Moza RS V2

Our rating : 9/10

The more time goes by, the more amazed I am by the masterly feat achieved by Moza Racingthe Chinese manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals. In the space of just 3 years, this “small” company has offered us some 6 bases on a platter of aluminum and carbon fiber. Direct Drive6 steering wheels, pedals, shifter and many other racing accessories.

While this may not seem like much, especially when compared to its direct competitor, the FanatecIt’s impressive, to say the least. Propose bases Direct Drive quality is no mean feat, and Moza has more or less staked everything on it, and it’s paid off.

The brand’s catalog includes a rather high-end steering wheel: the RS V2. It’s a standard, all-round steering wheel that aims to compete with those of the ClubSport of Fanatecand even the Podium. In what follows, I’m going to introduce you to this wheel, tell you about its strengths and, in my opinion, its only weakness.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Fully round steering wheel with a diameter of 33 cm
• Structure combining aluminum and forged carbon fiber
• 4 magnetic rear paddles
• 10 backlit mechanical buttons
• RevLED
• 2 switches
• Compatible with all Moza bases, from R5 to R21

Design

Those already familiar with Moza Racing’s catalog, and more specifically with its steering wheels, will immediately notice that the RS V2 bears a striking resemblance to the CS V2P. In reality, these two wheels are more or less the same, at least from a structural point of view. Design-wise, it’s a bit different, but not overtly so.

Forged carbon fiber is used on the faceplate, and now also on the backplate. This enhances the premium feel of the steering wheel, while allowing you to lose a little weight. Around the edges, we’ve got better quality leather this time, with beautiful topstitching, and you can see and feel it. At the top of the steering wheel, a yellow band takes its place, embellished with a few backlit buttons and stickers of the same color on the faceplate.

All in all, the RS V2 is a handsome, sober steering wheel that will go perfectly with more or less any sim-racing set-up.

Customized assembly

This steering wheel with Direct Drive bases from Moza can be fitted via the brand’s QR. It’s very solid, easy to use, and among the top 5 on the market. Installing the RS V2 is simple: pull the ring on the QR, align the steering wheel as you put it in place, and release the ring.

The RS V2 is compatible with all Moza bases, but communication with the R5 is wired, not wireless, so you need to keep that in mind. But that’s no problem at all.

Manufacturing and finishing

Moza uses aluminum and forged carbon fiber for the structure of the RS V2. Although the design is based on that of the CS, we now have a forged carbon fiber backplate, as well as a faceplate. It’s not only beautiful, but adds a good layer of rigidity to the peripheral.

The leather around the edges is of better quality this time, and it shows, as well as feeling. The finish is just perfect, with no manufacturing defects. It has to be said that Moza has had some time to correct its processes, and above all its quality control; its products are clearly better in terms of finish than their first versions.

As for build quality, I can’t say much about it: it’s very well constructed, and the materials are well made.

Handling the steering wheel

The RS V2 is a premium evolution of the CS V2P. Both wheels have a diameter of 33 cm, and are entirely round. As far as I’m concerned, the RS V2 is a wheel that’s perfect for everything, except perhaps high-level Formula racing. But then again, if you only do Formula, you’re more likely to consider the KS, GS V2P or the FSR from Moza.

In any case, the RS V2’s grip is very good, with now a total of 10 buttons all around the faceplate, 8 of which are easy to reach without doing gymnastics with your fingers and hands. However, the switches and 2 other buttons are positioned towards the center of the wheel, so you’ll have to take your hands off the wheel to operate them. It’s not the end of the world, but it is what it is.

Overall, this steering wheel has good ergonomics, largely due to the fact that it is entirely round with a diameter of 33 cm. If you’re used to driving in the real world, you won’t feel out of place with the RS V2.

Sensations during play

So how does the RS V2 measure up on the track? Basically, it’s the same as with the CS V2P – that is, if you’ve ever used this wheel in sim-racing. Given the RS V2’s excellent ergonomics, this steering wheel handles superbly well, whether you’re using a low-end or high-end Moza base.

However, having already tried it on an R5, the RS V2 is a rather large flywheel (33 cm in diameter), and I felt some clipping at times, indicating that the 5.5 nm of torque can’t handle the mass of the flywheel. As far as the R9 or R12 are concerned, this steering wheel is just perfect for them, mainly due to the use of carbon fiber, which has a slimming effect on the RS V2, not by much to be honest, but it’s worth it.

The RS V2’s controls and buttons can be used as normally as possible, at least those close to your fingers. As for the paddles, the 4 click a little hard for my taste in stock configuration, but you have 4 pads to attenuate this. Incidentally, I noticed that the RS V2 paddles were very responsive during my sim-racing sessions, unlike those on the steering wheel. KS by Moza.

Compatibility

The RS V2 is compatible with all Moza Racing bases, from the R5 to the R21. For its price, it’s clear that you’re not going to pair it with an R5, but I’m nonetheless pleased that Moza is gradually beginning to put an end to the compartmentalization of its range. However, the RS V2 only works on the R5 with the brand’s Slip-Ring communication mode, and is therefore wired. It’s not serious, but it’s worth mentioning.

As far as the platform and sim-racing titles are concerned, the RS V2 is PC-compatible only, and frankly that doesn’t change at all at Moza, much to the dismay of console racers. But the Chinese manufacturer makes up for it with a rather long list of sim-racing titles, including rFactor 2, iRacing, ACC and ACand many more.

Value for money

Currently, the RS V2 is priced at €469, which I think is a pretty good price, especially with a wheel as good as this one. It’s true that some compromises had to be made to keep the price aggressive, but there aren’t many competitors in the same range. As far as I’m concerned, the RS V2’s value for money is good, in virtually every respect.

My verdict

Moza Racing is clearly determined to take on the competition, especially Fanatec. The Chinese sim-racing peripherals manufacturer’s range is well positioned enough to give pause to new racers looking to build a complete setup with quality products, and the RS V2 clearly shows this.

This steering wheel isn’t perfect, it’s true, but it gets, like, an 8.5 or a 9/10 in almost every category, whether it’s build quality, controls or compatibility with all Moza bases. If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-round steering wheel with forged carbon fiber, I highly recommend the Moza RS V2.