Comparison Vive Pro 2 vs Reverb G2

[N0.10_Paladin]

Wonder if any of you who have the VP2 have had issues with something I would describe as clipping. For example, when I look at the map screen, I see weird artifacts in and out on that map. It's hard to describe. And it doesn't happen all the time.

 

I will try and test this some more. But it's really annoying. Never seen that in any other headset. And this happens outside of IL2 as well. So it's not an IL2 issue.

Edited June 9, 2021 by US213_Picard

[chiliwili69]

2 hours ago, US213_Picard said:

Speaking for myself, the first night I tried it, clarity was horrible.

 

Good to know that you also had bad first impressions. Apart from the face gasket, what else did changed?

[N0.10_Paladin]

3 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

Good to know that you also had bad first impressions. Apart from the face gasket, what else did changed?

I raised the res/refresh to Extreme. So highest res and 120 hz. I made a few changes in IL-2. Like clicking on sharpen and HDR. Got used to the sweet spot. I can't get clarity the whole way through the lens like some of the other guys. Face shape and sunken eyes I'm thinking. Every person is different. I also had issues with the headset flickering at 90 hz. I never had any issues like that before. But it was flickering something fierce in IL2. Once I went to 120 hz it went away. 

 

I also had issues with the Vive Motion Compensation setting. It caused all kinds of clipping. For lack of a better term. It's still a new headset and software will need some improvements for sure.

 

Also, there is definitely an issue with the tilting your head left and right. It causes distortion of the image. I hope the devs fix that soon like they did the other headsets soon after release. 

 

I'm still not totally happy with clarity. But then I am very fussy. 

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Edit: I am building an Equalizer to level out the sound properly for the Vive Pro 2 right now, based on Boom3D. So we have less mids and proper bass. I will create a settings section for the VP2 in my sticky thread once ready and share it there as well.

 

17 hours ago, US213_Picard said:

Mmmmm, I don't know. Clarity is such a subjective thing. Plus, so many things can affect it. Speaking for myself, the first night I tried it, clarity was horrible. Then I changed a few things, settings, face gasket, etc. And after that the clarity was much better.

 

 

Clarity is an objective value you can check out in TestHMD1.2 (you must pay the App though, it's not free).

 

As Picard said, he changed a few things, settings, face gasket, and clarity was much better for him.

 

If you have bad clarity it's usually user error - which is good, because it means you can fix it.

 

There are many different facial shapes, and some need more adjustment, some less. Make sure the headset fits properly - if you use a 6mm cushion, for example, your face may be too thin and the headset may get loose, like Jade_Monkey's. He mentioned he'd always lose sweetspot, and then mentioned the headset is loose when he turns. Counting 1 and 1 together means he hasn't found a proper fit yet. He, for example, could use some pads at the sides, or a thicker cushion, depends on what he feels comfortable with.

10 hours ago, US213_Picard said:

I raised the res/refresh to Extreme. So highest res and 120 hz. I made a few changes in IL-2. Like clicking on sharpen and HDR. Got used to the sweet spot. I can't get clarity the whole way through the lens like some of the other guys. Face shape and sunken eyes I'm thinking. Every person is different. I also had issues with the headset flickering at 90 hz. I never had any issues like that before. But it was flickering something fierce in IL2. Once I went to 120 hz it went away. 

IL-2 always flickers during loading. In general, the headset should not flicker at 90Hz at all. You could try reseating the cables. If you load up e.g. Half Life Alyx, does it flicker there too? What headset did you use before - did you do a full clean uninstall of all associated software and leftover folders?

I ask this, because, for example Redcloud had issues because he had leftovers of the Pimax software that was injecting its stuff into SteamVR. So he had to fully clean SteamVR, all Pimax software, the registration keys, and associated files including steamvr.vrsettings and all things related in /User/AppData/Roaming, LocalNow, Local folders.

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I also had issues with the Vive Motion Compensation setting. It caused all kinds of clipping. For lack of a better term. It's still a new headset and software will need some improvements for sure.

Yes, this is annoying, fully agree. It's an older form of Motion Compensation, and I hope it'll receive an update and use SteamVR's new version of Motion Smoothing. Best keep MC off for now and complain on Reddit/to HTC support, ask for Motion Smoothing like in SteamVR (more accurate, less artifacts).

