The BEST all AROUND PC VR headset in 2022??? - Reverb G2 V2 Review!

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Looking forward to this!

[@bulatgaynullin677]

Thanks for the review! Waiting for my headset

[@theVRpilot]

Awesome, something I want you to consider Microsoft hast stated they will officially drop support for WMR (windows mixed reality) So it should work fine unless you update out of windows 10. Something to consider. The Quest 3 is a great contender, but depending on the price you are paying I LOVE MY G2 and use it daily over my Q3 for flying.

[@drspankle8401]

HP's Customer Service is easily the worst I've ever encountered in any walk of life. When my G2 suffered the common fault when it got warm of the lenses failing in turn for 10-20 seconds they simply refused to answer any of my efforts to get this resolved. They're a disgrace.

[@theVRpilot]

Dude, sorry to hear that! I did hear that happened to a few folks. I also had an issue but it was suprisgnly resolved rather fast once I was able to provide serial number and proof, but yes, I agree they had a bad rep for some and others had it resolved. Another thing I noticed only US sales got dropped from $600 to $350, EU doesnt drop like that. Either way, the G2 has been amazing for me and I rock it daily still.

[@simonjohn3981]

Nice vid mate. Great to get an overview of the differences/ improvements.

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks 👍

[@VR_Aviator]

Thanks. I love this headset. Comfort was a bit of an issue though. It felt front heavy because I couldn't get it to cup the back of my head without over tightening the headstrap. I added some counter weight which mostly fixed the problem.

[@theVRpilot]

I’m with you. For the longest time I personally wore the headset wrong and didn’t have low enough on the back of my head. Counter weights are a great option!

[@Smiffew]

What did you use for counter weights? I don't have one but I'm planning on getting one. I have a massive head so I'm assuming I will have fitment issues

[@VR_Aviator]

@@Smiffew I had couple of small steel bars that I bent to match the contour of the strap. I zip tied them in place.

[@VR_Aviator]

I have to say that after nearly 2 months my G2 is a lot more comfortable. I think the padding needed to be broke in. It doesn't squeeze my temples like it used to and I can tighten it so that it no longer feels front heavy.

[@OhItsThat]

I got my V1 back in December 2020 for sim racing only. I had a hell of a time getting the tracking working properly. Finally I added a little studio light and that pretty much solved the issue. I recently got the V2 back in Nov-Dec 2021. I removed the old V1 and slapped in the V2. I immediately had tacking issues again. Every time I tried to race the tracking would go crazy. It was to the point where I couldn’t use the HMD. Finally after a week of trying every day with my little studio light on/off and different levels of brightness. It started to track normally with the light off. Today it works fine but only with the light off. Totally opposite of the V1. It’s like it had to be trained for a week before it could do what it’s supposed to do. Really frustrating. These kinds of issues make me hesitant on recommending any WMR headset to anyone at any level of VR experience. The fov is better in the V2 but it also lets light in by the nose. The new face gasket falls out easily which can be frustrating. Thankfully I don’t use the built in headphones cause the right side crackles when moved. It’s ok once you have it in place though.

[@theVRpilot]

Good review! That right ear cracking happened with my V1 but not with the V2 but I wonder if it’s a matter of time. On occasion I find tracking issues, not even, it’s quite rare but i do wonder if it’s because of my proximity to the wall to my left and the monitor in front of me, and multiple lamps on me. I think direct lights to the inside out tracker especially if your trying to record content might cause issues? But overall I have a few more issues while sitting in my tight sim pit than standing up or having more space around me. And even then when you watch my videos , I truly don’t have any tracking issues. First they normally happen off camera, but lol when I’m recording and flying I would say the real issue is CTDs lol and that might be cuz of my mods and other crap I have running.

[@Fishing8136]

I have purchased the reverb g2 based on you review😎🇨🇦

[@ComdrStew]

It actually got down to $399 on Black Friday to Cyber Monday. The only time I have problems with the G2 v1 tracking was below the waist. Best batteries to buy is Energizer lithium. I just want to buy the new face gasket. I can't believe they did not sell the face gasket separately.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Bargain of the century well done!

[@techinfusions]

I noticed that there is a bump up in clarity and brightness with the new V2 headset, I am noticing slight screen door now in games that I have played a lot, they seem to have somehow made the lenses clearer, also the god rays which were good before on the G2 are now even further reduced, I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination but after using it for a month now there is definitely an improvement in the visuals as well.

[@theVRpilot]

Ah, being honest, I am not sure if it improved or increased but YES the brightness is GREAT! The SUN will often hurt your eyes lol.

[@techinfusions]

@@theVRpilot Clarity also increased I am seeing slight screendoor so the lenses have been updated also glare has been even further minimised, very nice improvement in my opinion.

