Before we launch off the carrier deck, here's an important distinction for mild dyslexics like me. The Moza AB9 (which I’m quite familiar with) offers significantly stronger, smoother belt driven force feedback with 12 Nm peak torque. While today’s subject, the AB6 comes in a more affordable, compact bundle. We’re talking the base, a stick, mount but also only half the power at 6 Nm peak torque and a gear driven feel that can feel slightly... notchy.
Not to give my impressions away in the intro, but the AB6 is what you ought to lock-on to if you need a great value entry-level to mid-range flight sim solution. I’ll always loop back to my AB9 as the premium high performance preferred, obviously, but the AB6 will now become the highly capable backup my eldest will probably earn his sim wings with.
Or, hey, maybe I’ll repurpose it into a force feedback manual gearshifter for my racing rig. This is quite possible with a small extra purchase.
Speaking of buying things, let's get the first hurdle out of the way: price of admission. I did say the AB6 setup was entry level, but in the sim peripherals world, that can still mean steeper than a kamikaze nose dive. Click here to skip that eye-watering window shop if you'd like to.
Moza Flight Test Gear
All About That Base
The AB6 Base is Moza very deliberately trimming the fat without cutting the nerve. This is a compact force feedback unit that still wants to grab you by the wrist and remind you that flying is a physical challenge, not just an elaborate finger ballet on a keyboard or controller.
At 6 Nm peak torque, it is exactly half the muscle of the AB9, but that number undersells how assertive it feels in practice. Once bolted down properly, and yes, bolting it down is non negotiable (do not go by my clutter-avoiding glamour photos), the AB6 communicates aircraft behaviour with quiet confidence. Control surface loading, trim changes, turbulence, buffet, runway rumble and high speed compression all come through clearly, especially when you are flinging a fully fuelled F18E Super Hornet around like you’re about to go buzz the nearest Nimitz-class tower.
The gear driven mechanism introduces a slight mechanical texture to movement. You feel the teeth working, particularly around centre, and while some will describe this as notchy (and I do agree), I would argue it also feels sincere. There is a sense of machinery at play. You are not gliding on silk, you are wrangling a flying contraption that is sometimes bucking back, and in a modern jet context that feels quite satisfying.
Build quality is classic, rock solid Moza. Aviation grade aluminium alloy, tight tolerances, zero flex and a reassuring weight that helps keep everything planted once mounted. The fanless design keeps things quiet, even when the motors are working overtime trying to simulate high G turns and control stiffening at speed.
Connectivity is simple. USB to PC, power to a chunky external brick, and Moza Cockpit software handling all of your many, many, many doodads. That software remains one of Moza’s quiet strengths. Like it was with my AB9, the presets for DCS World are quick to apply, custom tuning is straightforward, and nothing about it feels like an afterthought.
MHG Flightstick: Fighter DNA Without the Premium Tax
The MHG Flightstick is very clearly aimed at military aviation fans, and more specifically, people who want a convincing modern jet grip without cluster bombing their wallet into obliteration.
It sits comfortably in the hand with a shape that feels purpose built for aggressive top gunning. The materials strike a good balance between durability and comfort, with no sharp edges or awkward pressure points popped up, even after long sorties. After a week or so of extended DCS sessions, my hand fatigue came from white knuckle dogfighting rather than poor ergonomics.
Input wise, the MHG offers a generous selection of buttons, hats and triggers that feel crisp and deliberate. There is no mush here, and I always love durability ensuring Hall-effect sensors. Each input press feels intentional, which matters when you are juggling radar modes, weapon selection, trim, countermeasures and comms while also trying not to poleaxe yourself down through the hard deck and into a mountain.
Mounted to the AB6, the stick benefits greatly from the base’s force feedback personality. High speed turns load up convincingly, control stiffening under G is communicated clearly, and as you slow down or dirty up the jet, the stick lightens appropriately. The feedback loop between hand, base and aircraft feels coherent, which is ultimately what sells the illusion.
This is not just vibration for the sake of it. It is valuable, contextual feedback that tells you what the aircraft is doing before the HUD or warning tones have a chance to screech at you. And take it from me: when paired with VR it’s an absolute chef’s kiss of immersion. That's why my monitor is so small in those photos. Never use it.
The MTQ Throttle Panel: The Unsung Hero
If the base and stick are the stars of the show, the MTQ Throttle Panel is the quietly brilliant supporting act that ends up doing a lot of heavy lifting.
Designed as a modular throttle solution, the MTQ offers smooth travel, adjustable resistance and a layout that makes sense for both military and civilian aircraft profiles. In the F18E, it feels right at home, especially when managing power through carrier launches, formation flying and high workload combat scenarios.
What stood out most during testing was the throttle’s precision. Small adjustments are easy to make, which is crucial when flying close to stall speeds or managing approach and landing phases. The resistance is firm enough to prevent accidental movement, but never fights you when quick power changes are required.
The additional inputs on the panel are well placed and easy to reach without shifting grip. Everything feels designed by people who actually fly in sims, rather than by someone ticking feature boxes on a spreadsheet.
Paired with the AB6 and MHG, the MTQ completes the ecosystem in a way that feels cohesive rather than piecemeal. But it’s not all good news, however, as the panel base is mighty light and prone to slipping about unless you lock it down. And, though it’s to be expected in its budget positioning, the throttle is functional but also felt underwhelming to my left mitt. It’s more plasticky in the palm than I thought it was going to be.
Who This Is Really For
Here’s an obvious statement that I’ll say anyway. The Moza AB6 Base, MHG Flightstick and MTQ Throttle Panel combination is not trying to be Mav' or Iceman of the high end flight peripherals market. It's like a Hollywood or a Wolfman; just a decent wingman to anybody looking to engage with proper force feedback simming without much of the magic being jettisoned.
For newcomers stepping up from non force feedback gear, this will still feel transformative. For experienced sim pilots who want a secondary setup, a compact rig or a more affordable entry point for family members, it makes a compelling case.
If the price of an AB9 is too sky high for your tastes, you no longer have to pull eject on your FFB flight sim dreams. Because this is a setup that understands its lane and more or less nails it. It turns and burns with confidence, communicates clearly through your hands, and makes every successful sortie feel just that little bit more alive. And, paradoxically, should you completely screw up your landing, you'll feel even more extra alive in the throes of that ensuing explosion.
Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.
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