Well, I'm sold! I still have little 'wow' moments when flying in the G2, and amazed at what that technology can do, but after watching your enthusiastic review of the Crystal, I think it is going to be such an amazing thing to experience. With that field of view, resolution, and palette, it must be so much more immersive and closer to replicating a realistic scene and sensation in comparison to the G2.
Oh and I am not exaggerating when I say that 20:00 to 26:00 looks like video from a plane while viewing on my LG OLED. If this is how amazing it looks like when captured at 1080p I would love to see how it looks captured at 4k! And also thanks Steve for the great content in the last few days, it's really cool to see someone putting the Crystal through its paces and with your usual cheerfulness and enthusiasm. It's clear that flying is your passion so I completely understand why you get so excited, especially as we move to ever higher levels of realism. :)
That means so much thankyou!! I've noticed that content even looks better on TH-cam with this headset. The resolution though of course, looks so much better. I can imaginel this looked great on your TV. Take care
I appreciate your honesty Steve! I know you have a huge fondness for Varjo so it must be hard to admit that this is better than the Aero but I give you props for being sincere and honest regardless. Really do appreciate you!
@VR Flight Sim Guy Much respect, we're all just trying to have the best experiences ever, and like you said, thanks to both these headsets. I'm just hoping I get mine soon, but until then, I'll keep using my aero.
Why would it be hard? It's not like he works for varjo. Or owns shares in their company. I suppose he's just level headed VR enthusiast and he's happy VR tech is moving forward. Regardless of the manufacturer
@@justaguydoinstuff he loves the aero but that shouldn't be making it any harder to love the crystal. You can love Vivaldi and still enjoy Mozart. My aero has been my go to headset for the past 18 months, yet I ordered the crystal.
There is so much excitement and happiness in these videos that I feel like a child falling in love with action figures who can fly, shoot, and make noise in a TV commercial. I'm old enough now to realize I enjoy watching you fly more than if I did it myself. Ie my action figure would not fly, shoot, or make noise like they showed in the commercial. 😀
Pimax really pulled it off with this headset, it really has everything. Even capacitive finger tracking on their controllers. And once foveated rendering starts to be usable, it has the eyetracking ready.
Steve me again lol. Just realised after reading a lot of comments that I never recognised the time and effort you put in to make these videos. Like others have said I do the love the enthusiasm you bring to the flight sim world. To be honest you never fail to keep my retention/attention.
I’m still here… Crystal definitely on my shortlist to replace the G2. Given that you have access to both the G2 and the Crystal, it’s obvious which is the clear winner from sharpness etc. but how does the frame rate compare, flying over the same scenery with the same weather, etc. Maybe when you do the Aero/Crystal comparison you could throw in a little G2 action too? As I think this is where most upgrades will be coming from…
Oddly… no way to see how clear a VR headset is rendering without using them. Only then can you actually see the rendering. Also, crystal was available from the beginning of VR, but the heat directly on the eyes was an issue. Yes, you can blind yourself if you are not careful.
Gone from Oculus Rift to Reverb G2 V1 about half a year ago. Absolutely worth it. But still lot of room for improvement in terms of sweet spot and field of view. But best bang for the buck. System is rtx 4090 with i7 6700k (!). DCS MT with 45 FPS locked solid at high Detail (clearly, CPU limited most of the time.). Visuals in Crystal as I would like to have them, but would prefer PC standalone version of it without batteries and adequate sound. Maybe I'll wait for further progress in development and go for a ryzen 7800x3d and best vr headset available around cristmas.
What an EXCELLENT Series this is turning into Steve! You are making it harder and harder to patiently wait for my Crystal. This is exactly the type of flying I enjoy the most, and I know what you are talking about with the pitch black at night and being somewhat scary. I absolutely love the feeling of the light from my instruments being the only light I can see, and then flying up to a major city and seeing that glow in the distance turn into a full landscape. You should also try an early morning take off in the dark and land at sunrise. I'd imagine It is a great way to enjoy the local dimming as well. And by the way... I'm still here, like I always am for you content! Thanks for sharing my friend.
Hey Mark thanks for watching buddy, I know exactly what you mean. I've just finished a night flight into Manchester, just STUNNING. There is some blooming, but only if you look for it. I'm sure this will get better over time, the advantages FAR out weigh any negatives. I'm starting to wonder how Pimax packed so much tech inside this headset for the price. DCS is next!
I am on the beta team and have had a Crystal for a couple weeks now. I don’t mind the battery, but I’m with you-if they had a straight PCVR version, that’s the one I would buy because as a simmer I have no use for stand alone mode.
I agree - but not sure if you mean wired or wireless PCVR. The Reverb G2 was wired but I honestly didn't notice that it mattered for my perception. For me, I love wireless PCVR, so if they could just forget standalone, the library and everything else and just make a great wireless PCVR headset that runs steamVR with amazing tracking and specs, I'd be in 💪
Same here; wanting to buy a VR headset solely for flight sim use, I have zero need for a battery and standalone things. Just give me cables and wires and I'll tuck them away nicely.
Hi VRFlightSimGuy, You truly have adjusted my previous image of Pimax with you review. Thanks. They certainly have had a lot of flack from viewer and creators. can't wait to perhaps get one right after my next purchase of 7900XT/X. It's a shame Grand Turismo 7 was locked to console!
I'm still here! Thank you so much for your honest feedback. After Sebastian's videos, your opinion has been the only other one I've been waiting on to make a decision. Looking forward to the dcs video and more!
I'm still here. According to Pimax, Qualcomm *requires* a battery to power the XR2 chipset as part of the license agreement. Pimax is working on maximizing battery life, but at least for now a battery must be in place at all times. They can be hot-swapped, since a third small built-in battery will power it while changing from one to the other.
Hopefully the battery can be charged via the USB-C cable of the headset whilst the headset is in stand-by. That would certainly maximize battery life if they can do that.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Ooops, ignore my other message that I deleted anyway. I thought you replied to the racing titles question. Interesting about the charging of the batteries. I wonder what the verdict will be with that.
Great vid, totally agree on the having a pure PCVR, I’d not at all be interested in the standalone features. Rather just pay less for a pure PCVR version. I’m sure your general audience knows this, but assume you are running a 4090?
Agree 100% that if there was a straight PC version with no battery, I would absolutely buy that. Thanks for clarifying how the FoV compares between the 8KX and the Crystal. I use my 8KX on normal, so having less FoV than that would be an issue. Also looking forward to hearing your impressions on using the headset with DCS and how it performs there, especially with something not as powerful as a RTX 4090, maybe an RTX 3090. Thanks for keeping the community informed. Great work as usual.
where's the FoV mention in the video? I searched back and forth but couldn't find it, and for me it's been the lack if peripheral awareness that has put me off VR headsets so far so I'm interested to learn how this issue is evolving. I know there's max-FoV headsets available but I'm assuming they have compromises too.
@@ViewBothSides The widest FOV option on the consumer market is our 8kx model. It's quite a good unit. Initially we launched with a few bugs, but the units now are great. Honestly the best experience you can have in VR now, aside from our Crystal and depending on FOV requirements. The tradeoff, the 8kx is even bigger than the Crystal, up front at least, and it requires lighthouses and your own controllers. Some games also don't really support a super wide FOV and thus we have to do some workarounds to get them to work properly. This can lead to SOME, not all, not most, but some games having a bit of weirdness going on at the edges of the screen. The distortions are well controlled though, and the later units are capable of 120hz over a 200 degree diagonal FOV. Our Crystal only reaches a 140 degree FOV with our current lens options, but the lens are interchangeable, so we have the ability to modify the FOV after sale by offering different lenses. These will require new distortion profiles and new models may or may not be added based on consumer demand. Overall I think you would be very surprised with the Crystal. I do miss the FOV from my 8kx a little, but the vertical FOV is higher on the Crystal, and the clarity is so good that I end up forgetting that my horizontal FOV is a bit lower.
