MOZA R5 Bundle – Review

MOZA R5 Bundle – Review

The R5 Bundle from MOZA currently represents the entry into the MOZA ecosystem. With the set consisting of a wheel base with 5.5 Newton metres, a proper steering wheel and a 2-pedal set, the user receives a complete setup to get started straight away. This review will show how this set performs in practice and for whom it can be a recommendation.

Ordering and shipping

The set can be purchased both directly from MOZA and through various distributors. The manufacturer’s price is 639€ excl. VAT. The German dealer Sim Motion, who provided the set reviewed here free of cost, currently charges 659€ incl. VAT,

Note: There was no influence on the test report at any time, there were no conditions regarding the content and publication time of the review.

Scope of delivery

The bundle consists of the following components:

• MOZA DD R5
• ES Steering Wheel
• SR-P Lite Pedals (No Clutch)
• R5 Table Clamp

• 15 Degree Desktop Mounting Clip
• Power Supply
• Power Cable
• USB Cable
• M4*10 Socket Screws x12
• M6*20 Socket Head Screws x2
• M8 Nuts x3
• M6x12 Socket Head Screws x4
• Pedal Fixed Rubber Columns x2
• 2.5mm Hexagonal Wrench x1
• 7mm Open End Wrench x1
• 5mm Hexagonal Wrench x1
• Type A to Type B USB Cable x1
• M8*12 Hexagonal Screws x3

MOZA delivers the bundle in a comparatively small box containing the base, the steering wheel and pre-assembled pedals. In addition to the table clamp, the power supply and the connecting cables, everything needed to mount the set on a sim rig is also included. This is quite good, even in comparison to other manufacturers. On the other hand, there is no elaborate instruction manual; if in doubt, you should look it up online.

Technical data

Wheel Base

With dimensions of 173.9 × 156.8 × 124.0 mm (L × W × H), the base is extraordinarily compact. Further data can be found in the table below.

ES Steering Wheel

SR-P Lite Pedals

Compatibility

Hardware

In terms of compatibility, the R5 Bundle is still somewhat mediocre. At the moment, only the expensive FSR Formula Wheel and the RS V2 Steering Wheel are compatible with the Wheel Base. These cost over 500€ each and do not really match the low entry price of the bundle.

Due to the missing Bluetooth module, the other components from the manufacturer’s ecosystem cannot currently be used in conjunction with the R5 bundle. MOZA would like to improve this in the future and ensure full compatibility with future products.

Update: MOZA has taken action and released new versions of the steering wheels: The R5 Wheel Base is now compatible with the following wheels:

Software

In terms of software compatibility, MOZA has improved greatly in recent times. Most well-known simracing titles are supported out of the box and can be configured accordingly without any problems. The current compatibility list includes the following titles (as of November 2022):

Occasionally, however, there are still minor problems, which are fixed more or less quickly. These include, for example, the assignment of the manual pit stop button in F1 22 and the preset profiles.

Mounting

Mounting with the table clamp

The bundle from MOZA shines when it comes to mounting. Thanks to the table clamp supplied, it can be mounted directly on the desk; no further mounting material is required. The table clamp is damped at the top, so no marks remain on the top of the desk.

Note: In any case, a stable desk or other solid top is needed. Glass or other smooth surfaces are not suitable without additional rubber pads.

Rig mounting

For mounting on a fixed rig, instead of using the table clamp (see picture), it is advisable to mount using the four threads provided for this purpose on the underside of the base, which guarantees a firm connection.

Wheel Base

The heart of the bundle is of course the wheel base. Despite a maximum torque of 5.5 Newton metres, the fanless base with integrated cooling fins is extraordinarily compact, measuring 173.9 x 156.8 x 124.0 mm (L x W x H).

This gives a lot of freedom regarding the positioning in front of or also below the screen.

On the back are connections for the included pedals and an optional dashboard from MOZA. In addition, you will find the USB port for connection to the PC and the power button. This is designed as a simple push button, here a solution with a clear ON/OFF position or another type of feedback would be clearly preferable.