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Also, there is definitely an issue with the tilting your head left and right. It causes distortion of the image. I hope the devs fix that soon like they did the other headsets soon after release. 

At the moment, IL-2 is incompatible, with regards to clarity as well as it feels kind of false. I would test it in other games than IL-2, as it needs to get patched first. 

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I'm still not totally happy with clarity. But then I am very fussy. 

Yeah, it seems you need to find a better fit yet, it is not easy at first. As you said, facial shapes are different. I hope you're getting there. I had to add padding to the sides beneath the 6mm cushion.

Edited June 10, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[chiliwili69]

2 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

IL-2 always flickers during loading

 

This is not ture for the Index. It doesn´t flicker when loading at any freq (80, 90 120Hz). But the VP2 flicker when loading. For my this is a very minor point.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

1 minute ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

This is not ture for the Index. It doesn´t flicker when loading at any freq (80, 90 120Hz). But the VP2 flicker when loading. For my this is a very minor point.

It is true for Index, as I had it in Index as well. It is also true for the G2.

 

It depends on what you load in IL-2

 

Depending on server, and if you have loaded before, loading to an MP server it does not flicker. Then, for quite a few combat missions (solo play) or campaign, it does flicker. Hence: This is IL-2, unfortunately . DCS shows similar behavior though. Load into HLA - check if it flickers for you there. 

[chiliwili69]

2 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

At the moment, IL-2 is incompatible, with regards to clarity as well as it feels kind of false. I would test it in other games than IL-2, as it needs to get patched first.

 

Maybe my lack of clarity/focus and more glare is due to the IL-2 issue?  

The problem is that I have not controllers (no interested in other games at the moment, VR could be very adictive and time is limited). So I don´t know what other tool or game of SteamVR can I use without controllers. To compare Index versus VP2.

3 minutes ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

It is true for Index, as I had it in Index as well. It is also true for the G2.

 

I am loading just QMB missions. The G2 was flickering in the loading process and also the VP2. But the Index never flickered for me.

[N0.10_Paladin]

3 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

IL-2 always flickers during loading. In general, the headset should not flicker at 90Hz at all. You could try reseating the cables. If you load up e.g. Half Life Alyx, does it flicker there too? What headset did you use before - did you do a full clean uninstall of all associated software and leftover folders?

I ask this, because, for example Redcloud had issues because he had leftovers of the Pimax software that was injecting its stuff into SteamVR. So he had to fully clean SteamVR, all Pimax software, the registration keys, and associated files including steamvr.vrsettings and all things related in /User/AppData/Roaming, LocalNow, Local folders.

Hey SCG_Fenris_Wolf

I have no left over from other headsets. I flattened my just before I got the VP2. I have had my PC for 2 years and I wanted a fresh start since I installed my 3080 and Ryzen 5800x. Plus I had WMR headsets and the Varjo VR-3 on there so I didn't want any of that stuff to affect the PC. 

 

I didn't notice if the flicker was happening somewhere else. It's weird because, like I said, I have never had that issue with any other headset, or TV, or monitor before. I know some people are extremely sensitive to it but not me.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Fine then, checked it in 2020 last time. 

 

You want to properly find the sweetspot, use up and down motion as well. First, check Vive console for Ultra Setting (max Res, 90Hz), not Extreme. Set the resolution to 3500x3500 to get a sharp picture and rule that out. Loosen up the top strap and bring up the IPD adjustment, pull the headset down and up until the horizontal lines are clear. Fix the strap and adjust IPD.

Make sure the headset does not wiggle left-right while you shake the head. In IL-2, keep sharpen active.

 

The picture is smoother and there's less aliasing than the G2's, and yeah, I got full clarity across the lenses this way. IL-2 barely produces any glare due to the lack of white/black hard borders. So you may want to to tinker around a bit more and find the correct setting for you, then you'll benefit 

 

For a sound fix, I recommend you try Boom3D. Turn on 3D , turn on EQ, and in the EQ settings section dubstep or bass boost, as a first measure.

 

 

@Picard No idea about the flicker you've experienced then, I only get that during loading screens. I'm using VC beta + SteamVR Beta btw..

Edited June 10, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[N0.10_Paladin]

3 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

Yeah, it seems you need to find a better fit yet, it is not easy at first. As you said, facial shapes are different. I hope you're getting there. I had to add padding to the sides beneath the 6mm cushion.