@@WhatsupAbroadthanks for taking the time to be a part of the community. As a newer flight simmer I'm very curious about the crystal. Is it plug and play with Steam VR? Any program requirements to run the crystal? Thanks!
@Steadymobbin711 In order to use the headset our own software has to be installed on the PC. It is out Pimax PC Client. The program is a necessary part of the rendering pipeline and has settings for modifying the experience in the headset. Contrast control, saturation, etc are all located in the app. typically you would connect the headset to the PC with a fully charged battery, open the pc client, then turn the headset on, at that point the headset will connect. You should hear the windows chime for a connected USB device. IAt that point you would make sure the controllers are also connected and then you can launch steam vr directly from the pimax PC client.
Enjoyable video Steve. Rather than suffering headset resolution envy I'm enjoying your appreciation for local dimming and the quantum dot layer as they are two features which I love so much about simming with my Quest Pro.
I've got to admit, I was a little worried that, knowing how much you love the Aero, you may have been a little biased towards this headset in your review. You proved me wrong and now I completely trust your reviews moving forward. Great channel, Steve, and thanks for the review.
"I will be testing out the headset with more mid-range systems...". Please do it before june, because that test may force a nice amount of pre-order decisions : p
I'm still here. Please add the G2 to the comparison. Just to see how it performs in terms on resolution vs not only the Aero but also the G2. GREAT video's so far, the Crystal surpised me in terms of performance. Really great content.
I’m definitely still here! Can’t wait for your testing on other graphics cards Steve - only running an old fashioned 3090 here 🙄!! Had high hopes for this headset and looks like it may be the next one for me…. Keep this fantastic content coming please 👍
Great video and truly love your reviews. Always seem straight forward, honest, and from a true enthusiast perspective. Constructive criticism: If you wish to help others in the community with your videos, they will be way more effective if you include at least a brief couple seconds of video of your graphics settings, traffic settings, and OpenXR settings. When you are reviewing something, saying "I'm getting 52 FPS" doesn't mean anything at all without context. Those of us who are regular viewers of your channel know you have a 4090 and you have that nifty new PC so we know your CPU and GPU. Others may not. Finally, if you're running MSFS stock or have any add ons. If you run any add ons it would be a simple matter to copy & paste a brief list of those into the comments of the video. That is the "data" the rest of us need to put your statements on the VR headset into context. "Smooth" or "Crisp" or "Beautiful" or "52 FPS" doesn't mean anything without knowing your settings and it would take all of about 20 seconds to record a few seconds of each of your setting screens. Saying "I'm running Ultra settings" doesn't mean anything either because maybe there are a few that you set lower. Finally, many of us use your videos as a tool. We can run similar hardware and similar settings and compare our performance to see if we have an issue or predict what we might expect if we purchased a similar product. In Summary, a few seconds of video and a copy & paste of addons would go a long way to make your videos even more useful, along with fun and entertaining. Keep up the good work and I'll keep on watching. Thanks for all you've done for the community!
Excellent review bud. The Crystal seems to be a good all in all package. I did not expect that as well. That Qleds are brilliant. I know that colours and black levels from my PSVR2 headset. In combination with the sharpness of the Crystal it must be amazing. Absolutely great to have a true competitor for the Aero. Thank you very much for the video. Pimax needs now a Shark for testing their software😂 Take care bud and have a nice bank holiday.
How did I miss this comment? Shame on me!! Thanks Uwe, I've really enjoyed getting to know this headset more and more. I agree, Pimax would do very well providing you with a unit to test for us! Take care my friend, I hope your ear is healing up ok.
Wow, I'm impressed Steve! Great news that highest-end PC-VR is just getting 1.000 bucks cheaper for everyone while even better! The battery isn't a killer for me, curious about the local dimming bloom, but overall it sounds like a really great hmd! Good to see Varjo is getting some serious competition and I hope Crystal will motivate them towards an Aero v2. (e.g. OLED + pancake lenses plus mic and audio). You're totally right: we PC VR nerds couldn't be more lucky having these 2 high-tec VR brands around in our corner, love it!
Thanks very much for your impressive and honest review Steve! However, I'm still having my doubts about Pimax: ugly battery 'solution', no out of the box support for Valve controllers and base stations, overall build quality and buggy software. So I will stick to my AERO for the time being. I’m very curious what Valve will bring to the table with their rumored Index 2 project ‘Deckard’ hopefully later this year.
Awesome video. It answered many questions that I had. I was 75% sold on this headset. Now I’m 100%. I will preorder using your code. Thank you so much.
You asked for ideas of what we might like to see. Here's an idea, how about trying the Crystal with something space oriented like Star Wars Squadron ? or how about Derail Valley (that's unusual) and something I've been doing lately: American Truck Simulator with the VR beta sdk ? Outer space would show off the local dimming, Derail just looks gorgeous nowadays from what I can tell, and ATS in VR is just crazy fun. Thank you for your videos, they are excellent and informative. Can't wait to get my Crystal !
Thanks again for an informative review! I am a bit Shocked that you would even put the Crystal in the same class as the Varjo. I was wholly unimpressed with the original Pimax. I have been dead set on the Varjo, but I think the Crystal may be my next headset. The inside outside tracking and OLED displays for less money than the Varjo are the deciding factors for me. I definitely prefer inside out tracking. Looking forward to MSFS and Project Cars 2 with those QLED panels!
I'm Still here and not just once but twice all the way through. Looking forward on your 3080 testing when you get the PC. Pre-ordered it through your link but when it comes to purchase will see if I have the funds to borrow. Still loving my Pimax 8KX.
"I'm still here"... Great review sequence. I appreciate the honesty and gratefulness to appreciate the opportunities you've been given - many can't afford such a luxury. Some things that aren't clear to me yet... 1) Foveated rendering - is this something planned for the Crystal? 2) Are you using any DLSS as you fly the Crystal in MS2020? 3) Still unclear on what the batteries do. Sounds like for now they allow one to eliminate all wires except a single USB near term and then eliminate that once wifi comes online? Is WiFi supposed to be as fluid as USB? 4) The "cheap sounding motors" that drive IPD... They only have to function several times in the life of the unit, yes? Once adjusted, that's all that's needed until one's IPD changes (which should be never)... Yes? 5) Horz/Vert FOV - better than reverb G2. I keep hearing about "wider angle lenses"... How much more FOV will those give and what (if any) tradeoff is expected to go with a wider FOV? 6) Are you at the exact same resolution as the Aero? Thanks again. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks for watching the whole video! 1, yes, 2, no, TAA only, 3, I'm not sure myself, but I think it's a requirement for the XR2, 4, good point, although I keep accidently adjusting mine when I put the headset on because of it's placement, it also highlights perhaps other areas where the build quality may not be up to par, 5, much better than G2, 6, yes. Cheers!
Agree, would prefer just a pc headset with no standalone/battery. Don't mind the battery, because to me it's just a counter weight. Hopefully it would be a bit lighter as well. I think they really missed out on going with a stand alone version . On the fence at the moment, but a PC only would jump on it straight away.