Force-Feedback

When it comes to force, the base can definitely show off and easily keep up with a CSL-DD without a boost kit. The direct-drive principle comes into play here and leaves competitors like the TS-PC Racer Servo Base from Thrustmaster far behind, despite similar strength. The feedback is transmitted much more directly and the feeling of car is thus much more noticeable in comparison. It is most comparable to the CSL-DD from Fanatec, both in terms of quality and strength (Fanatec Base with Formula Wheel).

The further conclusion can be divided into two areas: For use at the desk, the 5.5 Newton metres of the base are more than sufficient in many applications. Here, MOZA hits the bull’s eye with the combo of the compact wheel base and the equally compact steering wheel and delivers a classy overall package. The steering behaviour can certainly keep up with some of the competition’s much more powerful products. The maximum power is roughly comparable to the CSL-DD from Fanatec without the optional boost kit.

When firmly mounted on a rig (see video in the Driving Impression section), the 5.5 Newton metres of the R5 reach their limits relatively quickly. In many cases, the power is no longer sufficient to fully transmit information without clipping. For example, it is difficult to notice that the vehicle is starting to slip when driving through fast, long curves. For this application, if you do not want to reduce the force, you should use a somewhat stronger wheel base.

Steering wheels and quick-release

MOZA includes the ES Steering Wheel in the bundle, a suitable entry-level wheel. At 28 centimetres, the leather steering wheel is rather small and in this respect is similar to the size of the DD-Pro Steering Wheel and the steering wheels of the G29/G923 from Logitech. The quality of the 22 function keys has a similar feel. Here you can see the savings compared to the higher-priced models from MOZA. The feedback of the buttons is most similar to that of a gamepad, but they can be operated very reliably. The shift paddles also trigger reliably in the review, but do not offer the crisp feedback of good magnetic shifters.

On the plus side of the ES Wheel is the very well-made steering wheel rim, which provides an excellent grip. Another extremely positive feature is the good Quick Release, which MOZA has not cut corners on. This ensures a practically play-free connection without additional cables and allows the steering wheel to be changed within a few seconds.

Pedals

The SR-P Lite pedals are included in the R5 bundle as entry-level pedals. These are equipped with Hall sensors on both pedals, which measure the pedals’ movements with the help of magnetic fields. This is ideal for the throttle, but comes to technical limits when used in the brake pedal. Here, one actually prefers a pressure-dependent measurement, as known from classic loadcell pedals as well as high-end hydraulic pedals.

However, the very smooth-running pedals are very suitable for use at the desk. Here, the smooth brake becomes an advantage and the pedal set stays in position without screwing it tight, thanks to the rubberised feet.

If you want to add a clutch or prefer a firmer brake, the following two additional products are available for purchase:

• SR-P Lite Clutch Pedal
• SR-P Lite Brake Pedal Performance Kit

With the latter, in combination with an adjustment of the pedal curve in the software, you can then adjust the behaviour of a Loadcell brake, at least to a certain degree.

Positive features are the flexible positioning of the individual pedals and the pedal plates (adjustment of the height and angle of the pedals).

Software

The MOZA software is slowly beginning to take shape. Parts of the menus are still a little overwhelming at first glance, but there is a growing community and thus more material online to help with the first steps and provide “first aid” for problems that may arise. For example, when selecting the English language for the first installation, you have to press a button in Chinese before the installation can be completed.

Otherwise, the software offers many setting options and MOZA has also made a leap in terms of compatibility compared to the review of the R9.

Driving impressions

Conclusion

With the R5 bundle, MOZA has created an excellent package for use at the desk. The 5.5 Newton metre wheel base harmonises very well with the included steering wheel and the pedals are also ideally suited for this application. The force feedback is an enormous upgrade compared to, for example, a Thrustmaster T300 or a Logitech G29 and can fully utilise the advantages of a direct drive base.

If you decide to mount it on a fixed rig or are planning an upgrade in the near future, a CSL-DD from Fanatec or an R9 Base from MOZA is probably the better and more perspectively intelligent choice if you have the right budget.

Overall, however, the new set from MOZA was very convincing during testing and is therefore a recommended purchase.