MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod: my opinion after use

The MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod is typically the kind of accessory you underestimate at first glance. It's "just" a mod to transform the basic ES wheel into a single-seater-type steering wheel, but in a setup, it changes a lot more than its price suggests. It's clearly aimed at users of the MOZA ecosystem who already drive with a round ES wheel, and want something more suitable for F1, modern GT or endurance racing.

Its role is simple: to offer a more logical grip for racing cars, better hand support and more control in fast passages, without having to invest in a much more expensive full formula steering wheel. It's attractive because it promises a smooth transition from an "entry-level" steering wheel to a more serious feel, without having to redo your entire setup.

For my part, I approached it from two angles: build quality vs. price, and the real on-track impact on control, fatigue and consistency of feel compared to higher-end formula wheels. The idea is to see if this Mod is a truly useful upgrade, or just a nice "cosmetic" for the look.

Design and manufacture: a real leap forward compared with the bare ES wheel

Visually, the Mod completely transforms the ES wheel. We've gone from a classic round steering wheel to a more compact, single-seater/GT-style format, with a flat bottom and more pronounced handles. In the hand, the difference is immediate: you feel that the grip is more serious, more locked.

The plates that make up the Mod are made of metal, with a clean cut and a very decent impression of rigidity. Nothing moves, nothing creaks. Once assembled, there's no feeling of having added a fragile or cobbled-together part: the ES + Formula Mod package becomes a coherent whole. That's good for confidence, especially if you're riding with a Direct Drive base that's a bit torquey.

The handle coating, in imitation or textured rubber depending on the version, offers an honest grip. The texture grips the hands well, even without gloves. The density is not on a par with premium alcantara or genuine leather steering wheels, but for the price we're aiming for, it's still quite acceptable. It's easy to see that the aim is to provide shape and support, not to play in the same league as wheels costing three times as much.

Where it slightly disappoints, is on the slightly "light" side felt if you come from a more massive formula wheel. The structure isn't soft, but you get the feeling that the original wheel isn't a high-end chassis, so even if the Mod improves the whole, you're not magically transforming this wheel into a full-carbon wheel. Compared to other entry/mid-range steering wheels on the market, this is above a simple plastic wheel, but below the metal models with thick handles and premium materials.

Overall, in terms of perceived quality/price, the Mod does the job: it really gives the impression of upgrading your ES steering wheel, not just sticking on an aesthetic extension.

Settings, customization and compatibility: a very plug & play upgrade

The MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod is designed to be easy to live with. Customization takes place mainly during assembly: you attach the plates, check the alignment and, once tightened correctly, you don't touch them again. There are no complex mechanical adjustments: it's all about the shape and the grip.

On the software side, everything runs through the MOZA Pit House ecosystem. We're not talking Mod-specific options here, but the ergonomics of the ES wheel remain the same: buttons are still accessible, as are joysticks and encoders. The new shape may slightly alter your habits for reaching certain buttons at the ends, but most riders will get the hang of it in a few sessions. The learning curve is short: the biggest change is hand position, not control logic.

In terms of compatibility, we're staying within the MOZA framework: it's aimed at those who already have a MOZA base and an ES Wheel. On the PC, no particular worries; everything is recognized as the original wheel, since the Mod doesn't add any electronic components. For the console, it's the same rule as usual at MOZA: compatibility depends on the base and the planned gateways, not on the Mod itself.

For the overall ecosystem, it's pretty smart: this Mod lets you upgrade an entry/mid-range setup without investing in a complete new formula steering wheel. You can concentrate your budget on a better base, pedalboard or cockpit, and keep this Mod as a "bridge" between phases of your setup. Clearly, it's more of an entry point to a more racing feel than a definitive solution for purists who will eventually aim for a top-of-the-range formula wheel. But as an intermediate step, it's very coherent.

MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod in play: what it really changes

On the track, the Mod doesn't create additional strength, but it does change the way you exploit torque and feedback from your base. That's where it gets interesting.

The first impact is turning precision. With the formula shape, the hands are naturally positioned at 9:15. The arm lever is shorter and the useful rotation travel seems more controllable, especially in fast passages such as chicanes, fast S's or big curves with slight adjustments. You get a better feel for the point at which the car starts to move, without having to make angle gestures that are too wide. On a less powerful base, it gives a feeling of greater control. On a more torquey base, it allows you to tame the force without having to physically exert yourself as you would on a large, round steering wheel.

In terms of grip reading, the change comes mainly from the firmness of the support. Small losses of grip, micro-corrections at high speed, the end of braking in support are easier to manage because your hands are more locked on the grips. You move your arms less, your wrists and fingers more. The FFB information seems clearer, even if it hasn't changed: it's the way you filter it with your body that's evolving. It's easier to understand what the back of the car is doing.

