Moza R9

⭐ Rating: 9.2/10

✅ Brute force in an ultra-compact format

“We love its detailed track feel and exemplary sturdiness .”

In the sim-racing segment for drivers looking for a sub-10nm bundle, two manufacturers stand out: Fanatec and Moza Racing. Both brands offer a comprehensive range of sim-racing peripherals, appealing to novice, seasoned and professional drivers alike.

For the first part of the driver segment, i.e. those with a little sim-racing experience or looking to get started, there are the 8 nm R9 and CSL DD bundles. I should mention that Moza also offers the R5 for those looking for a gentle start, and Fanatec does the same with its 5 nm variant of the CSL DD.

Today, we’re going to take a look at those bases, and bundles, that come out with less than 10 nm of torque. Fanatec is literally the king of bundles, and Moza has no intention of letting the German brand outstrip it. Let’s see what the R9 and CSL DD have to offer virtual pilots.

Base design and build quality

For the design of the R9 and CSL DD bases, it’s a different approach that the manufacturers have taken, and one that is highly distinctive from the other. For Fanatec, the CSL DD is the flagship base in its catalog, representing the entry-level of DD peripherals, and also one of the most sought-after segments.

So the CSL DD’s design is square, with fins covering the entire base. The device is entirely black, with Fanatec logos on the front, sides and rear. It’s beautiful, simple and very much a race car.

The R9 is slightly inspired by the Fanatec bases, but with an X shape. It’s visually less busy than the CSL DD, with few fins and a few Moza logos. The R9 is just as beautiful as the CSL DD, it’s just a matter of taste.

In terms of base build quality, both use metal as the main structural material, with an excellent finish. Even if these two bases are budget-friendly peripherals, they’re still well made.

Customized assembly

Both bases are available with clamps for mounting on furniture such as desks or tables. This is a solid mounting method, as the two bases don’t develop too much torque to become a problem.

Also, the R9 and CSL DD are compatible with cockpits via different mounting modes. The R9 uses bottom and front mounting, while the CSL DD adds side mounting as an extra feature.

As far as flywheels are concerned, each base is equipped with a new-generation Quick Release that can accommodate literally any sim-racing flywheel available for purchase. There’s no limit to what Fanatec and Moza are famous for.

Platform compatibility

Depending on the bundle chosen, the CSL DD is compatible with PC, Xbox or Playstation. I should add that, technically speaking, the CSL DD base in 8 nm, and 5 nm too, is natively compatible with PCs and Xboxes.

Moza’s plate is less full, as the R9 is PC-compatible only, regardless of the steering wheel chosen. Only the R3 bundle is compatible with Xbox and PC at Moza, and the base only develops 3.9 nm of peak torque.

Variety of wheels

On this point, Fanatec wins hands down, thanks to its vast catalog of wheels. All in all, you get 14 different bundles with the CSL DD, including the GT DD Pro. You’ve got touring, drift, Formula, GT and even rally steering wheels, making it a virtual driver’s delight, and above all cementing Fanatec’s place in the sim-racing market. And that’s just for the bundles available, as there are over 50 steering wheels and wheels available in the Fanatec catalog.

For the R9 bundle, Moza offers 6 steering wheel variants available for purchase. You’ve got touring, Formula, GT and even one with a large circular center screen. Admittedly, it’s not as extensive as Fanatec’s, but Moza’s steering wheels cover virtually all sim-racing disciplines.

Sensation on the track

Let’s move on to the on-track sensations provided by these two Direct Drive bases. The great thing about Fanatec and its bases is that they behave in the same way, whatever the sim-racing title. By this I mean that it’s uniform, and that’s Fanatec’s strength.

At Moza, the story is slightly different. So yes, the R9 can be consistent on all sim-racing titles, but you’ll need to tune it to reach that level.

In terms of feedback, I can tell you that both bases are very communicative in terms of the information they pass on to the rider. They are granular in their sensations, right up to the point of clipping when the bases are pushed to their limits. You’ll feel light, heavy and everything in between.

As far as settings are concerned, you have your share of parameters on both bases, thanks to the manufacturers’ software. Bear in mind that on the CSL DD you’ll be limited by the platform, as on PC it’s more advanced than on Xbox or Playstation. I should point out that the R9 will require a little more time to fine-tune the settings and get up to speed with the CSL DD, which also needs to be set up, but the experience on the Fanatec is simpler.

The torque difference, which is 1 nm in peak in favor of the R9, is literally negligible once you’ve found your bearings. You won’t feel the 1 nm more on the R9, nor the 1 nm less on the CSL DD. It’s virtually identical, because it’s a maximum value, not a constant one.

And even on the constant torque range developed by these two bases, I didn’t feel any difference. This speaks volumes about Moza, which has come a long way to catch up and compete with Fanatec in its own segment.

Value for money

The R9 and CSL DD 8 nm bundles are available in several versions on both manufacturers’ stores. For the R9, prices start at around €680 and go up to €1230. That’s expensive for bundles that don’t even come with pedalboards.

At Fanatec, the story is different. So yes, it’s expensive too, but at least you get a pedalboard to deliver with it. Prices range from €670 to €950, making them more affordable, the only difference being that CSL DD bundles often come with a plastic steering wheel.

For both brands, I feel that the R9 and CSL DD bundles are correctly positioned in the targeted sim-racing segment. On the one hand, you have Moza, which doesn’t include a pedalboard with the R9s, but equips them with quality steering wheels. And on the other, you have Fanatec, which systematically offers a pedalboard on CSL DDs, but with plastic steering wheels.

Which one to choose?

The battle between the R9 and CSL DD is no longer based on the feel of their respective DD bases, but rather on the brands’ ecosystems. Fanatec, with its CSL DD 8 nm bundles, remains less “expensive” to acquire as a bundle, but you’ll have to pay more to get a nice, high-quality steering wheel, and also the Load Cell kit on the CSL Pedals.

Moza plays the simple bundle card, but with beautiful steering wheels that touch every rider, and you won’t necessarily need to change them. The catch is that you’ll need to buy a separate pedalboard.

However, I must point out that Fanatec’s catalog is far superior to that of Moza. And on this point, it can tip the balance for many drivers. If you’re looking for a complete, extensive and relatively affordable ecosystem, look no further than the CSL DD bundle. And if you’re looking for peripherals that are quality, perform at the same level as Fanatec, and where you’re probably not going to buy a new steering wheel on your first lap, even if you will have to acquire a pedalboard, then the R9 is the go-to. Once again, in terms of sensations, both are equal.