In the segment of "compact" Direct Drive bases, the MOZA R9 V2 + KS Steering Wheel bundle is clearly positioned as an ambitious mid-range solution. It's no longer entry-level, but not yet the torque monsters reserved for LMP prototype fanatics. It aims for that coveted balance point: enough power and finesse to be credible in serious sims, without becoming intimidating or unmanageable for a gamer moving upmarket.

Above all, this combo promises three things: a clean, detailed force feedback, a well-equipped modern steering wheel for GT and "generalist" sim racing, and an evolving ecosystem. What makes it so attractive is the impression of a coherent package: you plug in, tweak a bit, and you've got an already very solid setup for iRacing, ACC, rFactor 2 or even more mainstream games.

My angle here is simple: how much does this R9 V2 + KS concretely change the driving feel compared to a belt-driven base or a small entry-level Direct Drive? And does this bundle hold up over time, in terms of comfort, precision and versatility, or are you likely to feel it limited too quickly?

Design and manufacturing

The R9 V2 base immediately gives the impression of a compact, dense block. The metal chassis exudes rigidity, with a clean finish and no rough edges or moving parts. In hand, it's heavy and compact, and clearly feels like no toy. On a properly stiffened cockpit, it doesn't flinch, even when forced to make quick corrections.

The KS steering wheel is very "modern sim racer". GT shape, closer to a racing car steering wheel than a classic round one. The construction inspires confidence: metal structure, partially upholstered in alcantara/simili or well-chosen synthetic material, firm buttons, encoders that click cleanly. When you pick it up, the density is right, neither too light nor too heavy. You really feel you're holding a real piloting tool, not a gadget.

What struck me was the overall level of finish for this price segment. The markings are clean, the paddles are easy on the fingers, the QR linkage is neat, and the whole thing exudes solidity. There's little parasitic play, and no worrying creaking, even when attacking hard.

What may be a little disappointing is that it's not as "luxurious" as some of the more high-end steering wheels: some plastics are still a notch below truly premium references, and the feel under the fingers lacks the "wow" factor of a steering wheel costing several hundred euros more. For my part, I'd place it clearly above the entry-level steering wheels of the big historic brands, but slightly below the very high-end handcrafted or full metal/leather products.

Settings, customization and compatibility

MOZA revolves around a rather well thought-out in-house software package. The interface is easy to read, with clear tabs for the base, steering wheel, buttons and force curves. There are presets for the main games, so you can quickly start with something coherent, then adjust according to your feeling. For someone coming from a belt-driven base, the learning curve remains reasonable: a few sessions are enough to understand which sliders have a real impact on the FFB's behavior.

The really useful settings are here: general intensity, filtering, damping, friction, minimum force, road effects management. You can make the base very lively, extremely reactive, or on the contrary, smooth out the peaks a little for something softer and more progressive. This is where the R9 V2 shows its versatility: it accepts a little roughing-up in terms of settings, without becoming inconsistent or unpleasant.

Compatibility-wise, this bundle is clearly PC-oriented. Certain console environments are possible via indirect solutions or specific products, but this bundle makes perfect sense on a PC with serious sims. If you're mainly a console user, you really need to check your ecosystem before investing, as it's not the most natural playground for this combo.

In terms of ecosystem, MOZA now has a complete range: other steering wheels, cranksets, shifters, handbrakes, dashboards and more. The R9 V2 fits in well with all this. You get the feeling that it's been designed as a central base that can be maintained as you gradually move upmarket with the peripherals. For me, it's an excellent entry point to the MOZA ecosystem, but not just an "entry" point: it's a base that can largely follow an intermediate or advanced sim racer for a long time without being forgotten.

Sensations in play

Once on the track, the first thing you notice is the clean force feedback. The R9 V2's Direct Drive motor isn't in the category of monstrous bases, but it delivers enough force to be physical when you want it, while remaining usable for a long time without excessive fatigue. We're in that sweet spot where power doesn't get in the way of comfort.

The FFB's precision is truly satisfying. Micro-variations in the steering wheel, especially on well-scanned circuits, are clearly visible: changes in surface, small bumps, slight load transfers. Compared to a belt-driven system, this is a much more direct and precise system. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

Cornering is progressive. On entry, you can feel the weight of the front end loading up, then the point where grip begins to deteriorate. The base doesn't just pull hard, it "talks": the rise in resistance, the slight tire vibrations on the glide point, the corrections to maintain the chord point, everything is legible. Where I find the R9 V2 defends itself well is in that grey area between grip and the onset of understeer or oversteer. That critical moment when you have to decide whether or not to dare to step on the gas.

