Oculus Quest 2 Elite Head Strap

oculus quest 2 head strap


The Oculus Quest 2 Elite is a bit more comfortable than the first version. It's slimmer, lighter, and the strap is gentler. But, of all the enhancements in Facebook's newest standalone headset, comfort feels like the tiniest step forward.

While the Quest 2's lighter shape is better for your face, it is still heavy gear that will drag you down after a while. The stretchy strap makes it tough to quickly locate a comfortable perfect balance, especially if you're continually changing it between buddies. However, for the first time in Facebook's six-year history of groundbreaking VR headsets, the corporation is giving its update.


The Oculus Quest 2 headset is the first to receive approved head straps. There are two options: the Elite Strap, which is a solid strap with a counterbalance, and the Elite Battery Strap, which is similar but has a greater counterbalance owing to an attached battery. 

Let's visit the Oculus Quest 2 Elite

Before we can go any further, it's worth mentioning that comfort in VR may be a difficult task. Everyone else's head size is varied, and different headset designs work differently for various people. Due to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, We were only able to test Quest 2's Elite Strap with ourselves.

The Elite Strap is Facebook's version of a Quest 2 comfort mod. The current strap may be simply replaced with this plastic substitute by removing the foam face-lining and side fittings from the headset. The Elite Strap includes a strong lining to better handle the weight of the Quest 2, as well as a rear flap that can be twisted for a more secure fit on your head. They don't ship with any headphones or other frills, but Facebook has teamed up with Logitech to create an official headphone solution.

Because of their naturally fitting shape and increases in comfort over the standard soft strap, the Oculus Quest 2 Elite Strap and Elite Battery Strap additions are very well crafted and come strongly advisable. The Elite Battery Strap offers a modest advantage in terms of comfort because of the additional counterbalance provided by the battery, but it can only be purchased in conjunction with the Quest 2 case.


oculus quest 2 head strap


The Elite Strap is $49.00 on its own. However, for $129., Facebook is also offering a version with a rechargeable battery and a travel case, allowing for extended gaming sessions. We haven't gotten the opportunity to put that gear to the test yet.

It enables fitting the Quest 2 to your head a far more approachable experience right away. Turning the dial back prolongs the strap, making it very easy to fit on any head, and then tightening it back in till you get the correct fit for you. The firmer strap holds the dome of the back of the head, and you may adjust the angle by adjusting the two straps on the sides of the Quest.

In terms of long-term use, the improved weight reduction means you'll be able to play in VR for longer periods of time without feeling the burden of the Quest 2. We would play for almost 15 minutes without the strap before my cheeks and forehead were worn. That period becomes much, much longer with the Elite Strap on.

However, We wouldn't argue that the Elite Strap is more relaxing than halo-ring headsets. The top band on devices just like Oculus Rift S and Sony's PSVR are meant to move much of the weight up your head, where it can rest more gently. The visor of the headset hangs in front of your eye without pushing in, and a counter-weight at the back ensures that the weight is evenly distributed. To this day, this is the most suitable VR headgear design I've encountered, but We admit it would render Quest 2's overall design bigger.

So, regardless of which one you choose, if you're a professional VR user  I'd strongly recommend any of these Quest 2 head strap additions over the soft strap that comes with the headset. The soft strap doesn't do a great job of holding the headset on your forehead.

Mods on Fire

If you were a frequent Quest 1 player, you were probably aware of the variety of third-party modifications, extras, and regeneration straps the kit saw during the period of its 18month lifespan. Facebook didn't make this simple; you had to use force to remove the original straps, which, though ultimately safe if done correctly, may be a little disconcerting. But it was well worth it; We used the FrankenQuest hack, which replaced the old Vive's strap with HTC's Superior Audio Strap. It improved the comfort of the gear tremendously while also providing an excellent audio solution. Alternatively, you could have just tacked a counterweight to the rear of the strap, similar to the VR Power's dual-purpose battery pack.


oculus quest 2 head strap


With even Facebook's official options, We simply can't believe we'll see a fresh push for third-party devices and mods on the latest headset, given how often easier it is to replace the straps in Quest 2. Others, We believe, could take the comfort even further; if a 3D-printed design becomes available, I'll probably replace the Elite Strap with a new FrankenQuest option.

Conclusion

The Oculus Quest 2 Elite Strap improves the comfort and use of the headset. It enables finding the best suit in seconds much easier and making the headset more pleasant to use for extended periods of time. However, the Quest 2's design prevents it from being the most suitable VR headset in the industry, and We can't help wondering whether better modifications and third-party peripherals will replace the Elite Strap. However, for $49, this is a solid hold that will make your time with Quest 2 a little easier to bear.

On the other hand, the Elite Strap extensions aren't simply an upgrade over the Quest 2 soft strap; they're also the greatest strap design the business has ever done on any of its VR headsets, and they're also extremely well built.

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