wall or something to prevent it from moving.
With these being “lite” they are not load cell pedals. Which are more realistic pedals and give increased pressure, or adjustable pressure to feel more realistic. Along with making it so the harder pressure you press the more aggressive the braking is instead of how far it travels, making it more intuitive. But Moza has a ton of separate upgrades you can get, like the ‘Performance Kit’, which includes a load cell that you can purchase later if you’re getting more into the racing scene. If you are just getting into the scene, the normal SR-P lite pedals are a great entry. If you know you will be using this wheel all the time, only play racing games or they are your primary titles, or are planning on getting a full on rig, it is best to immediately get this upgrade.
MOZA PIT HOUSE SOFTWARE 9/10:
I’m not going to go too in-depth with the software. As I think a tutorial on YouTube would give you better overview. But essentially, this is the software component that allows you to do a lot of customization. Such as adjusting the force feedback which includes strength, smoothness, and other effects. Along with creating different profiles for different games or cars. You can adjust the pedal dead zones and sensitivity. Update firmware. Launch games directly. Or setup certain configs for a game. Overall, this is a rich software. It is relatively easy to navigate. I like that on the right side it shows all the officially supported games.
OTHER:
It works for just PC. Does NOT work on Xbox or PlayStation. 2-year warranty. You can customize and build upon this. As Moza sells a TON of extra pieces that you can make a full-on racing simulator if you want piece by piece. And if they all have the same quality as this set, then I can see why they are popular. Overall, this is an excellent starter if you are wanting to get into the scene. With very high quality components, that work well, are customizable, both to make it more comfortable, and to upgrade to be more complex. I don’t see anything breaking easily or any time soon. Making it so investing in this should work. Also, with an centralized ecosystem it means they shouldn’t be going out of date any time soon. And with them doing one thing, means updates, and software should continue to evolve and get better.
Love the direct drive, wish the pedals were better
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I picked up the Moza R5 Racing Wheel as an upgrade for an older, entry level wheel. This review is based on a few days of PC gaming use and my initial impression from 2 games.
TL:DR - The R5 wheel is beefy, the feel, size, and weight are leaps and bounds above what you could get at this price point 3+ years ago. The direct drive function is a must have for an immersive experience, and the software customization allows for complete and nearly total control of your experience. The downside is that the software isn't the easiest to navigate and configure and the foot pedals do not offer the same realistic experience as the wheel.
Pros:
Direct Drive - I love the force on the wheel and how realistic the response feels
Customization of throttle and brake, does not have to be linear, can set response thresholds
Build is well constructed with good weighting and smooth action
Cons:
Lack of adjustment - I'm 5'5", would have preferred there was some angle adjustment to the wheel, it's pointed a bit higher than feels natural for me.
No resistance on the brake pedal, can be upgraded, but at additional cost.
Software setup and tuning is more cumbersome than necessary.
Installation is straight forward, the wheel can mount to either a desk or cockpit setup. I do have a partial cockpit build, but primarily tested on the desk, due to the wheel not having an adjustable tilt. Next you'll want to move the foot pedals to where you want for spacing, attach cables to the brake and throttle, and install the Moza Pit House (referred to as PH going forward) software. Took about 15 minutes to set up and get up and running.
I tested this setup on both Assetto Corssa and Forza Horizon 5, both games I've played before with my older wheel. A few things that stood out is that the force feedback feels natural such that when I go off course I immediately feel rumbling in the wheel with no latency. Additionally, the force isn't over driven, but the right amount for the game. However, if I want to reduce the level of force I can through the Moza PH. Second, this build is solid, it seats sturdy to the desk / cockpit, the material is heavy duty both in the frame as well as the wheel itself. The wheel has a led indicator bar on top for RPMs, and can be customized for where it transitions between green, yellow, and red. The RPM bar isn't super bright, so it's not distracting for dark rooms, and nearly blends in if you aren't focused on it in bright rooms. The paddle shifters have a nice audible click and force, so you know that the shifter has been activated. Lastly there are nearly unlimited options for the buttons, key binding is at your discretion and configurable by game.
As for performance, the customization afforded by the software is the star here. You can (and will want to) customize the software to each game, which will be saved and recalled as you move between the games. If you are an absolute beginner, you may want to start with the preset modes, which offer everything from rally to GT and Formula 1 options. Manual software controls include max steering wheel rotation, force and return speed of your direct drive, break / throttle min / max limits, and key binding. In PH you can adjust the braking and throttle power response curve. Unfortunately I found that this only got me so far in a true to life feel, as I expected brake resistance in the pedals. Lastly, the response is top notch, there is no lag or latency in response, both in the wheel as well as the force response.
