Switch from Moza R9 to Simagic Alpha U | Thoughts and Experience

[@waterboxer]

This is a really great video, nicely presented and edited and with interesting well thought out critique. Would love to see more like this from you 😊

[@darthsnape]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@DrAlanQuan]

Great video! It was really enjoyable to watch through from start to finish. Well written and paced.

[@darthsnape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GregoryShtevensh]

Two legends here

[@alecmillea4539]

I originally wanted a Moza r9 but ended up deciding to go with an endgame wheelbase in the alpha u. Couldn’t be happier with my decision. I’m a professional tower climber so I’m pretty strong but more importantly my hand strength and endurance is very high. I can easily max out the 23nm and regularly use the full strength when driving non power steering formula cars. I couldn’t be happier with my decision, I know I would’ve been happy and impressed with the r9 coming from a g920 but I know now that I would’ve then wanted to upgrade again very quickly.

[@darthsnape]

My god you’re one strong guy. And, congratulations! You did made the right call.

[@mercenarysaw]

Wow that's crazy. 🏁

[@Thunspeed]

Just wow. Video is top notch with great info. Good thing that I don't feel that I need anymore force feedback details than what 10 Nm wheel on market can provide....yet

[@darthsnape]

Really appreciate the kind words, and I hope that if the time comes for an upgrade, I’ll be able to help you out.

[@thebigcat8312]

The green power LED on my Alpha Mini was too bright so I cut a small piece dark blue electrical tape to the same size as the LED lens . The LED still shines through but is much muted and nobody has yet noticed . Simple and effective .

[@darthsnape]

I don’t know if Simagic will add the function to disable the LED, but so far covering it up seems like the only option.

[@thomaswde]

@@darthsnape I don't think it's possible to disable it from software, I believe it's directly powered by the servo motor. It even lights up when the base is unplugged and you rotate the shaft.

[@darthsnape]

Thank you Thomas! I too think this LED is different from one in Moza. I did know about the LED working even when the base is off when shaft is being rotated, but didn’t knew it wouldn’t be possible to turn it off.

[@gabox01]

You are making quality content bro. Keep up the good work!

[@darthsnape]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you!

[@LukeVesty]

I think you've got a real natural flair for video production and writing, Darth Snape. Keep at it.

[@darthsnape]

Thanks. Though I have gotten better ever since. Or atleast I think so.

[@elbowsout6301]

Thanks for this really informative video. This is the first time I have heard of Torque Slew Rate. I was an early adopter of Simagic I bought there M10 wheel when they were the first "affordable" DD option out there. I'm still using this wheel and quite happy with it but I know there is an Alpha U in my future :)

[@darthsnape]

Thank you for your kind words ❤️

[@spirolinardakis5374]

Nice video mate. I've had my Alpha U for 11 months, and absolutely love it. Upgraded from a CSL DD, that I had for about a month, and knew I needed more.

[@darthsnape]

Same. I’m having an awesome time with mine.

[@justpostedagain]

Great video. Something really engaging about your voice, and the presentation is excellent. Do more talking videos!

[@darthsnape]

Really appreciate the kind words. And I will definitely be making more videos on other bases and will be covering a lot of other topics. Stay tuned!

[@neogeo9117]

Great review, great video.

[@darthsnape]

Thanks Neo, I appreciate it!

[@MegatronRacing237]

Crazy how people upgrade to 20+nm. I’m on fanatec CSL DD 8nm and I’m very happy 😂 the jump from csl elite to cal dd 8nm was insane. But you guys are on 3x more strength so the jump must be INSANE

[@darthsnape]

Haha. I was in the same boat with Moza R9. But people with 20+Nm bases don’t play on max torque. It’s just we can increase the torque of the base if we want to and have enough torque headroom left so it won’t clip. For instance, I play at 13-14Nm. If needed down the line, I can increase it to 15 or 17 without clipping, but it will start to rip my arms off lol.

