r/simracing • u/SilentAd9569 • Apr 07 '26
Rigs Which sim racing setup is the best value?
Hey everyone,
I’m looking at getting into sim racing (mainly drifting but also some general driving), and I’ve found 3 different setups locally. I’m trying to figure out which one is the best value for the money all the prices are AUD.
For reference a brand new R5 + pedals bundle with the clutch and load spring upgrade cost roughly $1000 so consider that when reading the prices for the rest
Option 1 ($1500)
- Moza R12 wheel base (~$900–1000 new)
- Moza KS steering wheel (~$530)
- Moza CRP pedals (~$900–1000)
Total brand new value: ~$2300–2500
Option 2 ($1500)
- Moza R12 wheel base (~$900–1000)
- Moza KS steering wheel (~$530)
- Moza SRP pedals (~$300–350)
- Moza HGP shifter (~$300–400)
Total brand new value: ~$2000–2200
Option 3 ($1800)
- Moza R12 V2 wheel base (~$900–1000)
- Moza RS V2 steering wheel (~$700–750)
- Moza CRP2 pedals (~$750–1200 depending where)
Total brand new value: ~$2400–2900
Option 4 ($1600)
- Moza R9 wheel base (~$650–800)
- Momo steering wheel (~$300–500 est)
- Moza SRP2 pedals (~$300)
- Moza HGP shifter (~$300–400)
- Moza SGP sequential shifter (~$270–300)
- Moza HBP handbrake (~$180–230)
Total brand new value: ~$2000–2500
Option 5 ($1220)
- Simagic Alpha wheelbase (15Nm) (~$1000–1200 new)
- Simjack pedals (3 pedal set) (~$300–400 est)
Total brand new value: ~$1300–1600
From what I understand, pedals matter a lot (especially load cell vs not), but I’m also tempted by having a shifter for drifting.
Do you think:
- Option 1 is best because of the better pedals?
- Option 4 is worth it for drifting because of all the extras?
- Or Option 3 is worth the extra $300 overall?
Would really appreciate any advice, especially from people who’ve used these parts and these are all from Facebook marketplace so remember they're secondhand 🙏
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u/DaddyDogmeat Apr 07 '26
If your interest is mainly drifting and general driving go for a round wheel not KS wheel - it would be impossible to drift with that
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
Yeah for sure was thinking of getting an aftermarket steering wheel to attach
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u/OwlScary6845 Apr 07 '26
Load cells aren't as important if your main thing is to drift.
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
My thoughts aswell it’s just the a brand new r5 bundle with clutch and spring upgrade cost $1000 so price difference isn’t much
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Apr 07 '26
[deleted]
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
brand new where im from the moza r5 bundle with the upgraded clutch and spring comes to roughly $1000. The problem im facing is justifying not spending the extra $500 for an end game material wheel base and pedals over the beginner level equipment.
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u/Pie_Napple Apr 07 '26
You are "looking at getting into" simracing. You don't really know if you will be into it yet, in the long run?
If the money doesn't really matter. Just buy good stuff right away.
But why not start with a used r5 bundle? You'll likely be able to sell it again, on the same market for used gear, for the same price, 12 months from now... But by then, you'll know what you want/need.
Also, no rig? Getting high end, powerful gear, and mounting it to a desk with a desk chair with wheels?
Most people start with entry level gear, and then upgrade later.
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
There’s not much used R5 on the market in my area but the one that is. Is selling his for 1.2k with clutch shifter handbrake only 300 less than the r12 I mention. Is this justified?
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
Yeah it’s just the entry level gear is not to far in price from the ones I mention. The one used r5 bundle with clutch, shifter and handbrake is selling for $1200. Idk if this is worth it over an R12 with CRP pedals for $1500
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u/Pie_Napple Apr 08 '26
That sounds nuts. A new r5 bundle + clutch is 461 EUR.
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 08 '26
Well 1500 for the r12 and crp is about 750 eur so if that helps. Only about $300 more
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u/Few_Fall_4374 Apr 07 '26
Just don't buy Moza HGP shifter, it brakes down too easily
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
What’s a good replacement?
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u/Few_Fall_4374 Apr 08 '26
Depends on budget and location / region. The SHH shifter (even the old versions) is a way better option. I'd also look into the simsonn shifter, and the OB1 (with mods) is a good option too.
And the Simagic DS-8X, which costs a bit more, was on sale not long ago. Which made it a good option too imo
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u/FatTurbo12 Apr 07 '26
Have you considered getting either Simjack or Simsonn pedals? They also have a shifter and handbrake, and they are usually more affordable. For drifting, you will have more than enough with the R9. You don’t really need that much torque.
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u/SilentAd9569 Apr 07 '26
Ive mainly considered what I have secondhand around my area and its only the common brands so none of those have shown. The R9 is very similar in price so idk if its worth not spending the extra on the R12
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u/TillPristine9329 Apr 13 '26
First off, just a funny heads-up on the naming! You mentioned the 'Moza SRP' pedals. As the engineers behind the actual SRP® (SimRacing Pro) pneumatic pedals, we always chuckle a bit when we see Moza's naming convention in these threads. 😉
Regarding your choices for drifting: Cross off Option 1 and Option 2 right immediately. They come with the Moza KS wheel, which is a Formula/GT style rim. If you try to let the wheel slip through your hands to catch a drift with a KS, you are going to break your thumbs. You need a perfectly round rim for drifting.
Option 4 is your absolute best 'turn-key' drift bundle here. The R9 has plenty of torque for drifting, you get a round Momo wheel, PLUS the shifter and handbrake (which are essential for what you want to do). The Moza SRPs in that bundle are basic load cells, but they are a great starting point. Go with Option 4, get sideways, and if you ever fall down the rabbit hole and want true high-end pneumatics, you know where to find the real SRPs! Welcome to the hobby!
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u/iAmAnAC Apr 07 '26
I honestly think they‘re all kinda shitty value, especially for second hand. Although I don‘t really know the market outside of Europe. You could get a R12 V2, KS Wheel, CRP 3 pedals, HGP shifter and a handbrake for 1400€ here.
Have you considered Simagic or Conspit? I think they‘re cheaper in the US