As a sim racing enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new direct drive wheelbases that can match or exceed the performance of mainstream options like the Fanatec CSL DD. The Moza Racing R9 recently caught my attention with its compact design and budget-friendly price point, so I decided to take the plunge and share my hands-on impressions after extensive testing.

Overview

The R9 wheelbase from Moza Racing, a relative newcomer to the sim racing hardware scene, packs a punch with 9Nm of direct drive power aimed squarely at competing head-to-head with the 8Nm Fanatec CSL DD. I purchased the R9 bundle including the CS steering wheel and SR-P pedals to put the complete package through its paces across a wide range of racing titles. Here are some initial pros and cons I discovered:

Overall, the R9 shows tremendous promise as a top-tier budget direct drive option for dedicated PC sim racers. While it lacks the massive ecosystem and plug-and-play console support of Fanatec, the exceptional force feedback fidelity and build quality help it punch well above its weight class.

Packaging and Unboxing

Right from taking the first look when unboxing, it’s clear Moza put care into the presentation and accessories included with the R9. The packaging has a premium look and feel, and handy additions like a drawstring wheel base bag and button sticker customization sheet show attention to detail.

The quick release mechanism produces a loud, satisfying click when locked in place. This all-metal QR feels incredibly solid with no play or wiggle between the wheel and base.

Setup and Installation

Getting set up is straightforward – mount the wheelbase, connect power and USB, install the Moza Pit House software, and you’re off to the races. The Pit House app immediately identified all my components and had them calibrated in minutes.

Four mounting holes on the bottom allow direct mounting to a cockpit rig. I didn’t even need to raid my hardware drawer for longer screws.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the R9 wheelbase exhibits fantastic build quality. The tight tolerances on the aluminum alloy housing and dense interior components become obvious when hefting the unit, which has some serious weight to it.

The industrial design avoids any flashy aesthetics, but the all-black color scheme and machined metal shaft exude a premium feel. Moza clearly invested in the mechanical engineering – this is a tank.

Features and Specifications

On paper, the R9 ticks all the boxes you would expect from a contemporary direct drive wheelbase. The 9Nm of torque provides plenty of power for aggressive racing.

I especially appreciated the inclusion of useful extras like an RPM indicator strip and paddle shifters on the CS wheel rim, along with tunable pedals offering extensive customization options.

The quick release deserves another mention here – it’s truly best-in-class for this price range. Rock solid performance and rapid attachment changes perfectly complement the wheelbase.

Software and Compatibility

The Moza Pit House software surprised me with its depth. Tons of customization and testing tools allow dialing in the force feedback exactly how you want it. I also found the presets for different vehicle types helpful for getting started.

However, out of the box the default force feedback settings are extremely muted and dull. This requires urgently fine-tuning the forces before any serious driving.

While the R9 works seamlessly with heavyweights like iRacing and Assetto Corsa, some titles like Dirt Rally 2.0 took extra configuration tweaking before the force feedback behaved properly. No native console support either.

Force Feedback and Fidelity

Here’s where the rubber meets the road – how does the R9 actually feel behind the wheel? In a word: fantastic. Once tuned to my liking, the detail and nuance provided through the steering is right up there with the best of the best.

Subtle textures of different track surfaces come through clearly. Weight transfer and slip angles translate intuitively. The resistance buildup entering corners immerses you into the moment.

Comparing back-to-back with my previous CSL DD, the R9 matches it for intuitive feel. The larger torque capacity also adds a touch more raw strength when desired.

Response and Agility

An advantage of direct drive wheels is their lightning quick response times, which translate every little nuance of the virtual car’s handling into your hands milliseconds faster than gear systems.

Here the R9 does not disappoint – the precision and immediacy elevate any sim title. There is no sluggishness whatsoever. Combined with the rock solid quick release, every movement gets communicated directly.

Heat and Cooling

Direct drive bases generate significant heat under load. Even after multiple hours of continuous lapping in a hot ambient environment, the R9 stayed remarkably cool to the touch.

The slick aluminum housing effectively manages thermals, avoiding any need for pauses to prevent overheating. Reliability is excellent based on my testing marathon.

Noise Levels

Besides heat, noise is the other potential nuisance with powerful direct drive bases spinning away rapidly right by your ears.

No issues to report here either – the R9 produces very little motor whine or background noise even at high speeds. It blends into the background for a nice, immersive experience.

Reliability and Durability

No surprises given the tank-like build quality, but the R9 stood up to everything I threw at it over weeks of testing without a single hiccup. Hours of continuous operation and forceful steering did not phase it whatsoever.

All components mesh together smoothly for a totally seamless experience. I have zero concerns about longevity for this wheelbase.

Quick Release System

The quick release mechanism on the R9 is simply superb. The satisfyling click when inserting the wheel followed by rock solid rigidity inspires confidence.

Shakes and wiggles plague many budget systems, but the R9 QR provides a direct, play-free connection with the steering wheel. This should be the new standard at this price point.

Steering Wheels

The included CS wheel provides great value, with premium materials like forged carbon fiber paddles and ample customization options.

I did find the rim slightly too large in diameter and heavy in weight. This masks some of the R9’s ultra-fidelity force feedback – a lighter wheel improves feel noticeably.

Pedals

The SR-P pedals exceeded my expectations, with a progressive brake system unlike anything in the entry-level market. Extensive customization around the pedal sensitivity curves and brake dynamics make these a real hidden gem.

They feel like a more premium pedal set thanks to details like the rubber stops eliminating noise and vibration. For the price, the SR-P’s are a huge selling point.

Table Clamp

Moza provides an optional table clamp accessory, and I highly recommend using this or a cockpit mount for stabilization. While feasible for temporary desktop use, a rigid mounting point helps the R9 achieve its full potential.

The table clamp allows easily tweaking the wheelbase angle while keeping everything neatly secured. A worthy add-on for rig-less setups.

Cockpit Mounts

Hard-mounting the R9 wheelbase to a sim racing cockpit is the best approach for serious driving. My rig used standard sized mounting holes that lined up perfectly with the base.

Once fully secured, the R9’s impressive torque can be used to its full potential without concern about movement or slippage during aggressive maneuvers.

vs Fanatec CSL DD

How does Moza’s upstart offering compare with the reigning champ from Fanatec? Very favorably.

The Moza provides slightly stronger peak forces, much faster wheel changes courtesy of the excellent QR, more customization, and a lower price point. Fanatec counters with a bigger ecosystem, plug-and-play console compatibility, and more polish.

For dedicated PC users seeking maximum immersion, the R9 holds its own against the CSL DD for less investment. However the ecosystem gap may still push many toward Fanatec.

Verdict

Moza Racing deserves legitimate recognition for packing so much performance into the R9 at this price point. Aside from lack of console support, it fires on all cylinders.

Stellar force feedback, robust build quality, and intuitive software make the R9 a standout offering and my new recommendation for budget direct drive systems focused on the PC experience.

Consider me a Moza convert – the R9 is an absolute winner in my sim racing garage!