How did you do that if you don't mind me asking? I would need about 1 to 2 centimeters on each side. I have a really narrow face. ?

[N0.10_Paladin]

1 hour ago, US213_Picard said:

How did you do that if you don't mind me asking? I would need about 1 to 2 centimeters on each side. I have a really narrow face. ?

I actually got a great idea. I will bolster the sides of the headset with successive layers of velcro wrap roll. I'll let you all know how I make out with that.

 

For those who wonder why I have to do this, the headset doesn't sit tight on my face as I have a narrow face and the headset is very wide. This prevents me from getting a good seal on the left and right edge of the face plate and the headset moves around a lot when in a high action dogfight. This then, prevents me from keeping my eyes in the sweet spot.

 

Picard out!

Edited June 10, 2021 by US213_Picard

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Yeah, that's why. Well with velcro, you'd neither want the knittery noise nor any lightbleed through the joints. You could cut up the standard foam that comes with the headset for example, if you use a full Vive Pro Leather replacement (headstrap). I might actually do just that , using a makeshift solution atm as well. Or use a Quest 2 vrcover foam that's a bit thicker. With the thicker one of these two I get 90° vertical and 112° horizontal, which is still fine as well.

[Voyager]

The Reverb G1 has loading cutouts for me as well but I don't recall the Rift CV1 having them. So I think that depends on something about how the headset is implemented rather than being a performance indicator. 

 

Not sure. 

 

For doing stuff to headsets, I've found gaffer's tape to be useful I gaffer taped the headband on my Reverb because it was rubbing, and I was able to use it as a retract stop for the headband, give me a little more room. 

[firdimigdi]

3 hours ago, US213_Picard said:

How did you do that if you don't mind me asking? I would need about 1 to 2 centimeters on each side.

You can use thick pieces of felt cut to shape. They cling to the scratchy velcro and you can layer them with a drop of glue if need be, you can get felt from 1mm up to 3mm thick sheets for sure. They don't grab the pad but it doesn't matter.

[N0.10_Paladin]

The velcro worked great! No light bleed and solid. Now the headset sits on my face perfectly.

[PatrickAWlson]

Just got by G2 and ... HELP!!!!!

 

Everything looks like doo doo.  The colors look almost bluish, like a film over everything.  Without glasses it is blurry as heck.  With them somewhat less so.  I am able to use the G1 without wearing any glasses (near sighted but distant vision is still OK).  So far, visually,  everything is bad and nothing is good.

 

I will say it is much more comfortable than the G1, but if everything looks awful that does me no good at all.

 

Drivers?  Settings?  Other ideas?

 

 

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

...have you peeled off the blue protective skin of the lenses?

[PatrickAWlson]

4 minutes ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

...have you peeled off the blue protective skin of the lenses?

 

ROFL ... no ... quite embarrassed but I'm not deleting the post.  People need a good laugh every once in awhile and I deserve it for this one.

 

OK, that problem is solved.  I downloaded the latest firmware and that helped with the blurriness and some of the shaking.  The movement is still not as smooth as my G1.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

You got some guts man, respect 

Edited June 10, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[PatrickAWlson]

 

Also per the blurriness, the G2 seems to be much more persnickety than the G1 about exactly where in the lens you are looking through.   Either that or I just got it right on accident the first time with the G1.  Messed with straps until I found the sweet spot.  

 

On 6/8/2021 at 3:26 PM, dburne said:

Yeah Oculus CV1 to Reverb G2 would be a massive improvement.

 

 

 

If you run at at 100% Steam VR resolution which is around 3100x3100 , and I would suggest Motion Smoothing on and forced to 45 fps (90 Hz refresh), you should get a sharper image and smooth performance.

I never had the G1 so can not say directly comparing the G2 to it.

 

Silly question, but how does one do that?

 

Answer:

Open Steam VR

Settings

General

 

Mine does have motion smoothing on and is set to 90Hz

Edited June 10, 2021 by PatrickAWlson

[dburne]

22 minutes ago, PatrickAWlson said:

 

Also per the blurriness, the G2 seems to be much more persnickety than the G1 about exactly where in the lens you are looking through.   Either that or I just got it right on accident the first time with the G1.  Messed with straps until I found the sweet spot.  

 

 

Silly question, but how does one do that?

