Are you tempted by the Pimax Crystal Light? If you'd like to support my channel, I'd be very grateful if you could use my affiliate link here: pimax.com/pages/crystal-light?ref=r2cQAf Cheers all, what an exciting time for VR! ❤ VRFSG
Hi steve, do you have a video showing pimax crystal comprehensive settings (in-game, nVidia, open XR, etc.) for MSFS? Getting a headset and would like to start researching best settings, thanks!
Steve thank you for your videos, you really put your heart into them and sacrifice much of yourself to get them out to us. I trust your opinion more than anyone else
Thank you for the first impression Steve. This is a pleasant surprise, working units within a month of the pre-order!!!! I want to order but, can't find a single review on visual performance on anything less than a 4090 system!!!! I need to know if the upscaler works: Upscaling via PIMAX software from 2100 to 2800 and actually works and actually runs at least 30FPS in MR on something more normal for the masses like a 3080/3090/4070 with a 1-2 gen old CPU? The Nvidia key note today at the 'xxx' show in Taiwan mentioned nothing of the 5080-5090 release which was what I was afraid of since they are obsessed with making max profit with Ai. No sense upgrading to this over the G2 if it can't be run "smoothly" and with a superior resolution to the G2 on anything less-than 4080 or 4090. (If I do order soon, I'll make sure I use your affiliate link sir!)
I clicked on your link, shipping is saying 6-8 weeks. I will wait for supply to catch up with demand. Hopefully at that time there will also be prescription lenses.
Wow, I'm so happy to see you're recommending this headset. I was really looking forward to upgrading my Aero with the XR4 but the reviews so far have been troubling to say the least. Now with the Crystal light looking good, I'm hoping that the Crystal Super is just as great, and if not, then I'll just go with the light.
@@Reptile1971 Significantly reduced weight, no battery, no need to have a battery charged to play wired, no need to hot swap battery, fixed lenses, price. The only real loss is dynamic foveated rendering, but only a few titles support that currently.
As a DCS user you might find it a a bit heavy in dogfights. Reason I’m waiting on small form factor hmds after my aero. I mean the aero is comfy to a point but then it’s heavy and annoying in dogfights after a while. And it’s fitted right! I wouldn’t go for a pimax for such flying: you will break your neck lol
Hi Steve, thanks to your enthusiastic presentation, I'm going to say farewell to my G2 as I've just ordered the Pimax Crystal Light + speakers, using your affiliate link. I hope you'll soon release a video with all your PC-MSFS2020-Crystal settings! Thanks for all. A
Thanks for the advice man, I have preordered one of these through your link. They seem to be struggling with supply but hopefully will see it in a month or so.
As my main sim is DCS, I want that eye tracking but I don’t want all the battery and gubbins, so I’ll be looking elsewhere when it comes to upgrading from my Aero. Still, it’s good to see this kind of product is finding its way onto the market, as it benefits us all to have an affordable option out there for the dedicated flight simmer. A rising tide lifts all boats as the saying goes 👍
Its really cool to hear about sweet spot being better, got me excited, i habe the local dimming version fully ordered week and a half ago myself so hopefully get it in next 3-4 weeks
After watching you for 3 years it's time for me to go to VR for first time with the Pimax light. .Great review. You look younger now clean shaven too boot!
You get a free 1000 VR Flight Sim Guy points for that one mate 😅 But seriously, thankyou for supporting my channel for such a long time. A very warm welcome to VR my friend.
Glad you noticed about the mic. As I commented on another videos, I cannot understand why the downgrade; mic quality was nice in regular Crystal, but it seems they changed not only the number of them (from 3 to 2) but the quality of them, and that change was done too for the Super! I guess a clear recognition will be compromised with programs like Voiceattack commonly used on space sims, or just simply with any multiplayer voice chat. Just a question about audio: did they TOTALLY fix the audio latency? I heard software updates fixed it only partially.
I'm concerned about the mic, too. I know people are really excited about the visuals, but the mic is bad enough to be a problem if you play with friends. And yeah, you could modify the headset with a modmic like he did in this video, but that comes with its own set of drawbacks.
Hello VR Flight sim Guy :), I have two questions, I'm currently using Quest 3 (for 3 months) and I'm new to the VR world :). My 1st question is the picture better than the Quest 3 (I use a 4090 as GPU) 2. Do I need a lot of additional programs like Pimax XR or Open XR etc... to get a better picture than the Quest 3 or do I have that out of the box with the Pimax Crystal Light without a lot of additional settings? Many, many thanks in advance. P.s. In addition to Fligt Simulator, I also play a lot of racing simulations..... best regards Sandro
Very good review Steve and I do have a birthday coming up!😂😂😂 So glad i waited on getting a Quest 3….Happy Birthday to meee!! Thanks again my friend, stay safe.
Might not be a bad idea to mention that there would be a couple of months wait for the headset if ordered right now. I pre-ordered a few weeks ago and mine won't be here until end of July/beginning of August. Seeing as you were saying people should go and order it now ;)
Damn! Had to wait till 13:30 to know it was inside out tracking. Now, that's very interesting to me! Not sure how to feel about the loss of eye tracking. Would be nice for simracing...
