True direct drive—finally within reach

We plugged in the R5 expecting some compromises, but instead we were pleasantly surprised by this entry-level model. MOZA has managed to fit a genuine 5.5 Nm direct-drive motor into a tiny case, at a price that’s shaking up the competition. Gone are the gears and belts found in entry-level steering wheels. Here, the motor drives the shaft directly, and the difference in the smoothness of the feedback is immediately apparent from the very first turns of the wheel.

A compact base machined from aluminum

First impressions are reassuring. The body is made of aluminum, and the metal quick-release clamp is the same as the one found on the much more expensive MOZA models—and it’s honestly one of the best on the market. The compact design slips under a monitor effortlessly and can be mounted just as easily on a desk—using the clamp provided with its protective foam—as on an actual chassis thanks to the threaded inserts. One thing to keep in mind during assembly, though: the mounting diagram is a bit unusual and is worth a look depending on your cockpit setup.

What 5.5 Nm Feels Like on the Track

The R5 really shines when you're driving it. You’re not looking for that wrist-twist that pulls your shoulder out of its socket; you’re looking for feedback, and in that regard, it delivers. The texture of the asphalt comes through with a precision you wouldn’t expect at this level—enough to make objects on your desk vibrate. Road bumps are clearly felt when entering a turn, and you can sense the rear losing grip before it happens, giving you time to correct it because the chassis responds quickly. During long sessions, the tires run quietly and maintain a stable temperature—two pluses for back-to-back stints. The only criticism we have is a slight lack of feedback during understeer—a somewhat hollow sensation when the front end loses grip—but nothing that spoils the fun.

The ES steering wheel and SR-P Lite pedals

The bundle is designed to be ready to race right away. The ES steering wheel, covered in faux leather, feels great in your hands; its aluminum paddles are crisp; and, most importantly, the rim shows virtually no flex, which enhances the immersive experience. Its twenty-two programmable buttons more than cover your racing needs. The SR-P Lite pedals are the most basic component of the set. They use Hall-effect sensors, and braking remains linear, without the gradual increase in resistance provided by a load cell. You get used to it, but it’s the first component you’ll want to upgrade later on.

Compatibility: What to Check Before Buying

Let's be clear about this important detail. The R5 bundle, as sold, is PC-only. This configuration does not support consoles—neither Xbox nor PlayStation. Xbox players should opt for the R3 or a specific rim from the MOZA ecosystem. On the software side, Pit House handles everything, recognizes about forty major titles, and offers an effects equalizer to fine-tune the force feedback to your liking, with calibration completed in just a few seconds.

Who is it for, and our verdict

The R5 is aimed at motivated beginners or intermediate players who want to try out direct drive without going for a top-of-the-line model. It offers clarity and build quality that give it an edge over belt-driven steering wheels, all at a reasonable price. Those looking for raw torque or who mainly play on consoles will want to look elsewhere, but for a first true direct-drive wheel on PC, the value for the price is hard to beat.