Sim Racing Wheel and Pedals: How to Build Your First Complete Setup
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The sim racing wheel and pedal combination is the foundation of everything. Get it right and your setup will serve you for years. Get it wrong and you'll spend more money replacing it than you would have spent buying the right thing first. At Gamer Gear Direct, we help customers build their first complete setup every day - and the approach is always the same. Here's how to do it properly.
Step 1: Answer Two Questions First
When a customer comes into our Dandenong South showroom wanting to build their first complete sim racing setup, the first two things we ask are: what's your budget, and what titles do you play or want to play?
These two questions determine almost everything. Your budget sets the ceiling. Your titles determine your platform - because if you're on PS5 or Xbox, your wheel options are significantly different from PC. A sim racer who wants to race Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 needs different hardware from someone who wants to run iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione on PC.
- If you're on PS5 or Xbox: Your direct drive options come from Logitech. The RS50 and G PRO Wheel are the native console-compatible choices. MOZA wheelbases don't officially support PS5.
- If you're on PC: The full range is available. MOZA and Logitech both offer strong options across every price point.
Lock in your platform first. Everything else follows from there.
Step 2: Think Long-Term, Buy Once
The most important advice we give first-time buyers is this: focus on building a setup where all the bases are covered and there's no need to upgrade quickly. A long-term setup costs less than two short-term ones.
The most common mistake is buying entry-level hardware to "try it out" and then realising within a few months that you want to upgrade. You've now paid for two setups instead of one. The better approach is to skip the step you'll outgrow and start at the level you actually want to be at.
Our mid-level bundles are where we point most customers who are building seriously - the MOZA R9 V3 and Logitech G PRO represent the sweet spot where all the bases are covered and there's no pressing reason to upgrade. Starting there is almost always cheaper than upgrading twice.
The Most Common Pairing Mistake
Trying to pair old gear with new. It's the most common issue we see when customers come in having built a partial setup themselves.
A new direct drive wheelbase paired with old belt-drive pedals, or a modern load cell pedal set connected to an older gear-driven wheel - these combinations work in a technical sense, but they create an imbalanced setup where the weakest link limits the performance of everything else. You've spent money on a premium wheelbase but you're still braking with hall sensor pedals, and the result is a setup that feels better in some ways but still inconsistent where it matters most.
The smarter approach is to buy as a matched system from the start. Our bundles - the MOZA R9 V3 Bundle with load cell pedals, or the Logitech G PRO Bundle - are designed to work as complete systems. Everything is at the same performance level, and nothing is holding anything else back.
Step 3: Choose Your Wheel
PC Sim Racers
MOZA R5 Bundle - The entry point to direct drive on PC. 5.5Nm, ES wheel, SR-P Lite pedals included. Good for testing direct drive if you're genuinely unsure whether you'll stay in sim racing. If you already know you're serious, step up. Browse the MOZA R5 Bundle.
MOZA R9 V3 Bundle - Our most recommended starting point for PC sim racers building for the long term. 9Nm of direct drive torque, far more force feedback detail than the R5, and available with load cell pedals from the start. See our MOZA R5 vs R9 V3 comparison for a full breakdown. Browse the MOZA R9 V3 Bundle.
Console + PC Sim Racers
Logitech RS50 Bundle - The entry point to direct drive for PS5 and Xbox. 8Nm, RS50 round wheel, RS pedals - everything included. Native PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S and PC support, saving $59-$159 versus buying separately. See our RS50 Bundle review. Browse the Logitech RS50 Bundle.
Logitech G PRO Bundle - The premium console and PC setup. 11Nm, G PRO Wheel rim, G PRO load cell pedals. If you're on PS5 and want the best without compromise, this is it. Browse the Logitech G PRO Bundle.
Step 4: Choose Your Pedals - Don't Settle
The pedals are where your lap times actually live. Our recommendation for anyone building a serious setup is clear: go load cell from the start. If budget allows, go active or hydraulic.
Why load cell matters
Entry-level pedals use hall sensors that measure how far the pedal moves. Load cell pedals measure how hard you press. The difference in braking consistency is immediate and significant - more realistic feel, more repeatable inputs, faster lap times. For a full explanation, see our Load Cell Pedals Explained guide.
The pedal options
MOZA CRP2 Load Cell Pedals - Modular load cell set and our most recommended PC pedal upgrade. Compatible with the MOZA mBooster if you want to go further. Browse the MOZA CRP2.
MOZA mBooster Active Pedal Set - Dual 200kg load cells with active hydraulic-feel braking. The flagship. If you want the best braking experience available, this is where the range ends. Browse the MOZA mBooster.
Logitech G PRO Pedals - Load cell set for Logitech and console users. Native PS5 and Xbox compatibility. Included in the G PRO Bundle or available separately. Browse the Logitech G PRO Pedals.
Recommended First Complete Setups
Best PC starter setup
MOZA R9 V3 Bundle with CRP2 load cell pedals. 9Nm direct drive force feedback, modular load cell braking, and a clear upgrade path to the mBooster if you want it. Everything you need to race seriously, with nowhere you'll feel the need to upgrade for a long time.
Best console starter setup
Logitech RS50 Bundle with G PRO Pedals added. RS50 for the wheelbase and wheel, G PRO Pedals replacing the stock RS pedals for proper load cell braking. PS5, Xbox and PC compatible.
Best console premium setup
Logitech G PRO Bundle. Everything in one box - 11Nm wheel, load cell pedals, multi-platform support. The cleanest path to a complete console sim racing setup.
What About a Rig?
A wheel and pedals need something to mount to. A dedicated sim racing rig makes a meaningful difference to pedal feel, force feedback consistency and comfort. Our Best Sim Racing Rig in Australia guide covers the options by budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start sim racing?
At minimum, a direct drive wheelbase, a steering wheel rim, and pedals. A PC (or console, depending on your hardware), a game, and something to mount the wheel to - either a table clamp or a dedicated sim racing rig. Start with the wheel and pedals, add the rig when you're ready.
Should I buy wheel and pedals as a bundle or separately?
Bundles are almost always the better value - you save money and get a confirmed compatible system. The MOZA R9 V3 Bundle and Logitech RS50 Bundle both include everything needed to start racing. Buying separately only makes sense if you already own components you want to keep.
Do I need load cell pedals as a beginner?
Yes - if you're building a serious setup. Load cell pedals are the most impactful hardware upgrade in sim racing, and starting with them is cheaper than buying basic pedals first and upgrading later. Going load cell, or even active or hydraulic, from the start is the right move for anyone who plans to race seriously.
Can I pair my old wheel or pedals with new hardware?
You can, but we generally advise against it. The most common issue we see is customers trying to pair old gear with new - an older wheel with a new direct drive base, or old hall sensor pedals with a new load cell setup. These combinations can work but create an imbalanced setup where the weakest component limits everything else. Starting with a matched bundle is almost always the better call.
Where can I get advice on my first sim racing setup in Australia?
Gamer Gear Direct's Dandenong South showroom has demo rigs where you can try direct drive wheels and load cell pedals before committing. Visit us or browse our full sim racing wheel and pedals range.
Ready to build your setup? Browse the full sim racing wheel and pedals range at Gamer Gear Direct - Australian warranty, fast delivery, and everything available to try at our Dandenong South showroom.
Written by Blake Sterling, Founder and CEO of Gamer Gear Direct. Blake has been helping Australian sim enthusiasts build their dream racing and flight simulator setups since founding GGD in 2019. When he's not in the Dandenong South showroom, you'll find him behind the wheel in Assetto Corsa Competizione, Forza Horizon and Wreckfest.