Thanks so much for your review…. I’ve been back and forth trying to figure out which headset to step up from the Quest 2 with for DCS and iRacing as well as other SteamVR games, and you’ve helped me land on the Crystal Light as it seems like the best option in that price range. Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Lighthouse Faceplate version so I can use it with the Valve Index controllers in non flight or racing sim games using your affiliate link. Also subscribed because I enjoy your content after stumbling across it the other day. Thanks again! Cheers!
@VRFlightSimGuy I would love to see a more expensive version of this with eye tracking! Maybe some feedback to pass onto the Pimax team? (The Super bumps the resolution too much, and the original has the battery etc.)
For the bigger sweet spot (compared to the regular crystal), you were on the right track. MRTV mentioned this too. Apparently, because the lens is fixed rather than being interchangeable, it is placed exactly where it needs to be and is no longer a variable to consider.
Hello Steve! Great first impression review! I really enjoy your honestly and enthusiasm! This might very well be my next headset! Lets see how it goes for a bit, but definitely looks like a good replacement for my G2. Thanks for taking the time to review and advise, greatly appreciated!
This is pretty much the perfect spec headset for me at the moment, only thing that would make it better would be a dedicated casing which would reduce the width about an inch on both ends. Tricky choice between this and waiting for the Super.
5:50 I have a Pimax 8KX that I'm using with a Lighthouse 1 base station. The headset will NOT connect to the base station until after I've turned the headset all the way around backwards (facing away from the base station). If I don't do that, the green base station icon will just sit there and blink forever. I opened a ticket with Pimax some time ago, and after doing a _lot_ of testing at their request, they couldn't figure out what was going on with it either.
Not likely, Meta is on another level with their lenses. The pimax lenses are very good though. So wouldn't worry about it. Its pretty close, maybe 85% of Metas.
You have no idea how hard I’ve been struggling to find an Hp Reverb G2 alternative. I have a Bigscreen Beyond BUT this might be it. I may soon buy the Pimax Crystal Light.
I guess the biggest issue is that the FOV is a downgrade from the Index. I'm still battling whether or not it's worth over $2,000 for a VR1 that still requires audio to be added in some way separately.
@@Killswitch1411 did i say it was better in those areas? and even when comparing just the screen it does have higher 144hz and better fov for a 5 year old headset...
@@Eskoxo I don't understand the fixation on that the Index present day. Its old, i don't care how much better the FOV is if the picture quality is garbage and by todays standards its garbage. So sure you have a higher FOV of worse picture quality and worse lenses. I guess enjoy? Its my opinion. You said better in many ways and you go on saying nothing on what those ways were lol
@@Killswitch1411 I don't understand your fixation on arguing about basically nothing i made a small comment about it being better in some ways and now i have to write an essay about every reason explaining myself? lol chill
There have been video reviews of the crystal light on TH-cam for a couple days. I waited for your video, as I think, you’re the expert here and I can trust in your reviews. So let’s go. Affiliate link here I come. Can’t wait for the crystal light. Never had the chance to try vr. Soooo looking forward for it. Thx, Steve!
OH man.... you're in for a real treat! You have no idea honestly 🙂 Good thinking, waiting for Steve's feedback as well. Good luck with the headset and ENJOY 😉
Not a good reviewer. He didn't mention the distortion sweetspot. MRTV channel was more honest because at least he mentioned the distortion sweetspot in his review.
Bro, wait till you feel the sense of presence in the scene you're in. Your brain will not know the difference and you'll instinctively duck to avoid objects like cockpit frames. Small doses at first though 15 mins max. Push it too much too soon and you run the risk of developing motion sickness in VR. If you're tired, hungover or anything like that, just don't play till you feel better. Once VR sickness always VR sickness, so be sensible. Most of all enjoy yourself mate because it is astounding especially for the first few months.
I never understood getting a custom lens. If you order a VR goggle (thin glasses) you can have prescription lens no matter what VR headset you buy. If you order a bespoke lens, it'll be no good when you change the headset.
How is the size of the sweetspot in those lenses compared to something like quest3? As quest3 in my book is using black magic to have clear visuals in 80% of the FOV space, which is keeping me on quest3 afraid of trying crystal as I got burned once with ReverbG2 having such a miniscule sweetspot that I ended up hating that headset.
According to Pimax web site, the Crystal Light can use either QLED or MiniLED displays. I wonder what the difference in image quality and detail will be between the two? I would love to identify aircraft at a distance in IL-2; will the MiniLED displays allow this to happen? I hope you get a chance to compare the two.
Another reviewer measured a few degrees wider FOV than original crystal, and you notice larger sweet spot. It may be due to removal of the interchangeable lens mechanism, cool bonus
EXCELLENT video, Steve. If it wasn't for the fact that I've had the Crystal for almost as long as yourself, I'd 100% be going for the Light. Looking forward to more videos on it, buddy, although I'm ever so slightly worried that you'll make me switch 😂🤣 Take care! And cool that you chose Lofoten for the video! Much love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
Would be interesting to know how the FFR 2.0 stacks up. In DCS with a G2, fixed quad views (and companion) gives +30% fps compared to the openxr FFR, but you can see the box. This is compensated by the small sweet spot of the G2, so would be interesting to see how this new FFR is with a headset with larger sweet spot and higher resolution.
As a user of airmanager with 2 external displays and a iPad mini on my yoke with ForeFlight to practice my real life flights I’m still not clear on how to use a VR headset and still be able to use all of my external displays. I’d love to see more videos or if you could point me to a few that shows how this could work. I’d love to go VR but not sure how with my cockpit setup. Thanks.
