Which VR headset?

[chris455]

Devs please move if this is the wrong forum-

Guys, which VR headset would be a good choice for playing IL2? I'm ready to take the plung but haven't a clue about the various hardware options- I could use your help.
My system:

ASUS ROG Strix Helios GX601 PC Intel 8-Core i9-9900K 3.6GHz - Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 TI 11GB GDDR6 Graphics - 2TB 7200RPM +
1TB Solid State Drive  + 2 TB SSD+ 64GB DDR4 SDRAM - Windows 10 Gaming Desktop

 

Thanks in advance for your help+ Happy New Year!!

[BladeMeister]

Hmmm, it literally took me 20 seconds to scroll down the forum and see that there is a Hardware thread and a VR thread within that Hardware thread that you can see from the main forum menu. Good luck with running VR if you couldn't be bothered to even find the applicable thread where your OP would be seen and answered those in the know of all things VR.

[Skycat1969]

I don't know anything about your GPU. I've enjoyed my Reverb G2 very much, it's a good performer at an entry level price and relatively easy to set up and use. I've heard good things too about Meta Quest 3, which is newer and Meta's current flagship product for about the same price. Meta Quest is more oriented toward untethethered gaming and room scale action games. You'll want a tether cable for flight simming. Beyond these, you're looking at at headsets with much higher cost and power draw, and with complex tracking solutions vs. "Inside out" tracking. I recommend the Reverb G2 as a your first headset.

 

Check out VR Flightsim Guy's channel on YouTube. Although he usually gets excited by whatever is the newest, shiniest headset compatible with MSFS 2020, he does provide good information overall. His setup guide for the Reverb G2 helped me transition from my old Oculus Rift S which was an almost dummy-proof headset and also easy on GPU and power requirements. You could probably pick up a used Rift S really cheap on eBay.

[YoYo]

1 hour ago, chris455 said:

Devs please move if this is the wrong forum-

Guys, which VR headset would be a good choice for playing IL2? I'm ready to take the plung but haven't a clue about the various hardware options- I could use your help.
My system:

ASUS ROG Strix Helios GX601 PC Intel 8-Core i9-9900K 3.6GHz - Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 TI 11GB GDDR6 Graphics - 2TB 7200RPM +
1TB Solid State Drive  + 2 TB SSD+ 64GB DDR4 SDRAM - Windows 10 Gaming Desktop

 

Thanks in advance for your help+ Happy New Year!!

 

I was G2 user, now Im Quest Pro and Im more happy now, no issue with IL-2, works great. I play with resolution about 3200x3200 per eye, stable 72FPS (72Hz). It's a pity that IL-2 does not support DFR only  . Devs.... pls....

Edited December 28, 2023 by YoYo

[56RAF_phoenix56]

You have a GPU and CPU that will cope with pretty much the most demanding headsets.

Therefore, I'd recommend the Varjo Aero or Pimax Crystal.

I don't have either (HP Reverb G2, which is no longer made and your system can do better than that), but if I were in your position I'd go for the Varjo Aero on build quality grounds. My squad mates rave about it.

 

You'll see plenty in the VR thread on this forum.

 

56RAF_phoenix

[[CPT]Rhino06]

35 minutes ago, 56RAF_phoenix56 said:

You have a GPU and CPU that will cope with pretty much the most demanding headsets.

Therefore, I'd recommend the Varjo Aero or Pimax Crystal.

I don't have either (HP Reverb G2, which is no longer made and your system can do better than that), but if I were in your position I'd go for the Varjo Aero on build quality grounds. My squad mates rave about it.

 

You'll see plenty in the VR thread on this forum.

 

56RAF_phoenix

Lol. His system will not fare well with a pimax crystal. I have the crystal with an i9 13900k and an rtx 4090 and even my setup can't run it to full potential. I would roll with the g2. It's going to be the best bang for his buck and not nearly as demanding as the crystal.

[Charlo-VR]

I agree with the above post - the Crystal is not a good choice as a first VR headset anyway. I went from an Oculus Quest to a Reverb G2, and only my prior experience made the Crystal work for me after initial setup.

 

A used Reverb G2 is a great option to learn how much you like VR, and should run well on the OP's computer. 

 

Just be sure to gradually extend your VR usage, perhaps 10 minutes at a time at first. It takes a few weeks to get your VR "sea legs", but then you can fly for hours.

