After the R21, the R16, the R9 V1 and V2, the R5 and soon the R3, the Chinese brand Moza has come up with two new products. First, a 30cm-diameter butterfly-type steering wheel , the Moza KS. But also a new base, the Moza R12 , with a torque of – you guessed it (??) – 12Nm. With the first tests already online on YouTube, here’s a quick analysis of this double announcement.
What is the Moza KS?
A new steering wheel is always an opportunity to bring a personal touch to the world of simracing. Giving substance to a philosophy, adding a new stone to an edifice that’s as coherent as possible. It’s all about adding value to your own range, but also for those who love what they do: adding value to the world of simracing as a whole. And if in the past I’ve been very disappointed by certain Moza models, such as the GS and CS as well as the R9 and R5, I’m inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt this time.
- Diameter: 30cm
- Materials: Carbon fiber-reinforced composite, aluminum, rubber.
- Grips: Moulded silicone with sweat protection.
- Paddles: 2 aluminum magnetic paddles for shifting. 2 magnetic sensor paddles for double clutch (or any other input, of course)
- Customizable buttons: 10 backlit customizable buttons, 2 joysticks.
- Rotary selectors: 3 12-position rotary encoders on the center plate. 2 rotary thumb switches.
- Lap counter: 10 configurable LEDs
- Flag display: No
- Display: No
- Quick Release: NRG type
- Compatibility: All Moza bases (including V1) and third-party bases with adapter for USB connection to PC.
- Weight: 1.22Kg
Short-travel knobs, rubber pads to muffle paddle noise (fitted as standard), rounded edges so you don’t screw up your thumbs with every jerk of the wheel… Everything that was wrong with the Moza GS and FSR seems to have been solved. And for €309 before delivery, it has to be said that the requirements should be met. To be continued!
For the curious, here’s the link to see the model at Stealth Gamer.
A feeling of déjà vu
Some of you will probably have a feeling of déjà vu in terms of design, button positioning and so on. I’ll let you tell me in the comments if you see it too, or if I’m the one who’s paranoid ^^.
What is the Moza R12?
- Compatibility: PC
- Compatible steering wheels: Please note that the Moza GS V1, RS V1 and CS V1 steering wheels are not compatible with this new base.
- Dimensions: 22.6 x 15.7 x 12.4cm
- Motor: Direct Drive Servomotor
- Power: 12Nm peak (continuous torque not announced by the brand)
- Turning range: Infinite. Restricted to 2000° by Moza PitHouse software.
- Connectors: 1 USB to PC, 1 power connector, 1 crankset connector, 1 shifter connector, 1 handbrake connector, 1 Emergency Stop connector
- Wheel mounting: NRG-type Quick Release
Moza already had 5, 9, 16, 21Nm Here’s the 12Nm version of their direct drive. A rather judicious decision! The R9 was clearly entry-level. 9Nm is pretty limited when you want to start pushing the sensations to a higher level, or simply get closer to the real forces applied by a vehicle’s steering.
With the R12, we finally have a coherent in-between before thinking of moving on to a big base of over 20Nm. The force not only means less clipping, but also more detail than in the R9 (and that’s all to the good). It features connections for the brand’s ecosystem and is equipped with Quick Release V2. In short, Moza seems to have learned from its early mistakes. The €649 price tag suggests to me that the R9 has a lot to worry about, because this R12 could well become the brand’s next best seller. All that’s left is for me to go and test one, and for the curious, here’s the R12 in store:)
