Among the players on the sim-racing market, we have brands that are over 20 years old. These include Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Playseat to name but a few. Let’s face it: if you want to stay in a segment, you need experience, and that comes with time.

But there’s always the exception that proves the rule, and we’ve seen that with actors who came into being during the 2010s, and still managed to make a name for themselves worldwide. Sim-racing fans will immediately recognize that we’re talking about actors like Simagic or Moza Racingwhose names need no further introduction, especially for the former.

The Moza story began in the early 2010s with a company that manufactured camera equipment, including stabilizers. But it wasn’t until the early 2020s that Moza really came into its own, and the brand has established itself as a challenger. Among the Chinese manufacturer’s range – for yes, Moza Racing is a Chinese brand – we have the R9 bundle, which is positioned as the start of the mid-range. Its competitors are none other than the Fanatec CSL DD8 nm and the Simagic Alpha Mini10 nm. In what follows, I’ll introduce you to the Moza bundle, tell you about its strengths and weaknesses, and finally give you my opinion and some alternatives.

Main and technical features of the bundle

• Direct Drive engine develops 9 nm of maximum torque
• Base housing in aircraft aluminum
• PC compatible only
• Bundle with 3 wheels, one of which is Formula
• USB refresh rate of 1000 Hz
• Competition-inspired QR
• Compatible with Moza Table Clamp

Moza R9 Bundle design

If you’re a fan of sim-racing, you’ll know that Moza Racing bases look pretty much the same, especially those developing between 4 and 12 nm of torque. To be frank, the casing of these bases is identical, except for the dimensions. A matte black color dominates the peripheral, with white logos here and there. It’s minimalist, drawing heavily on Fanatec’s bases.

As for the steering wheels, the R9 bundle offers 3 models: the CS V2P and the RS V2 which are identical in form, with a few differences in finish (carbon fiber) and controls, and the GS V2P which is Formula-style. The first two wheels are fully round, making them ideal for a wide range of motor racing events.

Overall, the R9 bundle is beautiful, especially the steering wheels.

Customized assembly

The R9 base is compatible with Moza’s Table Clamp, but the latter is not supplied with the bundle, unlike the R3 and R5 bases. If you opt for Table Clamp mounting, make sure you have solid furniture, as the base still puts out 9 nm of torque, enough to damage a fragile table.

In my opinion, the R9 should be used on a chassis, or at least a stand, to get the most out of it. Mounting this base, whether on the Table Clamp or a chassis, is very easy to do, mainly thanks to the screws supplied in the box. However, the R9 can only be mounted from the bottom, which is a shame.

Kit manufacture and finishing

For the R9 base, we use aluminum from the aviation industry, with an exemplary finish. It’s really well made, in every respect. As for the steering wheels, we have 3 of them, 2 with an aluminum alloy structure, and the^3rd is carbon fiber.

I have to say that the finish on the Moza 3-wheelers is exemplary, except for a few problems with the buttons, which are a little spongy for my taste, but nothing to worry about. For the CS and RS, the aluminum is premium, as is the leather used. And for the GS, the forged carbon fiber is very well made. As far as I’m concerned, I take my hat off to Moza Racing for the build quality and finish of their wheels.

Getting started with the bundle

The CS and RS steering wheels are 33 cm in diameter, yet entirely round. Ergonomics are very good, with the CS slightly outperforming the RS due to fewer buttons on the wheel. Nevertheless, grip is very good, largely due to the leather steering wheel. On both wheels, we have 2 magnetic paddles at the rear, large and easy to reach.

Regarding the GS, this steering wheel is 30 cm in diameter, with a particular shape for the discipline (it’s quite rectangular). The controls essential to driving are positioned close to your hands, considerably enhancing the wheel’s ergonomics. As for paddles, this time we have 4: 2 magnetic ones for gears and 2 for Launch Control, clutch and all the rest.

Whatever your choice, the 3 Moza shuttlecocks in this R9 bundle are excellent to hold.

Sensations during play

Unlike Moza’s R5 base, which clearly shows its limitations in the face of the competition, the R9 is on a par with an 8 nm CSL DD, or even better in some cases. However, you’ll need to configure and set all the parameters correctly before this base can deliver its full potential.

In terms of detail, you’re superbly well served, feeling everything the car in front of you does on the screen. I could feel virtually all the information transmitted by the base, from the simple loss of grip, to body movements when driving a heavy car in a curve, and even road imperfections; sim-racing sessions with the R9 are pure bliss, especially if you come from an R5.

The 9 nm of torque are sufficient for many sim-racing competitions, whatever your level. Admittedly, it’s not in the same league as the R16, for example, or a Fanatec DD1 or DD2.

Moza R9 Bundle compatibility

This bundle is PC-only, as is virtually the entire Moza Racing range. This preference comes not from the Chinese manufacturer, but from Sony and Microsoft, since both brands have to supply you with chips to make your equipment compatible with their consoles. And Moza doesn’t yet have the clout of a Fanatec or Logitech.

As far as the Moza range is concerned, the base is compatible with virtually all the brand’s steering wheels, except the CS and GS in V1. But it also supports the rest of the brand’s peripherals, such as pedalboards, dashboards and so on.

Value for money

On the brand’s website, R9 bundles are sold for between $660 and $820 before tax. At the authorized distributor in France, there is no bundle, and you’ll have to buy each peripheral on its own. As a result, prices range from around €750 for the CS steering wheel to around €950 for the GS, and €10 less for the RS steering wheel.

The bundle’s value for money is pretty good, especially with the R9, which can be much better than the competition in some cases.

My verdict on the R9 Bundle from Moza Racing

If you’re looking for a good base with a superb steering wheel, the R9 bundle is the ideal choice, especially if you can afford it. Because yes, the R9 is still quite expensive compared to an 8 nm CSL DD bundle, which comes with a pedalboard to boot.

As far as I’m concerned, both bases are equal, with a slight advantage for the R9’s ultra-solid QR. If you’re financially comfortable, opt for the Moza Racing base, because you won’t regret it.

Alternatives to the Moza R9 Bundle