 

Answer:

Open Steam VR

Settings

General

 

Mine does have motion smoothing on and is set to 90Hz

 

Video - Per Application Settings - IL-2 - Motion Smoothing - Force Always On.

Also check your resolution, should be close to mine.

 

 

Edited June 10, 2021 by dburne

[[-=BP=-]Slegawsky_VR]

The question is: how long the cable will last and the plugs.

Other than that the specs seem outstanding.

Quality of Index is the way to go.

[SCG_motoadve]

1 hour ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

...have you peeled off the blue protective skin of the lenses?

My exact same thought ?

[Varibraun]

3 hours ago, PatrickAWlson said:

Also per the blurriness, the G2 seems to be much more persnickety than the G1 about exactly where in the lens you are looking through.   Either that or I just got it right on accident the first time with the G1.  Messed with straps until I found the sweet spot.  

 

As long as we are confessing - I did the exact same thing a couple of years ago when I went from the CV1 to the Odyssey.  It took me a day to figure it out!

 

Regarding going from the G1 to the G2, I also found getting it fitted correctly more difficult.  Switching to the thin cover from VRCover made a big difference for me (and I think others). https://us.vrcover.com/products/facial-interface-and-foam-replacement-set-for-hp-reverb-g2

[PatrickAWlson]

13 minutes ago, Varibraun said:

 

As long as we are confessing - I did the exact same thing a couple of years ago when I went from the CV1 to the Odyssey.  It took me a day to figure it out!

 

Regarding going from the G1 to the G2, I also found getting it fitted correctly more difficult.  Switching to the thin cover from VRCover made a big difference for me (and I think others). https://us.vrcover.com/products/facial-interface-and-foam-replacement-set-for-hp-reverb-g2

 

Just purchased it

[PatrickAWlson]

Just flew my first mission.  The G2 is a definite upgrade over the original but whether enough to justify the price is very debatable.  Still, I'm happy with it.  I think it is definitely more comfortable.  Feels a bit lighter and does not have that enormous cord hanging off the back of the neck.  For me the area around the nose is much more comfortable.  Image is sharper but honestly not tremendously so.  

 

One great disappointment is that it did not stop me from flying my airplane into the ground while trying to stay on target just a moment longer ...

 

[Guest deleted@134347]

12 hours ago, PatrickAWlson said:

Just flew my first mission.  The G2 is a definite upgrade over the original but whether enough to justify the price is very debatable.  Still, I'm happy with it.  I think it is definitely more comfortable.  Feels a bit lighter and does not have that enormous cord hanging off the back of the neck.  For me the area around the nose is much more comfortable.  Image is sharper but honestly not tremendously so.  

 

One great disappointment is that it did not stop me from flying my airplane into the ground while trying to stay on target just a moment longer ...

 

 

ergonomically G2 takes the cake among all current HMD's out there, including VP2.

 

VP2 takes the cake from the end-to-end lens clarity perspective + FOV. 

 

Why can't they make an HMD that takes the cake in all of the specs??    But I truly believe that day will come. Not today, or tomorrow or this year, or even next year. But it will come. ?

 

 

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

VR smuffler-lenses which smoothsnuggle smushflop directly onto your soft, juicy eyeball ? 

Edited June 11, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[PatrickAWlson]

4 minutes ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

VR smuffler-lenses which smoothsnuggle smushflop directly onto your soft, juicy eyeball ? 

 

Won't work for me.  I can't bring myself to get anything near my eye.  Besides, despite phrases like smooth and snuggle, your description brought on a visual of my eyeball exploding.

45 minutes ago, 30speed said:

 

ergonomically G2 takes the cake among all current HMD's out there, including VP2.

 

VP2 takes the cake from the end-to-end lens clarity perspective + FOV. 

 

Why can't they make an HMD that takes the cake in all of the specs??    But I truly believe that day will come. Not today, or tomorrow or this year, or even next year. But it will come. ?

 

 

 

They can, but I can't afford it  

[Voyager]

1 hour ago, 30speed said:

[...]

Why can't they make an HMD that takes the cake in all of the specs??  

[...]

 

14 minutes ago, PatrickAWlson said:

[...]

They can, but I can't afford it  

 

And I don't think there's a GPU yet in the world that could drive it either. 

 

Seriously, I did the numbers. They are scary... 

