In this review:

• AB9 FFB Base - 549,-
• MH16 Flightstick - 169,-
• Flight Base Table Clamp - 49,-

Prices in USD at the time of writing.

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First Impressions

I avoid digging too deeply into a product before I receive it, aiming to keep my impressions uncoloured by others' opinions. When the MOZA Force Feedback (FF) Base arrived—well ahead of the flight stick and table clamp—I had an inkling it would be substantial. It’s a force feedback unit, after all. What I didn’t anticipate was just how large and heavy this beast would be. In this case, heft is a promising sign. The packaging was impeccable, with sturdy cardboard and soft foam cradling the unit, ensuring it could survive even the most enthusiastic handling by a UPS driver with dreams of NBA stardom.

The base comes with a soft storage bag, and even the power brick carries a weighty significance, adding to the overall solid feel. Once unpacked, I was immediately confronted with a challenge: where to place this behemoth in my home setup. I experimented with different locations—on my desk, a stool in front of my office chair, and a shelf beside me—but none felt right. Given that this space doubles as my office, I contemplated designing a custom mount. Initially unaware that MOZA offered a table clamp, I was prepared to postpone this review until further progress was made on my dedicated cockpit build. Thankfully, MOZA had my back and sent the table clamp later, solving the placement issue.

When it arrived, MOZA’s flight software threw an error on my system, preventing immediate testing. I received the base early in their pre-release cycle, so patience was necessary. The MOZA team communicated well, and a swift software update soon followed.

Over the years, I’ve cycled through numerous peripherals. My journey started with the trusty Microsoft Sidewinder, and my collection now includes the Logitech X52 PRO, X56 PRO, Turtle Beach Flight Deck, Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS, and Honeycomb Alpha Yoke. The last force feedback joystick I used was the Sidewinder, back in 1997— how time flies... When I unboxed the MOZA FF Base, the joystick mounting connection on top caught my attention. It looked eerily familiar. Could it fit my Thrustmaster stick? A quick check with the MOZA team confirmed it could. So, I set it up on the stool, though it wasn’t the most ergonomic solution, especially for using rudder pedals. But I was eager to dive in.

I was thrilled when MOZA offered this opportunity, especially since I mainly fly GA aircraft and have recently taken a more profound interest in helicopters. For those scenarios—and warbirds—force feedback feels essential. Beyond that, its importance might be debated, though this experience might change my perspective. Priced at $550 for the base and an additional $170 for the flight stick, it’s not cheap. Yet, I’ve never found a joystick that felt genuinely right for helicopters. The Turtle Beach Flight Deck came close, with its firm but linear spring offering good control and precision, but nothing has hit the mark.

You can read a review of the Turtle Beach here

Now, after spending some quality time with the MOZA setup, it’s time to dive into the details. Did it meet my expectations?

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The AB9 Force Feedback Base

The AB9 Force Feedback Base stands out with its open ecosystem, accommodating more than just MOZA’s own products. Receiving the AB9 FFB Base well before the MH16 Flightstick and mounting plate gave me the perfect excuse to resurrect my long-neglected Thrustmaster Warthog flight stick. As I mounted it onto the MOZA base in my home cockpit, I was reminded of the Warthog’s remarkable industrial feel—every detail exuding a sense of authenticity, as if it were plucked straight from an aircraft cockpit. This inevitably raised the bar for MOZA’s offering, sparking curiosity about whether their flight stick could match that level of quality.

Fitting the Thrustmaster stick onto the MOZA base was as seamless as attaching it to its original Thrustmaster base. It’s a testament to MOZA’s commitment to maintaining compatibility and ensuring a smooth user experience.

The AB9 FF Base itself is a solid piece of hardware. Encased in metal with durable plastic panels on the top and bottom, it feels both robust and substantial. However, a word of caution: if you need to stow the base on its side—especially with the stick attached—be mindful of its height and the potential for scratches. The cloth cover in the package is a thoughtful addition, protecting the paint job and the unit itself from dust during storage.

One standout feature is the leather cover in the gap between the stick mount and the base. It not only looks premium but also adds a touch of elegance to the design. While this area might attract dust over time, it should be easy to maintain with regular cleaning. Overall, the physical design and build quality of the Force Feedback Base left a strong impression.

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Connections

As expected, the connections are located at the front of the base, offering practicality and easy access. The base connects via a USB-B cable, which is a reassuring choice. USB-B ensures a sturdy connection, avoiding the fragility sometimes associated with USB-C in high-contact areas like beneath a desk. Additionally, the base is equipped with four RJ-11 ports, designed for connecting other peripherals such as rudder pedals, throttle, a control panel, and a dash display. While we haven’t seen detailed information about the control panel or dash display yet, these connections hint at a promising expansion of MOZA’s ecosystem.

However, one point to note is the tight space for accessing the power cable when the mounting plate is attached. The gap between the plate and the power cable’s locking tab is quite narrow, making it tricky to unlock and remove the cable. It’s a minor inconvenience but worth keeping in mind during setup or when frequently rearranging your equipment.

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In use

When you power up the base, it automatically calibrates by cycling the joystick to the front left and back to the right corner. The force mechanism inside feels incredibly smooth, and in a quiet room, you might notice a faint humming sound from the base. It’s not intrusive but adds to the industrial feel of the setup.

During the initial testing, I noticed a slight "gear return lightness" or "gear slip." At the extremes of the joystick’s travel, when moving it to the limit and then reversing direction, there was a brief moment where the mechanism seemed to be between cogs—a subtle looseness before the gears re-engaged. However, this was a minor issue, most definitely negligible, and over time, it either resolved itself or was addressed through a firmware update. Either way, this is miles apart from how I remember the Sidewinder behaving, which was much more abrupt and less granular in its force delivery.