A few things to consider, if you are more serious about your racing setup, Moza offers upgrades, to include a pedal performance kit, clutch, handbrake, and shifter. I highly recommend the pedal upgrade, as it adds in a load cell and provides the resistance that makes the brake feel more realistic. Regardless of what you want to add in, all components are directly connected with dedicated ports, so no trades offs required. There are also other size and shaped wheels that can be swapped for the 11" wheel that is included. Not gaming related, but one consideration is that the force feedback is real, in my setup it's attached to a desk that is upstairs. The vibrations translate through the desk and floor and can be heard and felt downstairs. The sound is similar to pulling up alongside a vehicle with a large subwoofer, the low reverberations travel beyond your desk. For this reason, you may need a dampening mat if playing against a shared wall or apartment setting, or be willing to turn down the force level.
Overall I love this wheel and the direct drive, it's semi-intuitive to use straight out of the box, but also easy to customize if you've been racing and know what you prefer. I do wish I could have gotten this bundle with an upgraded pedal system or purchased separately to have the same quality feel from the pedals that I do in the wheel.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
MOZA can't seem to miss as of late as the R5 is yet another amazing product from this outfit. They offer just about every single component across any number of driving/flying sims at a number of price-points at an exceptional level of quality regardless of it being entry/mid/high.
The R5 being an entry level wheel is a great example of that. While the wheel itself feels a little smaller compared to competitors I also own it also feels noticeably better and of higher quality. Buttons have great feel and movement to them, the rim of the wheel is a soft leather, and gear switches are thin steel wings that also have a pronounced but not annoying "clicky" feel to them.
If you have a cockpit you can mount this into it, but the provided desk c-clamps are a great solution and do a perfect job considering how simple they appear. I would still recommend mounting into a cockpit frame as the pedals on the contrary do NOT stay in place very easily.
You have to purchase the clutch pedal add-on so out of the box you get gas/brake. You can move the pedal units left/right depending on your preferred positioning, and as a result you can make the pedal base quite unstable if you don't have it mounted down or put a heavy weight on it. I had another wheel mounted in my frame when this arrived so I tried it as-is and my short-term solution was putting a 15 lb dumbbell on the heel-plate and that solved the majority of my problems. I think having the clutch add-on would also add a little more weight and balance it all out.
And while the build quality of the pedals is very nice, it is very apparent that this is where MOZA keeps the R5 as the entry-level; materials. Everything is plastic and feels "cheap" relative to the wheel. They aren't bad, just a noticeable drop in regards to materials.
The Install and software are both simple and thorough. Had everything up and running in a couple minutes so got to adding setting profiles for my favorite games, and playing right away.
The 5.5nm of force might not seem like a lot when you see other wheels offering 1.5-3+ x that amount, but it works in perfect harmony here.
If you are wanting to get into simracing I would have this is my top-3 wheels to get no questions asked. Don't both with anything belt-driven, if the price seems like a lot I promise you it isn't considering how much more of an improved experience the R5 provides.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
While I'm a fan of driving games, both arcade-style and simulations, it's been several years since I've owned a steering wheel controller, so I was excited to try this one out.
The Moza R5 combo comes very well packed in protective material, and includes the base unit, an ES steering wheel, and SR-P Lite Pedal, featuring throttle and brake (no clutch). This makes it feel like it's more for arcade racers than simulators. You can certainly map the clutch to one of the many buttons on the wheel, but I've never driven a car configured that way.
The box comes with a basic instruction manual and an assortment of screws in two bags, with absolutely no indication as to what goes where. The short version is that you need four screws to mount the steering wheel base to the desk clamp, and it's not hard to figure out which ones. The rest of the hardware is, I presume, for mounting the hardware to a cockpit frame, for those who are serious about their simulation rigs.
Beyond that, assembly is limited to plugging in a couple of cables and seating the wheel itself onto the base. Simple stuff.
The Moza Pit House software immediately recognized and activated my hardware, and walked me through the calibration steps. Everything great so far. It scanned my game library for supported games (a launcher sidebar shows you what's installed, you can specific ones to the top of the list) and autoconfiguration options (or manual instructions) are available right there.
