MOZA Racing ES 12 + Formula Mod – Review
The ES Steering Wheel is MOZA Racing’s entry-level steering wheel. It comes as standard in the R5 Bundle and has a steering wheel rim with a diameter of 28 centimetres. MOZA has responded to the community’s request for a Formula version of the steering wheel or a larger steering wheel rim and now sells the corresponding mods as additional add-ons.
Ordering and shipping
Both mods can be ordered directly from MOZA. Here, tax, customs and shipping are added to the listed prices:
- ES Formula Wheel Mod: 45€
- 12-inch Round Wheel Mod for ES: 85€
The German distributor for simracing hardware Sim-Motion is currently also offering the Formula Mod. Here you can get it for 45€ + shipping including taxes.
MOZA Racing ES Formula Mod
The Formula Mod ES is a very affordable way to turn the ES steering wheel (often provided in the R5 bundle) into a Formula steering wheel. At the same time, the rim is extremely light due to its small size (~500g, original rim: ~900g). Especially in combination with the R5 Base, the low weight is a noticeable advantage. The force feedback is more direct and overall slightly more powerful. The difference in weight does not make the small R5 Wheelbase a high-end wheelbase, but it certainly gets a little more out of it.
Due to the retained diameter of 28 centimetres, the mounted shift paddles can be operated without any problems, as the hands are in a comparable position when driving. The mounted rubber grips (relatively hard) also ensure a good grip.
Assembly
For installation, simply remove the pre-mounted steering wheel rim (6 screws at the front, 3 screws at the rear) and reattach the MOZA Racing ES Formula Mod with the previously loosened screws. The assembly of the precisely fitting steering wheel rim with the button plate is therefore done in a few simple steps. Just make sure that the Quickrelease is not twisted or the cable for data transmission is not damaged during installation. It is best to place the steering wheel with the QR facing downwards on a flat work surface and remove the steering wheel rim by simply pulling it upwards after loosening the screws. The QR and button plate remain securely in place then.
Conclusion
For only 45€, the MOZA Racing ES Formula Mod is highly recommended if you already own the ES steering wheel. Especially for owners of an R5 wheelbase or fans of modern formula or GT cars, for example, the steering wheel rim offers real added value compared to the original rim. Even though the rubber grips could be a little softer, they feel very good in the hands and always provided sufficient grip during testing.
Pros
- Price/performance ratio
- Easy and fast assembly
- Low weight
- Rubber grips
Cons
- –
MOZA Racing ES 12 Mod
The ES 12 Mod is the counterpart to the Formula Mod. At 12 inches (~30.5 centimetres), the steering wheel rim is slightly larger than the original rim. At the same time, the MOZA Racing ES 12 Mod is also somewhat lighter and weighs only around 840 grams. But then there are the 80 grams of the optional shifter attachments. These are intended to provide more comfortable operation of the paddle shifters, but were not needed during testing and were therefore not permanently mounted for a small additional weight saving.
The larger diameter of the steering wheel rim makes it more suitable for e.g. rally or road cars. Even though an inch more diameter would be quite appealing, MOZA’s decision makes sense. This way, the steering wheel rim remains agile even in combination with an R5 wheelbase and the loss of force feedback is, if at all, marginal.
The workmanship is very solid and especially the seams of the Microfiber Leather Grips are very neatly stitched or glued in the thumb area. Because of this and the shape chosen by MOZA in the area of the gripping surfaces, the Racing ES 12 Mod feels very good in the hand and is very comfortable to hold.
Scope of delivery
- Steering wheel rim
- Shifter Paddle Extension Block
- Tools
Assembly
The assembly is basically the same as for the ES Formula Mod. In addition, two of the three screws on the back can be screwed back onto the button plate.
In addition, the Shifter Paddle Extension Block can be mounted and fastened with the screws supplied. Here, too, the assembly is done quickly and no problems are to be expected.
Conclusion
Like the Formula Mod, the Racing ES 12 Mod can be recommended to buy. The workmanship and materials are spot on, as is the quick and easy assembly. Only the price of €85 is a little too high to be able to recommend the 12-inch steering wheel without hesitation. Nevertheless, it is a good option for an upgrade, especially for owners of the ES Steering Wheel.
Pros
- Easy and fast assembly
- Low weight
- Materials
Cons
- Price in relation to the price of the ES Wheel or Formula Mod.