The Smartest Way to Get Started with the MOZA Direct Drive

The ES occupies a specific niche in the MOZA lineup: it’s the steering wheel we put in the hands of those making the switch to Direct Drive for the first time. Most often sold as a bundle with an affordable base unit like the R5, it embraces its entry-level positioning without any pretense. This is a steering wheel that focuses on the essentials, designed to provide a solid starting point rather than a luxury item.

Better build quality than its price would suggest

The first pleasant surprise is the build quality. The frame and button panel are made of aluminum alloy—sturdy and well-finished—a far cry from the flimsy plastic one might expect in this price range. The rim is covered in hand-stitched microfiber, properly tensioned and pleasant to the touch. The whole thing exudes sturdiness and inspires confidence that it will last. While the materials are tailored to the budget, the build quality is solid: the aluminum shift paddles click cleanly into place, and the MOZA-branded quick-release mechanism is included, which greatly simplifies wheel changes down the line.

In your hands and on the track: a compact GT format

With a diameter of 28 cm, the ES is significantly smaller than the brand’s other steering wheels. In practice, you quickly get the hang of it: the size is easy to handle and well-suited for GT or road driving. However, this smaller size does have a trade-off that’s noticeable during gameplay. When stringing together tight corner entries, the small diameter requires wider arm movements and feels slightly less secure than a full-size steering wheel. The microfiber grips hold your hands securely and don’t slip, but they lack softness: during long sessions, or without gloves, you can feel the firmness of the surface, and comfort eventually reaches its limits. The paddles and buttons, on the other hand, offer a surprisingly premium feel, far surpassing what’s found on similarly priced consumer-grade steering wheels.

22 buttons and a light ring, but no encoder

When it comes to controls, the ES features 22 programmable buttons, enough to map most settings on the fly without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The LED rev ring—MOZA’s famous signature light—is definitely there and really enhances immersion, letting you time your gear shifts at a glance. The real drawback is the lack of rotary encoders: to fine-tune the engine mapping or brake bias lap by lap, you have to use the buttons, which somewhat limits the range of adjustments available during a race. It’s not a deal-breaker for a beginner, but it’s the kind of detail that makes you want to upgrade as you get better.

Compatibility: the MOZA ecosystem, and nothing else

What to check before purchasing. The ES connects exclusively to MOZA Direct Drive bases (R3, R5, R9 V2, and R12) via the proprietary quick-release mechanism. No third-party mounts are supported, and it does not function outside the MOZA ecosystem. This is a PC-oriented steering wheel: if you’re looking to play on Xbox, you should check out the ESX model, as the standard ES does not support the console. Once that’s established, integration is seamless, and the Pit House software handles everything without a hitch.

The "Formule" mod—a really great idea

What makes the ES so clever is its modularity. For about 50 euros, MOZA offers a mod that transforms the round rim into a Formula-style steering wheel. The conversion is lightweight (the weight drops from about 900 g to nearly 500 g), and installation is as simple as unscrewing a few screws. On an R5 base, this weight reduction makes the force feedback more direct and responsive, and the 28-cm diameter keeps the paddles easily accessible. For the price, it’s an affordable way to enjoy two driving styles without having to buy a whole new steering wheel.