MOZA R9 V2 & GS V2P GT Wheel Bundle: test & full review

The MOZA R9 V2 bundle with GS V2P GT steering wheel is clearly in the category of "compact but serious" Direct Drive bases. No longer a toy, but not yet an ultra-extreme machine. Typically, this is the kind of combo that makes many simracers hesitate: powerful enough to be credible, yet affordable in price and size.

On paper, this package promises precise steering, clean, detailed force feedback and a GT racing-style steering wheel, all with the MOZA ecosystem behind it. The idea is simple: to offer a real step up from belt-driven or geared steering wheels, without getting lost in the complexity or gasworks.

For my part, I approached this test by focusing on three points: build quality, ease of use (software, settings, ecosystem) and, above all, track feel, both on modern GTs and on prototypes and single-seaters. The aim is to see if this bundle holds up as the heart of a serious setup, and if the compromise between power / finesse / comfort is really convincing over the long term.

Design & manufacturing: a compact base, a serious steering wheel

Visually, the MOZA R9 V2 is strikingly compact. The block is dense and well-proportioned, with a metal chassis that exudes rigidity. In hand, when you handle the base, you immediately sense that it's not hollow: it feels solid, well assembled, with no parasitic play or cheap-sounding elements.

The GS V2P GT steering wheel takes the perception of quality up a notch. The structure is predominantly metal, with a carbon face that gives it a real "racing wheel" feel. The grips, in alcantara or equivalent material depending on the version, offer good grip and comfort, even over prolonged sessions. In hand, there's a real impression of a rigid monoblock. Nothing moves, nothing cracks, and that's reassuring.

Magnetic paddles are clean, dry and click cleanly. They're not silent, but that's consistent with simulation-oriented use. Buttons are numerous but well distributed, with a satisfying feel when pressed. The rotary encoders and switches are generally easy to use, even if it will take a little time to get used to the ideal mapping.

What's surprisingly positive is the coherent whole: compact base, serious steering wheel, and very homogeneous whole. Compared to more "plastic" entry-level steering wheels, this is a real step forward. Compared with much more expensive premium products, there's still a slight step forward in certain details of finish and materials, but nothing that detracts from the experience.

The slight disappointment may come from two points: the slightly "angular" side of the base, which is visually rather rough, and the grips which, depending on how you hold the steering wheel, can tire the hands a little if you drive for a long time with a lot of force. Nevertheless, the level of workmanship is very convincing for this price range.

Settings, customization & compatibility: an ecosystem that holds up well

On the software side, MOZA offers a fairly clear configuration tool, with settings that cover the essentials without plunging the user into a gas factory. Set-by-set presets are handy for getting started quickly, especially if you're coming from a simpler steering wheel and aren't used to Direct Drives.

Where it works well is on the really useful parameters: general FFB intensity, filtering, damping, inertia, fast feedback management. It's easy to adapt the base to your style: more raw and communicative, or a little more filtered and comfortable. There's a learning curve, of course, but you won't find yourself lost in 50 obscure cursors. In just a few sessions, you'll find a "home" setting that suits you.

On the GS V2P GT steering wheel, customization is achieved by mapping the buttons and encoders in the games. For a GT or prototype, it's a real pleasure to have so many controls at your fingertips. You can assign ABS, TC, engine mixture, brake bias, ignition, radio... without juggling menus. It's like having a racing wheel in your hands.

In terms of compatibility, the R9 V2 remains clearly PC-oriented. Depending on configurations and bundles, there may be compatibility with certain consoles, but the product's DNA remains sim racing on the PC. To get the most out of the combo, it's on the PC that everything comes into its own.

The MOZA ecosystem is a real plus: several other steering wheels are available, as well as pedals, shifters, handbrakes, dashboards and brackets. The R9 V2 can be used as an entry point into the ecosystem, but it's also a base you can keep for a long time as you move upmarket with the rest of the setup. For an aluminum cockpit, there's no need to worry about rigidity, the base stays firmly in place, and the QR (quick release) does the job properly for changing the steering wheel.

Sensations in play: the bundle's real appeal

It's on the track that the R9 V2, combined with the GS V2P, shows its worth. Power isn't excessive, but it's more than enough for serious use. It's not the brute force that impresses, but rather the cleanliness of the signal and the way information reaches the hands.

FFB precision is good. When cornering, you can clearly read the transition between grip and the beginning of glide. It's easy to feel the point at which the front starts to stall, which immediately gives you confidence. You can attack the chord point feeling the car come alive, without fighting against an over-muscled or, on the contrary, too soft steering wheel.

