Asetek SimSports Closed D Orange Leather Rim vs MOZA CS V2: Which Is Better?

Quick answer

The Asetek SimSports Closed D Orange Leather Rim wins if you already run an Asetek wheelbase and want an OEM-grade leather rim with a native quick release. The MOZA CS V2 is the better pick for MOZA owners or anyone who wants a complete, budget-friendly direct-drive bundle. There is no universal winner: buy the rim that matches your wheelbase's quick-release system.

Choosing between the Asetek SimSports Closed D Orange Leather Rim and the MOZA CS V2 usually comes down to one thing: which wheelbase you already own. Both are closed-D style rims, but they target different ecosystems and budgets. The Asetek rim is a standalone premium wheel, while the MOZA CS V2 is part of a complete direct-drive bundle.

This comparison focuses on the facts we can verify from the product catalog, plus the practical trade-offs you will feel in daily use. Where a specification is not listed, we treat that as a decision limitation rather than guessing. By the end, you should know which rim fits your rig, your wheelbase, and your budget.

What each rim actually is

The Asetek SimSports Closed D Orange Leather Rim is a closed-D rim with orange leather grip. It is built for Asetek's SimSports wheelbase ecosystem and uses a native quick release. The MOZA CS V2 is a closed-D rim that comes as part of the MOZA Racing R5 Racing Simulator Bundle, which also includes the R5 direct-drive wheelbase, SR-P Lite pedals, and a table clamp.

This is the core difference: one is a rim you add to an existing Asetek setup, and the other is a rim you get as part of a complete MOZA starter bundle. If you are starting from zero, the MOZA bundle removes the guesswork of matching a rim to a wheelbase.

• Check your wheelbase's quick-release standard before buying either rim.
• If you own an Asetek wheelbase, the Closed D Orange Leather Rim is the direct fit.
• If you own a MOZA wheelbase, the CS V2 is the direct fit.

Materials, feel, and durability

The Asetek rim uses orange leather, which tends to feel grippy and comfortable over long stints. Leather also wears in rather than wearing out, though it needs occasional cleaning to avoid shiny spots. The MOZA CS V2 uses hand-made stitch leather, per the bundle description, so it offers a similar premium feel at a much lower entry price.

The MOZA bundle also includes an aeroplane-grade aluminum and high-strength steel construction for the R5 base and wheel. That does not tell us the rim's exact material mix, so we cannot claim it matches Asetek's leather quality. What we can say is that both rims are designed for direct-drive torque, and neither is a plastic toy.

• Leather grips need cleaning every few months to stay tacky.
• If you sweat heavily, consider gloves to protect the stitching.
• Neither rim's catalog listing specifies a weight, so balance is a try-before-you-buy factor.

Ecosystem and quick release

The Asetek rim uses Asetek's native quick release, which means it will not bolt directly to a MOZA or Fanatec wheelbase without an adapter. The MOZA CS V2 uses MOZA's customized quick release from real racing, which is part of the R5 bundle. These are different systems, and mixing them usually requires a third-party adapter or a different wheelbase.

This is the single biggest reason to pick one over the other. If you already own an Asetek wheelbase, buying the MOZA CS V2 means you also need a MOZA wheelbase or an adapter. If you own a MOZA wheelbase, the Asetek rim is not a plug-and-play swap. Match the rim to the wheelbase you already have.

• Asetek rim: native Asetek quick release only.
• MOZA CS V2: native MOZA quick release, included in the R5 bundle.
• Adapters exist, but they add cost and can affect paddle reach.

Buttons, paddles, and controls

The MOZA CS V2 comes with 22 programmable buttons, according to the bundle description, which is a lot of inputs for a starter rim. The Asetek rim's button count is not listed in our catalog facts, so we cannot compare it directly. If you race GT or formula cars and need many mappings, the MOZA's 22 buttons are a clear advantage on paper.

Paddle shifters are not specified for either rim in the supplied facts. Both are closed-D rims, so they are more likely to include paddles than a round rim, but we cannot confirm the material or feel. If paddle quality is your top priority, ask the retailer for details before buying.

• MOZA CS V2: 22 programmable buttons, per the bundle listing.
• Asetek rim: button count not specified in our catalog facts.
• Closed-D shape suits GT and formula driving positions.

Trade-offs to weigh

• Ecosystem lock-in: The Asetek rim only fits Asetek wheelbases without an adapter, and the MOZA CS V2 only fits MOZA wheelbases without an adapter. Adapters add cost and can change paddle reach. Buy the rim that matches the wheelbase you already own, or plan for an adapter.
• Complete setup vs. single rim: The MOZA CS V2 comes inside the R5 bundle with a wheelbase, pedals, and clamp. The Asetek rim is a standalone wheel, so you still need a wheelbase and pedals. If you are starting from nothing, the MOZA bundle is the simpler path.
• Button count: The MOZA wheel lists 22 programmable buttons. The Asetek rim's button count is not in our catalog facts, so we cannot confirm it. If you need many mappings, ask for the Asetek rim's input count before buying.
• Leather care: Both rims use leather grips, which need periodic cleaning to avoid shiny, slippery spots. Neither listing specifies a replaceable grip. Budget for grip cleaner or gloves if you race often.

Catalog facts that matter

• MOZA Racing R5 Racing Simulator Bundle: The bundle includes the MOZA DD R5 wheelbase, ES Steering Wheel, SR-P Lite Pedals (no clutch), and R5 table clamp. It delivers 5.5 Nm of torque from a direct-drive motor with aeroplane-grade aluminum, hand-made stitch leather, and high-strength steel. The wheel has 22 programmable buttons and a customized quick release from real racing. This is the only option here that gives you a complete direct-drive setup in one purchase, including pedals and a clamp. It is the lower-risk choice if you are building your first rig.
• Ascher Racing Button Plate B16L-USB [Wired]: This is a platform-independent USB button plate with 8 push buttons, 2 encoders with push-button functionality, magnetic paddle shifters, and 16 inputs. It is compatible with many popular wheel rims. If you already own a rim and want to add buttons and magnetic paddles, this plate is a flexible alternative to buying a whole new wheel. It works across platforms via USB.
• ASR Classic Wheel Deck: A complete wheel deck with aluminum profile and side mounting plates, designed to withstand the power and vibrations of the most powerful wheelbases at maximum force feedback. It includes all necessary mounting hardware. If you are adding either rim to a custom rig, a rigid wheel deck prevents flex from masking the feedback. This is the foundation that makes a direct-drive rim worthwhile.

Which rim should you buy?

Best for

• Asetek wheelbase owners who want a native-fit leather closed-D rim.
• Drivers who already have pedals and a rig and only need a wheel.
• Buyers who prefer leather over suede or Alcantara.

Not for

• MOZA wheelbase owners without an adapter.
• First-time buyers who still need a wheelbase, pedals, and clamp.
• Drivers who need a verified high button count and cannot confirm the Asetek rim's inputs.

Pick the Asetek SimSports Closed D Orange Leather Rim if you already run an Asetek wheelbase and want a leather rim that fits without adapters. Pick the MOZA CS V2 if you are building a first direct-drive rig or already own MOZA gear, since it arrives as part of a complete bundle. Match the quick release first, then decide on materials and buttons.