Pimax Crystal Light - My Experience

[Bravo13]

Hi all, in an effort to come to terms with what I've experienced and hopefully get some constructive feedback, I've decided to outline my experience upgrading from a HP Reverb G2 V2 to a Pimax Crystal Light, spoiler: I've decided to go back to using the Reverb.

Anyway, it all started out badly when I placed a booking deposit and then Pimax forgot to process my order, so after waiting 2 months I cancelled the existing order and placed a new order, this got the ball rolling and a few weeks later I received a headset, not a good start and not something a consumer should have to deal with, I had to actively email sales and support to ascertain the state of processing of my order.

So having got a new headset I was pretty eager to get flying in a shiny new ultra clear, high resolution VR headset with a wide FOV....er, not quite that easy, the software side of things is ironically my best experience of the Pimax, not the headset itself, the Pimax software is actually pretty good I found, with lots of easy to navigate settings, and tool-tips for referencing. The headset, I'm going to go out and say it, it's terrible. Yes, I can see the potential in the headset, but for me it's just not realized, The pixel density is higher, sure, but its not retina quality and I think its over exaggerated how much of a leap ahead of the G2 it is, yes the G2's Fresnel lens give a small sweet spot, but I simply cant use the PCL the way it is.

 

I'll list the flaws:

1) The PCL lenses are not distortion free, moving my eyes from left to right and back again shows distortion in the image, disconcertingly in the central viewing area of the lens, not the edges.

2) The screens are not aligned vertically, the left screen is high and the right is low, adjusting horizontal offset in Pimax software doesn't resolve this issue in game for me

3) The screens are not aligned horizontally, again, adjusting horizontal offset and manual IPD adjustment have not resolved this for me, and I actually come out cross eyed after trying to use this headset

4) It's not comfortable at all, the facial interface is far too wide and the stock head-strap woefully inadequate for the heft of the headset, I've fitted an aftermarket top strap and facial interface which has helped greatly, but I'm not sure why Pimax cant offer a more comfortable solution, I' don't think I'm alone on this, as most reviewers seem to indicate that a comfort strap is kind of mandatory.

5) IPD adjustment range using the manual rotary knob on the headset only gives me an adjustment range of 64mm -70mm, not 58mm-72mm as advertised.

6) The FOV is actually less in game compared to the Reverb, using the in game FPS and FOV meter where the top number is FPS and the bottom number the FOV, my Reverb displays 95 degrees, but the Pimax is reporting 94 degrees. And subjectively this appears correct, the viewed image is nigh on identical in IL2 BoS VR.

7) And the real deal breaker, the right side screen is presenting a larger image than the left, this voids any attempt at horizontal or vertical alignment, as the image size disparity makes the viewed stereoscopic image painful to view even for short periods

 

So what does all this say, well to me the short of it is, and I'm giving Pimax the benefit of the doubt here by saying that may have a quality control issue at best, and something much more serious is possible in a worst case scenario; given that many Youtubers, etc, have remarked on Pimax having a QC problem, this is a very real possibility. I'm giving Pimax one attempt at resolving this and then if I'm still unhappy with this headset it will go back for a refund and I'll revert back to my plug and play, no image alignment issues, just simply works, one third of the price of a Pimax Crystal Light, good ol' trusty HP Reverb G2 and seeing as I'm on Windows 10 and intend to stay there I should have many more months of pure joy.

 

 

Edited October 16, 2024 by Bravo13

[c19580]

I’ve had a very similar experience to yours, especially #3. I haven’t noticed #2 but it’s possible it’s also present. I’ve really struggled to get a decent picture alignment.

 

After extensive fiddling with it, including spending not an insignificant amount of money on facial interface, Apache strap and rear weights for balancing, I’m finally to a point where I feel it’s marginally better than my Q3.

 

The resolution is much much better but all the other issues significantly detract from its maximum potential.

[Calvin_Pimax]

Regarding the IPD display error issue, it was caused by the software, and we have released a hotfix to address it.

However, I believe you may need a replacement headset from us. Could you please share your ticket number with me? I can look into it and expedite the process with the support team for immediate assistance.

If you find my account sus, feel free to reach me on Discord (kehweng) or r/Pimax (QuorraPimax).

[Bravo13]

Quote

 

Thanks for reaching out Calvin, I've sent you an email at your Pimax address. Regarding the hotfix for IPD adjustment, I haven't been able to find it, the Pimax software shows my HMD firmware is up to date. Also, apparently I am getting a replacement set of lens sent out, so hopefully that resolves the worst of my issues.

[Bravo13]

Replacement lens apparently going to take between 3 and 5 weeks, not really an ideal solution, after spending $1400 AUD on headset, asking for a refund, being told "be patient" which I take to be a very dismissive statement; I have to admit I actually regret not buying a Quest 3 to satisfy my upgrade itch. Perhaps my experience may be of benefit to others out there contemplating a similar decision.

[1./KG4_klaw123]

I too have just received my PCL, issues with fit have been fixed with the Studioform kit.  The IPD issue is a software problem which has now been fixed, it's a software update.

 

I hope this helps.

[c19580]

7 hours ago, 1./KG4_klaw123 said:

I too have just received my PCL, issues with fit have been fixed with the Studioform kit.  The IPD issue is a software problem which has now been fixed, it's a software update.

 

I hope this helps.

Can you explain what you mean by the IPD issue being a software problem that’s been fixed with a software update?

[Calvin_Pimax]

8 hours ago, c19580 said:

Can you explain what you mean by the IPD issue being a software problem that’s been fixed with a software update?

It was bug where the IPD value is not displayed correctly while adjusting.