[chiliwili69]

On 6/4/2021 at 2:26 AM, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

There is a new function in SteamVR you can use to lock framerate below display refreshrate, which we could use to force 60Hz in reprojection. But I must test this first.

 

Have anyone try this function in the VP2 without using Motion compensation?

 

Should it be used with the 120Hz mode and limit to 60Hz the frame rate, so every frame is just repeated?

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Hmmm.. Why use it without Motion Smoothing though?

 

...It wouldn't smooth the physics of the game and player movement out, right? The world would clock 60Hz while the screens would clock 120Hz, I'd definitely see that. So I would have the stuttery feeling while rotating the head or looking around. I'd rather keep Motion Smoothing active. 

 

Now all we lack is the differentiation between Motion Smoothing on Auto and on Forced, at least. I'd rather set it up per App, via Plugin, like in the Mixed Reality for SteamVR Plugin.

[BeastyBaiter]

Motion smoothing adds a lot of artifacting and for me is worse than just playing at a lower refresh rate. On my reverb G2 I keep it locked on the 60Hz mode, works well for me. It did create an old school flickering florescent light effect but I quickly got used to it and stopped noticing.

[BH_Adabadoo_VR]

Is there a trial period on the HTC Vive Pro 2?

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

9 hours ago, BH_Adabadoo_VR said:

Is there a trial period on the HTC Vive Pro 2?

German consumer laws grants a trial period on any product you buy online.

 

Going against it would be illegal. Even Steam had to yield. 

 

On 6/16/2021 at 3:39 PM, BeastyBaiter said:

Motion smoothing adds a lot of artifacting and for me is worse than just playing at a lower refresh rate. On my reverb G2 I keep it locked on the 60Hz mode, works well for me. It did create an old school flickering florescent light effect but I quickly got used to it and stopped noticing.

Okay. Well I thought the Motion Smoothing on the Reverb G2 was quite good. I did use it to get razor sharp images... the only artifacts were leading edge wings and sometimes the sun. Guess it depends, really, per person. Some see it, some don't, some can handle 60hz, some don't. It's an actual advantage that you can handle 60Hz without perceiving flicker. 

[BH_Adabadoo_VR]

Darn things are sold out on website any news when they might start selling again?  Is the HTC site the best place to buy?

[dburne]

5 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

German consumer laws grants a trial period on any product you buy online.

 

Going against it would be illegal. Even Steam had to yield. 

 

Okay. Well I thought the Motion Smoothing on the Reverb G2 was quite good. I did use it to get razor sharp images... the only artifacts were leading edge wings and sometimes the sun. Guess it depends, really, per person. Some see it, some don't, some can handle 60hz, some don't. It's an actual advantage that you can handle 60Hz without perceiving flicker. 

 

Yes the Motion Smoothing with Reverb G2 was quite good indeed.

I too personally could not handle 60 Hz.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

1 hour ago, BH_Adabadoo_VR said:

Darn things are sold out on website any news when they might start selling again?  Is the HTC site the best place to buy?

Where do you live?

 

I haven't bought from HTC. I only buy at local vendors (I got the Vive Pro 2 from Bestware).

 

P.S. Avoid the VRCover XR Cooling Foam face cushions for Quest 2 (recommended by MRTV). They dissipate heat very well - to their ground too. Which means they quickly gets baking hot. Might be the reason why some people report the Pro 2 to become quite hot, these pads are really unbearable.

Edited June 28, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[Voyager]

7 hours ago, BH_Adabadoo_VR said:

Darn things are sold out on website any news when they might start selling again?  Is the HTC site the best place to buy?

 

I got mine from B&H Photo and Video.

[BH_Adabadoo_VR]

1 hour ago, Voyager said:

 

I got mine from B&H Photo and Video.

 

7 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

Where do you live?

 

I haven't bought from HTC. I only buy at local vendors (I got the Vive Pro 2 from Bestware).

 

P.S. Avoid the VRCover XR Cooling Foam face cushions for Quest 2 (recommended by MRTV). They dissipate heat very well - to their ground too. Which means they quickly gets baking hot. Might be the reason why some people report the Pro 2 to become quite hot, these pads are really unbearable.

Los Angeles USA,  The issue is that my friend is interested in one and I think it's perfect for him but he needs the full kit.  I see lot's of headsets but no full kit's online.  I'll research more.  I'll see how bad buying separate is too.  Thanks all.