Vibrators also come out differently. On a round wheel, you tend to absorb some of the vibrations in your shoulders and arms. With this Mod formula, the feeling is concentrated more in the wrists and forearms, which makes the vibrators and edges "sharper" without necessarily making them more violent. You can feel when you're straddling the vibrator, when you're cutting it a little too close, or when you're coming back onto the track. It's very useful for attacking string points.

On long sessions, the big gain is controlled fatigue. The formula shape invites you to ride with your arms slightly closer together, lower and less tense. After a while, your shoulders and upper back will thank you. Especially on a mid-range Direct Drive base where the torque is already serious: you lose less energy holding the steering wheel, and retain more to be precise. On a more modest base, it makes less of a difference to force-related fatigue, but still makes the posture more natural for F1 or LMP-type disciplines.

In fast corrections, you can clearly see the difference with a large, round steering wheel. When exiting a bend with slight oversteer, or in an unanticipated slide, the countersteer is shorter and sharper. You don't need to re-catch the steering wheel by turning a lot. You play at a more restricted angle, with shorter movements. The result: more confidence when you're driving at the limit. You dare to approach the breaking point of the grip, because you know you can correct it without fighting with the wheel.

Compared to a dedicated high-end formula wheel, the MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod won't magically transform your ride into a "pro-level" experience. The mass, materials and overall rigidity of a premium wheel retain a finesse advantage. On the other hand, compared with the standard ES wheel, the leap is clear: you go from a "general public" all-purpose wheel to a truly race-oriented shape. It's in these small details that the experience changes: hand placement, perceived amplitude of rotation, way of absorbing the FFB. You steer more with your fingers and wrists than with your shoulders, and this has an immediate impact on precision.

Who's it for? And what we like / don't like

The MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod is clearly aimed at simracers already in the MOZA ecosystem, especially those who drive on PC with an entry-level or mid-range Direct Drive base, and who still use the original ES wheel. For a motivated beginner who's starting to get serious about F1, GT3 or endurance racing, it's an excellent way of meeting the needs of these categories without blowing your budget. For an intermediate user, it's the logical upgrade before moving on to a truly specialized formula steering wheel. For a very experienced driver with a high-end base, it can serve as a secondary steering wheel, but it won't be the main wheel.

What I appreciate most is the immediate improvement in grip: hand position is more natural for racing, control is more intuitive, and you feel you're gaining finesse without having to "relearn" how to ride. Then there's the feeling of coherence in the MOZA ecosystem: the Mod integrates perfectly, doesn't add complexity, and makes it possible to get a little more value out of the ES wheel, which many consider a simple starter wheel. Finally, the price/utility ratio is very good: for a relatively small investment, you get a concrete change in the way you ride, not just a more racing look.

But there are limits. The first is that the base remains the ES wheel: if you're looking for premium materials, thick leather or alcantara and an ultra-massive feel, you'll quickly reach the limits of what this Mod can sublimate. Secondly, the Mod doesn't change the buttons, paddles or electronics: if you're already frustrated by these aspects, it's not a miracle solution. The third is that it speaks only to MOZA users: it's impossible to use it outside this ecosystem, so in terms of resale or multi-platform longevity, it's more limited than a standalone steering wheel.

In terms of perceived value, this is a smart accessory: it doesn't replace the need to buy a real top-of-the-range formula steering wheel, but it delays that need and gives the ES wheel a second life. For many setups where every euro counts, it's a smart investment rather than a whim.

Verdict: a simple mod that really changes the way you ride

The MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod doesn't make you dream on the technical sheet, but on the steering wheel, it brings a real evolution. It transforms your ES Wheel from the "default steering wheel supplied with the base" into a tool more suited to modern racing cars. The main gain is in control, gesture precision and comfort over time. On a mid-range setup, the impact is greater than the price might suggest.

On the market, this Mod is a well-positioned mid-range accessory: it's not premium, but it's not just a cosmetic gadget either. It's a reasonable pivot point between a starter setup and a more serious configuration, ideal for those who want to move upmarket in stages without burning through their entire budget at once.

I clearly recommend it to MOZA users who still ride with the ES wheel and who like F1, GT and prototype disciplines. For a purist already equipped with a very powerful chainstay and top-of-the-range steering wheels, the interest will be more limited, except as a spare wheel. For someone outside the MOZA ecosystem, it simply doesn't make sense.

If you're looking to make your ES steering wheel more precise, more consistent with modern racing cars, and gain more control without blowing your budget, this MOZA ES Formula Wheel Mod can clearly make a difference to your setup.