I don't know. I mean, I'd rather have all the options coming than not have the options at all. I'm especially looking forward to the wiigig wireless module since I have a yaw2 coming someday with 360 motion. You can take or leave whatever you want but at least they're there if you want them rather then not there at all.
I believe it's a smart Because every Pimax crystal owner would be exposed to their store. There may be times where you're on the road or out of town and don't have your pc and would still like to play.
Thanks Steve! Ive been patiently waiting for this review and your thoughts and this has completely reassured my preorder back in Nov was the right move! I love flight simulation and am also into racing / driving sims which I know you dont do much of but would be cool to see some videos of that in the Crystal +H2. Also for us that wear glasses, having a headset that is comfortable while wearing glasses for long periods of time is important as well.
Steve, you honesty is exemplary! It was illuminating to hear from you how well the Pimax engineers have done with the Crystal. In my case, I purchased the Aero for an obscene amount plus a beefy new computer also a lot of cash, so I am committed. I get great graphics and steady performance too. I cannot complain. Folks should not shy away from the Aero; it is top notch!
I'm still here! Can you test with a rtx 3080 please? Also, if the batteries drain slowly when plugged in, then how do you charge the damm things? Thanks!
I'm still here! Only one of the two included batteries is used at a time, and there's a small built-in battery to allow hotswapping, so one battery will be on the charger while the other is in use. Pop one out, pop the other one in and carry on.
I'm still here! What a great review video Steve. Many thanks for giving your positive impressions that we were all (mostly) hoping for. Currently a G2 user, I pre-ordered the Crystal within minutes of it going live. WHEN CAN I GIVE THEM SOME MONEY?!!! It would be great at some point to confirm whether you're still using the same Sim settings previously shown and are you using it with or without the OpenXR Toolkit? Very pleased to hear that the Audio is more than acceptable as I don't use headphones. It does beg the question - if the 35ppd Lenses are this good, why did they feel the need to include the 42ppd Lenses? Could have got the pricepoint down even more. (Have you got/tried both?). Very much looking forward to your next 'instalment'.
Hey Alan Thankyou for watching the whole video! I have not tried 42PPD lenses as I don't have them, but I think that extra FOV combined with the clarity is more than enough. I hope you receive yours soon!
I'm still here :D and thank you for making this, my rift broke half a year ago and I have been saving up for this since its announcement. I was planning on waiting for after the headset had been out for a while to make sure it's worth it, but I can tell from your review it is and if the audio is bad I could pre order after all
Sorry to hear that your Rift S broke :( The Crystal will be a huge upgrade though and the audio (DMAS) is really excellent now. Thankyou for watching the whole video :)
@@VRFlightSimGuy wasn't a rift s actualy, just a regular 2016 rift. despite being old it still works in itself. I could get it running again by upgrading my PC, since the problem is compatibility with the last oculus update, but I don't think that would be worth it. if there are issues between my pc and pi max, I can just use the standalone until i get to upgrading I hope anyways
I was still there. And I have really enjoyed your journey with the Crystal so far. It sounds more and more like the logical option for me, I have to say. i will await the results with a mid range system though, not totally sure HOW mid range ? I have a 3090 with an i7 13700K / 32 GB Ram system. Not sure if it will be enough, but I think I will happy if it could get a stable 30FPS. I'm fine with it in the G2 so I recon it would be even less of a problem in the Crystal. That being said, I do get more than 30 FPS in the G2 under normal flying, but I have found that when I really push to see what kind of clarity I can get, the 30 FPS has been very manageable for me. Thanks a lot for another great video,m Steve! Love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
Thanks buddy, it's crazy to think of a 3090 as 'mid range', but that's probably due to the huge VR performance increase with the 4090. I've never seen a jump quite that large before. I'm hoping to borrow a couple of systems soon to test, although I'm not sure when that will happen. Take care!
I was concerned about the weight difference going from the Pico4 to the Crystal. But I too use a full-face/modular helmet when I ride my bike so that helped put it into perspective. The clarity, color gamut, and increased FOV are so enticing. Thanks again for an insightful video, Steve!
Great vid. I've been looking forward to your review and was really hoping it would be good. I pre-ordered many mounths ago. Can't wait. I have a dof h6 on my rig.
I’m still here. Can't wait to get my hands on this Headset. I'm not worried about the battery as 4-5 hours and then have the option to hot swap the battery is a non issue for me personally. My biggest issue with the G2 and even the Varjo Aero was the FOV specifically the vertical FOV which for me is a deal breaker having come from the og Samsung Odyssey which had a decent FOV. The G2 looked like i was looking through a straw, and i haven't tried the Aero, but from what i heard the vertical fov is even lower than the G2. Love your videos, Keep 'em coming.
I agree. I'm not sure why people are making such a big deal about the battery. 6 hours is plenty in vr and can still hot swap for 10 seconds if needed. I mean, people have to pee right?
Another great video Steve! Having spent the whole day unsuccessfully trying to get motion compensation working on my DOF H6, your video on how to set it up cannot come soon enough for me! Please, please, please……
As Sim racing studio sw and P3 DOF reality user I thought that the software\Guide took care without any intervention once hardware is attached on your platform the last time I tried it in ms2020?
@@optical10 I am really struggling to get it working properly. I am currently discussing issues with the developer on Discord but, so far, even with his help it is not working correctly.
How does the inside out tracking work with your motion sim? Does it track solid or swap between the “rig” and the “room” as its reference frame for tracking? Able to use motion compensation, or is there an issue there?
I have the Samsung Odyssey Plus and also the dof reality P3 with motion compensation and I have no issues at all with tracking so the crystal with newer tracking and algorithms I can only presume it would be much better
@@optical10 do you have a screen mounted to your rig? I have, and worry that inside out tracking will swap between using the background/room as a reference point and the screen/rig itself. The rig is of course moving so if it’s swapping back and forth you’d see “skips” in the tracking. Plan on getting the lighthouse faceplate anyways , as I’m very happy with lighthouse tracking on motion platforms, but unsure it that will be available at time of shipping.
@@SleepySleepy500 No attached monitor but I 55 lg TV freestanding inches away with no issues. Only in game lens flare in titles like AC HDR needs toning down to stop tracking loss.
So the obvious question…is there any reason at all to buy the Varjo Aero with the Crystal both being superior and cheaper? Sounds like Varjo needs to go back to the drawing board.
Great update and thanks for going in-depth with the FOV! Can I make a request/suggestion? It would be fantastic, when you have a video where you have your settings dialed in and a good experience, if you could include the settings in the video for us copycats 😁😁😁
Great video again, thanks. Looking like a strong contender. On the price for those in the UK remember (thanks to Brexit) there will be vat and import duties, so final cost, I think, is likely to be upwards of £1500. Happy to be corrected on this though.
Use some logic to answer this question. Steve uses a 4090, which is around 80% faster than a 3080Ti. So you will get just over half the performance he does, meaning you have to reduce settings and resolution to get the same FPS.
@@paulmann8675 No not 30 fps because you would be using different (lower) settings to get higher fos. It would still look good, just not the same full experience.