[@WoroM1]

thank you so much for the video! Also going to order Alpha U one of these days because I feel something is wrong with my Moza R12. This is my first direct drive base, but even I realize that the force feedback should be different from what it is on moza. Again, thanks so much for the video, it gave me more confidence in my decision! As soon as Alpha U arrives, I'll tell you about my impressions too ;)

[@darthsnape]

I’m glad you found the video helpful. And Alpha U is going to be an amazing upgrade for you. By the way, if you don’t mind me asking, what issues are you facing with R12? Also, I have an ownership review of the Alpha U posted as well. Have you checked it out?

[@WoroM1]

@@darthsnape 1. it's weak power, I can hold the steering wheel with one hand when the base is 80-90% loaded in a corner. 2. the oscillations are very annoying! Especially in drifting. I've almost managed to deal with them, but it's still present. 3. Quite often, when the car collides, the base shuts off, I have to restart everything. 4. I'm tired of seeing red on the force feedback scale.... I want to get a wheelbase that I will never part with again :) Thanks for the reminder, will look into it now! ;) pardon my English, it's not my first language.

[@darthsnape]

@WoroM1 Those are some immersion breaking points and I would be annoyed too. Especially the base shutting off. Sounds weird. I’m really happy that you’re opting for the Alpha U. You know what they say, Buy once cry once ;) Also, your english is perfectly fine 😄

[@WoroM1]

@@darthsnape Ahaha, true! :D Thanks again for such helpful videos!

[@JaredPaul01]

Nice review. out of curiosity I wondered if the moza r9 would have been better when it released but I'm happy I went with simagic mini from what you said but... now I want an Alpha U haha. I run my mini as high as it will go without clipping or producing to much heat. it makes plenty of power for 10nm and like you said its so smooth! I hardly run any effects and every time I have a good race its easy to convince myself its all I need so I will stay with it until I can find a good priced alpha U.

[@darthsnape]

Thanks for the kind words, Jared. Moza’s R9 V1 had some issues which got refreshed rather quickly when Moza announced their R9 V2. The slight cogging that I felt wasn’t there anymore (Or so the people are saying). I will definitely be revisiting R9 again very soon. And I know how you feel. The main reason for me sticking with Alpha U was because I wanted to buy it once and for all. I initially was looking at Alpha, but changed my mind at the last second.

[@jgloc25]

@@darthsnape Have you the chance to try the Alpha? If so, how are details compared to the Mini and U? Thinking of going to the Alpha from an R9 V2 (price for Alpha U is way high).

[@darthsnape]

@jgloc25 I haven’t tried the Alpha but after testing the mini and owning the Alpha U, I can tell you that detail wise both mini and U are on par. Alpha should be right up there too.

[@jgloc25]

@@darthsnapeI see. So with similar detail between Mini and Alpha, that would mean the Mini should be enough? Since with the R9, though I run at 100% in Pithouse, all in-game FFB are below 100%. Is this accurate?

[@darthsnape]

@jgloc25 Mini should be enough as it feels stronger than 10Nm. And yes, you’re doing it right. 100% maxed torque on software and adjustment in game.

[@simplymentalOG]

Nice vid, thanks for your opinion. I've got an itchy finger just hovering over a moza purchase, however trying to save for the alpha U. My g27 is screeming replace me haha. Finding vids like this is my only hope to holding on course for the simagic and not blowing what i've saved so far on a moza 🤣👍

[@darthsnape]

Haha, I understand the itch. The Moza R12 is right around the corner. If you were thinking of something else really soon, the 15Nm Alpha is also a great choice.

[@bradmccombs3925]

i run the alpha mini and love it. i get lots of ffb and can drive on the edge with no problems. i just wish i had simagic pedals also. they werent out yet. i got heusinkveld. the pedals are just as important. the new p1000 pedals look pretty good too.

[@simplymentalOG]

So many pedal sets to choose from makes pedal choice harder, (for me anyway lol) I do like the inverted p1000, but swaying towards the p2000 set and a couple of others. I try to only buy once and move on to other things, would rather not get into the upgrade path as find it way more expensive, i tend to horde and not sell anything, would take me a decade to get to the alpha u that way haha. Just have to carry on fighting the "i could have that now" urge, knowing better things are not that far away, hold course haha. Would get pedals first in an ideal world, was my intention but the noise that comes from the g27 is borderline risking winding the wife up with its bangs and rattles, very dangerous road to walk 😉😅 Thinking about it...when can afford wheel and base, will get pedals on credit, win win 😏👍

[@bradmccombs3925]

Yes if you have the funds the p2000 are the best choice hands down.

