Moza ES

Our rating : 9.8/10

Since the appearance of its first sim-racing peripherals, Chinese manufacturer
Moza Racing
is doing all it can to wrest market share from brands that have been present in the segment for many years. It’s no mean feat, especially when you’re dealing with a
Fanatec
which is considered the Go-To for sensations, build quality and affordability.

In the space of just 3 years, Moza has made a name for itself in game sim-racing thanks to quality products, attention to detail and, above all, excellent progress in sim-racing technologies, especially everything to do with electric motors on Direct Drive bases. Today, the Moza range is wide and comprehensive, with something for everyone, whether in terms of steering wheels, pedals, bases or sim-racing accessories.

Among the steering wheels offered by the Chinese manufacturer, we have theES which represents Moza’s entry-level range. This steering wheel is included in the R3 and R5 bundles, and in what follows we’ll take a closer look at it.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Flat-bottomed flywheel with a diameter of 28 cm
• Aluminum alloy frame with leather trim
• A total of 22 controls, with 2 rear-mounted paddles
• Available in 3 versions or “mods”: fully round, flat-bottomed and Formula-style
• Compatible with R5 and R9 V2 thanks to the Moza QR
• RevLED on top of front panel
• PC compatible only

Design

The ES steering wheel is a rather sober design, I must say, with 2 dominant colors: gray and black. Controls are spread across the faceplate, with black buttons on a white background.

The only flashy colors on this steering wheel are those of the RevLED LEDs. Honestly, I think this wheel is a success in terms of design, especially with the rear paddles, which are a good size by the way. The basic version is flat-bottomed, but you can have the ES completely round or Formula-style, it’s up to you.

Customized assembly

This steering wheel is compatible with Moza Racing’s low and mid-range bases, namely the R5 and R9 V2, using the Chinese brand’s legendary QR. To mount this handwheel on one of the manufacturer’s bases, simply pull the ring, align the handwheel and then release the ring when the handwheel is in place.

As for the QR, it comes with the steering wheel, so you don’t have to do anything to it. This applies to all three ES variants: round, flat-bottomed and Formula.

Manufacturing and finishing

Even though the ES is an entry-level steering wheel, Moza hasn’t skimped on materials. The wheel’s all-aluminum alloy structure makes it both strong and light on the scale. What’s more, we’re treated to leather all around the steering wheel for a premium touch.

This steering wheel is very well made, and it’s the same story for the finish. The structure is monocoque, with plastic housing all controls and buttons. Even this material (plastic) is very well made, with no burrs. Honestly, I take my hat off to Moza Racing for their attention to detail. The ES is a superbly crafted steering wheel, with a flawless finish.

Handling the steering wheel

At 28 cm in diameter, the ES is a very easy-to-handle wheel for those used to smaller wheels. And for the rest of the riders, you’ll need a little time to adapt, but nothing too serious.

ES ergonomics are very good, largely due to the fact that this steering wheel is only 28 cm in diameter. Buttons and controls are well positioned on the faceplate, very close to your hands and fingers. You’ll have no trouble using them on the run, and they feel just right. You won’t get the spongy feel of some of the buttons on the KS steering wheel, for example, and that’s frankly bizarre coming from a wheel that’s half the price of the KS. The rear paddles are a good size, and very well placed. However, these are mechanical and not magnetic, but they click and work very well too, something you can’t often say about the KS ones.

Sensations during play

As far as the feel of the Moza ES is concerned, this steering wheel is really quite good for its range. Several high-tech features, such as magnetic paddles and a screen, have been omitted, but they’re worth it for the price you’ll pay for the Moza ES.

On the structure, we have 22 buttons that are fully configurable, but only via Moza’s software, namely Pit House. These buttons can be used for various functions, such as windshield wipers, radio, pits and so on. On the other hand, it won’t do you much good, given that the ES is 28 cm in diameter in standard configuration, and that’s a bit small for GT racing, for example.

This choice of diameter was dictated above all by the base that will be able to accommodate this steering wheel, namely the R5 in standard configuration. Although the ES is technically compatible with R9 V2s, it has been developed to work perfectly with Moza Racing’s small R5 base and its 5.5 nm of torque. But you can opt for the mod of the round steering wheel with its 30 cm diameter.

It’s worth noting that the ES is equipped with a practical, easy-to-see RevLED on the upper part of its faceplate, making gear changes much quicker. I really enjoyed the time I spent with this steering wheel, in terms of its shape, ergonomics and grip.

Compatibility

This steering wheel is compatible with virtually all Moza Racing low- and mid-range bases, except for the high-end ones (R12, R16 and R21). As far as I’m concerned, that’s normal, because the ES is an inexpensive wheel, aimed mainly at lambdas and/or novice riders.

As far as sim-racing titles are concerned, you won’t really have any problems with them, as long as you take the time to set up the buttons and controls on your sim-racing title. Which brings us to the point about platform compatibility: this steering wheel will only work on PC, as will the Moza Racing bases, except for the R3, which is Xbox compatible.

Value for money

Priced at €149 inc. VAT, the Moza ES offers very good value for money, especially when compared with the competition from Fanatec with its CSL. From the German sim-racing giant, you get 2 options cheaper than the Moza ES, but these wheels are made of plastic.

Between aluminum structure, leather, competition QR and high button configuration, this Moza ES is simply an excellent steering wheel for the price, and as I said, you won’t find better from the competition.

My verdict

This Moza ES wheel is just perfect as far as I’m concerned, especially if you’re looking for a cheap wheel that will help you greatly improve your sim-racing times. With its meticulous ergonomics, highly responsive (albeit mechanical) paddles, sober design and availability in 3 variants, Moza’s ES is clearly here to conquer the hearts and setups of the world’s racers.

It does have its shortcomings, notably its compatibility with only 2 Moza bases (R5 and R9 V2) and the fact that you can’t configure/parameterize it on the fly on the track, but hey, it’s still a €150 wheel. You won’t find anything better, or even identical, at Fanatec. By the way, the only ones that can compare with the ES in the CSL range cost €50 more, and they all have a composite QR.

As far as I’m concerned, I validate the Moza ES for riders on a budget. Go ahead with your eyes closed.