I’m still here ;) Great video Steve. Looking forward to some more tests and results. 5950x with 3090 maybe?…wink wink. I’m actually still holding off to pre-order for a bit. There are probably some undiscovered quirks still that will be resolved. I also am very curious to the interchangeable front with pass through color cameras and what that will bring. I’m a fool for new tech but with aging I learned to NOT jump ship and try to be the first on new stuff. Look at the AM5 issues bubbling up lately as well. Choices…choices…. Would love to get me a DOF P3 also. Time to win the lottery, my wife is going to kick me out here hahahahaha Great content m8, keep it up and keep ‘em coming
Thanks Lucas for watching the whole video, it's super appreciated. I intend to test the Crystal on a AMD based system in the near future. In the meantime, I hope your wife doesn't kick you out lol
Wireless is important to me, its one thing I don't like about the Varjo Aero. I'm a VR gamer though and I like a large play areas to move around in without the obstruction of a cord.
I agree with you Steve, I would like to see a PC version of this headset. I am not going for it yet as I have a G2 and an 8KX maybe later I may go for it depending on the reviews from people like yourself. Nice vid btw.
Thanks for the video Steve, Just decided to save up for a P3 , be interested to know, and i realise it a very subjective thing if the jump in clarity from the Aero warrants another 1200 for a Pimax. You keep making these videos I'm never going to have any money. 😂😂😂
Great update as usual. Thanks again. Just one thing, you've said a few times that the battery is necessary so we don't need base stations. I don't think that's the reason. The G2 doesn't need base stations, and has no battery. One of the older Vives also had inside out tracking. I think the Crystal needs a battery due to licencing with the chipset that will (eventually) allow the Crystal to run its own apps in standalone, no PC required, mode. Of course, it might also be using that chipset for tracking so you might be right on a technicality 😀. Sorry to be overly pedantic.
Got my next headset purchase as soon as Pimax fuses the Crystal with the 8KX. I'm still waiting for the "bar option" where I can climb out of the cockpit after a grueling flight and saunter over to the bar for a virtual drink served by a virtual barmaid. Holodeck here we come.
Steve on your next flight you should fly around the freedom factory and land on the inside of the track like cleetus mcfarland did irl. Thank you for another video. Peace✌and i am still here
I would encourage a PC only version if it was a significant price cut. I do want wireless for my next headset. I'm only running 3090, so this headset is intimidating performance wise.
I'm still here, but standing by to switch over to MRTV to catch your chat with Tetiana and Seb about the Crystal to see if there's late-breaking information. Have zero interest in the Q2 and SideQuest, so watched this vid here instead while waiting. Might just blow it off and come back to watch the recorded version later on - cheers!
Thanks RJ for watching till the end. I will say, with respect to Tatiana, she does not have the experience like me and Seb when setting up a high end VR headset like the Pimax Crystal. It's a pity most of the conversation was about this, since I had SOO much more to say.
Gone from Oculus Rift to Reverb G2 V1 about half a year ago. Absolutely worth it. But still lot of room for improvement in terms of sweet spot and field of view. But best bang for the buck. System is rtx 4090 with i7 6700k (!). DCS MT with 45 FPS locked solid at high Detail (clearly, CPU limited most of the time.). Visuals in Crystal as I would like to have them, but would prefer PC standalone version of it without batteries and adequate sound. Maybe I'll wait for further progress in development and go for a ryzen 7800x3d and best vr headset available around cristmas.
Absolute +1 on only PC-VR for the crystal. I'm really torn apart now because my mind was kinda made up on the Aero, and now I want the Crystal for the display, but so far my VR experience was bad due to the comfort issues. I didn't like the 8k+ on my head, the G2 was better. If they made a version without the battery it would probably turn the scale for me.
Well, I'm sold! I still have little 'wow' moments when flying in the G2, and amazed at what that technology can do, but after watching your enthusiastic review of the Crystal, I think it is going to be such an amazing thing to experience. With that field of view, resolution, and palette, it must be so much more immersive and closer to replicating a realistic scene and sensation in comparison to the G2.
Oh and I am not exaggerating when I say that 20:00 to 26:00 looks like video from a plane while viewing on my LG OLED. If this is how amazing it looks like when captured at 1080p I would love to see how it looks captured at 4k! And also thanks Steve for the great content in the last few days, it's really cool to see someone putting the Crystal through its paces and with your usual cheerfulness and enthusiasm. It's clear that flying is your passion so I completely understand why you get so excited, especially as we move to ever higher levels of realism. :)
That means so much thankyou!! I've noticed that content even looks better on TH-cam with this headset. The resolution though of course, looks so much better. I can imaginel this looked great on your TV. Take care
I appreciate your honesty Steve! I know you have a huge fondness for Varjo so it must be hard to admit that this is better than the Aero but I give you props for being sincere and honest regardless. Really do appreciate you!
Thankyou, that really means a lot to me ❤
@VR Flight Sim Guy Much respect, we're all just trying to have the best experiences ever, and like you said, thanks to both these headsets. I'm just hoping I get mine soon, but until then, I'll keep using my aero.
Why would it be hard? It's not like he works for varjo. Or owns shares in their company. I suppose he's just level headed VR enthusiast and he's happy VR tech is moving forward. Regardless of the manufacturer
@@L_Emir_de_Passy Because he loves the Aero. He actually literally said this in his video.
@@justaguydoinstuff he loves the aero but that shouldn't be making it any harder to love the crystal. You can love Vivaldi and still enjoy Mozart. My aero has been my go to headset for the past 18 months, yet I ordered the crystal.
There is so much excitement and happiness in these videos that I feel like a child falling in love with action figures who can fly, shoot, and make noise in a TV commercial. I'm old enough now to realize I enjoy watching you fly more than if I did it myself. Ie my action figure would not fly, shoot, or make noise like they showed in the commercial. 😀
Love this comment, thanks Bill! :)
Pimax really pulled it off with this headset, it really has everything. Even capacitive finger tracking on their controllers. And once foveated rendering starts to be usable, it has the eyetracking ready.
what kind of audio candy does it have?
@@dabneyoffermein595 Apparently the mic is really good, and even the basic headphones are now tuned to be good. This according to "Finn does sims".
@@Nobody-Nowhere The latest firmware for the DMAS is excellent.
I'm still here. Nice review - waiting to see DCS :)
Bless you man thankyou! DCS next I promise 😅
Steve me again lol. Just realised after reading a lot of comments that I never recognised the time and effort you put in to make these videos. Like others have said I do the love the enthusiasm you bring to the flight sim world. To be honest you never fail to keep my retention/attention.
This comment really made my day thankyou ❤
I’m still here…
Crystal definitely on my shortlist to replace the G2.
Given that you have access to both the G2 and the Crystal, it’s obvious which is the clear winner from sharpness etc. but how does the frame rate compare, flying over the same scenery with the same weather, etc. Maybe when you do the Aero/Crystal comparison you could throw in a little G2 action too? As I think this is where most upgrades will be coming from…
This
Oddly… no way to see how clear a VR headset is rendering without using them.
Only then can you actually see the rendering. Also, crystal was available from the beginning of VR, but the heat directly on the eyes was an issue. Yes, you can blind yourself if you are not careful.
@@thatguy7085 blindness? omg. with the G2 or just with this crystal unit?
@@Sutex0sofar i have gone through a few VR headsets now. So far, not super impressed with the progress.
Gone from Oculus Rift to Reverb G2 V1 about half a year ago. Absolutely worth it. But still lot of room for improvement in terms of sweet spot and field of view. But best bang for the buck. System is rtx 4090 with i7 6700k (!). DCS MT with 45 FPS locked solid at high Detail (clearly, CPU limited most of the time.). Visuals in Crystal as I would like to have them, but would prefer PC standalone version of it without batteries and adequate sound. Maybe I'll wait for further progress in development and go for a ryzen 7800x3d and best vr headset available around cristmas.