Grip reading is precise, especially in demanding sims. You can clearly feel when the rear axle starts to unload, when the car floats slightly on the brakes, or when the tire stalls because you've been too greedy on the throttle. It's not at the level of a basic ultra-torque pushed to the limit with very aggressive settings, but for serious driving, it's more than enough to be consistent and confident.

On vibrators, the R9 V2 + KS does a good job. You feel the structure of the vibrator, not just a generic "bzz". The flat, long vibrators are distinct from the more aggressive, chopped ones. You can literally read through the steering wheel if you're biting cleanly or going too high, which, in racing, helps a lot to stay steady without breaking trajectory.

In rapid corrections, the combo proves lively. When the rear stalls, the base reacts with no perceptible latency, and the steering wheel immediately follows the car's movements. You can really work on countersteering, small line-ups and corrections over bumps. That's where the difference with a less powerful or more filtered base comes into its own: you're no longer in reaction time, you're in anticipation. The car moves, the steering wheel talks, you correct. Simple, direct, effective.

Over long sessions, consistency is good. The engine doesn't feel so hot as to alter the feel, and torque remains stable. Fatigue comes more from the muscles than from the equipment, which is a good sign. With reasonable settings, you can string together full stints without feeling like you're fighting against the base, while retaining the rich feedback that helps you stay focused.

Compared to a less powerful base, we clearly gain in precision, dynamics and legibility of the car's behavior. Compared to a much more powerful base, we obviously lose in sheer brutality and maximum torque margin, but gain in ease of handling. The R9 V2 doesn't try to rip your arms off. It's trying to make you understand what's going on under the tires. For many sim racers, that's exactly what's needed.

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

This MOZA R9 V2 + KS bundle is clearly aimed at motivated sim racers who want to take a serious step forward without going overboard. A beginner who knows he's going to invest himself in sim racing, an intermediate player who used to drive on a belt-driven base and wants to finally get a taste of Direct Drive, or an experienced racer who wants a coherent, compact and modern setup for GT, single-seater and endurance racing will find a very good compromise here. On the console side, it's less natural; for a pure console gamer, other more directly compatible solutions will often be more logical.

What I particularly like is the overall balance of the package. The base has enough torque to make the feel credible, the KS steering wheel is perfectly suited to the most popular disciplines (GT3, GT4, modern single-seaters, even modern rally in asphalt view), and the software allows you to fine-tune without getting lost. The sensations / size / price ratio is well positioned. You get a real qualitative leap over a simpler setup, without having to relearn or oversize everything in the cockpit.

When it comes to limits, we have to be clear. The power of the R9 V2, while more than sufficient for most players, will not satisfy those who absolutely must drive with extreme torque and ultra-crude effects. The GT-oriented KS steering wheel won't be the ideal choice for rally or drift purists, who might prefer a more traditional round steering wheel. And the PC-priority orientation, despite a few solutions, reduces the interest for console-only gamers.

In terms of investment, this is not an insignificant product, but it's still competitive for what it offers. The perceived value is good: you get the feeling you're buying a base that you'll keep for several years, with a versatile steering wheel and an ecosystem that leaves plenty of scope for upgrading the rest of the setup (pedals, shifter, a second, more typical steering wheel, etc.). For someone who sees sim racing as a real hobby, this bundle makes sense.

Verdict

The MOZA R9 V2 + KS Steering Wheel bundle changes one thing above all: it moves a "nice" setup into the category of serious setups, capable of regular, demanding, progression-oriented use. We leave the world of compromise typical of belt-driven bases behind and enter a clean, crisp, precise Direct Drive, without the sometimes unnecessary violence of big, ultra-powerful models.

On the market, this combo is clearly a solid mid-range product, with a premium feel and finish. It's neither a discovery product, nor an ultra-enthusiast's delirium ready to do anything for a few extra percent of realism. It's a pivotal point: a base you can choose as the heart of your setup for years to come, and build the rest around.

I'd recommend it to those who ride mainly on PCs, who do sim racing on a regular basis, and who want consistent, modern, upgradeable hardware. For the occasional console gamer or raw power freak, it may not be the best choice.

If you're looking for a Direct Drive that's compact, precise, pleasant to live with every day and capable of clearly improving your feel and confidence on the track, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.