MOZA R5: the real Direct Drive entry point?

In the small Direct Drive baseplate category, the MOZA R5 has quickly established itself as a "serious first price" reference. It's clearly aimed at those who want to move away from belt-driven or geared flywheels, without going for a power monster or blowing the budget. On paper, it promises a clean, precise, compact FFB, with an ecosystem already well established around it.

What attracts is this rare mix: a very compact format, sufficient torque to be immersive, modern software settings and a price that remains affordable for Direct Drive. It's aimed at the simracer who wants a base he won't regret after a few months, but without necessarily looking for Nm overkill.

My angle here is simple: to see if the R5 really holds up on three key points for today's setup: build quality, the finesse of in-game sensations, and its ability to follow a progression over several years. In other words, whether it's a "real" DD base or just another marketing entry point.

Design and manufacturing

Visually, the MOZA R5 is immediately very "bloc pro": a compact, angular aluminum case, with a clean, no-frills anodized finish. In hand, the sensation is that of a dense, rigid product that doesn't sound hollow. You can feel that the chassis has been designed to take the torque without flinching, even on a fairly rigid cockpit.

The joints are clean, the edges well finished, and the screws don't clash with the rest. There's nothing flashy about it, but it looks more like working equipment than a toy. The reduced size also works in its favor: it fits easily on a streamlined alu cockpit, but also on a more compact stand, provided it's stiff enough.

What's most surprising is the MOZA quick-release steering wheel attachment system. Locking is straightforward, with no perceptible play. Once locked, there's no parasitic vibration, no suspicious oscillation: this contributes greatly to the serious feel of the base. You really get the impression of a single steering wheel + base unit.

Where it may slightly disappoint, is in terms of mounting versatility. The base is clearly designed for a cockpit or a heavy-duty stand. On a light desk, even with a stand, the effort of the Direct Drive is felt too much, and precision is lost. Another point: compared to more high-end bases, the design remains a little "industrial", without much work on the premium aspect. Functional, but not really "wow".

Compared to the big mid-range references, the R5 is just below in terms of physical presence and perceived finish, but well above an entry-level belt-driven steering wheel. It feels like a real simracing product, designed to last, without being at the level of a more massive and more expensive base.

Settings, customization and compatibility

When it comes to settings, the MOZA R5 relies on our in-house software, MOZA Pit House. The interface is modern and clear, with tabs for FFB, effects and game profiles. It's easy to navigate, and the presets provided for the best-known sims already offer a very decent base. You can drive like this without going into the slightest detail, and that's appreciated.

The really useful settings are here: overall force, filter, friction, inertia, damping, oscillation management, plus a few additional effects. The important thing is that each setting has a perceptible effect on the track. You can feel the difference when you adjust the hardness around the mid-point or the damping level. The fine-tuning is mostly done to find the balance between FFB precision and comfort over long sessions.

The learning curve remains reasonable. For a user coming from an entry-level steering wheel, there's bound to be a little trial and error, but you won't get lost in obscure menus. More experienced simracers will find enough depth to really refine their feel.

In terms of compatibility, the R5 is aimed primarily at the PC, where MOZA offers its most complete experience. On consoles, the situation is more limited and highly dependent on the steering wheel and licenses, so it's not the base to choose if your main objective is console gaming. On the PC, on the other hand, it works with the big sims and racing games without any major problems.

The MOZA ecosystem is a real asset: a variety of steering wheels (GT, F1, round, etc.), pedals, shifters, handbrakes and dashboards all plug in harmoniously. The R5 can be used as an entry point into the ecosystem, while remaining compatible with more advanced steering wheels as you move upmarket. It's less progressive in terms of raw power (torque remains modest), but very solid as a long-term foundation for someone who's not looking for excess.

Sensations in play

Once on the track, the character of the MOZA R5 is quickly understood. The first word that comes to mind is "clean". The FFB is clear, crisp and smooth. Compared to an entry-level belt or gear drive, the gain in precision is obvious. You can better distinguish micro-variations in flywheel load, small mass transfers and the moment when the tire starts to slip.

