Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Moza Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Driver Labs partners with brands. We may earn a commission from this link.
Driver Labs partners with brands. We may earn a commission from this link.
The Moza R12 and R9 V2 are both direct drive wheel bases with standard quick release systems. The R12 has a higher torque rating of 12Nm, while the R9 V2 comes in at 9Nm. Both are PC-compatible. On paper, it seems like the R12 has an advantage over its predecessor.
I've seen users report overheating issues with both wheels, but the R9 V2 appears to be more prone to this problem. Some folks have even mentioned that their units would drop in force feedback strength after prolonged use. I can attest that dealing with these kinds of issues is a real pain – it's frustrating when you're in the middle of a heated racing session and your wheel decides to betray you. Users are reporting similar thermal throttling, where the base temperature rises, causing FFB loss. The R9 V2's reliability has been questioned by some users who have experienced faulty units or those that require frequent calibration. The big problem here is that these issues seem to be common enough for multiple users to report them. You'd think that after a few iterations, Moza would iron out these kinks. However, it seems like there's still work to be done in the realm of quality control and software optimization. I've seen threads where users question whether the R12 is any better in this regard, but so far, most reports suggest it might have similar issues. The Moza R9 V2 has its defenders, though – some users swear by its performance, even after long sessions. They claim that their units don't experience overheating or FFB loss. I'm skeptical, but hey, maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones.
For a newcomer to direct drive wheel bases, I'd recommend starting with either option – they're both relatively affordable and will give you a good taste of what this genre has to offer. However, if you're looking for something more premium or are upgrading from an older model, the Moza R12 might be worth considering. But let's get real here: the R9 V2 is a solid choice if you can find it at a budget-friendly price point. Its performance is on par with its bigger brother, and I've seen users rave about its reliability (even if some of those raves are few and far between). The Moza R12 might have more torque, but the R9 V2's strengths lie in its overall usability and value for money. Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you want something with a bit more oomph or are willing to pay a premium price point, the Moza R12 is your best bet. But if you're looking for something reliable that won't break the bank, the Moza R9 V2 is still a solid choice – just be prepared for some potential teething issues.