At least, it seems that's how it's supposed to work.
I've never had a more difficult time getting software and hardware to work together in my life.
While the Moza Pit House has no problem detecting the hardware, games seem to be split on how they feel about it. Forza 4 and 5 refuse to acknowledge the wheel's existence at all. I've walked through every step with support, and all of the possible alternate options in the software to maximize compatibility, but it just doesn't work. I've considered wiping and reinstalling my computer's OS and starting fresh, but that still feels a bit extreme, and I'm going to keep working at it. The support page says that Project Cars 2 can be autoconfigured for telemetry data, but when I try to do that in Pit House it says it has to be configured manually. Odd things like that.
Other games, like Assetto Corsa and Wreckfest, see the wheel fine, and just needed some minor configuration of the controls to get going. Competizione autoconfigured telemetry data without me even having to ask. My issues seem to stump other users when I've posted about them online, so it's probably just some sort of weirdness with my rig. Still, it's been a bit of a frustrating time.
In the games where I've gotten the wheel to work, it's a thing of beauty. It feels great to use. All of the buttons are within reach without being in the way, and everything about it feels premium and professional. The motor that drives the wheel is powerful and offers a fantastic level of resistance and responsiveness to the "road" and everything on it. The force feedback is just glorious. The base is super heavy and mounts on my desk like it was built into it. Very secure. The pedals... well, the pedals have a lot of resistance, don't weigh a lot, and I have a tiled floor. The rubber feet offer little in the way of grip on smooth surfaces, and had to resort to taking a scrap of OSB left over from a project and bolting it to that, leaving the wood braced against the wall to keep it from sliding about. A heavier plate would work wonders. It would also be nice if there was some sort of placeholder block included that could sit where a missing clutch pedal is, to help keep the base from wobbling or flexing in configurations where the pedals are placed closer together (as they normally would be) when placing your other foot on that side of the plate. I threw one together in a CAD program and printed it, and it worked well for that purpose.
Another nice feature that I didn't discover until later is that there's an app that will connect to the unit via Bluetooth, allowing you to change settings on the fly without exiting the game. I don't use it very often, but it's very handy when I need it.
I'm impressed with the modularity and upgradability of the hardware and I've already got several upgrade parts that I'm considering. Take that as the massive compliment that it is for the hardware, given that I'm considering expanding it despite my weird software issues.
I'd absolutely recommend this for anyone looking to get their foot into PC racing sims with an easily upgradable system.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
THIS… IS the Moza Racing R5, a ‘beginner’ racing simulation bundle with a wheel and pedal setup (no clutch). Moza is known for their high end systems but they also make really good entry level setups across several sims (racing, flying and even trucking). With a modular system design, this may be the best ‘entry level’ bundle I have seen… so lets take a look!
Before opening the box, just carrying it, I am somewhat shocked with the heft that is carried over when taking it out of the box. The motor that moves the steering wheel is -legit- and made very well. Everything is finished with nice materials and a sturdy design on first glance, and I loved touting the steering wheel around the house as if I am now a mythical racer. Now there is a bit of assembly, but nothing spectacular. You have to mount the direct drive wheel base to the bracket that clamps to your desk, and this is one of my only other gripes outside of one other that I will mention later on. Setup can be done with a video tutorial or a small booklet, I would recommend the video as the booklet is more suggestions than a walkthrough… but it really is only 4 screws and the steering wheel. Mounting the steering wheel was shockingly easy; you only have to align a few markers and push in. The pedals came assembled, however, they are adjustable and I did move the foot pedals closer together to feel more natural to my race car at home (my kia). The pedals really are my only gripe on this system. It is more a pedals on a carpet problem than a Moza pedal issue but for me... this is going on the carpet. I assume many other people will also be placing this on rugs or carpet as well, and it just causes wobbles unless you place the pedals far apart or your feet perfectly. On carpet you also have to worry about the pedals sinking back into the carpet and tipping if you place your feet too high on the pedals which is rather annoying. I was able to easily mitigate this with two 2x4 that I painted black and screwed in where the pedals can go (photo attached) and this cured it. I think this is somewhat annoying, but to be expected on carpet. If it is something that's continuing to be annoying, I would recommend upgrading the pedals to the Moza CRP2 as this would completely resolve your issue... and I am LOOKING for a reason to upgrade this. All that being said, this is a known issue with pedals on carpet regardless of the brand so don't think this is exclusive to Moza, but there is an easy fix.
