As a dedicated sim racer who has spent countless hours behind the wheel of various racing wheels, I must say that the MOZA R3 has truly caught my attention. Coming from a background where I’ve tested high-end racing wheels costing a fortune, this affordable direct-drive setup is nothing short of remarkable.
I’ve tested my fair share of racing wheels, and Xbox gamers usually get the short end of the stick.
They frequently find themselves lacking access to top-tier technology, or they are forced to spend a fortune for anything beyond basic functionality.
MOZA redefines the game with its R3 package, offering all essentials for beginners even without a specialized sim racing setup.
This product boasts an astonishingly affordable price, yet it doesn’t compromise on essential features. For years, I’ve suggested the same entry-level racing wheel for Xbox gamers, but now the MOZA R3 racing wheel and pedals set has surpassed it. After trying it out with my Xbox Series X, here are my thoughts.
MOZA R3: Price and availability
MOZA offers the R3 racing wheel and pedals bundle for both Xbox and PC at three different locations: Walmart priced at $399.99, Newegg at $399.21, and their official store also for $399. The Amazon listing prices it at $439.99. Inside the package, you’ll find MOZA’s R3 DD (direct drive) servo wheelbase, an ES steering wheel equipped with Xbox face buttons, a SR-P Lite pedal set consisting of gas and brake pedals without clutch, an official MOZA table clamp, and a 15-degree mounting clip.
Suitable accessories are the 12-inch ES wheel modification available on Amazon (currently unavailable), priced at $79 in MOZA’s official store, or the ES Formula wheel modification priced at $49.99 on Newegg and $39 on MOZA’s store.
If you’re opting for a setup similar to the MOZA R3 bundle, which offers realistic simulation, then a supplementary SR-P Lite clutch pedal might be a suitable addition. You can find it on Amazon for $59.99 or at MOZA for $42.90. This pedal complements the gear-shifting paddles that come with the ES wheel. Since direct-drive feedback on a servo like the R3 DD provides a more intense experience than typical desk-mounted wheels, it’s worth considering a dedicated setup such as the Dark Matter GT foldable racing wheel stand for a more stable experience if you lack space for a full racing seat.
MOZA R3: What’s in the box?
Even though some direct drive wheelbases and rims are designed for self-assembly, MOZA provides all the essential components for you to dive into sim racing on Xbox and PC without any additional purchases. For those who have no experience setting up a separate racing wheel from a servo base, the numerous small screws and compact tools may appear overwhelming. However, fear not, as there are only a few key steps required to connect everything; it just necessitates patience.
Initially, the desk clamp accessory needs a bit of intricate assembly to affix two small supports on its underside for stability on your chosen sturdy surface. Subsequently, four M6 screws secure the clamp to the R3 DD base with spacers in between. Once that’s done, it’s ideal to link up the SR-P Lite pedal board, power source, and USB-A to USB-B cable, handling each item carefully during setup to maintain a neat workspace and minimize potential disconnections.
On the SR-P Lite board, you have the flexibility to alter the position of the gas, brake, and extra clutch pedals for spacing. Moreover, you can adjust the height of the pedal plates by unscrewing the nuts with the provided wrench. It’s advisable to secure the entire footrest onto something stationary, such as a foldable racing wheel stand, due to their lightweight nature and increased risk of slipping during intense gaming sessions. By default, the wheelbase connection is located on the left side for easy access.
Ultimately, the R3 DD base employs a ball-bearing system to join MOZA’s swift-release wheels, such as the supplied MOZA ES rim. To ensure proper installation, I merely need to verify that each ball indent matches with the appropriate pattern on the wheel’s neck and give it a firm push to secure it in place. When I connect both the AC power and USB cable to my Xbox, the device becomes operational with a single press of the rear power button, booting up in ‘X Xbox mode’ by default (pressing and holding S1 and S2 switches to PC mode).