[@samsha6144]

what do you see, is not SDE but "pixel inversion". pixel inversion can increase with time, that why you can see it now and not before. pixel inversion can be different on each HMD, more or less pronounced. i had 5 G2 and all have a different degré of "pixel inversion". it can change it too with different temperature of the headset. pixel inversion on the G2 is vertical, but horizontal on the Q2/riftS. V2 and V1 have exactly the same panels and lenses.

[@techinfusions]

@@samsha6144 It not just the SDE that was noticeable but the perceived jump in clarity and further reduction in god rays which were never really a problem in the original G2 but it shows that HP did something with the lenses in the G2 version 2.

[@dathyr1]

i just got my G2 V2 headset early this month. The only drawback to my G2 V2 is the sweet spot seems to be small to me. Note: I don't wear glasses. If I move just my eyes to the side or up and down, the lenses do become blurry, even with the plastic piece removed to get my eyes closer. Still playing around with it to see if I can get it better. My Rift S seems to have a better overall clarity ( no blurriness) in the lenses, but it does not have the better resolution of the G2. Thanks for your video. I do SIM Racing so I do allot of eye movements. Take care.

[@mountaindew267]

I definitely saw the g2 had a small sweet spot in the video with the eye exam charts. The peripherals got much clearer when the oculus was brought in.

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

Nailed it! Really great overview of the new improvements, if minor for some this may be a game changer if they have struggled with the previous version. Oh btw... black coffee? Yuck! haha.... Standing by for the 8KX review....

[@franshartman4378]

The head strap looks interesting in the title photo.

[@theVRpilot]

It’s actually the original strap, but in the image it looks like it fits a perfectly shaped bald head, like mine haha.

[@McPlot28]

Currently the G2 V2 is on a labor day sale for $399. Plus if you check your credit card, there could be a promo for 10% back. Which I used so I am paying $360 for it ($400 up front then $40 back to my credit card later on).

[@robertweekes5783]

That’s a gnarly coffee mug.

[@theVRpilot]

Haha, wifey got it for me. I should have put some creme and sugar in it though lol

[@fredito8242]

Best headset for MSFS or should I consider the Aero by Varjo?

[@theVRpilot]

Aero by Varjo is significantly better!!! This would be a great #2, but for most the Aero might be out of their budget. Consider you need the Aero, one or two base stations, and controllers that is around $2500.

[@Gaming-OPA]

great video. I have had the Oculas quest 2 since it came out. I use it 90% for MS flight 2020. I broke down last night and ordered the HP Reverb 2. I am hoping it is a major improvement in graphics. I have always liked the Quest 2 but I just want to see if I can get even better graphics. Thanks for your video.

[@theVRpilot]

The best way I can say it is like this, the quest 2 is amazing, you get 90-95% of the VR immersion and experience available. The Reverb really gives you that extra level of clarity that is just so sweet and makes it that much more enjoyable. So for folks that can’t afford it and have a Quest 2 are having fun too, but the clarity improvement is so nice. That’s also how I compare the Varjo to the G2. It’s really a high level of visuals but at a premium price. But you can already be immersed with either the Q2 or the G2. There’s a headset for every budget! Let me know what you think of it. Also check out VR flight Sim guys channel, puts up great content in VR and MSFS.

[@Zerscape]

Excellent review. Yes this headset is def worth it especially if you can get it on sale. Coming from the original wmr and quest 1, it is both a vast improvement in visuals and comfort.

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks! The V2 is a great headset for sim enthusiast specially for the clarity but also other Vr simmers too.

[@PixelShade]

I have the V1... and I got the new cable due to me having trouble connecting it to the USB-C port before... Now I basically just need the new gasket and it's 'almost' like a V2. :D It would've been great if HP actually sold an upgrade pack with these two acessories for V1 users.

[@ryzenpeak]

Real quick if its 2160 by 2160 per eye 2160+2160=4320 and since the other dimension doesn't get doubled cause its height the ACTUAL resolution is 4320 x 2160, not sure where your numbers came from but hp's site states that res.

[@86poulin]

Atc?what field? Im an airline pilot for republic airways... good to see we are nerds together

[@theVRpilot]

Tower and Radar at KMIA. :) we’ve probably spoken, been there 15 years lol.

[@86poulin]

@@theVRpilot that's kick @$$. Nice to know i got a friend down in the M I A that's looking over me. I'll have to shout out next time I'm down there

[@theVRpilot]

@@86poulin check out our IG, I’m the one posting instagram.com/reel/ChpGdy2AfIe/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@toasti21]

Is on the officially hp website the hp reverb g2 v2 or v1 ???

[@theVRpilot]

The official HP website has the “G2 V2” as we are calling it. Now, for sure the US market has it, but while I know they are eventually rolling out to other markets, I am not sure. Also resellers like Amazon or Adorama might have leftover G2 V1 stock so use caution.

