MOZA R21 Ultra, R25 Ultra, and R9 V3: A Software Update That Changed the Feel

Introduction

Direct-drive wheelbases have transformed the sim racing experience, offering levels of force feedback detail that were once reserved for professional setups. MOZA has become a prominent name in this space, releasing a steady stream of new products. However, a recent software update has introduced a noticeable change in how some of their wheelbases feel, and it is worth understanding before you make a purchase.

This update focuses on three MOZA wheelbases: the R21 Ultra, the R25 Ultra, and the R9 V3. The issue is not with the hardware itself, but with a software and firmware change that alters the driving experience. Understanding what happened, how to identify it, and what it means for your buying decision is essential for anyone considering a MOZA wheelbase.

The Problem: A Sensation of Disconnect

The core issue reported with the R25 Ultra was a sensation of disconnect between what the driver expects the wheel to do and what it actually does. This was particularly noticeable during drifting, especially when transitioning between different directions. In a properly configured setup, the wheel naturally rotates in the opposite direction during a transition, and the driver simply catches it in the right spot. With the R25 Ultra, this natural motion felt foreign and required constant small corrections to push the wheel into position.

This sensation of disconnect was not limited to drifting. It translated to other areas of driving, particularly around the center of the steering range. Across various racing titles and driving disciplines, there was an underpinning feeling that something was wrong. The force feedback detail was still present, but the overall experience felt off. Interestingly, the R21 Ultra did not exhibit this issue with the original software version, which made the problem even more puzzling.

Testing and Investigation

To get to the bottom of the issue, a systematic testing process began. The first step was to rule out hardware problems. A replacement R25 Ultra was requested and tested, but it produced exactly the same driving experience as the original unit. This confirmed that the issue was not a hardware defect.

The next step was to examine the software. The original testing was done with software version 1.3.4.39. A newer public release, version 1.3.4.56, had since become available. After updating to this newer version, the R21 Ultra, which had worked perfectly before, also began to exhibit the same sensation of disconnect. This was a critical finding, as it pointed directly to a software or firmware regression.

To further validate this theory, an R9 V3 wheelbase was also tested. While the differences were more subtle than with the R21 and R25 Ultras, there were still fundamental changes in the driving feel. This confirmed that the issue was not isolated to the Ultra series but affected other MOZA wheelbases as well. The problem was clearly introduced somewhere between software version 1.3.4.39 and version 1.3.4.56.

The Root Cause: Hands-Off Protection Mode

After days of experimenting with various force feedback settings, including maximum wheel speed, natural damper, natural friction, and force feedback interpolation, the culprit was finally identified. A hidden setting under the experimental functions menu called “hands-off protection mode” was the source of the problem.

This setting has two modes. Mode one is designed to detect when hands have left the steering wheel and control the wheel to remain in the center position, preventing violent shaking and wiggling. Mode two, which was set by default, takes a different approach. Instead of monitoring whether hands have left the wheel, it enhances stability by reducing vigorous oscillations in the game force feedback.

The description of mode two perfectly matched the symptoms being experienced. Switching from mode two to mode one improved things slightly, but the real fix was turning off hands-off protection entirely. When this setting was disabled, all the problems disappeared. The R21 Ultra felt normal again, the R25 Ultra finally felt as expected, and the R9 V3 showed the same improvement.

What This Means for You

If you already own a MOZA wheelbase, regardless of the model, it is worth checking the hands-off protection mode in the software. Switching it off may improve your driving experience, especially if you have noticed a subtle change in feel after recent software updates. While this setting was previously recommended for safety reasons, testing has shown that even with it enabled, the wheel can still oscillate when hands are removed. With proper settings, the wheel does not tend to oscillate excessively when held during normal driving.

For potential MOZA customers, this situation highlights a broader issue in the sim racing industry. Products are being released at a rapid pace, and software is often refined after the product is already in customers’ hands. MOZA is not alone in this, but the sheer volume and frequency of their releases make them more susceptible to such issues. It is worth considering whether you are comfortable with this approach, especially if you prefer a product that is fully refined at launch.

Buying Advice

The R25 Ultra, despite the software issue, is a very good wheelbase. Its driving experience is similar to the R21 Ultra, but with a bit more strength. However, for most users, the extra strength of the R25 Ultra is unlikely to be necessary. The R21 Ultra offers a more balanced combination of performance and value.

The R9 V3 is a more accessible option, and while the software issue affects it to a lesser degree, it still benefits from the same fix. It is a solid choice for those looking for a capable wheelbase without the higher price tag of the Ultra series.

If you are considering a MOZA wheelbase, the R21 Ultra is the recommended choice for those seeking a more powerful setup. The R25 Ultra is only worth considering if you specifically need the additional strength, which is unlikely for the majority of drivers.

Conclusion

The software and firmware issue affecting MOZA wheelbases is a significant finding for both current and potential owners. The fix is simple, but the underlying problem highlights the importance of software quality in the sim racing industry. MOZA continues to support their products with regular updates, but this situation serves as a reminder that even minor software revisions can have a major impact on the driving experience.

For now, disabling hands-off protection mode resolves the issue and restores the expected feel of these wheelbases. As MOZA continues to refine their software, it is hoped that this issue will be addressed in a future update. Until then, understanding this workaround is essential for getting the most out of your MOZA wheelbase.