Ok now that I have jabbered on enough - let's get to the reason we are here. How does it DRIVE? It is ~ f a n t a s t i c ~ The wheel feels fantastic with hand stitched leather, the paddles click oh so good and the direct drive motor? Fantastic. I played forza until 1am on a work night kind of good - wow we are getting old :,) Every car had a new handling line, driving in dirt drove like it was… in dirt. It wasn’t just harder than driving with a controller (it's way harder), it's ACCURATE. Driving on dirt, fishtailing and spinning out made me feel like a rookie again. The Direct Drive motor puts out about 5nm of torque, which is enough to feel the road but not enough to rip the wheel out of my hands. Back to everything being modular, everything can be upgraded with time. New wheel? easy. New pedals? Done. Only want to upgrade your direct drive system? Simple. The software attached to Moza’s system also makes it really easy to set up, and configuring the simulator with the different racing games and is really not hard at all. Setup including build time took me about 30 minutes from box to in game racing.
Overall, this has easily been one of my favorite products that I have reviewed … kinda ever? Out of the box I really was impressed from start to end and it really left me needing nothing else but loving it so much I wanted to upgrade everything. The foot pedals are tricky but not impossible and I really struggled to find anything I didn’t like. There is a steep learning curve going from a controller to a steering wheel simulator, but don’t let that discourage you from just how much fun it is! Even if that fun is fishtailing every turn and head on crashes for a while, it gets better I promise lol! Take advantage of BestBuy's return policy, give it a try… its sooo much fun! Till next time :)
Game Over, Belt Drives: MOZA R5 Bundle for the WIN
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
MOZA has cracked the code on affordable direct drive without cutting corners, and honestly, I'm impressed. This bundle delivers performance that rivals setups costing nearly twice as much. Everything arrives well-packaged in a hefty 30-pound box that immediately signals quality.
You get the complete entry-level racing sim package: R5 wheelbase, ES steering wheel, SRP Lite racing pedals, and an R5 table clamp. No shifter or clutch included, but that just gives you your first upgrade target. **Pro tip: buy the brake kit immediately - you'll thank me later.** If you're building a rig, consider using adapter plates, as there's no standardized hole pattern yet.
First Impressions
In gameplay, the response feels nearly instantaneous with zero noticeable latency. The force feedback makes every road surface and tire slip feel real. However, the pedals definitely feel like the budget component here - they're light and engage with minimal pressure. The brake upgrade kit isn't optional if you want a realistic feel.
Coming from a belt-driven competitor, the difference is massive. The 5.5nm direct drive delivers feedback and detail that makes hybrid systems feel like toys. Plus, there's a phone app for adjustments without alt-tabbing out of games - a brilliant feature.
Setup 5/5
Setup couldn't be simpler. Even without instructions, everything's intuitive thanks to clear labeling. I was plugged in and downloading PitHouse software within 5 minutes.
The process is straightforward:
• Mount the base to the desk clamp with four screws
• Connect power cable and other connections, then USB to link everything
• Snap the wheel on (arrow facing 12 o'clock position)
• Remove BOTH black plastic covers from wheel and base to expose pogo pins
**Pro tip: No wheel input? Check that you removed both plastic covers - learned that one the hard way.**
For rig mounting, your mileage may vary since there's no standard hole pattern. Get creative if needed.
Build Quality 4.5/5
The 13-inch wheel feels smaller than expected, but it is premium in construction. Despite its compact footprint, the base delivers 84W peak power and 5.5Nm torque through 15-bit resolution at 1kHz USB polling rate. This translates to incredibly detailed feedback.
Everything's built with aluminum, leather, and steel - minimal plastic in sight. The build quality screams durability, and I have no doubt this will last while giving me room to grow with accessories.
Desk Mount 4/5
This might be my favorite feature. Two twist knobs let you go from racing to work mode in seconds - everything slides right off the desk. I wish they'd used quick-release mechanisms like my toolbox C-clamps for even faster setup, but it works great as-is.
The quick-release wheel system brings back memories of MOMO and Sparco setups. With creativity and MOZA accessories, you can adapt almost any steering wheel. It clamps securely on desks up to 2 inches thick with minimal movement, even with just my mousepad for grip.
MOZA ES Steering Wheel 4/5
Classic MOMO-style quick-release with 22 programmable buttons, shift light, and aluminum frame wrapped in hand-stitched leather. It handles everything from F1 to drifting to GT racing beautifully once you dial in settings through PitHouse or the phone app. Everything's ready with just a few taps.