[@toasti21]

@@theVRpilot thx for the fast reply : )

[@theVRpilot]

I pinned a new comment with official HP links for US and UK.

[@madigorfkgoogle9349]

Hi, may I have a request? Do you still have both Reverb G2 and G2 V2? If so, Is it possible for you to check out the controllers for part numbers and compare to the originals? Also if they are not the same, could you please try to pair new controllers to OG Reverb G2 to see if the controllers tracking improvement is in the headset or maybe controllers themself. Thanks.

[@theVRpilot]

A bit late on my response, but yes, I have both and sure, I can do that.

[@madigorfkgoogle9349]

@@theVRpilot better late then never... Thank you for your time.

[@geraldblackwood1469]

good videos, the question I have is what is the difference between HP reverb G2 and V2, I have the new VR cover interface and just ordered the new cable. love flying VR

[@theVRpilot]

So with the headset? Nothing really (that I can see) How they improved tracking? I dont know. The FOV is improved via the face gasket. The Hardware support was improved via the Power cable. But its hard to tell exactly what changed on the headset? I dont think much did. I am uploading a video now showing the best VR cover, which exact one did you get? I am curious if it has changed since then.

[@rupperzs]

Awesome man love the tip I have oculus 2 but I feel that these are way better! Plus I didn’t know you could use your hands to turn the knobs!?!?

[@theVRpilot]

Recent update! It’s getting better!

[@FamKring]

Thanks for the video. I own the G2 v1 and absolutely love it. The sweetspot could be better as well as the FAV. But generally spesking its an awesome headset. Is the v2 only for sale in the US?

[@theVRpilot]

Hey TK! So, I did tweet to HP a few weeks back and they said the V2 would start being rolled out world wide. Initially it was only US. The risk I think you run now is making a purchase and it being older V1 stock, sold at the same price. Even if you ask a local rep, it’s hard to really know until the package arrives. I would only purchased from somewhere if you have the ability to return the item and also check for any restocking fee just in case. The right thing would be for HP to sell the G2 V2 face mask, and the cable I think solves a lot of issues for hardware and connectivity. I’m still curious what exactly improved the controller tracking.

[@FamKring]

@@theVRpilot Thanks. I bought the VR cover version of the face mask which is a nice build quality. Regarding my next headset it’s going to be a ‘G3’ type solution. I will wait a year or two. Quite satisfied at the moment. It must deliver on a wider FOV and sweet spot and not comprise any clarity.

[@davechu5386]

Really nice review! Btw have you used Pimax before? I used the 8KX for a while and feel that the FOV is really nice, hope you can try it as well!

[@theVRpilot]

I have the Pimax now! 8k X im testing and using it and should have another video up soon. I did a quick unboxing. This FOV is a dream !

[@bobbobson4935]

Nice video, if you've tried the index, how would you compare the FOV with the new G2 V2 to the FOV of the index? Is the index still a lot better even considering the improvements of the G2 V2?

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks Bob! I am currently trying to get my hands on a valve index. I haven’t had the opportunity to try one but I do have the pimax 8k x on loan. The key I think with the V2 is the resolution over the index, im not sure off the top of my head what the index is but the G2 is just so sharp. The V2 with all its improvements really makes it an even better value especially if you snag it close to $450.

[@edwardenigma1929]

Bought one, returned 2 days later. Sweet spot the size of a half dollar, vibration on controllers is loud and feels cheap not good at all. Bit of pressure point on my temple's not to bad but Rift S much more comfort. The cable is thick and very grippy so will pull on you. When you first start up a lot of ghosting effects until it heats up, and screen door until it warms up. 10 mins or so then gone. If you want to surf the web you can not scroll with the controllers. You will have to use a mouse as well. Wanna type in search bar, your gonna need to lift up headset and use physical keyboard. Tried playing Pavlov you can not use 2 hands on weapons. Right hand will grip but left hand does not grip the weapon. So I'm guessing custom mapping is needed. Have heard this is the case on many other games. Cant hit anything with only 1 hand on a machinegun. God rays are very noticeable on the G2 V2, my Rift S never really noticed them. I purchased on sale for 499 but still not worth that. maybe $350. In games the sweet spot is not as bad, you really don't see it much but, on anything else you can only read 2 words and then left and right of those 2 words are blurry and the next ones very blurry. I wanted to love this but I'm going back to Rift S. Controllers hit when reloading weapons. I really believe the Rift S or Quest 2 are much better at software, easy of use, you can just play and even the screens have much bigger sweet spot. I think if you are sim racing its a great choice the sweet spot not as bad. Sim flying your gonna have to turn your head a lot to see the gauges clearly. I'd wait. The only thing it has going for it is sound and the very small sweet spot. Just my experience. Imma keep my rift s until something better comes along.