How come no-one really talks about how this headset fits! I can slide a full finger on either side of the face gasket, making it totally un-usable till I receive the Studioform gasket kit to fill in the huge gaps. I don't have a really narrow face, so I have no idea what face type this thing was designed for, my Quest 2 & G2 fit perfectly right out of the box, so that gives you some idea about my face shape.
Hi, I have a problem with the delivery of Pimax Light - after more of 40 days of waiting (I also pay preorder fee 5 months ago), the distributor promises delivery for the fifth time but still nothing - what to do?
Hey there buddy! Thanks for another great clip and I guess you already answered my question but I've been using the Varjo Aero since it was first released and have been very happy with it. Using it in MSFS on a daily basis where I spend most of my time in the PMDG 737. After watching this clip, I must say it's very tempting to give this one a try. A couple of questions for you if I may: 1. How is the performance in MSFS vs the Aero? 2. How is the tracking? I remember how I had some issues with the G2 where it's been great not having to worry about tracking issues anymore using the Aero with its base stations 3. With 35 PPD vs the 39 PPD I'm used to in the Aero, I'm a bit confused how the clarity still is said to be so much better in this one vs the Aero? Thanks in advance for your advice and all the great content!
Steve in your intro you said that you don't need controllers for 2020, yet the first thing you did was to use the controllers to start 2020! So will I need to order the controllers for 2020 (to start 2020) or not? Please make this clear, thanks.
If you aren't near your normal keyboard and mouse when flying, then you can use a small keyboard mount with a Logitech K400 or something. DOFReality sells a mount for around $20.
Like so many others here, I’ve been waiting for this review alone. I just wanted to know if it was buggy or how much more substandard it was than the Crystal. But to hear that in some regards it is better blows my mind and means things a definite purchase for me. You can be assured I’ll be using that affiliate link, too.
Just wondered how frame rate compared with the Q3. Given the amount of super-sampling you need with the Q3 to compensate for video compression, I wonder if it might be similar. I was not over-impressed with the Crystal when I tried one due to the distance of the lenses from my eyes. If I get the opportunity, I will try the light version out sometime.
@@adrenalinejunkie3828 My question was really about frame rate. You would expect those 16.58 MP to require more graphics power, but to get the best clarity for the Quest 3, even at its lower resolution, you have to render at a much higher resolution because of the image quality loss in video encoding/decoding. It's possible that you could run the Crystal with similar settings, just without the extra supersampling, and get the same frame rate.
G’day Steve. As a Reverb user I’m ready for a new purchase, but I’m very interested in the use of mix reality in flightsim so I can really simulate working in the cockpit where I can write/read my own notes like clearances, weather, flight log etc. I am yet to try it, but the Quest 3 appears to have usable pass through, but I haven’t seen anything yet about this capability for the Crystal Light. It would be great if you could do a video about the use of MR in flightsim using the latest headsets. I would like to know if any headset available is good enough to allow you to write and read your own notes, or a hand held checklist, or an A5 sized chart for example. The usefulness of MR in the cockpit goes way beyond being able to just see the buttons on your yoke and throttle quadrant. I wish I could have an MR region over my lap (and yoke) that would allow me to look down and see whatever I was holding there, as I would do in real-life. Keep up the great content!
There's only a one thing I would add to the recomendation. Even tho I've preordered local dimming v. in the begining of May I still don't have them. Current estimations from the Pimax is mid June to begin with shipping to EU. With non-preorders it's even at the endo of summer. Australia is still out of reach with no any date.
I took a punt when I saw your first video on the pre order, literally within minutes I ordered, unfortunately because I live in Australia, my pre order is at the back of the queue, not to take anything away from your video Steve it’s just disappointing. They led us to believe that the first to order would be the first to receive. Thanks Steve great video and thanks for your efforts in maybe influencing Pimax to make a genuine PC VR headset we can all afford, seriously there is now no excuse not to fly in VR Cheers mate
Damn sorry to hear that Ken. I'm super glad Pimax listened to myself and others, they've finally made the VR headset we've wanted from the very beginning. I hope you get your Crystal Light soon. Take care.
How is the useabbility of the headset when not using controllers? I wouldn't need them but am worried that I will get frustrated with navigaing menus etc. Thanks,
I don't know what normal purchase means, I pre-ordered mine the first day they opened pre-orders and I'm still no closer to having it delivered. So, I really don't see that there was any benefit to pre-ordering.
How good works the Reprojection so far? Im absolutely happy with my quest 3 and 80-90hz with Reprojection, butter smooth and crystal clear with the openxr toolkit fov 80% settings.
Crazy question - is there a way to run it without any speakers/headphones so you can use your own? Like it we have some really nice headphones it will feel really strange using a built-in option
Question about the DMAS with bass shakers/haptics and/or motion rig. Because it is over ear, does the vibration/motion noises of your rig bleed into the game's audio? I currently use headphones with a mic, and I cannot hear the vibrations. I am concerned that the DMAS audio will be compromised by the noises from the simrig. What is your experience?
I feel really bad for the somniumvr1 now, I wanted to get that, but now everyone speaks the Light is the next coming for vr and it saves me at least 1000 bucks
Why do you feel bad? They made their choice to make the HMD with the largest and clearest FOV possible. They made their choice to not have any audio because of their perception that most customers don't want it anyway and it would have delayed the release of VR1. They made their choice to manufacture in the EU rather than in China. I agree with the majority of Somnium's decisions. It's the lack of off ear audio that is causing me the most pause. I want to believe that I wouldn't be bothered by the smaller FOV and Chinese software running on my computer with the Crystal Lite, but I just have my doubts about both products.
