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Beneath the surface, both wheels seem to share similar specs. They're both direct-drive, which is a must-have for serious sim racers. The Moza R9 V2 boasts 9Nm of torque, while the Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo tops out at 6.4Nm. On paper, it's a tie – but we all know that performance often diverges from specs.
I've seen users complaining about the Moza R9 V2 having some issues with idle oscillation in certain games, but it seems like most can be resolved with software tweaks. The consensus is that the base has been improved since its initial release. Users are reporting no major issues aside from this minor annoyance. It's a good thing their customer support has stepped up, or it would've been a disaster. The big problem here is reliability. I've heard stories about bad batches and units that just don't work right out of the box. If you do end up with a faulty unit, be prepared for the hassle of getting it replaced – and don't expect much help from customer support. It's a shame, because when it works, the Moza R9 V2 is a beast. On the other hand, the Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo has its own set of problems. Users are reporting issues with buzzing noises, calibration problems, and even a dead zone in the middle. I've heard horror stories about dealing with customer service, which seems to be non-existent when you need it most. It's like they're waiting for you to give up before they'll even acknowledge your issue. I'm not sure what's going on at Thrustmaster, but their products seem to have a higher failure rate than Moza. I've seen people upgrade from the TS-XW to other wheels because of its numerous issues. It's just not worth the pain.
So who gets my money? In a straight-up battle, the Moza R9 V2 is the clear winner for sim racers who value raw performance and reliability. If you're looking to upgrade from a lower-tier wheel or just want a hassle-free experience, I'd say go with the Moza – but be prepared for the possibility of some minor tweaks to get it working perfectly. However, if budget is no concern and you don't mind dealing with potential headaches, the Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo might still have its place. It's not without its charm, and some users swear by its performance. But for me? I'll take my chances with Moza any day.