Looking forward to a vid with computer with lower specs. Great video mate- I pre ordered about a month ago. Have a great night!
What an EXCELLENT Series this is turning into Steve! You are making it harder and harder to patiently wait for my Crystal. This is exactly the type of flying I enjoy the most, and I know what you are talking about with the pitch black at night and being somewhat scary. I absolutely love the feeling of the light from my instruments being the only light I can see, and then flying up to a major city and seeing that glow in the distance turn into a full landscape. You should also try an early morning take off in the dark and land at sunrise. I'd imagine It is a great way to enjoy the local dimming as well. And by the way... I'm still here, like I always am for you content! Thanks for sharing my friend.
Hey Mark thanks for watching buddy, I know exactly what you mean. I've just finished a night flight into Manchester, just STUNNING. There is some blooming, but only if you look for it. I'm sure this will get better over time, the advantages FAR out weigh any negatives. I'm starting to wonder how Pimax packed so much tech inside this headset for the price. DCS is next!
been waiting for mine as well since last early November 22
@@VRFlightSimGuy Looking forward to more... especially the DCS stuff!!! Keep up the great work!
@@OperatorPuski I hear you, I've been waiting for mine for over 50 years (childhood dream and all that) :)
you got a 4090?
Will be very interested in a review on this with lower end machines.
Yep, for the ones that cannot afford a 4090 GPU
Sorry if this sounds ignorant, but why would you get such a high end headset to use on a lower end machine?
@Khaled Assaf But we need to know that before purchasing it.
It's supposed to work on a medium machine but how well.
I am on the beta team and have had a Crystal for a couple weeks now. I don’t mind the battery, but I’m with you-if they had a straight PCVR version, that’s the one I would buy because as a simmer I have no use for stand alone mode.
I agree - but not sure if you mean wired or wireless PCVR. The Reverb G2 was wired but I honestly didn't notice that it mattered for my perception. For me, I love wireless PCVR, so if they could just forget standalone, the library and everything else and just make a great wireless PCVR headset that runs steamVR with amazing tracking and specs, I'd be in 💪
Same here; wanting to buy a VR headset solely for flight sim use, I have zero need for a battery and standalone things. Just give me cables and wires and I'll tuck them away nicely.
Hi VRFlightSimGuy,
You truly have adjusted my previous image of Pimax with you review. Thanks.
They certainly have had a lot of flack from viewer and creators.
can't wait to perhaps get one right after my next purchase of 7900XT/X.
It's a shame Grand Turismo 7 was locked to console!
I'm still here! Thank you so much for your honest feedback. After Sebastian's videos, your opinion has been the only other one I've been waiting on to make a decision. Looking forward to the dcs video and more!
Thanks Brian, I super appreciate that! DCS World is my next priority.
I'm still here. According to Pimax, Qualcomm *requires* a battery to power the XR2 chipset as part of the license agreement. Pimax is working on maximizing battery life, but at least for now a battery must be in place at all times. They can be hot-swapped, since a third small built-in battery will power it while changing from one to the other.
Thankyou for watching the whole video! I tried a hot swap yesterday and it seemed to work really well.
Hopefully the battery can be charged via the USB-C cable of the headset whilst the headset is in stand-by.
That would certainly maximize battery life if they can do that.
@@LogiForce86 Funny enough I'm testing that out today.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Ooops, ignore my other message that I deleted anyway. I thought you replied to the racing titles question.
Interesting about the charging of the batteries. I wonder what the verdict will be with that.
Great vid, totally agree on the having a pure PCVR, I’d not at all be interested in the standalone features. Rather just pay less for a pure PCVR version. I’m sure your general audience knows this, but assume you are running a 4090?
Agree 100% that if there was a straight PC version with no battery, I would absolutely buy that. Thanks for clarifying how the FoV compares between the 8KX and the Crystal. I use my 8KX on normal, so having less FoV than that would be an issue. Also looking forward to hearing your impressions on using the headset with DCS and how it performs there, especially with something not as powerful as a RTX 4090, maybe an RTX 3090. Thanks for keeping the community informed. Great work as usual.
Thanks Anthony 😊
where's the FoV mention in the video? I searched back and forth but couldn't find it, and for me it's been the lack if peripheral awareness that has put me off VR headsets so far so I'm interested to learn how this issue is evolving. I know there's max-FoV headsets available but I'm assuming they have compromises too.
@@ViewBothSides The widest FOV option on the consumer market is our 8kx model. It's quite a good unit. Initially we launched with a few bugs, but the units now are great. Honestly the best experience you can have in VR now, aside from our Crystal and depending on FOV requirements.
The tradeoff, the 8kx is even bigger than the Crystal, up front at least, and it requires lighthouses and your own controllers. Some games also don't really support a super wide FOV and thus we have to do some workarounds to get them to work properly. This can lead to SOME, not all, not most, but some games having a bit of weirdness going on at the edges of the screen. The distortions are well controlled though, and the later units are capable of 120hz over a 200 degree diagonal FOV.
Our Crystal only reaches a 140 degree FOV with our current lens options, but the lens are interchangeable, so we have the ability to modify the FOV after sale by offering different lenses. These will require new distortion profiles and new models may or may not be added based on consumer demand.
Overall I think you would be very surprised with the Crystal. I do miss the FOV from my 8kx a little, but the vertical FOV is higher on the Crystal, and the clarity is so good that I end up forgetting that my horizontal FOV is a bit lower.
@@WhatsupAbroadthanks for taking the time to be a part of the community. As a newer flight simmer I'm very curious about the crystal. Is it plug and play with Steam VR? Any program requirements to run the crystal? Thanks!
@Steadymobbin711 In order to use the headset our own software has to be installed on the PC. It is out Pimax PC Client. The program is a necessary part of the rendering pipeline and has settings for modifying the experience in the headset. Contrast control, saturation, etc are all located in the app.
typically you would connect the headset to the PC with a fully charged battery, open the pc client, then turn the headset on, at that point the headset will connect. You should hear the windows chime for a connected USB device. IAt that point you would make sure the controllers are also connected and then you can launch steam vr directly from the pimax PC client.
Enjoyable video Steve. Rather than suffering headset resolution envy I'm enjoying your appreciation for local dimming and the quantum dot layer as they are two features which I love so much about simming with my Quest Pro.
Thanks mate 😊
Yes I'm still here :) and WOW, that image looks stunning Steve. Thanks for showing this.
Thankyou so much!
I’m still here! Thanks. Cheers 🍻
Thanks mate, for all your support over the years :)
Dang. All that's left for me is wireless and lighthouse performance and I'm sold. Hopefully that information comes out soon. Great video!
I've got to admit, I was a little worried that, knowing how much you love the Aero, you may have been a little biased towards this headset in your review. You proved me wrong and now I completely trust your reviews moving forward. Great channel, Steve, and thanks for the review.
I'm still here. The review was phenomenal. And I may be a pimax crystal owner soon. But I will wait for the aero v. Crystal comparison.
Thankyou Bob, that really means a lot. Have a great weekend. Aero and Crystal video coming soon. :)
"I will be testing out the headset with more mid-range systems...". Please do it before june, because that test may force a nice amount of pre-order decisions : p
Hi Steve, great review… can you please try it on a 30 series?
Great video STEVE as always.
if you made a Crystal-Aero comparison video, remember to indicate your msfs parameters.
THANKS.
I’m still here 😂
Looking forward to seeing some DCS with the crystal.