@@DMan-ud6bt I mean yeah, nobody uses the audio of the hmd anyways I dont understand why Pimax is doing that - its a lot better to pick your own headphones. I feel bad because the somniumvr1 looks like something professionally designed and planned while Pimax throws shit at the wall and checks what sticks or they skip the check completly, while having one of the worst support out there and wonky quality all the time - and now finally they maybe did something right and released a actually competitive product.
@@laartwork idk the Super looks again like a throwing shit at the wall experiment with potential downsides due to modularity. The Light actually competes with somniumvr1 because it delivers nearly the same expierience but for a much lower price, it's slightly clearer image won't be enough of a argument.
Question: Can you use your Corsair HS80 with the Pimax? Does it fit? I'm planning on buy this headset, and wonder if I will be able to do as I do right now: Reverb G2 + Corsair HS80. Thanks!
Are you tempted by the Pimax Crystal Light? If you'd like to support my channel, I'd be very grateful if you could use my affiliate link here: pimax.com/pages/crystal-light?ref=r2cQAf
Cheers all, what an exciting time for VR! ❤
VRFSG
no way till they deliver what was promised : a 60 hz refresh rate ! And a version without local dimming at 699 !
All versions show Sold Out for me.
Sold out for me too. What is going on here....?
Hi steve, do you have a video showing pimax crystal comprehensive settings (in-game, nVidia, open XR, etc.) for MSFS? Getting a headset and would like to start researching best settings, thanks!
@@Cellinsky-2302I've just tried and managed to add one to my cart?
Given how everyone mentions eye tracking (or lack there of) affecting DCS, a dedicated dcs performance vid would be super helpful.
Yeah hoping we get one soon
Mm it hurts me that they dont incl the eyetracking. That makes it a no buy for me
It has fixed foveated rendering. So wherever you're goggle is pointing, it's high res. Just saw a review by Grim Reapers. Seems to work well.
Thanks so much for the thorough review.
My pleasure! Thank you for the donation that's very kind 😊
Just ordered headset and speakers as a result of your presentation, using your affiliate link, of course. Thanks Steve!
Awesome, thank you so much for your support!
Steve thank you for your videos, you really put your heart into them and sacrifice much of yourself to get them out to us. I trust your opinion more than anyone else
Comments like this truly keep me going sometimes. It's been a hard week too so thankyou. It means a lot.
Looking forward to trying it out on Wednesday at the London Roadshow. 😊
Definitely looks like one to keep an eye on when its time to replace my G2 in the next year or so.. thanks for the review.
That's what I thought too but it costs twice the prise of the G2, in the end...
Thank you for the first impression Steve. This is a pleasant surprise, working units within a month of the pre-order!!!! I want to order but, can't find a single review on visual performance on anything less than a 4090 system!!!! I need to know if the upscaler works: Upscaling via PIMAX software from 2100 to 2800 and actually works and actually runs at least 30FPS in MR on something more normal for the masses like a 3080/3090/4070 with a 1-2 gen old CPU? The Nvidia key note today at the 'xxx' show in Taiwan mentioned nothing of the 5080-5090 release which was what I was afraid of since they are obsessed with making max profit with Ai. No sense upgrading to this over the G2 if it can't be run "smoothly" and with a superior resolution to the G2 on anything less-than 4080 or 4090. (If I do order soon, I'll make sure I use your affiliate link sir!)
I clicked on your link, shipping is saying 6-8 weeks. I will wait for supply to catch up with demand. Hopefully at that time there will also be prescription lenses.
Wow, I'm so happy to see you're recommending this headset. I was really looking forward to upgrading my Aero with the XR4 but the reviews so far have been troubling to say the least. Now with the Crystal light looking good, I'm hoping that the Crystal Super is just as great, and if not, then I'll just go with the light.
Waiting a lot for Super too with 5090 must be top notch setup
@@Kanton-ip6en Nvidia need to release DLSS for vr ASAP!
@@namegoeshere197It's already available for many VR games.
@namegoeshere197 if I'm not wrong, there is dlss for vr, but it's not so effective as dlss for monitors
I think the SomniumVR1 already uses something like DLSS and the reviews say it's good
great video. my delivers tomorrow! im pumped.
Niiice!
I think it's the best headset you can buy today. Somnium VR1 may change that. Crystal Super may change that. But today, I'm buying a Crystal Light.
Why is this better than the original Crystal?
@@Reptile1971 Significantly reduced weight, no battery, no need to have a battery charged to play wired, no need to hot swap battery, fixed lenses, price. The only real loss is dynamic foveated rendering, but only a few titles support that currently.
As primarily a DCS user, it would be good to see how big a difference the lack of eye tracking makes.
Planned soon 👍
@@VRFlightSimGuy great minds! Ha. Much appreciated - Look forward to it!
As a DCS user you might find it a a bit heavy in dogfights. Reason I’m waiting on small form factor hmds after my aero. I mean the aero is comfy to a point but then it’s heavy and annoying in dogfights after a while. And it’s fitted right! I wouldn’t go for a pimax for such flying: you will break your neck lol
@@gregprouse1173 I'm a big guy - I think I can handle it :)
Plus - its not like flight helmets are light!