MOZA SRP Lite Pedals 3/5
Here's where the budget shows. They're aircraft-grade aluminum but surprisingly lightweight compared to the substantial wheelbase. The default spacing is ridiculously wide - more arcade-style where you use left foot for brake, right for gas. I moved them closer for realism, but this introduces wobble since there's no bottom spacer.
The pedal pressure is weak out of the box, making MOZA's brake upgrade kit practically mandatory. They use Hall-effect magnetic sensors for precision, but you'll definitely want to bolt them down or they'll slide around. A stability plate would've been a smart inclusion.
Software and Customizability 4.5/5
Download PitHouse from MOZA's site and the mobile app from your app store.
**Chinese language fix**: If the software defaults to Chinese, click the second icon from the bottom-left, then select English from the dropdown at the top. While you're there, enable DPI Scaling and Dark Mode for an enhanced experience with the interface.
Update everything through the firmware manager before calibrating. Game presets serve as time-savers, although you'll still need to fully customize the buttons. Assetto Corsa Competizione worked great with presets, but the original Assetto Corsa needed manual button mapping. The software gives you complete control over pressure curves and programming.
What I Love
+ MOZA App lets you adjust settings without leaving games
+ Magnetic quick-release system
+ Long-term growth potential in the MOZA ecosystem
+ Premium materials throughout (aluminum, leather, steel)
+ Easy upgrade path within R-Series
+ Incredibly detailed force feedback
+ Outstanding value - performs way above its price point
Needs Improvement
- PC only - no native console support (third-party adapters exist but spoof other products)
- Brake upgrade kit feels mandatory, but costs extra
- Two-pedal realistic positioning causes instability without a clutch
- Pedals feel cheap compared to the wheelbase quality
Final Thoughts and Verdict 4.5/5
This is hands-down the entry-level direct drive setup to get. It's not for casual gamers or console-only players, but if you're serious about PC sim racing, this delivers direct drive performance without breaking the bank.
Skip belt-driven systems entirely and save up for this - the performance difference is night and day. The upgrade path is smart, too. As you become more serious, you can add pedals, wheels, shifters, and even upgrade the base while retaining all your existing accessories. MOZA has built something special here - an affordable direct drive that doesn't feel like a compromise.
Put on your driving gloves, strap in, and feel the
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Right out of the box, this bundle brings an impressive balance between build quality and performance to your sim racing experience of choice. The packaging is robust yet easy to unpack, allowing you to immediately dive into the installation experience.
Utilizing the Moza Pit House software provides direct firmware updates, calibration options, and quick-launch options for numerous games. This ordered sequence of launching the software first provides a convenient way to skip the GUI of platforms like Steam, taking you directly to your favorite title and track. It’s so easy that it almost, ALMOST, feels like it detracts from the unit's quality, although it absolutely does not.
The open-ended nature of this package is particularly appreciated. There are ample options for additional components tailored to users' needs and desires. Moza’s Direct Drive R5 wheelbase allows for the addition of a clutch, e-brake, and HGP shifter. These additional components seem appropriately priced relative to the cost of entry presented by this bundle. Purchasing them all would cost around an additional $300 to fully flesh out your setup. You can take it another step further by adding the CM Dash that mounts directly to the Direct Drive wheelbase which will cost you an additional $159. HOWEVER, if you're looking to simply dive in with a set of pedals and enjoy a fantastic force feedback steering experience, this bundle is exactly what you’re seeking.
The feedback from this wheel is exceptional. It’s delightful to see it engage when launching Moza Pit House. The wheel spins freely when unpowered but engages and comes to life once you fire up the software. You will clearly feel the detailed feedback, whether navigating the rumble strips running through the chicanes at COTA or colliding with the wall at sharp turns. If you’ve ever executed an actual burnout in a real vehicle and experienced how the steering wheel reacts, you’ll be pleased to find this wheel mimics that behavior accurately. Perhaps the only notable downside is the brake pedal, which is entirely linear and lacks the buildup of resistance typical of actual vehicle pedals. Admittedly, achieving such realism would require a far more robust pedal assembly, significantly raising the price of this bundle.
Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this unit. A final note for readers: consider using driving gloves. The wheel has a premium feel, and excessive sweat from aggressive driving could damage it over time. Protect your investment and extend its life by using appropriate gloves.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Moza R5 Racing bundle is a great starter kit for those who want to dive into sim racing on PC. Its price point is a little above what you would find in a starter bundle, but understand that this is a direct drive steering wheel, which will give you a much better "drive" in terms of feedback, especially with its modest yet strong 5.5Nm of torque.
The kit itself is very straightforward to install and set up. The main components are a steering wheel, the direct-drive wheelbase and clamp mount, and the brake/gas pedals. Three main cables connect to the wheelbase (power, USB-to-PC, Ethernet-to-Pedals), and that's all there is to it. I did find that mounting the very lightweight SR-P Lite pedals to a sturdy base to be a bit tricky as there are no obvious front mount points to the heel plate of the pedals; only the backside behind the pedals had mounting holes. You may have to improvise to get the pedals secure as this is not going to work well on the ground alone. Otherwise, the steering wheelbase is easily clamped to a table, and with enough muscle, will stay put during use. I did find that the clamp screws do hang down a bit and find myself hitting my knee on them more often than not. This might be due to my own mounting setup but just be aware that it could happen to you as well.
The workmanship of the bundle is very good. The leather wrapped steering wheel is very good on your hands and the metal base ensures that there is no flex when the 5.5Nm tries to throw your arms as you spin out of control. As I mentioned above, the pedals could use a little more heft as they're the lightest set of pedals I've ever owned. Yet, they are still made of all-metal construction as opposed to the plastic ones that other brands include.
The performance of the R5 is highly dependent on that implementation of the racing sim that supports it. I've been playing Assetto Corsa off and on, and my prior belt-driven steering wheel setup was of lesser value, performance and quality. Happy to say that the R5 setup does not disappoint! The feedback feels much more precise, and this is attributed to the direct drive motor. The wheel adjusted nicely for all my cars (F1-style cars felt lighter at the wheel, much older cars had to be muscled, and everything in between).
The steering wheel has a plethora of tweaks and buttons to choose and customize to your game if your game supports it. Assetto Corsa didn't have a default Moza profile, but I was able to use the Moza for Assetto Corsa guide on their website to get a baseline setting. Other games may have better out-of-the-box support. What’s really cool about Moza steering wheels is its ability to be configured via app. I was able to download the Moza app and connect directly to the R5 via Bluetooth from my phone. The app provides the same types of setting tweaks that can be found in-game. I’m able to create and save a profile for Assetto Corsa. I think this is a sleek way of doing “live” updates to your configuration without leaving the game.
Understanding that this is more of a starter bundle, I do wish the pedals had a little bit more feel, especially the brake pedal. But that sparks the conversation about upgradeability, which Moza is all over. Everything about the R5 system can be upgraded from the steering wheel to the SR-P Lite pedals, and down to the DD R5 unit itself if you want to move up in torque. My first upgrade will be to purchase the SR-P Lite Brake Pedal Performance Kit, and with this I think I would be happy for a good while.
Overall, I’m very happy with this bundle from Moza. I love the driving experience and the modularity of the system, all at a reasonable price.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Moza R5 is an entry level direct drive Sim Racing bundle for beginners or casual racers. Its 5.5nm wheel base provides enough forced feedback to make driving more exciting while keeping the cost reasonable. The pedals are solid but the brake pedal lacks the true feeling of a brake pedal. The on/off button is located in the back and not easily found which isn’t convenient. I mounted mine on a portable racing stand so I could race at my gaming desk or in front of the big tv screen. I was pleasantly surprised by how many of my racing games were playable without much input due to Moza’s Pit house software – see the full list below.
Pros:
- Direct Drive wheelbase, its 5.5 nm is ok for beginners and casual racers and definitely a step up from belt or gear driven wheel bases.
- Excellent quick release on the steering wheel makes it very sturdy
- 22 configurable buttons on the steering wheel allows customization
- Pit House software limits the frustration of getting the racing apps working
- Hub support for optional hand brake, shifter, emergency stop and dash
Cons:
- The brake pedal lacks a load cell to give you a real brake pedal feel
- The on/off switch is a small button on the back which can be difficult to find especially if you are trying to shut the system off when the wheel is engaged.