Thankyou so much! DCS inbound very soon
I'm still here. Please add the G2 to the comparison. Just to see how it performs in terms on resolution vs not only the Aero but also the G2. GREAT video's so far, the Crystal surpised me in terms of performance. Really great content.
Thankyou that means a lot, G2 comparison noted cheers :)
I’m definitely still here! Can’t wait for your testing on other graphics cards Steve - only running an old fashioned 3090 here 🙄!!
Had high hopes for this headset and looks like it may be the next one for me…. Keep this fantastic content coming please 👍
Hey Andy thanks for watching the whole video 😊 I have a plan to test out a mid ranger, but it may take a couple of weeks or so.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Steve - question: i9 10900KF, 32GB RAM, RTX3080 10GB, Reverb G2…. Which should I change first??
Great video and truly love your reviews. Always seem straight forward, honest, and from a true enthusiast perspective. Constructive criticism: If you wish to help others in the community with your videos, they will be way more effective if you include at least a brief couple seconds of video of your graphics settings, traffic settings, and OpenXR settings. When you are reviewing something, saying "I'm getting 52 FPS" doesn't mean anything at all without context. Those of us who are regular viewers of your channel know you have a 4090 and you have that nifty new PC so we know your CPU and GPU. Others may not. Finally, if you're running MSFS stock or have any add ons. If you run any add ons it would be a simple matter to copy & paste a brief list of those into the comments of the video. That is the "data" the rest of us need to put your statements on the VR headset into context. "Smooth" or "Crisp" or "Beautiful" or "52 FPS" doesn't mean anything without knowing your settings and it would take all of about 20 seconds to record a few seconds of each of your setting screens. Saying "I'm running Ultra settings" doesn't mean anything either because maybe there are a few that you set lower. Finally, many of us use your videos as a tool. We can run similar hardware and similar settings and compare our performance to see if we have an issue or predict what we might expect if we purchased a similar product. In Summary, a few seconds of video and a copy & paste of addons would go a long way to make your videos even more useful, along with fun and entertaining. Keep up the good work and I'll keep on watching. Thanks for all you've done for the community!
I have one of these on pre-order. It will may be my G2 replacement when that goes belly up.
Amazing! So sad I'll have to wait a very long time, if ever to experience it. New very expensive pc build needed plus a not cheap HMD....😢
I hope you are able to experience this one day Jamie, but in the meantime, enjoy what you have. We all fly through the same virtual air my friend ;)
Excellent review bud. The Crystal seems to be a good all in all package.
I did not expect that as well. That Qleds are brilliant. I know that colours and black levels from my PSVR2 headset. In combination with the sharpness of the Crystal it must be amazing.
Absolutely great to have a true competitor for the Aero.
Thank you very much for the video. Pimax needs now a Shark for testing their software😂
Take care bud and have a nice bank holiday.
How did I miss this comment? Shame on me!! Thanks Uwe, I've really enjoyed getting to know this headset more and more. I agree, Pimax would do very well providing you with a unit to test for us! Take care my friend, I hope your ear is healing up ok.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Hi, yep. It is getting better. 🙏🙏🙏
Wow, I'm impressed Steve!
Great news that highest-end PC-VR is just getting 1.000 bucks cheaper for everyone while even better!
The battery isn't a killer for me, curious about the local dimming bloom, but overall it sounds like a really great hmd! Good to see Varjo is getting some serious competition and I hope Crystal will motivate them towards an Aero v2. (e.g. OLED + pancake lenses plus mic and audio). You're totally right: we PC VR nerds couldn't be more lucky having these 2 high-tec VR brands around in our corner, love it!
Cheers Tom! I couldn't agree more :)
Thanks very much for your impressive and honest review Steve! However, I'm still having my doubts about Pimax: ugly battery 'solution', no out of the box support for Valve controllers and base stations, overall build quality and buggy software. So I will stick to my AERO for the time being. I’m very curious what Valve will bring to the table with their rumored Index 2 project ‘Deckard’ hopefully later this year.
Cheers Edward for sharing your thoughts. The Aero is absolutely awesome and you'd do well keeping it.
Awesome video. It answered many questions that I had. I was 75% sold on this headset. Now I’m 100%. I will preorder using your code. Thank you so much.
Did you get the Crystal?
I tried it yesterday and wasn't very impressed.
You asked for ideas of what we might like to see. Here's an idea, how about trying the Crystal with something space oriented like Star Wars Squadron ? or how about Derail Valley (that's unusual) and something I've been doing lately: American Truck Simulator with the VR beta sdk ? Outer space would show off the local dimming, Derail just looks gorgeous nowadays from what I can tell, and ATS in VR is just crazy fun. Thank you for your videos, they are excellent and informative. Can't wait to get my Crystal !
Great suggestion many thanks ☺️
Thanks again for an informative review! I am a bit Shocked that you would even put the Crystal in the same class as the Varjo. I was wholly unimpressed with the original Pimax. I have been dead set on the Varjo, but I think the Crystal may be my next headset. The inside outside tracking and OLED displays for less money than the Varjo are the deciding factors for me. I definitely prefer inside out tracking. Looking forward to MSFS and Project Cars 2 with those QLED panels!
I understood that the Crystal has mini (Q)led panels, no OLED.
@@NowIsGold that’s correct, that was a typo.
I'm Still here and not just once but twice all the way through. Looking forward on your 3080 testing when you get the PC. Pre-ordered it through your link but when it comes to purchase will see if I have the funds to borrow. Still loving my Pimax 8KX.
Wow thanks GT for watching this TWICE. You are the best!
"I'm still here"... Great review sequence. I appreciate the honesty and gratefulness to appreciate the opportunities you've been given - many can't afford such a luxury. Some things that aren't clear to me yet...
1) Foveated rendering - is this something planned for the Crystal?
2) Are you using any DLSS as you fly the Crystal in MS2020?
3) Still unclear on what the batteries do. Sounds like for now they allow one to eliminate all wires except a single USB near term and then eliminate that once wifi comes online? Is WiFi supposed to be as fluid as USB?
4) The "cheap sounding motors" that drive IPD... They only have to function several times in the life of the unit, yes? Once adjusted, that's all that's needed until one's IPD changes (which should be never)... Yes?
5) Horz/Vert FOV - better than reverb G2. I keep hearing about "wider angle lenses"... How much more FOV will those give and what (if any) tradeoff is expected to go with a wider FOV?
6) Are you at the exact same resolution as the Aero?
Thanks again. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks for watching the whole video! 1, yes, 2, no, TAA only, 3, I'm not sure myself, but I think it's a requirement for the XR2, 4, good point, although I keep accidently adjusting mine when I put the headset on because of it's placement, it also highlights perhaps other areas where the build quality may not be up to par, 5, much better than G2, 6, yes. Cheers!
Agree, would prefer just a pc headset with no standalone/battery. Don't mind the battery, because to me it's just a counter weight. Hopefully it would be a bit lighter as well. I think they really missed out on going with a stand alone version . On the fence at the moment, but a PC only would jump on it straight away.
I don't know. I mean, I'd rather have all the options coming than not have the options at all. I'm especially looking forward to the wiigig wireless module since I have a yaw2 coming someday with 360 motion. You can take or leave whatever you want but at least they're there if you want them rather then not there at all.
Totally in same boat. Hate the battery idea
I believe it's a smart Because every Pimax crystal owner would be exposed to their store. There may be times where you're on the road or out of town and don't have your pc and would still like to play.
