Moza R21 Wheel Base

The Moza Racing R21 is the crown jewel of the Shenzhen based based Camera and Sim racing manufacturer.

Equipped with 21 Nm of peak torque, this, together with the Moza R16, was one of the product that Moza Racing used to challenge the top end of the market, and the R21 is positioned to compete against the 20+Nm direct drive bases from Fanatec, Simucube and Asetek.

The whole portfolio of Moza Racing wheel bases includes 4 product: the cheapest Moza R5 and R9, with 5 and 9Nm respectively, with similar design and specs, and the premium tier made by the Moza R16 and R21 (16 and 21Nm of maximum torque).
If you’re not into technical details, maximum torque measures the amount of strength of the base can create to produce force feedback to simulate steering, hitting curbes, the feeling of the asphalt/dirt and other effects. The higher, the more strong and space for multiple effects at the same time.

Moza Racing R21 specs are clearly top notch, as Moza has clearly included all of the top hardware in its arsenal:

• Quadcore CPU
• 262,144 points of resolution – 18 bits
• Speed dependent force feedback dampening
• Wireless power supply from the base to the wheel
• Futuristic design inspired by hypercars
• Weight : 8.9Kg
• Power: 480W
• Limitless steering angle

Other than its strength and high definition, the base offers some interesting features shared with its little brother, the Moza R16: first and most interesting probably is the wireless connection between the base and the steering wheel, that sets it apart from all competitors and should help with longevity.
It also provides additional safety thanks to the hands off protection, that recognises when you have your hands off the wheel and stop the force feedback to avoid injuries.
^{Yes, a base with so much power is also dangerous if you don’t use it with caution and never lose focus on what you are doing. Please never forget that!}

Compared to the R16, this comes with a more powerful power supply of 480W needed to deliver the additional 5Nm.

The Moza R21 can be mounted with a “classic” solution of 4 mounting holes at the bottom, or with the optional side mount bracket if you need more stability to avoid flex to your sim racing cockpit or sig.
There is also an optional table mount but we don’t recommend to use it on the table unless you have a super solid table or you plan to strongly cut percentage of peak torque a lot – but why would you buy a 21Nm base then?

Overall, this is a huge step up in terms of power to cheaper products such as the Moza R5, sand will provide much more force feedback. Is it needed? Once again, this really depends on which cars you plan to use, and what usage you want to do.

The R21 is compatible with all Moza Racing steering wheels and can also be used to fit competitors wheels as long as they are compatible with the D1 SPEC specification quick release.
As for Fanatec high-torque bases, you have an optional cable exit to plug a kill-button to instantly power off the base, called E-Stop switch (49$/€)

As a nice nice add-on, by buying on the Moza Racing website you have the option of choosing between a range of 5 sticker packages to improve the look on the base

Final Thoughts

Moza has came up with a great wheel base that can definitely rival the most famous ones in the market.
The only issues we see are regarding distribution, as buying the base from China would take time and involve import taxes. But soon this might change. Meanwhile, you can check online if you have a local distributor with faster availability.

In terms of price, the R21 is in line with the Fanatec DD1 for EU, and slightly better for the North American market. Please note that this does not include shipping and import taxes in case domestic shipping won’t be available from Moza at time of purchase – you can see that on the website once you add your shipping details.

Moza R21 and R16 vs Fanatec DD1 and DD2

	Moza R21	Moza R16	Fanatec DD1	Fanatec DD2
Max Torque	21Nm	16Nm	20Nm	25Nm
Price	1099$/ 1199€*	899$ /999€*	1199$/€	1499$/€

Choosing between brands is up to you, once again one reason to pick more established brands could be the (local) customer support and more re-sale value. For instance, Fanatec products do generally keep their value quite well and are probably more easily sold in second-hand marketplaces.

But Moza is growing and this might change as well. And, why would you need anything better than the R21 anytime soon?