MOZA R12 Bundle Review: The Best Mid-Tier Upgrade?

MOZA R12 Bundle Review: The Best Mid-Tier Upgrade?

After 4 years with my Fanatec DD1, the time has come to swap it out for something else. It's been an awesome wheelbase, but recently, I've started to have some technical issues with it. Sometimes, after taking a curb, I would just lose all connection with the steering wheel - not being able to shift. I would have to turn the wheelbase off and turn it back on again to fix it. It is rare, but devastating when it happens during a race.

Fanatec DD1 wheelbase
My Fanatec DD1 was a workhorse

With the wheelbase being out of warranty for me now, I've been thinking about replacement options, and the MOZA R12 wasn't really an option until a few days ago, when I heard about the new firmware update that makes it more akin to Fanatec force feedback.

So, I decided to put it to the test and see if it could really replace my Fanatec setup. This article covers my full hands-on review of the MOZA R12 bundle (R12 wheelbase + MOZA KS Steering Wheel for $689) as well as the MOZA CRP1 Pedals - all installed on my rig and tested back-to-back with my current gear.

Let’s see if this bundle can truly compete with the heavyweights!

👉 Watch the full video review below:

Pricing (Updated Apr. 2025)

The MOZA R12 + KS Steering Wheel Bundle can be purchased here for $689.

Let's compare wheelbase prices directly with Fanatec. Fanatec's most similar wheelbase that competes with the R12 is the Fanatec DD at 12nm of torque, and it's more than double the price of the MOZA R12!

 Wheelbase Torque (Nm) Price
MOZA R12 (V2) 12 $499
Fanatec DD 12 $1099
Fanatec DD+ 15 $1299
Fanatec DD1 20 $999

 

Unboxing Experience

MOZA's products come in some very basic cardboard boxes. But for the budget-friendly price point, you shouldn't mind that. They are secured well and you get everything you need inside, including a soft and silky, MOZA-branded cover.  

 

Initial Setup & Build Quality

The R12 delivers 12Nm of torque—more than enough for most sim racers. At $499, it's also one of the best value DD wheelbases available today. I swapped out my Fanatec DD1 and ClubSport V3 pedals for a full MOZA setup. The biggest adjustment? Mounting. The R12 attaches from the bottom, not the sides, which meant changing my rig configuration. I installed it on my TrakRacer TRX, which I have set up in a hybrid/Formula position. Once everything was installed, I was pretty happy with how everything felt. 

Force Feedback: Before & After the Firmware Update

Out of the box (before the firmware update), the R12 felt capable but lacked detail over curbs and bumps. Straight-line oscillation was horrendous. But once I upgraded to firmware v1.2.37 (via beta access in MOZA Pit House), everything changed.

  • Force feedback felt more responsive and accurate
  • Straight-line wobble? Gone.
  • Handling felt tighter and more confident overall. They really did a great job in getting the force feedback to a level similar to Fanatec
MOZA R12 review
MOZA's firmware transforms this wheelbase

MOZA Pit House Software: Customization Galore

The Pit House software gives you incredible control over every feedback parameter. From torque curves to bump effects and curb sensitivity to LED lights, you can tweak nearly everything. I adjusted:

  • Curb effects +50% (to test the force feedback)
  • Bump response intensity
  • Force feedback equalizer

The difference was immediate—more road feel, better curb detail, and stronger immersion across the board.

MOZA KS Steering Wheel Review

The KS wheel is 300mm - more GT oriented and a bit larger than I like for my smaller hands. That being said though, its price point is very competitive, and it might be the best GT wheel in its price range. At $249, it's tough to get better value than this. 

MOZA KS steering wheel
The MOZA KS wheel, freshly unwrapped!

The silicone grips are soft and not sticky. Not the grippiest for sure, but they feel nice. The push buttons are probably where you notice the cost-savings the most, although the LED lights throughout are great. The quick release system from MOZA is smooth and intuitive, and much better than Fanatec's original QR (which Fanatec have since updated to their new QR2 system). The front face of the wheel has a carbon fiber finish which looks great.

Then there's the paddle shifters. They're the second place you notice cost savings, being small and made of plastic - but hold on...it actually comes with clutches as well?! For $249, getting 4 paddles is a huge win. The value is really starting to add up here.

CRP Pedals (V1) Review

(Updated for 2025: MOZA has completely liquidated their CRP V1 pedals and replaced them with CRP V2).

MOZA’s CRP pedals rival my Fanatec V3s—and in some ways outperform them. They’re more adjustable, modular, and feel sturdier overall. At $499, they cost more than the V3s, but the added value is clear.

MOZA CRP pedals review

And with the Pit House software, you can quickly customize the pedal response curves and damping effects. MOZA also recently launched the CRP2 with also a 200kg load cell and even more tuning options. You can buy the throttle + brake for $399, and add a clutch pedal for $99 more, making it the same price as the V1s.

Final Verdict: Should You Switch?

With the continuous firmware updates coming from MOZA, the R12 bundle gets dangerously close to Fanatec-level performance, but at a much lower price and with impressive modularity and software.  If you're considering upgrading or switching from Fanatec, this is the first setup I’ve used that truly competes in feel, quality, and performance.


Looking to buy the MOZA R12 racing bundle? Click here!.

For more sim racing reviews, setup guides, and gear comparisons, follow me on YouTube and Instagram.

Previous Next

Leave a comment

0 comments

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.