[@bradmccombs3925]

And every person I have heard from that runs the simucube 2 pro wich is the best say that the alpha U is just as good. Or better in its own ways.

[@sas2dj]

I also have the Simagic Ultimate. coming from a belt drive. I fyou like rally, try the Hungarian Richard Burns Rally, I tried the others (Dirt, WRC) but this is a huge step up in realism. Thanks for your review, now I know I made the right choice.

[@darthsnape]

Hey there! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Also, I do play RSF RBR and I agree, it is something else. I absolutely love it.

[@sas2dj]

I'm totally hooked on it Drive it 2 hours plus daily@@darthsnape

[@tofudeliverygt86]

Regarding the LED, I usually put the black electrical tape over it on electronics.

[@NurburgringDude]

Great review! I got an Alpha U earlier this year, and I fee the same. The LED is annoying, but it feels amazing. Software is getting better slowly with the new release recently! Have fun!

[@darthsnape]

It really is a great base. I gotta tape the LED though.

[@Kpaxlol]

​@@darthsnapehow's it going? Im thinking of alpha U 😅

[@darthsnape]

@@Kpaxlol It's going amazing. No problems or hiccups of any sort. Flawless experience. I'll make a video on it again very soon.

[@Kpaxlol]

Is it better now with newer firmware and software than before even? You mentioned you can't quite get it right on both spectrums. Talking about the comparison to moza's specific and more detailed settings.@@darthsnape

[@darthsnape]

@Kpaxlol It is better now. The software is also great and the details have been enhanced. Road effects feel nice and not over pronounced. If you want more info on the software part, I did talk about that in depth on my latest video. (R12 vs Alpha mini)

[@alkine3011]

The Moza R5/R9 are both great "Starter" systems but I feel after 6+ months of use a lot of people will want "more" but thats not to knock the lower NM systems for most the R9 will easily be enough and maybe even their "end" system The key is finding the one that makes YOU happy not only while playing but also in the pockets I finding ended up with the R16 new updated version and I feel like thats where I will be at for some years to come. With all the brands making DD wheels now and the prices falling faster and fasters its us gamers who have won at the end.

[@darthsnape]

Precisely. Choosing a base on overall torque output isn’t a bad idea, it’s just, overtime, you get strong as well. And then end up wanting more. Finding the right balance is important. Also, It’s amazing to see such fierce competition from manufacturers, which, ultimately benefits us.

[@stealthking1269]

You've got some great gear there from what I can see..... Time for a proper aluminium profile rig and triple screens.. 😀😀😀

[@darthsnape]

You know what, I’m really looking into a rig and triples. I think it’s long overdue.

[@MOzEDiTz]

Great review. What made you switch to simagic instead of jumping to the moza R21. Personally I'm not a fan of the r21 design...

[@darthsnape]

Thanks for the kind words. The main reason I switched to Simagic because I heard very little positive feedback for the R21 (refreshed one). While I was under the impression that R21, despite being an 18bit resolution base, would still be plagued with notchiness and that sort of slight cogging effect. R9 V1 had some cogging that R9 V2 didn’t. Wasn’t sure about the decision for R21, so opted for Simagic instead.

[@gautammatti]

you should try the slip angle tranducers.. you would love it

[@darthsnape]

I’ll definitely give it a go. If you have tried it, kindly let me know about your experience.

[@gautammatti]

@@darthsnape it feels real good.. alive.. my friend got it from the states for 650$.. it was 300 watts, 4 corner transducers and single amp... he said it feels better than a motion rig itself

[@gautammatti]

@@darthsnape virtual gaming hub has butt kickkers which are similar but buying 4 would be more than 1.5lakhs and you have t9o use 4 amp boxes which can get messy with wires really fast..