@@t8508702 lol. It’s not a flight helmet though haha
used your code to order a Crystal Light, I appreciate the review and discount
Awesome thank you! ❤️
Hi Steve, thanks to your enthusiastic presentation, I'm going to say farewell to my G2 as I've just ordered the Pimax Crystal Light + speakers, using your affiliate link. I hope you'll soon release a video with all your PC-MSFS2020-Crystal settings! Thanks for all. A
Really wish I hadn't hesitated on the pre-order! Glad to see it lives up to my expectations
Pimax, please make black DMAS speakers. The blue triggers my OCD.
Thanks for the advice man, I have preordered one of these through your link. They seem to be struggling with supply but hopefully will see it in a month or so.
Thankyou for the support!
As my main sim is DCS, I want that eye tracking but I don’t want all the battery and gubbins, so I’ll be looking elsewhere when it comes to upgrading from my Aero.
Still, it’s good to see this kind of product is finding its way onto the market, as it benefits us all to have an affordable option out there for the dedicated flight simmer. A rising tide lifts all boats as the saying goes 👍
Its really cool to hear about sweet spot being better, got me excited, i habe the local dimming version fully ordered week and a half ago myself so hopefully get it in next 3-4 weeks
4 more weeks and it should arrive🎉🎉🎉 Thanks for the rewiew Steve and the greatest videos for sure!
Great video as always, thanks! I'm receiving my Crystal Light next week, can't wait!
why didn't you get Big Screen Beyond?
Oh nice one. I'll look out for your video thanks for watching. Subbed :)
Thank you again for another fantastic review .. Can’t wait for your review of the Pimax crystal super .. Cheers mate
Thanks buddy. Exciting times!
Steve, if you have any perspective on whether the Crystal Light will run on a RTX 3090, I’d appreciate hearing it.
Dito!
After watching you for 3 years it's time for me to go to VR for first time with the Pimax light. .Great review. You look younger now clean shaven too boot!
You get a free 1000 VR Flight Sim Guy points for that one mate 😅 But seriously, thankyou for supporting my channel for such a long time. A very warm welcome to VR my friend.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Hi thanks for your reply will my Pc be able to fly with a Ftx 4080 using the prim max light? Hope to meet you at flight sim expo 2024
@@ronanderson2130 You should'nt have any problems with that rig
Gonna come down to whether msfs 2024 had eye tracking support
Does Pimax have pass-through supported?
So the VR1 isn't even out yet and already we know we need a VR1 light. 🤦♂.... 😂
the VR1 base version but for a thousand less please basically
ok now im debating on waiting for the Pimax Crystal Super. We need to get Pimax to hurry up and get you one to review
Glad you noticed about the mic. As I commented on another videos, I cannot understand why the downgrade; mic quality was nice in regular Crystal, but it seems they changed not only the number of them (from 3 to 2) but the quality of them, and that change was done too for the Super! I guess a clear recognition will be compromised with programs like Voiceattack commonly used on space sims, or just simply with any multiplayer voice chat. Just a question about audio: did they TOTALLY fix the audio latency? I heard software updates fixed it only partially.
I'm concerned about the mic, too. I know people are really excited about the visuals, but the mic is bad enough to be a problem if you play with friends. And yeah, you could modify the headset with a modmic like he did in this video, but that comes with its own set of drawbacks.
Does Crystal Light have pass-through cameras?
What I understood yes. A simple white-black one at the moment, but they are working on implement a full one
Hello VR Flight sim Guy :), I have two questions, I'm currently using Quest 3 (for 3 months) and I'm new to the VR world :). My 1st question is the picture better than the Quest 3 (I use a 4090 as GPU) 2. Do I need a lot of additional programs like Pimax XR or Open XR etc... to get a better picture than the Quest 3 or do I have that out of the box with the Pimax Crystal Light without a lot of additional settings? Many, many thanks in advance. P.s. In addition to Fligt Simulator, I also play a lot of racing simulations..... best regards Sandro
Very good review Steve and I do have a birthday coming up!😂😂😂 So glad i waited on getting a Quest 3….Happy Birthday to meee!! Thanks again my friend, stay safe.
Best birthday gift ever! Cheers mate for watching and waiting for my video :)
quest 3 is nearly as good I bet!
@@elmalloc no dp video cable no party. Quest 3 video compression is awful.
Might not be a bad idea to mention that there would be a couple of months wait for the headset if ordered right now. I pre-ordered a few weeks ago and mine won't be here until end of July/beginning of August. Seeing as you were saying people should go and order it now ;)
Damn! Had to wait till 13:30 to know it was inside out tracking. Now, that's very interesting to me!
Not sure how to feel about the loss of eye tracking. Would be nice for simracing...
Thanks so much for your review…. I’ve been back and forth trying to figure out which headset to step up from the Quest 2 with for DCS and iRacing as well as other SteamVR games, and you’ve helped me land on the Crystal Light as it seems like the best option in that price range. Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Lighthouse Faceplate version so I can use it with the Valve Index controllers in non flight or racing sim games using your affiliate link. Also subscribed because I enjoy your content after stumbling across it the other day. Thanks again! Cheers!
@VRFlightSimGuy I would love to see a more expensive version of this with eye tracking! Maybe some feedback to pass onto the Pimax team? (The Super bumps the resolution too much, and the original has the battery etc.)