On vibrators, the base reproduces the texture well without becoming unpleasant. You can feel the difference between a flat vibrator and a more aggressive edge. With reasonable settings, the steering wheel remains controllable, even on bumpy circuits. It's not as gritty and ultra-detailed as a much more powerful base unit pushed to the limit, but for everyday use, it's an excellent compromise. You can ride for hours without getting overly tired.

Rear grip feedback is also convincing. In rear-wheel drive, you can feel when the rear starts to open up, and quick corrections are easy to make. The base reacts quickly, with no perceptible latency, allowing you to catch a drift or a naive oversteer without being surprised. In fast sequences, the steering wheel remains fluid, with no uncontrolled oscillations if the settings are correct.

Over long sessions, consistency is good. The base doesn't feel so hot as to alter the feel. Torque remains stable, force feedback consistent. That's appreciated when you're doing a series of relays or long runs. Physically, you end up feeling your arms working, but without any particular discomfort if you stay within reasonable force levels.

Compared to a conventional belt drive, the difference is clear. The R9 V2 is more direct, cleaner, with very low latency and extra finesse in the fine details of steering. You're quicker to understand what the car is doing. Compared with a much more powerful base, the lack of absolute torque can be felt if you like to drive in very heavy or realistic effort configurations. However, from the point of view of pleasure, performance and comfort, this level of power is often sufficient, even ideal for many simracers.

The GS V2P steering wheel adds to the sense of seriousness. The GT-style grip, straightforward paddles and numerous buttons give the impression of driving a racing car, not just a game. Immersion is clearly stepped up a notch. You want to adjust your race settings "live", play with the engine mix, tweak the TC on the fly. This is where the base really changes the experience: you're no longer "playing", you're "driving".

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

The MOZA R9 V2 & GS V2P GT bundle targets a fairly specific profile: the motivated simracer, rather PC-based, who wants to make a serious switch to Direct Drive without going to extremes. It's suitable for a very committed beginner who already knows he's going to spend time on sims, but it's especially ideal for an intermediate or experienced rider who's come from a belt-driven steering wheel and wants to take a clean step forward.

Among the most appealing points are the overall build quality and the perception of solidity. You really get the feeling of holding serious equipment, capable of withstanding years of use. Then there's the precision and cleanliness of the force feedback for this power range: you gain in finesse compared to simpler solutions, without turning every session into an arm wrestling match. Finally, the MOZA ecosystem and the richness of the GS V2P steering wheel (paddles, encoders, buttons) offer real scope for progress in car management. You'll feel ready for serious racing.

On the other hand, there are a few limits to keep in mind. The first is maximum power: for certain purists who like very high forces or ultra-physical sensations, this base may seem a little wise. The second concerns compatibility: for exclusive console use, this bundle is clearly not the most suitable, as the DNA remains very PC-centric. The third concerns the comfort of the grips and the fixed GT shape: perfect for GT, LMP or single-seater racing, a little less versatile if you do a lot of rallying or drifting, where a rounder steering wheel may be preferable.

In terms of perceived value, this is a serious investment, but one that will quickly pay for itself if you ride regularly. The result is a very solid setup, capable of keeping pace with several evolutions (higher-end cranksets, stiffer cockpit, new steering wheels). You don't get the impression that you're paying for marketing: most of the budget is clearly reflected in on-track sensations.

Verdict: a solid base for a serious setup

The MOZA R9 V2 & GS V2P GT bundle brings a real change to a setup that came from a belt-driven steering wheel or a more "mainstream" set. The steering wheel becomes more lively, more precise, more responsive, without the power being intimidating or tiring. We're moving from a gaming tool to a real driving tool, especially in GT and prototype disciplines.

On the market, this combo is positioned in the solid middle of the Direct Drive range, with a clear focus on accessible performance. It's neither the most extreme nor the most minimalist: it's a pivotal base around which to build a serious cockpit without blowing your budget.

I'd particularly recommend it to PC simracers who want to go upmarket without getting lost in overly complex configurations, and to those who mainly drive GT, LMP or modern single-seaters. For an all-console gamer, or someone who prefers rallying with a rounder steering wheel, other options will probably be more suitable.

If you're looking for a compact, precise and credible Direct Drive package to structure a real sim racing setup, this MOZA R9 V2 & GS V2P GT bundle can clearly make the difference in your setup.