Oulalalala, we’re tackling an article that’s going to get on everyone’s nerves, and we know it! Between Fanatec, Moza and Simagic fanboys, it’s quite simple: everyone’s banging on about technical details and more or less well-founded criticisms. But we’re a bit of a tease around the edges, so here’s the question of the day: which of Fanatec CSL DD vs Simagic Alpha Mini vs Moza R9 gives us the most pleasure?
Because, yes, let’s not forget that, as enthusiasts, what we want is to have fun with our equipment. Don’t we? Well, I hope you do, otherwise, frankly, go and pick strawberries instead! So this week, we take a look at three “low-budget” Direct Drive base models.
The 3 models from a technical point of view
Before we get down to the carnage, I’ll give you a quick rundown of the tests I’ve carried out on these three bases over the last few months. As well as a table that quickly puts these three already emblematic models into context.
Fanatec CSL DD in brief
Simagic Alpha Mini in brief
Moza R9 in brief
| Caractéristique | Fanatec CSL DD | Moza Racing R9 | Simagic Alpha Mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibilité | PC, Xbox (et PS pour le GT DD Pro) | PC | PC |
| Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 14,5cm | 24 x 15,7 x 12,4cm | 11 x 11 x 16,67cm |
| Moteur | Direct Drive | Direct Drive | Direct Drive |
| Ventilateur | Non | Non | Non |
| Puissance | 5 à 8Nm selon l'option choisie | 9Nm | 10Nm |
| Prix | à partir de 199,95€ avec les Bundles Ready2Race | 459€ | 620€ |
I can see where this is going. In terms of price, there’s a 300€ difference between the CSL DD 5Nm and the Alpha Mini. But let’s be serious, if you’re going to buy a CSL DD you’re going to buy the booster kit anyway, aren’t you? So we’re talking about a maximum difference of around €200, depending on the base. So it’s not a toss-up, but we’re still talking about products accessible to the general public.
Round 1: Finishing Direct Drive bases
At Fanatec, we’ve chosen to favor passive cooling of the base as much as possible, thanks to aluminum edge casting. The front and rear panels are made of plastic. And I must confess that the plastic-aluminum joints are not impeccable. Another detail about the CSL DD: good luck with the dust. It will get into the grooves of the aluminum body and get in your way every time you clean it. On the other hand, the ignition button on the front panel is easy to reach, clearly visible and gives you confidence in terms of quality.
At Moza Racing, the chassis and front panel are aluminum, the rear panel plastic. Parts are well fitted. It instinctively gives you confidence for what’s to come. Objectively speaking, I’d say the finish of the base is better at Moza than at Fanatec. On the other hand, the ignition button is hidden behind the base and doesn’t give you much confidence in its durability.
Simagic’s aluminum, plastic and carbon finish is simply impeccable. What can I tell you? It’s perfect, period. The ignition button , on the other hand, is another story. In fact, it’s not on the base but on the power cord. It’s a switch, you know, like on your bedside lamp. When Florence and I saw this, we had a good laugh.
BUT, it’s not so stupid on Simagic’s part. Because in the end, if the button gives up the ghost, all you have to do is change the switch. No need to send the whole base out for service! And it can also be used as an emergency stop button, since you can place it not too far from your cockpit. And you’ve just saved between €40 and €90 on a Kill Switch 🙂
Round 2: Installing bases and accessory connectors
I was very surprised to see that each brand had chosen very different approaches to the practical aspects of installation.
With the CSL DD, installation is either from below or from the side. You also have the choice of installing it on a mounting plate or on aluminum profiles very easily. In fact, under the base you have 3 rails into which T-nuts slide. The same goes for the sides, where you have a rail on each side. As an option, you can also use a table clamp.
When it comes to connectors , the Germans are spoiled for choice: 2 shifters, 1 crankset and 1 handbrake can be connected directly to the chainstay.
The Moza R9 features 4 M6 screw threads under the chainstay. The diameter is identical to that of standard Fanatec models, making them compatible with almost all simracing chassis on the market. A table clamp is also available as an option for those who don’t have a fixed chassis. Connectors include a DashBoard and an emergency stop button.
Finally, the Alpha Mini offers two installation options. You can use the 4 M6 screw threads under the base, which are also positioned as standard. Or you can use the side panels. Or you can use two optional brackets to angle the base. Either way, it’s solid. Optional connectors , on the other hand, are limited to an emergency stop.
Round 3: Brand ecosystem
Some find this very important, to avoid headaches and ensure full compatibility between modules. Others couldn’t care less, since with a few adapters, anything is possible.
Let me tell you, I agree with both approaches. So let’s see which brand has the most inclusive approach and which has the most comprehensive offering.
Simagic offers a hydraulic pedalset, two sequential shifters, 5 steering wheels and a few cockpit accessories. Prices are a little steep, and you won’t find a steering wheel for less than €409 ex VAT. Simagic’s focus is clearly on quality, not price. This is a conscious choice on the part of the brand, which has already made an effort by reducing the price of its previous steering wheels. But in concrete terms, they don’t seem to want to make wheels at 200€.
But there’s another interesting point about Simagic: their ecosystem is very practical for inserting home-made equipment. We’ll be talking about this in detail shortly.
Moza takes a more aggressive approach to pricing to appeal to the general public. Shortly after the release of the R9 chainstay, they announced a new wheel and pedalset equipped with a Load Cell brake. So we have 2 pedalsets, 3 wheels, a few cockpit accessories and DashBoards. DIY is emphasized, but not as permissively as at Simagic.