For the bigger sweet spot (compared to the regular crystal), you were on the right track. MRTV mentioned this too. Apparently, because the lens is fixed rather than being interchangeable, it is placed exactly where it needs to be and is no longer a variable to consider.
It's the G3 everyone was waiting for
G3 meaning the HO Reverb replacement?
@@MoisesSimana Yes
@@RacingPotato12 Hp said no more reverbs so ;)
Hello Steve! Great first impression review! I really enjoy your honestly and enthusiasm! This might very well be my next headset! Lets see how it goes for a bit, but definitely looks like a good replacement for my G2. Thanks for taking the time to review and advise, greatly appreciated!
Thankyou I really appreciate that! I'll be posting more videos soon as I get to know the headset more. Best wishes.
@@VRFlightSimGuy perfect! I look forward to them! Thanks a bunch!
I was very excited with the BigScreen Beyond but now I am leaning to this Crystal Light. The larger sweet spot is the clincher for me.
Nice vid Steve! Could you also test the Crystal Light in DCS? Much appreciated.
Definitely planned next week :)
This is pretty much the perfect spec headset for me at the moment, only thing that would make it better would be a dedicated casing which would reduce the width about an inch on both ends. Tricky choice between this and waiting for the Super.
Ordered with local dimming and DMAS audio. Coming from G2
Which version to get ? Comes with cable to pc ? Worth to upgrade from quest 3 ? Have a 4080 gpu with 7800x3d. Thanks
Finally upgrading from Reverb G1 to the Crystal Light. I hope I see a difference! Just for MSFS Simming
Difference will be shocking, I switch from g2 to quest 3 and it's already amazing, can't imagine how good is this vr headset
5:50 I have a Pimax 8KX that I'm using with a Lighthouse 1 base station. The headset will NOT connect to the base station until after I've turned the headset all the way around backwards (facing away from the base station). If I don't do that, the green base station icon will just sit there and blink forever. I opened a ticket with Pimax some time ago, and after doing a _lot_ of testing at their request, they couldn't figure out what was going on with it either.
Can i use my valve knukles on this headset without base stations? Btw what is the horizontal and vertical fov of this crystal light? Thank you!
tank you Steve do some DCS too please and your opinion compare to the Q3 its better, ❤
Is the Crystal light edge to edge clarity like the Quest 3? I'm thinking about upgrading.
Not likely, Meta is on another level with their lenses. The pimax lenses are very good though. So wouldn't worry about it. Its pretty close, maybe 85% of Metas.
@@Killswitch1411 thanks for the reply
You have no idea how hard I’ve been struggling to find an Hp Reverb G2 alternative. I have a Bigscreen Beyond BUT this might be it. I may soon buy the Pimax Crystal Light.
I guess the biggest issue is that the FOV is a downgrade from the Index.
I'm still battling whether or not it's worth over $2,000 for a VR1 that still requires audio to be added in some way separately.
Yea kinda sad VR situation that Index is still better in many ways despite being 5 year old headset.
@@Eskoxo but its not better in the most important areas. Clarity, colors, contrast. Pixel density.
@@Killswitch1411 did i say it was better in those areas? and even when comparing just the screen it does have higher 144hz and better fov for a 5 year old headset...
@@Eskoxo I don't understand the fixation on that the Index present day. Its old, i don't care how much better the FOV is if the picture quality is garbage and by todays standards its garbage. So sure you have a higher FOV of worse picture quality and worse lenses. I guess enjoy? Its my opinion. You said better in many ways and you go on saying nothing on what those ways were lol
@@Killswitch1411 I don't understand your fixation on arguing about basically nothing i made a small comment about it being better in some ways and now i have to write an essay about every reason explaining myself? lol chill
Very nice, especially for the price, but I'm going to hold out for the Somnium. Thank you for the review, sir!
There have been video reviews of the crystal light on TH-cam for a couple days. I waited for your video, as I think, you’re the expert here and I can trust in your reviews. So let’s go. Affiliate link here I come. Can’t wait for the crystal light. Never had the chance to try vr. Soooo looking forward for it. Thx, Steve!
OH man.... you're in for a real treat! You have no idea honestly 🙂 Good thinking, waiting for Steve's feedback as well. Good luck with the headset and ENJOY 😉
Dino! I can't tell you how much I appreciate that, especially as my headset was delayed. Enjoy your new Crystal buddy!
Not a good reviewer. He didn't mention the distortion sweetspot. MRTV channel was more honest because at least he mentioned the distortion sweetspot in his review.
Bro, wait till you feel the sense of presence in the scene you're in. Your brain will not know the difference and you'll instinctively duck to avoid objects like cockpit frames.
Small doses at first though 15 mins max. Push it too much too soon and you run the risk of developing motion sickness in VR. If you're tired, hungover or anything like that, just don't play till you feel better. Once VR sickness always VR sickness, so be sensible.
Most of all enjoy yourself mate because it is astounding especially for the first few months.
I never understood getting a custom lens. If you order a VR goggle (thin glasses) you can have prescription lens no matter what VR headset you buy. If you order a bespoke lens, it'll be no good when you change the headset.
I`m so tempted. With the audio option and controllers this would be an all round better headset than the Varjo Aero I think
I agree!
