Which VR headset

User Support Hub Virtual Reality (VR)
1

Hey all,

Sorry if this has already been posted many times but i have also read many posts and i am still unsure

I am not looking to spend a fortune on a VR headset.

I once had the quest 2 but that was using a link cable due to internet issues. VR defo gives a WOW factor but i couldn’t get it how i wanted it after that WOW factor wore off. I also found it very flakey when coming to use it, sometimes i would have to disconnected and reconnected, FPS were inconsistent, some days better than others. I spent more time messing with settings and following guides and videos then i did using it, performance was the biggest problem for me, especially when trying to open windows inside the headset or switching so that you could see the desktop etc, other things such as artifacts.

Anyway, i did get rid of it in the end but i have been keen to get another.

My budget was around that of a quest 2 (lets say £250), but the general agreement seems to be that the G2 is the way to go so i pushed the budget to £500 - This is the max i am prepared to spend on a VR headset.

I finally hit the buy button on the G2 the other day from Amazon (V2) and i cancelled it again within a day, having seen rave reviews about the quest pro. I know it costs more but i would settle for second hand if needs be. I further read that the quest 3 is on it’s way.

Finally, i was aware that the G2 is now at the end of its life and after reading many reviews about the uncertain reliability of the headset, cables failing, headset failing etc, i couldn’t help but think that it was a little high risk to be throwing £500 at a headset that is now end of life. Though the price is cheaper on Amazon compared to going direct to HP, i still feel the price is a little tad high given the status of this headset.

So here i am, still debating if i go back to buying the G2 and just accept the price and EOL product for what it is in hopes that it at least lasts me two years and no issues flag up over the course of those two years such as compatibility issues between the headset and MSFS due to a lack of software updates for the headset etc. Or, do i continue to wait to see how the quest 3 compares or perhaps consider picking up a quest pro given some of the rave reviews out there.

My only concern with the quest series is that i would absolutely need to use link due to my internet. I am also aware that it cannot really sustain a charge even when connected through type c. And finally i would need to get a type c pcie for my PC. It sounds like the G2 is the headset to go if your using it for sims only but i am just not quite sure if its really worth the price tag at this stage.

2

G2 has limitations (small sweet spot) and strengths (high resolution, wired no-compression connectivity to PC, relative comfort, relatively small weight, superb audio).
I used mine 2 years+ with a lot of satisfaction, while understanding the limitations.
Consider buying used, I have seen some costing 250 euro. Even if it fails, the amount of money you will be risking is moderate and you will be able to buy something better in a year or two, as technology will progress.
Now I switched to Pimax Crystal, but it is in different price class (1900 euro).

3

You can also take a look at Pico4, well within those 500 pounds budget

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4

I used the quest 2 and switched to Reverb G2. It’s more stable and realiable in the sim and after a short time of fiddeling an learning about the rivatuner framecap it’s completely set and forget. Don’t use any third party software besides the rivatuner to cap frames to have a stable framerate.

It also depends on your PC Hardware. The cool thing with the Quest 2 was to reduce the actual rendered FOV through the software tool to give some extra performance. There is nothing like this for the Reverb and the foveated rendering the OXRToolkit provides comes with some cost regarding the eye candy in the sim.

So, if you have a PC with a decent CPU and GPU and a GPU with enough VRAM I can recommend the Reverb G2. It’s still a very good headset offering very good clarity. The Sweetpot thing is not that of a big deal for me but it was noticeable comming from the Quest 2.

5

I’d second the G2. It works really well in MSFS with a lot less fuss than other headsets and the sound and visual clarity in the sweet-spot are really good. You have all the options you need in mbucchia’s Toolkit too. Mine has been very reliable with no batteries to worry about etc.

The Pico 4 is also an option, but you will need Virtual Desktop to run it and probably a spare third party battery and an after market face gasket if, like me, your face doesn’t fit well. The Pico 4 is also fun for other VR games or Apps as it has an inbuilt processor for room scale games that don’t need a PC.

6

Thank you, would anyone be bothered about buying a new EOL headset at this stage though? Are you still providing warranty if something goes wrong etc (guess the ones on amazon come with some form of warranty)

I read a bit on the Pico but i read a few people saying you need a very good computer or it struggles (as in top GPU), doesn’t it also require good internet connectivity? I just simply don’t have that right now and will likely not for a while, partly why i was still thinking G2.

Maybe i should look harder for a second hand V2 then i wouldn’t be so beat up about spending £500 on an EOL headset.

I don’t think id get a quest 2 again, id want to try something else.

I am currently on a 3090 with a 5800x3d 32gb ram so i am not a million miles away.

7

I’ve got a 5800x3d with a 6800xt and my pico4 runs great. Of course I can’t have godlike mode(3120x3120, I use high at 2544x2544) on virtual desktop and can’t run ultra on everything but I have a mix of high and low settings that’s good for me.
Pico4 and VR doesn’t need great internet speeds, it’s all about the connection between your router and PC. It’s better to use a dedicated 5ghz router and connect it by Ethernet to your PC.

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8

reverb G2 here, allright, HP sent me new cable during warranty period. all fine, sure it has limitations. works great with my new 7900x3d and 3900 nvidia.
with upcoming quest 3 we will see what happens. dont read too many internet posts.

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9

I’ve used a G2 for over a year now and whilst I have enjoyed using it I am very much in doubt about the long term life span of these units having had a recent breakage of mine.

At £620 which I bought mine for I would have expected a little more longevity from it under normal use. I’ve put a separate post on hear about it if you want more info.

I suspect HP support and interest in the reputation of the Reverb G2 will wain in coming months as they discontinue it. I was quoted £375 to replace the plastic head strap!

I would probably look at a second unit if you can find one.

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10

I am running a PICO 4 and I am quite happy with it. I am also using a 3090. So maybe you consider this one too? It is in you budget range though.

11

With this setup, buy the G2 instead of the Headsets that rely on streaming data. You will be absolutely fine from the moment you find your personal sweetspot between eye candy and performance.

If you decide on a g2, just contact me via dm and I can give you some pointers for the setup. Run the G2 with a 3080 for some time.

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12

I was considering the crystal, but the recent post didn’t have a good thing to say about FOV. I’ll stay with my G2 until something better comes along.

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14

I’m waiting for the Quest 3 to be released this year.

15

Spent the couple of days with the pico 4 as potential replacement for my reverb g2. My top end pc (rtx 4090 i7 13700) got the best out of it but graphics still fell short of the reverb. Colours a bit washed out, not as clear and lacked vibrancy. Its ok specially for the money but I’ll stick with the reverb for now.

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16

Thank you all, seems like the G2 is still the way to go, ill see if i can find it cheaper. I know i can get it cheaper but it isn’t the “v2”, i assume you guys are all on v2?