"I'm still here" Great video my friend!!! My HP gen 1 headset is blacking out on me and I don't know why! So this might be something nice to have!!!
Sorry to hear your G1 is having issues, it may be cable related? Thanks for watching the whole video :)
Thanks Steve! Ive been patiently waiting for this review and your thoughts and this has completely reassured my preorder back in Nov was the right move! I love flight simulation and am also into racing / driving sims which I know you dont do much of but would be cool to see some videos of that in the Crystal +H2. Also for us that wear glasses, having a headset that is comfortable while wearing glasses for long periods of time is important as well.
Good impressions 😀 I'm curious what you say if you have a Somnium or bigscreen for comparison. Exciting times are coming.
Steve, you honesty is exemplary! It was illuminating to hear from you how well the Pimax engineers have done with the Crystal. In my case, I purchased the Aero for an obscene amount plus a beefy new computer also a lot of cash, so I am committed. I get great graphics and steady performance too. I cannot complain. Folks should not shy away from the Aero; it is top notch!
Thanks John that means a lot! I couldn't agree more, the Aero is a class act.
I'm still here, and you're videos cost me a lot of money, I'm on a G2 now, but I'll better start saving...😉
Thanks so much for watching the whole video, send my regards to your wallet 👍
Microphone sounds fantastic!
I'm still here! Can you test with a rtx 3080 please? Also, if the batteries drain slowly when plugged in, then how do you charge the damm things? Thanks!
I'm still here! Only one of the two included batteries is used at a time, and there's a small built-in battery to allow hotswapping, so one battery will be on the charger while the other is in use. Pop one out, pop the other one in and carry on.
@@RJ-kr4bs So there's a seperate charger for the batteries? That's what i'm trying to get at
@@flrancid Yes, Pimax includes a separate charger; I think they've said the headset does not have the ability to recharge the batteries.
I'm still here. Great analysis; I am down to Crystal vs Aero!
Coming Friday :)
I'm still here! What a great review video Steve. Many thanks for giving your positive impressions that we were all (mostly) hoping for. Currently a G2 user, I pre-ordered the Crystal within minutes of it going live. WHEN CAN I GIVE THEM SOME MONEY?!!! It would be great at some point to confirm whether you're still using the same Sim settings previously shown and are you using it with or without the OpenXR Toolkit? Very pleased to hear that the Audio is more than acceptable as I don't use headphones. It does beg the question - if the 35ppd Lenses are this good, why did they feel the need to include the 42ppd Lenses? Could have got the pricepoint down even more. (Have you got/tried both?). Very much looking forward to your next 'instalment'.
Hey Alan Thankyou for watching the whole video! I have not tried 42PPD lenses as I don't have them, but I think that extra FOV combined with the clarity is more than enough. I hope you receive yours soon!
I'm still here :D
and thank you for making this, my rift broke half a year ago and I have been saving up for this since its announcement. I was planning on waiting for after the headset had been out for a while to make sure it's worth it, but I can tell from your review it is and if the audio is bad I could pre order after all
Sorry to hear that your Rift S broke :( The Crystal will be a huge upgrade though and the audio (DMAS) is really excellent now. Thankyou for watching the whole video :)
@@VRFlightSimGuy wasn't a rift s actualy, just a regular 2016 rift.
despite being old it still works in itself. I could get it running again by upgrading my PC, since the problem is compatibility with the last oculus update,
but I don't think that would be worth it.
if there are issues between my pc and pi max, I can just use the standalone until i get to upgrading
I hope anyways
I was still there. And I have really enjoyed your journey with the Crystal so far. It sounds more and more like the logical option for me, I have to say. i will await the results with a mid range system though, not totally sure HOW mid range ? I have a 3090 with an i7 13700K / 32 GB Ram system. Not sure if it will be enough, but I think I will happy if it could get a stable 30FPS. I'm fine with it in the G2 so I recon it would be even less of a problem in the Crystal. That being said, I do get more than 30 FPS in the G2 under normal flying, but I have found that when I really push to see what kind of clarity I can get, the 30 FPS has been very manageable for me. Thanks a lot for another great video,m Steve! Love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥
Thanks buddy, it's crazy to think of a 3090 as 'mid range', but that's probably due to the huge VR performance increase with the 4090. I've never seen a jump quite that large before. I'm hoping to borrow a couple of systems soon to test, although I'm not sure when that will happen. Take care!
I have always thought of Pimax as a bit of a joke, but I think that this is a really tempting offering
I was concerned about the weight difference going from the Pico4 to the Crystal. But I too use a full-face/modular helmet when I ride my bike so that helped put it into perspective. The clarity, color gamut, and increased FOV are so enticing. Thanks again for an insightful video, Steve!
…and I’m still here
If you removed the battery, you would just want another weight in the back. Otherwise it would not balance at all.
Bang of a Job Steve. Thanx
Much appreciated mate!
Be interesting to know your complete settings to include FS, tool kit, headset software settings. Thanks much for sharing!!
Top Saturday telly right here! Im still here - ha!
Thanks mate ❤
Looking forward to DCS review
You're teasing me here Steve. I was going to wait for the 12K. Nice video man.
Thanks Ollie :)
Great vid. I've been looking forward to your review and was really hoping it would be good. I pre-ordered many mounths ago. Can't wait. I have a dof h6 on my rig.
I waved to you Steve as you passed over Bristol, hope you saw! Oh and I'm still here - nice vid
Sorry I didn't see you, I'll fly lower next time ;) Thanks for watching.
I’m still here. Can't wait to get my hands on this Headset. I'm not worried about the battery as 4-5 hours and then have the option to hot swap the battery is a non issue for me personally. My biggest issue with the G2 and even the Varjo Aero was the FOV specifically the vertical FOV which for me is a deal breaker having come from the og Samsung Odyssey which had a decent FOV. The G2 looked like i was looking through a straw, and i haven't tried the Aero, but from what i heard the vertical fov is even lower than the G2. Love your videos, Keep 'em coming.
I agree. I'm not sure why people are making such a big deal about the battery. 6 hours is plenty in vr and can still hot swap for 10 seconds if needed. I mean, people have to pee right?
@@justaguydoinstuff LOL
Thankyou for watching the whole video! You will LOVE the vertical FOV!
Another great video Steve!
Having spent the whole day unsuccessfully trying to get motion compensation working on my DOF H6, your video on how to set it up cannot come soon enough for me! Please, please, please……
As Sim racing studio sw and P3 DOF reality user I thought that the software\Guide took care without any intervention once hardware is attached on your platform the last time I tried it in ms2020?
@@optical10 I am really struggling to get it working properly. I am currently discussing issues with the developer on Discord but, so far, even with his help it is not working correctly.
@@Drmerlin604 I hope you get it working soon Brian :(
How does the inside out tracking work with your motion sim? Does it track solid or swap between the “rig” and the “room” as its reference frame for tracking?
Able to use motion compensation, or is there an issue there?
I have the Samsung Odyssey Plus and also the dof reality P3 with motion compensation and I have no issues at all with tracking so the crystal with newer tracking and algorithms I can only presume it would be much better
@@optical10 do you have a screen mounted to your rig? I have, and worry that inside out tracking will swap between using the background/room as a reference point and the screen/rig itself. The rig is of course moving so if it’s swapping back and forth you’d see “skips” in the tracking. Plan on getting the lighthouse faceplate anyways , as I’m very happy with lighthouse tracking on motion platforms, but unsure it that will be available at time of shipping.