[Skycat1969]

If you get a used Reverb G2, make sure it is a second generation model or at least comes with the Gen 2 cable. You can tell the difference by the power box on the cable: Gen 2's is the size and shape of a deck of cards and has a small push button built in, while the original cable's power box was shaped more like a Snickers bar. Many early Gen 1 owners were offered the Gen 2 cable as a free upgrade ro solve a glitch with the original cable. The Gen 1 headsets themselves were actually very durable--my two copies are still going strong; one is my preorder model from 2019 and the other I bought used on eBay. However, my factory new Gen 2 headset displays blew out within a month so I salvaged the cable and face gasket for my Gen 1 models. That's just my experience though.

[Panzerlang]

2 hours ago, [CPT]Rhino06 said:

Lol. His system will not fare well with a pimax crystal. I have the crystal with an i9 13900k and an rtx 4090 and even my setup can't run it to full potential. I would roll with the g2. It's going to be the best bang for his buck and not nearly as demanding as the crystal.

On those same two components I very rarely (if ever) see less than 85fps and 95% smooth running. SteamVR res is at 100% and I've not tinkered with any other settings. Is it maybe your RAM or mobo (or drive) holding yours back?
 

Chris455, I found the Pico4 to be quite superb and I might even ditch the Crystal and go back to it. I did run it with a cable to the router though, the wifi option wasn't good. The Pico is also massively cheaper (and has double-tap pass-through vision, which is supposed to be coming to the Crystal too at some point).
 

Edited December 28, 2023 by Hetzer-JG52

[[CPT]Rhino06]

4 hours ago, YoYo said:

 

I was G2 user, now Im Quest Pro and Im more happy now, no issue with IL-2, works great. I play with resolution about 3200x3200 per eye, stable 72FPS (72Hz). It's a pity that IL-2 does not support DFR only  . Devs.... pls....

You like the quest pro over the g2? Can you tell me what's better about it? My main headset is a g2 but I'm using a crystal right now through Amazon. Still unsure if I'm going to keep it due to a few inconsistencies.

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

Your cpu is pretty weak for VR, but your GPU is a beast. I would upgrade the CPU and MOBO for VR. The 7800X3D with 32gb of fast, tight timing ddr5 would be great. For headset, you should look at the Quest 3, Pico 4, and Reverb G2 IMO. The other options just don't present good value.

8 minutes ago, [CPT]Rhino06 said:

You like the quest pro over the g2? Can you tell me what's better about it? My main headset is a g2 but I'm using a crystal right now through Amazon. Still unsure if I'm going to keep it due to a few inconsistencies.

The newer Quests are very good. Probably better than the G2 if your system can handle it and crank up the SS. You really need Virtual Desktop though to get the most out of it.

 

The Quest 3 compared to the G2, there is less judder and aritfacting, better ASW and less ghosting, a much wider effective FOV, slightly worse colors, slightly worse sound. It's a good G2 replacement, but to get the most out of it, you really need to crank up the SS.

Edited December 29, 2023 by =DW=_drewm3i-VR

[[CPT]Rhino06]

1 hour ago, Hetzer-JG52 said:

On those same two components I very rarely (if ever) see less than 85fps and 95% smooth running. SteamVR res is at 100% and I've not tinkered with any other settings. Is it maybe your RAM or mobo (or drive) holding yours back?
 

Chris455, I found the Pico4 to be quite superb and I might even ditch the Crystal and go back to it. I did run it with a cable to the router though, the wifi option wasn't good. The Pico is also massively cheaper (and has double-tap pass-through vision, which is supposed to be coming to the Crystal too at some point).
 

I can't imagine my ram would be an issue. I have 48 or 64gb at 3600 mhz. How would my mother board be the issue? Don't get me wrong, I'm getting smooth 90 frames but I had to dial a lot back to get it to perform that way. Still excellent resolution and edge to edge clarity. Would just be nice if a guy could run at full res and mace in game settings. 

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

The Quest pro also has eye tracking, local dimming, and DFR support, but in IL-2 these don't matter.

[chris455]

1 hour ago, =DW=_drewm3i-VR said:

Your cpu is pretty weak for VR, but your GPU is a beast. I would upgrade the CPU and MOBO for VR. The 7800X3D with 32gb of fast, tight timing ddr5 would be great. For headset, you should look at the Quest 3, Pico 4, and Reverb G2 IMO. The other options just don't present good value.

The newer Quests are very good. Probably better than the G2 if your system can handle it and crank up the SS. You really need Virtual Desktop though to get the most out of it.

