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Got My Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Today

Discussion in 'VR Headsets and Sim Gaming - Virtual Reality' started by noorbeast, Jun 16, 2017.

  1. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    At around AU $190 the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap is not cheap, but it is a significant improvement over the original elastic strap.

    It arrived in a ridiculously large box and opening it all up was a bit like playing with Russian matryoshka dolls.

    Fitting the strap was easy and it did not take long to adjust it properly. You start by loosening the top strap right off, use the rear knob to tighten it, then finally adjust the top strap so it is sitting on your head much like a welding mask. Your whole head holds the Vive and it should not rest on the bridge of your nose. When adjusted properly it is very secure, comfortable and the built in audio is quite good.

    So the big question is if it is worth it?

    I do a lot of public VR demos and so for me it is a no brainer, it is a must have for that. It is also easier to constantly put on and off if you do VR dev work, which I also do. It makes using the slim VRcover for increased FOV far more comfortable, as is the cord running down the side.

    But it is not so clear cut for general consumers. It is a significant improvement and rivals or even betters the Rift in terms of comfort. But if it is only yourself that ever uses your HMD then the ease of adjustment does not really count, same goes if you prefer to use your own audio headset, or like ear buds.

    I personally would still get one for the increased comfort, ease of use, built in audio and how well it works with the slim VRcover, but others should weigh up the cost Vs the benefit.

    Vive Audio.jpg
    • Informative Informative x 6
    • Like Like x 5
    noorbeast, Jun 16, 2017
    #1
  2. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

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    Total envy! I couldn't buy one when they came out because we were going on vacation and I didn't want the package left out. Was too long for a hold the way timing was working out. So missed the first batch except Fry's in San Jose has them still in stock and we stayed right down the street from it before flying home. Had I known, I could have bought it on the way back home. Sigh.

    Going by the info at Newegg, it looks like July 3/4 will be when the next shipments hit in the US. Saw where HTC Europe has them back in stock now so maybe HTC US soon?

    Still, very cool and thanks for the report!
    Zed, Jun 23, 2017
    #2
  3. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    They are sold out in Australia as well, I wanted a second one for another Vive.
    noorbeast, Jun 23, 2017
    #3
  4. SixDegreesOfFlight

    SixDegreesOfFlight Well-Known Member

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    While I would want a more comfortable strap, the noise of my overclocked pc fans and the likely noise from the motion simulator platform will almost certainly demand a set of good noise cancelling headphones. I am currently using Audio Technica with my Vive and they work pretty well. Thank you for your review it does help to weigh up the pros and cons
    • Like Like x 1
    SixDegreesOfFlight, Jul 8, 2017
    #4
  5. Zed

    Zed VR Simming w/Reverb Gold Contributor

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    @noorbeast - they are showing back up at the usual outlets again in the US and HTC said formally Monday so they might be available again soon in your neck of the woods. Finally snagged one for myself. Good luck!
    Zed, Jul 8, 2017
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    I already ordered a second DAS last weekend when they again became available in Australia, for another project, along with a Vive and Alienware 15" top end laptop.
    noorbeast, Jul 8, 2017
    #6
  7. marlon

    marlon Active Member

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    marlon, Jul 28, 2017
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  8. chappy

    chappy New Member

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    I bought one for my vive. makes a massive difference especially when you're using vr for extended periods and move your head around a lot. (flight simming, checking your six or looking straight up and down) having that extra support and fit really helps
    • Agree Agree x 1
    chappy, Aug 14, 2017
    #8