[@prthsingh11]

Can u make a video about your experience with virtual racing hub and whether there are any other alternatives in India.

[@darthsnape]

My experience with VRH has been phenomenal. Akshat Taneja is always a phone call/ whatsapp text away. Whatever you desire, can be arranged easily. Honest guy doing honest business. If you do manage to purchase a bunch of stuff together you do get a discount as well. There are some discounts going on every once in a while. Unfortunately I don’t think there are any other alternatives as of now in India. Only other option would be to get the product shipped directly to you from the manufacturer.

[@AC-xc1wy]

+1

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

Interesting, why did you not go for the R16 Moza? im deciding to get that wheelbase. i particularly like that you can enhance the effects but some say notchyness and some say there isnt like the youtuber boosted media.

[@darthsnape]

Moza R16 is a great wheelbase and I didn’t get it because I was looking for a wheelbase around 20Nm. I wanted to spend once and for all. Regarding notchiness, I think it heavily depends on what sort of force feedback you set up. And don’t worry about the notchiness, it took me 8 months to feel like maybe something is missing. It’s barely noticeable.

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

@@darthsnape Thankyou. i also only want to buy once and for all haha. i was looking at the R9 but for a few $ more the R16 was there and now i see they launched R12. Enjoy the wheel i shall be looking forward to more opinions.

[@darthsnape]

Simagic Alpha (15Nm), Moza R16 and VRS DFP are solid choices.

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

@@darthsnape Thankyou what is your opinion on pedals? i might not opt for the Moza and go strait for SIMAGIC P2000R - HYDRAULIC but they are pricey so will see.

[@darthsnape]

The P2000s are amazing set of pedals for Hydraulics if you’re specifically looking for that. Although they don’t provide any benefit over your standard loadcells. Just a better feeling for your feet.

[@pauldimayuga4748]

Hey there, i noticed you have the nlr gt track. Any long term review? Were you able to attach the simagic base without drilling holes? Thanks man!

[@darthsnape]

Hey Paul. Yeah, Moza R5/9/12, Alpha miini and Alpha U, all of the bases fit just fine. No need to drill any holes. And I will be doing a long term review on the rig too.

[@pauldimayuga4748]

@@darthsnape looking forward to it!

[@VideoAlexVideo]

I sealed the green LED with red insulating tape. The glow became not bright and orange. :)

[@darthsnape]

The green light blinds me every time I race in the dark.

[@scottpolston6137]

Oh what do you think of Simfirge pedals the Mark 1 i can tell your from India you have to of gave them a go and i imagine they are cheaper there than here in the USA because of shipping and all that i really wanna give them a try especially if i can run them with my moza setup in the games i play like Forza Horizon 5 Asseto 1 and Competezione those pedals look as insane as heusinkveld pedal but with a much much nicer pedal tray to hold them they look like they should cost 2k or more but only cost 399 its insane

[@darthsnape]

Hey there! Yes, I am from India and I'm glad that you brought up this question. I actually have a Moza R12 vs Simagic alpha mini video coming up. And shortly after that, I will be making a video on the Simforge Mk1 pedals comparing them with my HE Sprint.

[@lusl77]

hi. i see you have the next level dd. i have the 2.0 wheel stand . the front is the same . i wanted to ask you does simagic ultimate have the holes underneath compatible with the next lvl plate? no bracket needed right? thx

[@darthsnape]

Yeah man. Fits like a glove. Nothing needed.

[@MechanicalDrifting]

We literally have the same setup except I have a GTR Cock pit and a ebay handbrake with triples but same MSI monitor 😅😂 and Ive also wanted to migrate towards simucube noticed them when looking for wheel bases just money wise it's more and I didn't have it or I did just chose a triple setup instead guess money managing can get you diff degrees of setups yea 😅

[@darthsnape]

Don’t let my setup fool you lol. My loadcell handbrake isn’t providing me with something that a standard handbrake cannot do. Also, I’ve been thinking about triples myself.

[@utthecoolguy]

hey, really good video. what was the price that you got the base and wheel combo for. I'm from India and considering the same combo.

