The world of high-end, direct drive sim racing wheelbases has exploded in recent years. With so many options now available from various manufacturers, it can be tricky to cut through the noise and hype to find the right DD base for your needs and budget.

In this detailed review, I’ll be taking an in-depth look at one of the newest entrants in this competitive space – the Moza R16 wheelbase. Having tested and raced with this wheel myself extensively over several months, I’ll provide my frank perspective on how the R16 stacks up against the competition.

Introduction

Moza might be a relatively new name in sim racing, but they have years of experience developing high-end camera gimbals and other precision gear. Leveraging this expertise, they set out to make their mark in the sim racing world with a line of striking, high-torque direct drive bases.

The Moza R16 sits right at the sweet spot of consumer-level DD bases, with its distinctive styling and focus on providing a customizable, pro-level experience straight out of the box. I was excited to put it through its paces across various racing titles to see if it lives up to the promise.

After racing on the R16 for over 5 months now, I can comfortably say it delivers a full-featured DD package for around $1000, with only a few quirks still needing to be smoothed out via firmware updates. Here is the full scoop, from unboxing to podium finishes!

Unboxing and First Impressions

My initial unboxing experience left me impressed with the quality and heft of the materials. At around 9kg, this DD wheel immediately felt like a premium-grade unit, not a toy.

The bright orange and black color scheme on my review unit is definitely aggressive and race-inspired. I can appreciate that Moza tried something different than the usual sim racing black box, but I know the styling will be very divisive. The vented hump design gives it almost a muscle car vibe, for better or worse.

In any case, build quality is solid with carved aluminum alloy housing the DD motor with authoritative 16Nm of torque on tap. Bright blue LEDs glow when powered up, but might annoy some in a dark rig.

Specs and Features

Let’s run through some key specifications on the Moza R16 wheelbase:

• Power: 16Nm torque capable DD motor, upgradable to 21Nm R21 version
• Compatibility: PC only currently
• Quick Release: NRG style allows aftermarket wheels
• Dimensions: 330mm x 260mm x 130mm
• Weight: Approximately 8.9kg

Despite being PC only, the R16 is ready to plug and play with all major racing sim titles. The quick release system means you can easily swap to different wheels.

Speaking of wheels, the included unit feels great with its suede leather wrapping and well-placed controls. My only gripe would be the plasticky rainbow button caps seem out of place on a premium wheel.

Wireless performance is rock-solid, never dropping the connection between base and wheel. Software lets you launch and configure titles with one click.

The telemetry display addon provides a stunning amount of data on its 5-inch screen. Tire temps, fuel, lap time, track position, etc. are covered to give you tremendous feedback while driving.

Set Up Process

One of my biggest worries going into testing the R16 was that the setup and configuration would be a headache with such advanced features onboard.

Luckily, those fears were unfounded once I installed the Moza PitHouse software on my PC. The wheel calibrating and tuning process was smoother than any other DD base I’ve tried.

Within minutes I could launch titles, customize force feedback, button mappings, telemetry and more. No frustrations or needing to edit config files like on some competitors’ offerings.

The software also automatically detects supported racing games you have installed. Overall, kudos to Moza on the nicely polished PitHouse software suite.

Mounting and Positioning

Hard mounting the R16 wheelbase securely is a necessity to handle the forces involved under racing conditions.

Moza provides 4 mounting holes on the bottom plus side brackets as an option. The base is angled forward around 5 degrees by default to suit rigs without adjustable mounts.

One negative for me was needing to drill mounting holes manually without any template or guide. The optional bracket also provided limited usefulness in many rig configurations.

So while the mounting system works, it could use refinement from Moza with better hardware support and documentation. You will need to take care to get the R16 planted firmly.

Force Feedback Performance

This is where the rubber meets the road. No matter how many fancy features a DD wheelbase boasts, if the force feedback lacks finesse then nothing else matters.

I’m happy to report that after early issues, the R16’s FFB has matured beautifully in response to user feedback and constant firmware polishing.

Moza’s R&D team seems very focused on incremental improvements, rather than releasing a product and abandoning it afterwards.

The force modeling is now accurate, detailed, and highly customizable for different titles and vehicles. The 16Nm of power gives you plenty of dynamic range and physical immersion in the sim.

I did notice a slight cogging feeling around the wheel center at times. This needs further tuning, but easily dialed out by modifying damper settings temporarily.

Overall the FFB provides the most important element in conveying speed and track conditions to your hands. Moza nailed the fundamentals here.

Reliability Concerns

One lingering worry I have after prolonged use of the R16 is longevity and reliability.

The DD motor shows no signs of overheating yet, despite the lack of active cooling or fans. But I do wonder about the lifespan of running motors hot for years on end.

There are also reports of some quality concerns like the flimsy button caps popping off under intense racing. The shifter paddles can miss gears or be inconsistent at times as well.

These seem like solvable issues with component upgrades and firmware refinements. We’ll have to see if Moza addresses these weak spots proactively.

Recommendation

Stepping back to look at the full package, Moza has put together an impressive direct drive wheelbase that feels like a more premium offering than its reasonable circa $1000 price tag.

It provides depth of customization previously only found on rigs costing 2-3X more money. The blend of high technology like the telemetry display and wireless connectivity sets it apart from competitors.

Some reservations do remain around the love-it-or-hate-it styling, mounting challenges, and questions on longevity of key parts under duress.

However, Moza has shown a willingness to keep iterating and enhancing the R16 experience over time. I believe most of the rough edges can be smoothed out.

For PC racers seeking strong, smooth direct drive performance without breaking the bank, the Moza R16 should merit serious consideration. I am happy to recommend it as a cost-conscious DD option holding tremendous potential for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What games and platforms are compatible?

The R16 is a PC-only wheelbase officially. But users have gotten it working on PlayStation consoles through third party adapters.

Is the R16 strong enough for serious sim racers?

With 16Nm of torque, the R16 provides more than enough force for precise, realistic feedback. The higher R21 offers 21Nm if you need more power.

Does it require permanent mounting to a rig?

Yes, you should hard mount the R16 securely to handle the forces involved. It cannot be reliably used on a desk or with a clamp.

What wheels can I use with the R16?

Thanks to the NRG-style quick release, you can use many aftermarket and universal hub wheels with the R16 wheelbase.

How difficult is setup and configuration?

The Moza PitHouse software makes installation easy with automatic game detection and tuning. No complex config file editing required.

Is the telemetry display included or an addon?

The 5-inch telemetry screen is an optional addon priced around $200-300 depending on region.

What are the best entry-level alternatives?

For more affordable direct drive options, look at the Fanatec CSL DD or Simagic Alpha Mini. For belt drive, the Thrustmaster TS-XW or Fanatec CSW.