Evolution, not revolution: MOZA’s reworked R12 Direct Drive Wheel Base review

Although initially released back in June 2023, MOZA’s R12 Direct Drive Wheel Base has recently undergone significant changes, now featuring the Chinese brand’s proprietary ‘NexGen 3.0 FFB Algorithm’.

It sounds rather fancy, but what does it actually mean in practice? Well, MOZA has assured us that the revised R12 helps eliminate the dreaded ‘speed wobble’ when driving in a straight line, with the new ‘Hand-off Protection Mode 2’ said to prevent nasty hand or wrist injuries in the event of a crash. MOZA also claim improved force feedback response time from the R12 updates.

Pitched as a mid-range direct drive product, the R12 sits below MOZA’s R16 and flagship R21 wheelbase (16 Nm and 21 Nm of torque respectively), but above its entry-level R3, R5 and R9, rivalling Fanatec’s ClubSport DD and Asetek SimSports’ La Prima examples in the output stakes.

MOZA has kindly sent me a new R12 with a GS V2P GT Wheel to review, so to find out if you should consider an R12 as your next mid-range direct drive wheelbase purchase, read on.

MOZA R12 set-up

First off, MOZA’s packaging was neat, protective and attractive (in a minimalist kind of way) and I found the process of bolting the wheelbase to my GT Omega Prime Lite painless. Surprisingly, the R12 is smaller than my outgoing Fanatec CSL DD, despite the torquier motor, with the supplied bolts fitting GT Omega’s wheel platform perfectly.

I had zero issues setting the R12 up, with Moza’s Pit House software offering a user-friendly interface in which to adjust the wheelbase’s settings. MOZA also sent its new CRP2 Load Cell Pedals (review coming soon), with all peripherals controlled via the same clear and considered fashion.

It’s the first time I’ve used MOZA’s software and after being occasionally frustrated by Logitech G HUB and Fanalabs in the past it felt like a breath of fresh air.

For example, setting up rev lights to work with your sims is a one-click process (if Pit House hasn’t already done it automatically. that is), so rFactor 2, which takes a bit of fudging to get working properly with Fanatec products, is a breeze to get up and running.

On track with the MOZA R12

So, the MOZA R12 was a cinch to set up but how does it perform where it really matters: on the track?

In terms of horsepower, the R12 boasts a peak torque rating of 12 Nm. Its main rival (arguably), the Fanatec ClubSport DD, has a constant torque rating of 12 Nm, meaning that, in theory, the ClubSport is capable of harnessing its maximum torque figure for a longer period of time without overheating.

Is that a big negative? In practice, I don’t think it is, as it’s unlikely you’ll be constantly hitting peak torque figures during an average sim race. 

Without meddling with the R12’s default settings its force feedback feels tremendous straight out of the box, and a significant step above my outgoing CSL DD (which is rated at 8 Nm with its Boost Kit).

The rotor in the R12’s motor is carbon-fibre-wrapped, which mitigates vibration and heat build-up, supposedly providing more consistent force feedback. Although the R12 doesn’t feature cooling fans like Thrustmaster and Logitech’s direct drive wheelbases (which are similarly priced but offer less torque), it didn’t feel like it would overheat.

Race time

To test this, I participated in an rFactor 2 endurance race with the Historic Racing Sports Community, driving for three hours straight at the wonderful Longford circuit.

With inclement weather to deal with and a whole lot of oversteer from my 1954 sportscar, the wheelbase performed admirably, helping me redeem a lap one error to take an eventual overall win. Its passive cooling fins clearly work, even if the supplied GT rim was quite unsuitable for these boat-like racecars.

With my CSL DD I’d often feel an occasional vagueness in the feedback, with the wheelbase shaft requiring tightening up with an Allen key every so often. I had no such issues with the R12, and the steering wheel-to-wheelbase connection was sturdy and secure – I never had to second-guess if the R12 and GS V2P GT steering wheel would suddenly lose connection with each other.

The FFB detail was tactile and nuanced when set at 100% in Pit House, but I’d normally reduce the in-game feedback to around 70%-80%. This offered zero clipping but there was still enough headroom to give my biceps a workout.

Whatever MOZA has done with its NexGen 3.0 FFB Algorithm it’s clearly working.

Is the MOZA R12 good value for money?

In my opinion, the MOZA R12 represents excellent value for money based on its performance, quality and price.

If ordering direct from MOZA, the R12 and GS V2P GT Wheel Bundle costs £1044.73 including shipping but minus taxes, so be prepared to to pay another chunk on top of that to receive your package. 

Fortunately, however, MOZA products are now stocked natively by UK sellers, meaning you can save a bit of cash. The R12, for example, is pitched at £499 inc VAT from UK sellers, with the new version receiving a price cut over the outgoing model.

When compared to the Fanatec ClubSport DD (£673.87 excludes shipping and taxes), Asetek SimSports La Prima (£564.32 excluding taxes), Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel (£999.99 with steering wheel and includes shipping) and Thrustmaster T818 (£599 and includes shipping), this represents tremendous value for money.*

MOZA’s ecosystem is continually expanding and diversifying too, so whether you’re into virtual rallying, open-wheelers, GTs, trucking or touring cars the Chinese up-and-comer has covered almost all bases. And there was no speed wobble!

However, the R12 is only compatible with PCs, so if you want more options in terms of console compatibility then Thrustmaster, Logitech and Fanatec may be better options for you.

The new version of the R12 is not a revolutionary step forward for MOZA, but it does feel like an incremental improvement, especially with its discounted price. 

It looks to be a mid-range bargain.

*Prices correct as of 16/9/24

Full disclosure: This product was provided by the manufacturer for review purposes. Here is our review policy.

MOZA R12 Direct Drive Wheel Base key points