 

The Quest 3 compared to the G2, there is less judder and aritfacting, better ASW and less ghosting, a much wider effective FOV, slightly worse colors, slightly worse sound. It's a good G2 replacement, but to get the most out of it, you really need to crank up the SS.

Please define "SS" ?

[chris455]

7 hours ago, BladeMeister said:

Hmmm, it literally took me 20 seconds to scroll down the forum and see that there is a Hardware thread and a VR thread within that Hardware thread that you can see from the main forum menu. Good luck with running VR if you couldn't be bothered to even find the applicable thread where your OP would be seen and answered those in the know of all things VR.

You're correct and I apologize for my thoughtlessness. 

Fortunately there are many here who are willing to help so I should be OK- Happy Holidays.

[Panzerlang]

1 hour ago, chris455 said:

Please define "SS" ?

Super Sampling. I think that's what Steam use to denote resolution but I might be wrong.

[YoYo]

8 hours ago, [CPT]Rhino06 said:

You like the quest pro over the g2? Can you tell me what's better about it? My main headset is a g2 but I'm using a crystal right now through Amazon. Still unsure if I'm going to keep it due to a few inconsistencies.

 

- better screens

- pan cake lens (Im lovin it!)

- convenience (many settings, even range from the face)

- better IPD effect

- even though the resolution is worse on paper, after my settings the image is sharp and very good (upscaling)

- 72Hz (this is was for me main reason to buy it, now I fly without any MR/ASW, so no any ghosting, picture issues) = 72 FPS

- tracking (a lot better than G2) even in dark room!

- they don't need a station

- DFR (working in DCS and MSFS)

- very good workmanship and comfortable plastics

 

Overall, its not a revolution, but an evolution, but Im very satisfied. Sometimes the night image could be better (clouds look quite poor in terms of colors at night, there are problems with color transition). Interestingly, rescently I had on my head Quest 3, I set everything up for my friend so he could use it, but he would still stay with Pro, which is better for me.

On the minus side, I spent about 4 days setting everything up. G2 settings are simple, but Quest configuration is a pain, especially if you haven't had Oculus before. ?

[blitze]

You could run the Pimax 8K-X with that system at decent settings with OpenVR-FSR.  I like the wide Field of View that the headset has and it is reasonable in clarity in the forward view.  The sides are less clear but on wide FOV, it is nice for situational perception and awareness.

 

The Crystal if they got DSR working with Il2 would be ok but it is smaller FOV by quite a margin but with much clearer image in what it presents.

 

Horses for courses.

[chris455]

Gents,

Thanks to all for the incredible responses, so glad I sought guidance here, it is obviously a more complex subject that I at first imagined. I have begun looking at the Quest Pro, Quest seems to have a strong following here. Thinking if I get it, and some aspect of my current build is lacking, it may be time to upgrade my system. Thanks for the help!!!

Chris

Edited December 29, 2023 by chris455

[Voxman]

I'd like to add a quick response.  I first started with the Reverb G2.  It was easy to integrate, and there are some good resources on optimizing on this forum which I used to make the visuals pretty good and playable.  What I didn't like about it was that you really had a very narrow FOV as well as a very, almost tunnel like clear area of view.  I would have still been using that headset, but unfortunately it died a quick death.  I had it for about 3-4 months bought from a somewhat shady third party reseller on Amazon.  Thank God Amazon came through and I managed to get a refund.  The unit was out of warranty by three years, when I called HP on it.  Also, regarding the HP, I've read that their support is limited and I get the sense that they want out of the VR market.  Someone chime in, if that's incorrect info.

 

I ended up getting a Varjo Aero3, which right now is half off, and so far I'm pretty happy with it.  The FOV is still narrow, but clear all across the display.  It does feel like I'm wearing goggles, so peripheral vision is non-existant, but what you get in clarity across the FOV is a big step up from the G2.  It does require horsepower, at least on the CPU end of things, so that's my next upgrade.

Also, you'll need a lighthouse tracking station.  Not too much of an issue, but a necessary added expense.  I use one, and it tracks well.  I'm not sure what two will buy me, as I'd rather put that money into a new CPU/MOBO/RAM setup.

 

Anyway, good luck and really read through the forum as the folks here are most helpful.

[chris455]

OK, a quick question for those that have the Quest Pro- how does it interface (what type of cable & where) with my PC?

Thanks as always-

Chris

[giftgruen]

You can interface either with an USB cable or wireless over VirtualDesktop or QuestLink ( using a dedicated Wifi 6E router as the best option ).

 

In theory, USB cable seems to be the better option due to higher bitrates.