No issues that I've come across so far
@@SleepySleepy500 No attached monitor but I 55 lg TV freestanding inches away with no issues. Only in game lens flare in titles like AC HDR needs toning down to stop tracking loss.
So the obvious question…is there any reason at all to buy the Varjo Aero with the Crystal both being superior and cheaper? Sounds like Varjo needs to go back to the drawing board.
There is so much more to it than that and I'll (attempt) to explain it in my video out later..
Amazing Steve 👏👏👏 DCS please Normandy 2❤
Great update and thanks for going in-depth with the FOV! Can I make a request/suggestion? It would be fantastic, when you have a video where you have your settings dialed in and a good experience, if you could include the settings in the video for us copycats 😁😁😁
Can you do a video through the lenses?
I'd love to, but I'm rubbish at them sorry.
Great video again, thanks. Looking like a strong contender. On the price for those in the UK remember (thanks to Brexit) there will be vat and import duties, so final cost, I think, is likely to be upwards of £1500. Happy to be corrected on this though.
Great point mate!
Thanks Steve, much appreciated review. This helped me decide - Crystal it is! Will be sure to use your affiliation code. Thanks again.
Thanks mate much appreciated! :)
Yes. A pcvr only crystal would be nice. (Wired)
Great video, pal. I pre-ordered due to your videos. Keep up the amazing work!
Would the crystal pair well with a 3080ti?
Excellent question!!
Use some logic to answer this question. Steve uses a 4090, which is around 80% faster than a 3080Ti. So you will get just over half the performance he does, meaning you have to reduce settings and resolution to get the same FPS.
So basically 30fps your saying which tbh is not good enough enough which makes it a 3k investment not £1200
@@paulmann8675 No not 30 fps because you would be using different (lower) settings to get higher fos. It would still look good, just not the same full experience.
@@somerandomperson8282 Spot on thx for posting
Thanks for going into the FOV again! Still would like some degrees/numbers 😁BTW, did you try out the other lens set yet?
My pleasure! I do not have the 42PPD set
@@VRFlightSimGuy What?!? Is Pimax that stingy to their reviewers? Shame on them.
I’m still here ;)
Great video Steve. Looking forward to some more tests and results. 5950x with 3090 maybe?…wink wink.
I’m actually still holding off to pre-order for a bit. There are probably some undiscovered quirks still that will be resolved.
I also am very curious to the interchangeable front with pass through color cameras and what that will bring.
I’m a fool for new tech but with aging I learned to NOT jump ship and try to be the first on new stuff. Look at the AM5 issues bubbling up lately as well.
Choices…choices…. Would love to get me a DOF P3 also. Time to win the lottery, my wife is going to kick me out here hahahahaha
Great content m8, keep it up and keep ‘em coming
Thanks Lucas for watching the whole video, it's super appreciated. I intend to test the Crystal on a AMD based system in the near future. In the meantime, I hope your wife doesn't kick you out lol
So I was debating getting a g2 or save up for Pimax crystal. Pimax it is then.
Wireless is important to me, its one thing I don't like about the Varjo Aero. I'm a VR gamer though and I like a large play areas to move around in without the obstruction of a cord.
I agree with the Stand Alone comment. I would buy a PC only version above the stand alone. I have a fiber cable on my 8kX so I may try that to
I agree with you Steve, I would like to see a PC version of this headset. I am not going for it yet as I have a G2 and an 8KX maybe later I may go for it depending on the reviews from people like yourself. Nice vid btw.
I think they explained that to use the XR2 chips, it's mandatory to use a battery... not sure if it's an hardware or licensing issue.
Thanks for the video Steve, Just decided to save up for a P3 , be interested to know, and i realise it a very subjective thing if the jump in clarity from the Aero warrants another 1200 for a Pimax. You keep making these videos I'm never going to have any money. 😂😂😂
Hey Julian. Keep saving for that motion rig buddy, the jump is not worth it for Aero owners in terms of clarity, absolutely not.
Steve gues what, it's me again. Forgot to say "your still here"
And it's (a tad) cheaper!
Looks great. I'll be interested at less than half price, maybe 20-40% of the price.
And a bit more comfy, and better ue
Thanks for posting Steve! Any chance at some stage doing a setup vid? I'm cominjg fom a G2 and have xero experience with the pi tool software.
Awesome! Keep the Crystal impressions coming!
Can you do different game genres so we can see how it holds up and performs
Many thanks Tony :)
@@VRFlightSimGuy No prob! I enjoy the videos
Please can you do a remote flight in Antarctica with the Pimax. It will be fascinating to see how the mountains look etc.
Great update as usual. Thanks again.
Just one thing, you've said a few times that the battery is necessary so we don't need base stations. I don't think that's the reason.
The G2 doesn't need base stations, and has no battery. One of the older Vives also had inside out tracking.
I think the Crystal needs a battery due to licencing with the chipset that will (eventually) allow the Crystal to run its own apps in standalone, no PC required, mode.
Of course, it might also be using that chipset for tracking so you might be right on a technicality 😀.
Sorry to be overly pedantic.
Got my next headset purchase as soon as Pimax fuses the Crystal with the 8KX. I'm still waiting for the "bar option" where I can climb out of the cockpit after a grueling flight and saunter over to the bar for a virtual drink served by a virtual barmaid. Holodeck here we come.
totally agree on the standalone vs. pcvr version... who is buying a gargantuan $1600 headset to play beat saber?
Steve on your next flight you should fly around the freedom factory and land on the inside of the track like cleetus mcfarland did irl. Thank you for another video. Peace✌and i am still here
Thanks mate :)
Another great video mate. Very close to hitting the pre order! Could you do a quick airliner video? Be great to see performance with the 737 or Fenix?
I would encourage a PC only version if it was a significant price cut. I do want wireless for my next headset. I'm only running 3090, so this headset is intimidating performance wise.
If you plug the black usb cable into a quick charge adapter directly to the wall you can double your battery life
I know, I plan to test this soon 👍
I'm still here, but standing by to switch over to MRTV to catch your chat with Tetiana and Seb about the Crystal to see if there's late-breaking information. Have zero interest in the Q2 and SideQuest, so watched this vid here instead while waiting. Might just blow it off and come back to watch the recorded version later on - cheers!
Thanks RJ for watching till the end. I will say, with respect to Tatiana, she does not have the experience like me and Seb when setting up a high end VR headset like the Pimax Crystal. It's a pity most of the conversation was about this, since I had SOO much more to say.
Gone from Oculus Rift to Reverb G2 V1 about half a year ago. Absolutely worth it. But still lot of room for improvement in terms of sweet spot and field of view. But best bang for the buck. System is rtx 4090 with i7 6700k (!). DCS MT with 45 FPS locked solid at high Detail (clearly, CPU limited most of the time.). Visuals in Crystal as I would like to have them, but would prefer PC standalone version of it without batteries and adequate sound. Maybe I'll wait for further progress in development and go for a ryzen 7800x3d and best vr headset available around cristmas.
Please please steve try it with your lesser system which will make up my mind like my 3080
Absolute +1 on only PC-VR for the crystal. I'm really torn apart now because my mind was kinda made up on the Aero, and now I want the Crystal for the display, but so far my VR experience was bad due to the comfort issues. I didn't like the 8k+ on my head, the G2 was better. If they made a version without the battery it would probably turn the scale for me.
Unless of course there is some kind of wireless connection and no cables, but I have no idea if it's at all possible with current tech?
I recently started saving up for this headset before I realized I haven't even purchased MSFS2020 yet.
another great one mate 🙂