Now, the joystick feels exceptionally tight and responsive. Its smooth travel is impressive, and the force feedback provides robust, realistic resistance, significantly enhancing the immersive experience.

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The Software

The MOZA Cockpit Control Software is a powerful tool, offering in-depth adjustments that are both intuitive and user-friendly. Every setting can be tweaked on the fly, with changes taking immediate effect, allowing you to fine-tune your experience without interrupting your flight. Whether you’re adjusting the strength of the force feedback, fine-tuning the centring force, or calibrating for different aircraft types, the software makes it straightforward, and you can easily save profiles.

One area that could use improvement is the availability of pre-set profiles or a streamlined method for importing community-shared profiles directly into the software. While the library of aircraft presets, particularly for DCS, has expanded since launch, there’s still room for growth. Over time, I’m optimistic that users will find the presets they need. However, implementing an intuitive system for sharing and downloading user-created profiles would be a valuable enhancement.

In Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) and DCS, the setup can be confusing initially. The MOZA base appears twice in the control configuration, which can be perplexing. Through some trial and error, you’ll figure out that one instance manages the axis commands (the base), while the other handles button inputs (the joystick). The current naming conventions aren’t particularly clear, and in MSFS, there are no labels to help distinguish them. This is something I anticipate will be addressed in future updates, improving the overall user experience.

While I won’t delve deeply into the step-by-step setup, the comprehensive manual does an excellent job of guiding you through the process. For those looking to get the most out of the software, I highly recommend experimenting with different settings and sliders to tailor the experience to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your community; fellow pilots can be invaluable in offering tips on how specific aircraft should feel, helping you achieve an even more authentic simulation experience.

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The MH16 Flightstick

Compared to the Thrustmaster stick, the MOZA MH16 Flightstick immediately feels half a notch below in terms of premium quality. This doesn’t imply that the MOZA stick feels cheap—it’s solid and well-built—but the Warthog stick is simply in a different league when it comes to materials, buttons, and switches. If you already own the Thrustmaster Warthog Flightstick, and unless you specifically need the extra toggle and hat switch on the side, there’s little reason to invest in the MOZA stick. However, even though the Thrustmaster stick is sold separately for $250 and the HOTAS combo is priced at $550, the MOZA Flightstick presents a much more budget-friendly option at $170. If the Thrustmaster is a 10 in industrial feel, the MOZA is a 9.78. While flying, I am very impressed by how it feels in my hand.

At $169, the MOZA Flightstick offers excellent value. Its layout is identical to the Thrustmaster, with the notable addition of a hat switch and a three-way toggle switch. The stick also features an adjustable handrest at the bottom of the shaft, which is a thoughtful touch for those with smaller hands. While I personally haven’t found the need for this adjustment, it’s an excellent option to have.

The plastic is high-quality, and the buttons are firm, providing satisfying tactile feedback. Overall, the MH16 Flightstick is a strong competitor, especially given its price point.

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In Use

Do you know the feeling of gripping a high-quality, industry-standard joystick? The kind that feels cold to the touch in a chilly room, its sturdy materials exuding a sense of unyielding durability? Now, imagine that same joystick coming to life in your hands, responding fluidly to your every movement, mimicking the dynamic forces of real flight. This is precisely what the MOZA Force Feedback Flight Setup delivers—and I’ve fallen in love with it.

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The Table mount

The Table Mount is as solid as they come without venturing into clunky territory. Constructed from heavy metal with sturdy screw clamps, it securely fastens to the table, while foam padding on the inside protects the surface from scratches. The mount attaches to the AB9 FF base through slits on the front side, aligning perfectly with holes on the mounting plate and shims that fit snugly into the slits. The slits span nearly the entire front of the base, making the optional bottom holes in the mounting plate feel redundant.

Be cautious when positioning the plate too high on the base in an attempt to lower the joystick on your table. Doing so can restrict joystick movement, which may impact your overall experience. My table has a tapered edge underneath—typically a tricky surface for mounting. However, the MOZA Table Mount’s depth proved sufficient to secure what is now a considerably heavy setup.

Given the force feedback’s natural tendency to transfer movement to the table, a sturdy table is essential for this mount. Despite these considerations, I can confidently say the Table Mount is a well-designed, robust solution that I highly recommend.

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Conclusion:

When I now fly anything in X-Plane, MSFS, or DCS with a stick, this setup is and will remain my go-to. Unless it’s a “quick up and fly” - there, I am privileged enough to have the Turtle Beach, of which I still use the Throttle quadrant when using the MOZA setup. The MOZA Force Feedback Base has fundamentally changed how I experience flight simulation. The fact that you get a unique feel for every aircraft you fly—whether it’s a jet, a nimble GA aircraft, or my newfound personal favourite, helicopters—makes each flight feel distinct and immersive. The force feedback isn’t just a gimmick; it transforms the controls, bringing a new level of depth and realism to every flight. The character of the controls changes profoundly, adapting to the nuances of each aircraft, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

For anyone who already owns the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS and is craving the addition of force feedback, the MOZA FF Base is a no-brainer. The base delivers a level of performance and immersion that’s simply unmatched in this segment. It’s sturdy, responsive, and offers a tactile connection to the aircraft that I’ve never felt before. This isn’t just another piece of hardware—it’s a game-changer.

Flying has never felt this real, and honestly, returning to a non-force feedback setup feels like stepping back in time. MOZA has set a new benchmark, and for anyone serious about flight simulation, this setup is an investment that pays off in every virtual flight hour. Whether skimming the treetops in a helicopter or breaking the sound barrier in a jet, the MOZA Force Feedback Flight Setup brings your experience to life in ways you didn’t know you were missing.

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Disclaimer: Threshold have been sent all of the MOZA products in this review free of charge.

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