MOZA R3: Pros
Despite its small and cute design, the R3 DD base’s 3.9Nm motor packs a surprising punch. I’ve tested other direct drive bases that push their torque to high limits, such as Thrustmaster’s 10Nm on the T818 and Logitech’s 11Nm on the G PRO. However, this compact servo holds its ground remarkably well, delivering impressive force feedback power along with the smooth benefits of a direct drive system. Its inclusion of a desk clamp is particularly sensible, as it helps prevent damage to fragile tables at this strength level.
For quite some time, I’ve been advocating Thrustmaster’s T248X wheel for Xbox due to its ability to strike an ideal balance between cost and performance. However, it features a hybrid motor that provides somewhat detailed feedback during tight turns. Now, Xbox gamers can enjoy top-tier sim racing technology at an affordable price with MOZA’s R3 bundle, eliminating the need for an immediate investment in a dedicated cockpit setup. But as they progress, they might find themselves upgrading to a more sophisticated setup later on.
Modular wheel rims provide MOZA with a competitive advantage because you can easily change from the standard rim to an F1-style ES Formula plate by unscrewing a few simple fasteners. If you prefer a larger wheel for drifting, switch to the 12-inch round ES wheel modification using the same straightforward method. It’s incredibly simple, though it may feel slightly more manual than the quick-release system typically found on the rim’s neck.
On my Xbox Series X, the R3’s RPM meter flashes from its sides to the center to confirm a successful connection, and the d-pad navigates my dashboard as it should. DIRT Rally 2.0 even has a section in its settings to show live feedback on the steering percentages and the pressure detection of each connected pedal. You can further customize settings via the MOZA Pit House app on PC or its MOZA RACING app on Android via Bluetooth, but the defaults are smooth and forceful enough.
MOZA R3: Cons
On a PC gaming platform, game compatibility is extremely diverse, while on Xbox it’s more limited, especially for certain accessories such as a MOZA handbrake and shifter. While force feedback and custom button mapping are common in popular games, they aren’t always guaranteed, although I didn’t encounter major problems with my Xbox. The most convenient way to adjust settings is through the mobile app, but it would be helpful if there were shortcuts on the wheel for frequent FFB adjustments.
With regards to the hardware, while it offers great value at its price point, there’s one significant drawback: the low-quality and cumbersome face buttons on the wheel rim. This was also a problem I encountered in my MOZA TSW Truck wheel review, as the noisy switch feedback and uninspiring button feel, especially during regular menu navigation between races, proved bothersome. Although this direct-drive setup at around $400 is quite generous, you’ll find yourself using these buttons frequently enough to notice the same inconvenience.
MOZA R3: Competition
In this category, MOZA’s competitors divide into value and technology. For those seeking value, I’ve consistently recommended the Thrustmaster T248X as an excellent entry-to-mid-level racing wheel on both Xbox and PC. It comes with a three-pedal set, priced under $400 on Amazon. However, it lacks the direct-drive benefits that MOZA’s R3 bundle provides. Instead, you get a hybrid motor setup that generally offers a good feel for its price, but can be a bit stiff during small rotations.
In general terms, you won’t often come across a direct drive servo at this price range unless it’s during Black Friday sales. A well-known brand in the direct drive sim racing world is Fanatec, but even their most affordable Xbox-compatible model, the CSL DD QR2 wheelbase, costs approximately $500, and that doesn’t include a rim. Thrustmaster’s T818 has become Xbox compatible, but a complete set (wheel and base) can cost over $1,000, making it hard to compare with more affordable options.
Currently, MOZA rules the entry-level sim racing market with its cost-effective R3 package, making it a top choice for both Xbox gaming enthusiasts and PC gamers looking for budget-friendly options.
MOZA R3: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if …
✅ You want the best, most realistic sim racing tech for Xbox
✅ You’re craving customizable wheel rims at entry-level prices
You should not buy this if …
❌ You want the strongest force feedback on the market
❌ You expect premium quality for budget prices
For Xbox gamers seeking an authentic sim racing experience with top-tier direct-drive wheels, there’s currently no equivalent to MOZA’s offerings. While some alternatives support PlayStation, they tend to ignore Microsoft’s console, leaving it without options. Most peripherals naturally work on PC as well, but MOZA stands out because it provides unmatched value and the finest force feedback technology available.
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2024-10-16 16:12