In bends, the base engine is very easy to read. Torque isn't monstrous, but it's enough to feel the car's weight shift, and to keep a firm grip on long, fast curves. What counts here is not raw power, but the way it's delivered. The centering is stable, with no blurring. You don't fight with the steering wheel, you work with it.

In terms of grip, the R5 does very well for its class. You can clearly feel the transition between grip and the onset of slipperiness. Loss of traction on acceleration or wheel lock on braking are picked up by the steering wheel without being drowned out by artificial effects. You know when you're at the limit. You also know when you're over it. This is where the base really changes the experience.

Vibrators are a good test. On some circuits, they can quickly become unpleasant if the base is poorly filtered. Here, you feel the relief and texture, but without having your wrists taken apart. Depending on the settings, you can make them softer or sharper, but even with a fairly "rough" profile, it's still usable over a long session. You don't come out rinsed, and that counts a lot for comfort.

Over long stints, consistency is good. No perceptible loss of power, no annoying engine warm-up. Behavior remains identical from the beginning to the end of the session, which helps to build up reliable reference points. Forget the base, concentrate on the track.

In fast corrections, the R5 performs very satisfactorily for its power. Quick countersteering and small recoveries at the limit are done naturally. The base is responsive enough to follow the movement without perceptible latency. You can really catch a drift on the fly. Compared to a more powerful base, you have a little less mechanical authority, but you also tire less.

Compared to a more powerful Direct Drive, the difference lies mainly in the torque reserve and possible violence of the FFB. A large base will enable you to simulate heavy GTs or prototypes with greater realism of effort. The R5, on the other hand, favors finesse over brutality. This means a loss of pure intensity, but for many players, it will be more usable and less intimidating on a day-to-day basis.

Coming from a less powerful or belt-driven base, you gain in clarity, detail and confidence. You immediately understand what the car is doing. The steering wheel ceases to be a mere accessory and becomes a genuine information tool. And at this price level, that's exactly what you'd expect from your first Direct Drive.

Who's it for? What we like / What we don't like

The MOZA R5 is clearly aimed at the motivated beginner or intermediate simracer who wants to make a serious switch to Direct Drive without plunging into the very high-end. It's well-suited to those who regularly drive on PCs, on circuit- or rally-type sims, and who want equipment that can accompany them for several years. Experienced users may also appreciate it if they prefer compactness and comfort to extreme power.

What we really like is the quality of the FFB for this power category. The base remains legible, fine and pleasant, even over long sessions. Integration into the MOZA ecosystem is also a real plus: you can gradually expand your setup with more advanced flywheels or cranksets without changing everything. And the compact format, combined with serious construction, makes it a good choice for modest cockpits or small spaces.

But there are limits. The first is the relatively contained power. For the majority of gamers, this is sufficient, but those looking for a truly physical FFB, close to extreme conditions, will find the base a little wise. Second point: console compatibility remains limited, which reduces its interest for those who play mainly on consoles and only occasionally on PC. Lastly, versatility as a fixture is less evident on a simple desktop or light stand, where the Direct Drive's torque quickly highlights the support's weaknesses.

In terms of investment, the MOZA R5 is well placed. This is no longer a "toy" purchase, but a real simracing machine, with a high perceived value for the asking price. For someone coming from a big-box steering wheel or an entry-level model, the qualitative leap is clear, without reaching the price of the big pro bases. It's a product that gives you the feeling of buying a serious base, not just a stronger gadget.

Verdict

The MOZA R5 is a clear game-changer in a setup that comes from the world of entry-level belt-driven or geared flywheels. It brings the cleanliness, precision and consistency of Direct Drive in a compact, affordable, everyday format. It doesn't turn a cockpit into a pro team simulator, but it does take sensations and control to a whole new level.

It occupies a pivotal position on the market: a Direct Drive entry/mid-range base, but with a feel that has little in common with the traditional entry-level. It lacks the brutality of the big bases, but offers a very interesting balance between finesse, comfort and budget.

I'd recommend it above all to PC simracers who want to take the Direct Drive step with a coherent, scalable solution within the MOZA ecosystem, and who don't need an inordinate amount of power. For mainly console gamers, or those aiming directly at very high power, it won't be the best choice.

If you're looking for a serious, clean, compact first Direct Drive capable of following you for several seasons, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.