How is the size of the sweetspot in those lenses compared to something like quest3? As quest3 in my book is using black magic to have clear visuals in 80% of the FOV space, which is keeping me on quest3 afraid of trying crystal as I got burned once with ReverbG2 having such a miniscule sweetspot that I ended up hating that headset.
I just ordered the CL, but the DMAS cannot be ordered. :(
Will you be using the crystal light or bigscreen beyond? very curious
Welcome to the magic hour. I've had a Crystal for 7 months, it's been brilliant.
Which GPU?
@@JonJon-dk3nh 4090
According to Pimax web site, the Crystal Light can use either QLED or MiniLED displays. I wonder what the difference in image quality and detail will be between the two? I would love to identify aircraft at a distance in IL-2; will the MiniLED displays allow this to happen? I hope you get a chance to compare the two.
Another reviewer measured a few degrees wider FOV than original crystal, and you notice larger sweet spot. It may be due to removal of the interchangeable lens mechanism, cool bonus
Do you think is because of that?
How does it do with IL 2 Great battles
Any chance to run the Pimax Crystal Light with an AMD 6900XT? Of course with lower settings.
EXCELLENT video, Steve. If it wasn't for the fact that I've had the Crystal for almost as long as yourself, I'd 100% be going for the Light. Looking forward to more videos on it, buddy, although I'm ever so slightly worried that you'll make me switch 😂🤣 Take care! And cool that you chose Lofoten for the video! Much love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
Pimax: YOU ARE AWESOME! Thank you so much!
Steve: YOU TOO!
You've made my day Andy, cheers mate!
The half frame rate option and the fixed Foveated rendering have been in the software for a while
They need to change it to half refresh rate.
Would be interesting to know how the FFR 2.0 stacks up. In DCS with a G2, fixed quad views (and companion) gives +30% fps compared to the openxr FFR, but you can see the box. This is compensated by the small sweet spot of the G2, so would be interesting to see how this new FFR is with a headset with larger sweet spot and higher resolution.
As a user of airmanager with 2 external displays and a iPad mini on my yoke with ForeFlight to practice my real life flights I’m still not clear on how to use a VR headset and still be able to use all of my external displays. I’d love to see more videos or if you could point me to a few that shows how this could work. I’d love to go VR but not sure how with my cockpit setup. Thanks.
Is there any chromatic aberrations outside of sweet spot for you? It’s pretty strong on mine.
How come no-one really talks about how this headset fits! I can slide a full finger on either side of the face gasket, making it totally un-usable till I receive the Studioform gasket kit to fill in the huge gaps. I don't have a really narrow face, so I have no idea what face type this thing was designed for, my Quest 2 & G2 fit perfectly right out of the box, so that gives you some idea about my face shape.
What are your thoughts on a headset for Mac’s and dcs? It will be my first and only want to do this one time!
It would be great if you could do a DCS / MFS comparison with the headsets I have a feeling it would cover most of the flight sim market.
Hi, I have a problem with the delivery of Pimax Light - after more of 40 days of waiting (I also pay preorder fee 5 months ago), the distributor promises delivery for the fifth time but still nothing - what to do?
What does it mean to not have eye tracking? Does eye tracking matter, should I wait for the super?
Steve the affiliate link isn't working correctly.
Thanks mate sorted. I owe you a beer
Is it possible to use this without the speakers?
Hey there buddy!
Thanks for another great clip and I guess you already answered my question but I've been using the Varjo Aero since it was first released and have been very happy with it. Using it in MSFS on a daily basis where I spend most of my time in the PMDG 737.
After watching this clip, I must say it's very tempting to give this one a try. A couple of questions for you if I may:
1. How is the performance in MSFS vs the Aero?
2. How is the tracking? I remember how I had some issues with the G2 where it's been great not having to worry about tracking issues anymore using the Aero with its base stations
3. With 35 PPD vs the 39 PPD I'm used to in the Aero, I'm a bit confused how the clarity still is said to be so much better in this one vs the Aero?
Thanks in advance for your advice and all the great content!
Steve in your intro you said that you don't need controllers for 2020, yet the first thing you did was to use the controllers to start 2020! So will I need to order the controllers for 2020 (to start 2020) or not? Please make this clear, thanks.
I am 98% sure you can simply use the mouse. I am buying without controllers.
LOL very good point. I've no idea why I did that. 😂
If you aren't near your normal keyboard and mouse when flying, then you can use a small keyboard mount with a Logitech K400 or something.
DOFReality sells a mount for around $20.
Thanks guys, looks like I'm OK ordering the Crystal Light without controllers, as I'll only be using it with MSFS 2020.
@@johnvulcan212 Sounds good, but I can also highly recommend the Index controllers and a few great experiences. Half-Life: Alyx being an obvious one.
As long as the audio can be removed (prefer separate headsets), I think I’m in ..
How did the firmware upgrade go? Any new features added? Did you notice any differences? Thx!
Like so many others here, I’ve been waiting for this review alone. I just wanted to know if it was buggy or how much more substandard it was than the Crystal. But to hear that in some regards it is better blows my mind and means things a definite purchase for me. You can be assured I’ll be using that affiliate link, too.
Did you use any other addon app or just the pimax app by itself?
how do you control menus without the hand controllers?
Just wondered how frame rate compared with the Q3. Given the amount of super-sampling you need with the Q3 to compensate for video compression, I wonder if it might be similar. I was not over-impressed with the Crystal when I tried one due to the distance of the lenses from my eyes. If I get the opportunity, I will try the light version out sometime.