[@darthsnape]

Hey there 👋🏼 Glad you enjoyed the video. I paid about 2.2 lakhs for the Alpha U and the GT1-R. If you want, you can use my code for 10% off from virtualracinghub.

[@utthecoolguy]

@@darthsnape wow, that some serious money. can get the simucube and some top wheel for that money in many other countries, well sucks to be a sim racer here!! thank for the reply and keep creating good content.

[@darthsnape]

It is an absurd amount of money tbh. But international warranty is something which made me go for a Simagic Alpha U instead of Simucube.

[@mviktormvvv2009]

How is the GT Track handling the Alpha U ? Did you have to drill to mount it ?

[@darthsnape]

The Alpha U fit just fine. Thankfully I didn’t have to drill it. And the rig handles it nicely. I am playing at a relatively high torque level, and so far nothing.

[@shaunitai]

in the next video hes driving an actual f1 car totally shitting on this dd wheel.

[@darthsnape]

See, you get me!

[@alphatribe01]

From scale 0-10 If force feedback quality (not strength ) If alpha u is 10 What's alpha mini And alpha? Tell me your review

[@darthsnape]

All three units, Alpha mini, Alpha and the U are a solid 10 because they share a similar motor design and most importantly, the exact same encoder (18bit)

[@alphatribe01]

@@darthsnape okay great. One more thing In india the sim racing trend isn't even started But I'm sure I'd see your million subs. Soon or later Keep it up bro 👍

[@darthsnape]

@alphatribe01 I won’t forget about you! 😄

[@jet_mouse9507]

You should put tape over that annoying green led! That's what I would do.

[@darthsnape]

That’s exactly what I had in mind. The light annoys me when I want to play in the dark.

[@ДепарДью]

@@darthsnape just buy vr. you will be inside the car and not in the room. Simulator and VR are made for each other. especially Iracing.

[@darthsnape]

I haven't tried VR, but I'll give it a try. I have heard that some people did get sick initially.

[@ДепарДью]

​@@darthsnape this is a rare case. you should definitely try it. irasing and reverb g2

[@Jpilgrim30]

@@darthsnapeawe man if you haven’t tried VR before you’re in for a treat. Talk about full immersion. Nothing like turning your head and seeing someone right beside you wheel to wheel. It gets intense!!

[@ronaldwoofer5024]

why is the simagic 23nm product so much smaller then other similar ones from other brands ?

[@darthsnape]

I’m not really sure to be honest. Maybe design appeal isn’t their thing? The design language is quite muted and basic like the offerings from VRS and Simucube.

[@Chidorin]

have you tried rsf rbr? seems to be the best rally sim to test ffb

[@darthsnape]

I’m still trying to figure out the ffb on it. Seems a bit hard as it is an old game. But I will definitely include RBR on my upcoming videos.

[@Chidorin]

@@darthsnape original rbr or rsf rbr? rsf has added modern dd bases through their launcher

[@darthsnape]

Rsf rbr. I’m tweaking the ffb to my liking. Once it’s done, I’ll be including it in my upcoming videos.

[@scottpolston6137]

Man it's hard for me to swutch i already have Moza everything and i live it i have 2 wheel rims a base pedals the shifter and hand brake and it's amazing and the software is pretty incredible i chose Moza over fanatec because there's to much plastic in the csl dd bundle plastic wheel plastic pedals half e wheel base is plastic build quality kinda sucks compared to Moza anything so for these reasons i went Moza and im not disappointed in the least the only thing fanatec has on Moza is the boost pack for the csl dd thats absolutely it for real you also pay on average a $100 more for wheels of the same quality as moza its the same for the shifter is very hard to get on board with that vrry very hard pretty much every moza wheel is metal and carbon fiber and they are gorgeous to behold i live my moza cs wheel for pretty much everything and a ks for gt and f1 racing that's the only wherl that's plastic but its carbon reinforced and spanks the McLaren gt wheel its hot garbage the shifters suck and it's legit nothing but plastic with three exception of there crap teeter totter shifters

[@darthsnape]

I do agree that the CS rim is great. I really liked the build quality. I don't have any experience with the KS rim as of now, but I did own the GS GT rim and that was a delight to play with.