However, with Virtual Desktop / Wifi and encoding rate set to 400 I cannot tell a real difference - so I prefer the convinience of a wireless connection. 

 

I also came from a G2 to QuestPro.

In my opinion the QuestPro is clearly superiour in all aspects IF you tune it up a little ( Addon Headphones + Headstrap, VirtualDesktop, dedicated router).

[chiliwili69]

On 12/30/2023 at 3:24 AM, chris455 said:

OK, a quick question for those that have the Quest Pro- how does it interface (what type of cable & where) with my PC?

If it is not too late, I would not pick the QuestPro but the Quest3.

I had the QuestPro and now I use the Quest3. The advantages are:

Comfort,

XR2 2nd gen (so 200Mbps bitrate instead of 150 of QuestPRo),

higher panel resolution (1800x1920 is 6.9 Millionpixel for QuestPro, 2064x2208 is 9.1 Millionpixels for Quest3)

Price (1000$ for QuestPro, 500$ for Quest3)

 

Here some review of the options from August. 

 

Here some review I made about Questpro:

 

And the Quest3 review from October (finally I replaced my Index after 4 years):

 

And some comparison about quality using USB QuestLik and wireless Virtual DEsktop:

 

 

Edited December 31, 2023 by chiliwili69

[nosscar]

On 12/28/2023 at 10:53 PM, Hetzer-JG52 said:

On those same two components I very rarely (if ever) see less than 85fps and 95% smooth running. SteamVR res is at 100% and I've not tinkered with any other settings. Is it maybe your RAM or mobo (or drive) holding yours back?
 

Chris455, I found the Pico4 to be quite superb and I might even ditch the Crystal and go back to it. I did run it with a cable to the router though, the wifi option wasn't good. The Pico is also massively cheaper (and has double-tap pass-through vision, which is supposed to be coming to the Crystal too at some point).
 

i too have the pico 4, i play wireless through virtual desktop, i own a medion erazor laptop, r7 5800h, and rtx 3060, 16gb ram, i get a rock steady 45fps in vr, with mostly high settings.

A great headset if you are on a budget.

 

[SR-F_Winger]

I had many headsets.
G2, Pico 4, CV1, Valve Index, Pimax 5K
All of them were nice but all of them left me with the problem not being able to identify contacts on higher distance wich was a real dealbreaker.
The first headset that i had that dodnt have this problem was teh Varjo Aero and the Pimax Crystal.
The Crystal got re sold pretty quickly due to its abysmal comfort.
Leaving me with the Varjo Aero and i am still totally happy with this headset.

So if you want a very good headset and dont have to money to spaned 3k+ for a VR1 or Varjo XR4 than this is the route to go.
Just an awesome piece of hardware that STILL IMHO is one of the best headsets out there.

[c19580]

On 1/5/2024 at 8:28 AM, Winger said:

I had many headsets.
G2, Pico 4, CV1, Valve Index, Pimax 5K
All of them were nice but all of them left me with the problem not being able to identify contacts on higher distance wich was a real dealbreaker.
The first headset that i had that dodnt have this problem was teh Varjo Aero and the Pimax Crystal.
The Crystal got re sold pretty quickly due to its abysmal comfort.
Leaving me with the Varjo Aero and i am still totally happy with this headset.

So if you want a very good headset and dont have to money to spaned 3k+ for a VR1 or Varjo XR4 than this is the route to go.
Just an awesome piece of hardware that STILL IMHO is one of the best headsets out there.

I’m a new VR user and just got the Quest 3. Really enjoying it but running into the issue of not being able to spot at distance at all and struggling to ID unless I’m right on top of a plane.

 

How much better is spotting with an Aero vs the G2 (understand that it’s similar to Q3)? Is it as good as with a monitor?

 

wondering whether to return the Q3 and get the Aero, but don’t want to spend more than double if it’s not going to be a massive improvement.

[dgiatr]

On 1/16/2024 at 4:38 AM, c19580 said:

I’m a new VR user and just got the Quest 3. Really enjoying it but running into the issue of not being able to spot at distance at all and struggling to ID unless I’m right on top of a plane.

 

How much better is spotting with an Aero vs the G2 (understand that it’s similar to Q3)? Is it as good as with a monitor?

 

wondering whether to return the Q3 and get the Aero, but don’t want to spend more than double if it’s not going to be a massive improvement.

I didnt own any Q3 so far but from the comparison between G2 and Q2 which i own both, i can say that G2 has better spotting and IDing ability and less shimmering which is important especially if you fly low level...