@@adrenalinejunkie3828 My question was really about frame rate. You would expect those 16.58 MP to require more graphics power, but to get the best clarity for the Quest 3, even at its lower resolution, you have to render at a much higher resolution because of the image quality loss in video encoding/decoding. It's possible that you could run the Crystal with similar settings, just without the extra supersampling, and get the same frame rate.
G’day Steve. As a Reverb user I’m ready for a new purchase, but I’m very interested in the use of mix reality in flightsim so I can really simulate working in the cockpit where I can write/read my own notes like clearances, weather, flight log etc.
I am yet to try it, but the Quest 3 appears to have usable pass through, but I haven’t seen anything yet about this capability for the Crystal Light.
It would be great if you could do a video about the use of MR in flightsim using the latest headsets. I would like to know if any headset available is good enough to allow you to write and read your own notes, or a hand held checklist, or an A5 sized chart for example. The usefulness of MR in the cockpit goes way beyond being able to just see the buttons on your yoke and throttle quadrant.
I wish I could have an MR region over my lap (and yoke) that would allow me to look down and see whatever I was holding there, as I would do in real-life.
Keep up the great content!
There's only a one thing I would add to the recomendation. Even tho I've preordered local dimming v. in the begining of May I still don't have them. Current estimations from the Pimax is mid June to begin with shipping to EU. With non-preorders it's even at the endo of summer. Australia is still out of reach with no any date.
Whats the best quality / price desktop computer that i need to run flight simulator with the pimax.?
I took a punt when I saw your first video on the pre order, literally within minutes I ordered, unfortunately because I live in Australia, my pre order is at the back of the queue, not to take anything away from your video Steve it’s just disappointing. They led us to believe that the first to order would be the first to receive.
Thanks Steve great video and thanks for your efforts in maybe influencing Pimax to make a genuine PC VR headset we can all afford, seriously there is now no excuse not to fly in VR
Cheers mate
Damn sorry to hear that Ken. I'm super glad Pimax listened to myself and others, they've finally made the VR headset we've wanted from the very beginning. I hope you get your Crystal Light soon. Take care.
Hi there, the first batch shipping of Australia should arrive by the end of this month.
How is the useabbility of the headset when not using controllers? I wouldn't need them but am worried that I will get frustrated with navigaing menus etc. Thanks,
Hi Steve does the half frame rate lock thingo work and how is it compared to say Quest 3 ASW or SSW VD? Reprojection is a must have for me 😊
Steve, when you use the pimax light how many other screens do you have connected?
Just my monitor that's in use. All my display ports are full of VR headset but they are of course off.
I don't know what normal purchase means, I pre-ordered mine the first day they opened pre-orders and I'm still no closer to having it delivered. So, I really don't see that there was any benefit to pre-ordering.
Daft question but is the light better then the Pimax Crystal (not light ) on visual, or is the difference just the weight thanks great video Steve.
Same great display mate
How good works the Reprojection so far? Im absolutely happy with my quest 3 and 80-90hz with Reprojection, butter smooth and crystal clear with the openxr toolkit fov 80% settings.
Crazy question - is there a way to run it without any speakers/headphones so you can use your own? Like it we have some really nice headphones it will feel really strange using a built-in option
Question about the DMAS with bass shakers/haptics and/or motion rig. Because it is over ear, does the vibration/motion noises of your rig bleed into the game's audio? I currently use headphones with a mic, and I cannot hear the vibrations. I am concerned that the DMAS audio will be compromised by the noises from the simrig. What is your experience?
This headset is the closest I've come to upgrading my Pimax 4k (also aspheric lenses), it's a shame I don't get to use it often
I feel really bad for the somniumvr1 now, I wanted to get that, but now everyone speaks the Light is the next coming for vr and it saves me at least 1000 bucks
The Crystal Super is the Somnium killer
Why do you feel bad? They made their choice to make the HMD with the largest and clearest FOV possible. They made their choice to not have any audio because of their perception that most customers don't want it anyway and it would have delayed the release of VR1. They made their choice to manufacture in the EU rather than in China. I agree with the majority of Somnium's decisions. It's the lack of off ear audio that is causing me the most pause.
I want to believe that I wouldn't be bothered by the smaller FOV and Chinese software running on my computer with the Crystal Lite, but I just have my doubts about both products.
@@DMan-ud6bt I mean yeah, nobody uses the audio of the hmd anyways I dont understand why Pimax is doing that - its a lot better to pick your own headphones.
I feel bad because the somniumvr1 looks like something professionally designed and planned while Pimax throws shit at the wall and checks what sticks or they skip the check completly, while having one of the worst support out there and wonky quality all the time - and now finally they maybe did something right and released a actually competitive product.
@@laartwork idk the Super looks again like a throwing shit at the wall experiment with potential downsides due to modularity.
The Light actually competes with somniumvr1 because it delivers nearly the same expierience but for a much lower price, it's slightly clearer image won't be enough of a argument.
@@laartwork Only by price, I don't trust Pimax quality on the Crystal Super. Somnium is likely going to be the better quality HMD.
Question: Can you use your Corsair HS80 with the Pimax? Does it fit?
I'm planning on buy this headset, and wonder if I will be able to do as I do right now: Reverb G2 + Corsair HS80.
Thanks!