At Fanatec, we have an extremely vast ecosystem that includes all price points. In short, you’ll find everything. On the other hand, it’s an Apple-style ecosystem, meaning that you can’t easily (well… not for less than €200) mix products from other brands with a base from the German brand.
Simagic for the impeccable quality and ease of access to Do It Yourself (homemade products). Fanatec for the incredible breadth of their products which to this day is unmatched by anyone.
Round 4: Software and features
You’d think it was a toss-up. That, in the end, all developers are equal and that all you have to do is copy a successful piece of software and everyone will be happy… But in fact, not at all!
From Germany comes Fanalab. It’s very complete, relatively easy to use and does the job. What I like most about Fanatec software is that it’s easy to configure from the steering wheel, even during a session.
To put it simply, you can save 5 settings and switch from one to another in exactly 2 clicks at any time. But you can also go into the fine-tuning of these setups from your steering wheel and make your own settings on the fly. Say what you like about Fanalab, this detail clearly makes a huge difference.
As for the Moza Pit House software, the settings are just as advanced , and you have access to a mobile application . So you can change your settings at any time, as long as your phone is connected via Bluetooth to your base station. The technological aspect appealed to me at first. But I have to admit that it’s a lot less practical than having everything at your fingertips on the steering wheel.
As for Simagic, their software is clear and powerful , but they didn’t see fit to allow players to easily make on-the-fly adjustments during the game.
Round 5: Power
You may be familiar with the saying in sales: “Never lie does not prevent you from giving the truth well told.”
At Moza and Fanatec, we know this saying well. As proof, when we talk about power with these two brands, we talk in terms of peak power. What does that mean?
Well, on a Direct Drive motor, two types of torque can be taken into account. Either by taking the PIC, i.e. the force the motor is capable of delivering over a very short period. For example, to simulate a pothole, a shock, a vibrator… Or by taking the linear force. Like, for example, the force sent out during a lonnnnng bend.
And to be honest, the difference between peak torque and linear torque is significant. For example, the CSL DD has a peak torque of 8Nm but a linear torque of 6Nm. The Moza is displayed with a peak torque of 9Nm and should be between 7 and 8Nm linear. As you can see, these two brands sell you peak torque.
So it’s not a big deal at all to sell the pic couple. I would even say that it’s fair game! But it’s interesting to notice that the Alpha mini is displayed at 10Nm peak but has already been measured by guys from iRacing at 10Nm constant (linear). So, don’t panic, it was a specific test several years ago, and nobody has ever tried and shared the results on the same conditions since…
Round 6: Force feedback (SUBJECTIVE FEELING)
Here we enter the most subjective aspect of the whole comparison. So, rather than going into point-by-point detail on why I prefer one FFB to another, I’ll give you my ranking straight away. In any case, no matter what I say, nobody will feel the same way, so do your own tests ^^
For me, the most impressive ffb is the Simagic. It combines power and precision without forgetting the fine details. The Fanatec is super-precise and fine, but has less potato than the other two. And the Moza has a lot of power, but when it comes to fine detail, it’s a real sieve according to the simus..
Once again, this is my personal opinion, which can ONLY be subjective, since it’s all about feelings. But when all the testers who’ve actually had them in their hands say the same thing, you’d think I’d be pretty close to the truth, wouldn’t you?
Round 7: Brand after-sales service
Let’s get everyone on the same page here. The German after-sales service is underwater. Moza’s is good and responsive. And Simagic’s doesn’t exist, since after-sales service is managed by the distributors.
So you’ll think it’s an easy win for the Moza R9? Well, not quite. In reality, there are dealers who do their job very, very well. And if you dig a little deeper, you’ll come across teams who are doing a very fine job. But I have to admit that you have to find the right reseller..
Fanatec CSL DD vs Simagic Alpha Mini vs Moza R9, time for an assessment
So, to take stock, here’s a quick summary to calculate the scores.
- The CSL DD won the rounds on installation, ecosystem and software. (3 points)
- Simagic’sAlpha Mini won on finishing, ecosystem, power and force feedback (4 points)
- And finally, the Moza R9 shone in the after-sales service category. (1 point)
As I read the results, I can already see the hate-filled comments from the R9 fanboys. Guys, quite frankly, apart from the point on force feedback, which is perfectly subjective, everything else is based on fact. (And again, all the testers who’ve had them in their hands have come to the same conclusion about the FFB).
In any case, I can’t help it if the R9 has its ass between two chairs. On the one hand, we’ve got a CSL DD that’s a big hit because it’s plug and play and well marketed. And on the other, we have the Alpha range, which is clearly a cut above the other two in terms of finish, power and, I grant you, price.
But let me tell you something. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is that you find the gear that YOU like. That YOU take pleasure in simracing, which is and must remain above all a passion. I’ve had a lot of fun with these three bases, and I intend to keep using them for a long time to come. They all have something that makes them unique and enjoyable.
So let’s not close ourselves off to discovery: opening up to other worlds is a promise of growth and great pleasure. In fact, I’m convinced that in a few months’ time, and after a few software updates, Moza will be able to set the record straight.
We’ll be happy to talk about it, but please do so in a good mood 😉
Feel free to tell me in the comments who won for YOU in this Fanatec CSL DD vs Simagic Alpha Mini vs Moza R9 match. I can already see how this is going to go so please all keep in mind WELFARE. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and preferences. And if someone says they’d rather stay on their Logitech, that’s no reason to resort to insults.
We’re all civilized people, we have a COMMON passion and we all want to progress, so let’s do it respectfully 🙂
Fanatec CSL DD in brief
Simagic Alpha Mini in brief