[@jufejufinho]

It gave me the impression that you realized the money was not worth the upgrade but you are trying to convince yourself it was since you already spent it. In your conclusions you only say the experiemce is smooth and you get every single detail, but so does the R9😅 the value for money gets lower the higher the nm.

[@darthsnape]

Not quite. It’s not just about the torque output of a motor, but about the pole count, type of motor, holding torque and the resolution. R9 has 15 bit of resolution which is enough. But Alpha U has 18 bit. If you want more info on this, I recommend watching my Moza R5 video.

[@jufejufinho]

@@darthsnape yeah i saw it, it just feels like you were not convinced enough in this video

[@darthsnape]

@jufejufinho Haha, could be my lack of showing confidence as I was not expecting this video to get this many views 😅

[@jufejufinho]

@@darthsnape its a great video bro great topic

[@darthsnape]

@jufejufinho I’m glad you enjoyed it. More content to follow soon!

[@josephbornman8462]

Sorry bro it’s before watching your video… single monitor???

[@josephbornman8462]

Not even ultrawide???

[@darthsnape]

Not yet brother. I’m still on 1440p 32” (16:9). Thinking more about triples in the near future.

[@carlosrey1331]

Nice video but If you like rally so much, why are you driving DR2 then? your feedback on that game means nothing to me or any rally enthusiast and does not represent the trully potential of the wheels. Try RBR and a be a man for god sake.

[@darthsnape]

Been playing it. Loving it tbh.

[@gabox01]

DR2 is more than a decent rally sim imho. RBR is so dated even with all those plugins.

[@MrRaphaelLippi]

Wait, how is the R9 an entry level? O.o

[@darthsnape]

R9 is truly an amazing entry level base. Simply one of the best in the market if considering the price point. A lot of the bugs and force feedback was refined overtime and Moza continues to surprise people.

[@Steve93K]

It is entry level by DD standards

[@Jpilgrim30]

Because it’s 9 Nm and there have been direct drive wheel bases on the market with over 20 for awhile. The big boys are just a whole different level. The extra overhead helps in responsiveness especially with things like bumps and curbs. Nothing like suddenly getting jolted with 23 Nm of power. 😂

[@filipivan5125]

I wonder what job u do to afford $2000 wheelbase living in India.

[@darthsnape]

Haha, I manage somehow. But in all seriousness, I work for an MNC.

[@miles-gs4uj]

The voice is a weird at my ears

[@darthsnape]

I don’t blame you. This was my first big video where I had absolutely no idea how to talk. 😅

[@PlayGameToday]

Indian?

[@darthsnape]

Yes :)

[@PlayGameToday]

@@darthsnape Nice, man! India the best!

[@darthsnape]

@PlayGameToday I appreciate the kind words! Thank you.

[@leroywalton4348]

Please ask someone with proper english accent to talk instead of you. You can even use an AI to speak it for you.

[@darthsnape]

Thanks for the feedback! Since this was my very first video, I was a bit shy and nervous. I believe that overtime my speech will get better. AI is a no go for me.

[@leroywalton4348]

@@darthsnape Good for you ! I wish you the best.

[@pipikikinos]

you compare 9Nm with a 20Nm+ Base. FFS get serious

[@darthsnape]

It was less of a comparison and more of an experience which most of us are unaware of. People are skeptical of buying high powered DDs because they don’t know what it feels like.

[@adrianmilanesi9143]

It would be like going from a Toyota to a Mercedes, no comparison really

[@darthsnape]

Agreed! I do however have a video comparing Moza R12 and Alpha mini. So it'll be more like Nissan vs Toyota.

[@adrianmilanesi9143]

@@darthsnape I recently upgraded my Grandson's rig from the original Simagic M10 to a Moza R9 and it was a huge improvement, I love the Moza software I run a Simucube2 Pro in my rig and I don't like the software one bit. I think Moza have done their homework there. Cheers

[@darthsnape]

@adrianmilanesi9143 Couldn’t agree more. Moza’s software department is near perfect.

[@bojechkiyanatural]

nice accent

[@darthsnape]

Thanks!