- Limited to PC only
Setup and Racing: I mounted the wheelbase to a fold down racing stand that I picked up at Best Buy. Although this wheelbase can be mounted on a table I like the ability to adjust its height and angle which you cannot do with a table. I also mounted the pedals to the base to complete the setup. Using the stand I can race at my gaming desk or take it in front of the TV and race using the big screen. Following the simple directions I had everything mounted and cabled in a very short time. Anyone who has been sim racing knows that the biggest Frustration occurs when you try to get your game to recognize your wheel and then once that is done getting the game to allow you to assign the correct features and buttons to your wheel and wheelbase. As noted above Pit House does a good job of taking care of most of the more popular games.
Experience: This wheel/wheelbase is very smooth and quiet when being used. I didn’t notice any heat issues nor drop outs when going through my testing. At 5.5nm the wheel provides enough feedback to enhance the driving experience but I would recommend moving up to the 9 or 12 nm bundle if you plan on racing a lot. The wheelbase is very responsive and the Pit House gives you full customization over the reactiveness and functionality of the wheel. The biggest frustration with Sim Racing is getting the game to recognize the equipment and then letting you set the parameters and assign the buttons. Moza’s Pit House does a good job of finding your games and telling you which games need to be configured manually and which games Pit House can configure for you. Moza provides guides for those who want to delve into the finer adjustments using Pit House as well as recommended settings for games that are not automatically configured.
Games Played just using Pit House’s setup
- Assetto Corsa
- Assetto Corsa Competizione
- Forza Horizon 5 on Steam
- BeamNG.drive
Games Played using Pit House’s setup but needed additional configuration
- F1 2023
- F1 2022
- F1 2018
- Dirt Rally 2
Games Played that needed more setup than Pit House provided to get it functional
- Forza Horizon 4 on Microsoft
- Automobilista 2
- Dirt Rally
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Moza racing wheel is truly impressive and built to a high standard. Right away, you’ll notice the excellent build quality from the steering wheel to the wheelbase and pedals. The steering wheel feels solid and premium. I’m not sure if it’s actual leather, but it has a smooth, cool touch and provides great grip without slipping. The wheelbase is hefty, about 7 to 8 pounds, which adds to the feeling of durability and stability. The included pedals are made of steel and feature non-slip rubber feet for added grip.
This bundle includes the ES Steering Wheel, R5 Wheelbase, and SR-P Lite Pedals (note: it doesn’t include a clutch pedal, but one can be added later).
The assembly was straightforward. The only component that required screws was the wheelbase, which I mounted on the included table clamp. Attaching the steering wheel was as simple as aligning the ball bearings with the holes on the wheel base, and giving it a twist to lock into place. The remaining connections were an Ethernet cable from the pedals to the base and a USB-B to USB-A cable from the base to the PC. I was surprised that such a premium setup used USB-B, but it worked reliably.
The rear of the wheelbase has ports for expansion: dashboards, handbrakes, shifters, and an e-stop, along with connectors for power, pedals, and the USB connection.
Although the hardware feels plug-and-play, setting it up may take a bit more effort. You’ll need to download the Moza Pit House software from the manufacturer’s website, update the firmware, and run through the calibration steps. While many racing titles support the wheel out of the box, some like Forza Horizon 5 took me some time of manual configuration.
Getting Forza to work involved placing three specific files in different game folders and enabling UDP ports. Thankfully, Moza’s website provides detailed, step-by-step instructions that make the process manageable. Once you’ve done it once, future setups are quicker.
Once everything is up and running, the racing experience is phenomenal. The force feedback delivers realistic road feel, and the paddle shifters are fast and responsive. Acceleration and braking are smooth and accurate, though I found the brake pedal a bit stiff by default, you can easily adjust it via the software. I also tweaked the footrest for added comfort and fine-tuned the throttle response in the app.
The wheel features shift indicator LEDs, and they sync perfectly with gameplay. Compared to another wheel I own from a different brand, the Moza setup felt far more immersive, premium and refined.
Overall, though this might be one of Moza’s entry-level bundles, it performs well beyond that category. It’s a great fit for sim racing enthusiasts who want premium build quality without jumping into ultra high end gear. Whether you're a beginner looking to get serious or a mid-level racer upgrading from a basic wheel, this bundle delivers impressive value.The build quality is top notch, and while the software setup can be a bit technical for some, the results are worth it. With expandability for additional peripherals, this kit can grow with your sim racing needs.
In the box, you get the steering wheel, wheelbase, pedals, table clamp, mounting tools, USB-B to USB-A cable, power adapter, Ethernet cable, and a quick-start guide.