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks for sharing your feedback. Good info for other folks to consider. God rays are noticeable, but I’ll be honest the only headset I current have that doesn’t show them is the Varjo Aero. I need to get my hands on a rift S again as it’s a great value with a great image. Market keeps improving, key will be Q2 resolution or higher with aspheric lenses.

[@kycon13]

Great video. Where did you see it for around $450? I’m looking at getting a head set after the rumor of F1 22 having vr support.

[@theVRpilot]

For xmas / Black Friday

[@SparkySven]

Thanks for the view of the legendary G2 V2 and must say like I guessed before for us MSFS2020 VR flyers it just comes down to the new gasket. I have the VR Cover one with slim pad so I'm guessing I have the better FOV already or compared to that the original HP V2 one is even better?

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks Sven! Correct! The G2 V2 pad is that much better. I hope I get a response from HP or VR cover.

[@SparkySven]

@@theVRpilot Can't be hard nor expensive to have it as an new and improved accessory to purchase. Hope VR Cover makes one. Keeps us in the loop. Thanks for sharing.

[@chickenpasta7359]

I just got one of these locally for $150 in mint condition. Amazing headset and I'm so glad to get away from the Quest 2

[@theVRpilot]

WOah! ROCK on ! Excellent price! Welcome to clarity! Such a great headset for that price!!!

[@VskutkuTrigen]

How can u tell just by looking at the box which one are u getting ?

[@VR_Aviator]

No that you have had time with the g2 v2 would you still recommend the VR Cover?

[@theVRpilot]

The VR cover is a minimal improvement over the G2 V1 original faceplate. What we really need is someone to duplicate this G2 V2 mask or for HP to sell it.

[@Mystovods]

Is this VR headset good for games like vrchat and beat saber? I know most people use this headset for Microsoft flight simulator, but that's not what I would use it for. I'm just trying to look for an upgrade from the quest 2

[@theVRpilot]

Absolutely. I have had minimal tracking issues with controllers. I love playing skyrim VR with it! or any other PC VR FPS.

[@amarannthamarannth2792]

I have a 3080TI graphics card which has 3x displayport and 3x hdmi outputs. The displayport outputs are occupied by the connected 3 monitors. one hdmi output is occupied by the 4th monitor. 2 hdmi outputs remain free. is there any way to connect hp reverb g2 to graphics card via hdmi? I ask because I don't want to disconnect my 3 monitors every time I want to use VR. thank you very much for your answer.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

New subscriber, like your style. I run an XTAL 8K and am always looking for honest reviews. Sweviver, ThrillSeeker, and others are just shills.

[@abemccrea2563]

Can I use the valve index base station with this headset? I can't find anything online about it.

[@theVRpilot]

No, this headset does not require base stations at all! ITs my favorite part about the headset. It has what is called, inside out tracking. 4 cameras that track the position in the room as well as your controllers in your hand.

[@2ndLastJedi]

If the screens resolution is 2160x2160 how is 100% render scale 3164x3092? I'm a complete noob so sorry for possible dumb question.

[@flyvr3054]

my coffee tastes like beer :p

[@theVRpilot]

Lol nice!

[@KeepYourselfSafe8]

Did they finally add capacitors to the controllers?

[@theVRpilot]

Good question, not sure.

[@Goryglory0209]

I have ordered G2 from HP with a lead time of 3 months. I sent that PSVR2 trash back in a week as it was over hyped crap. Do you think G2 is still kool to go. I have a 3060ti ready to be upgraded soon too to a 4080. Would like to play sim mainly acc and MS flight. I have a quest 2 and I like it but with wired it sucks ass.

[@theVRpilot]

For now yes, but HP will discontinue it this year and close down its entire VR department, so consider that =(. I am very sad as its so dang good and I dont think anything on the market can replace it for the price.

[@3ddydeagle]

If you got a good pc? I recommend buying this 100%

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks Caillou! I don’t know you were olde enough for VR but I trust it fits your round head well :)! It fits mine :p

[@walterpisani9165]

What are the games in this video?

[@theVRpilot]

MSFS 2020 VTOL VR (helicopter combat night footage) Contractors VR. All are available via Steam.

[@SteveChiller]

I just ordered mine for 399 on hp site.

[@theVRpilot]

Congrats ! It’s just an all around great product. What are your PC specs?

[@griffincheng]

Any visible difference between the V1 and V2?

[@theVRpilot]

None at all. Same great image.

[@griffincheng]

@@theVRpilot oh I mean, from outside. In case I order on in the UK, which may be inavailable Fitbit.

[@theVRpilot]

@@griffincheng oh! So, no, I have both boxes. They ship identical, in matte black boxes, then open to the nice G2 black box, and everything is identical. Only way to truly tell is the gasket, updated power cord, and possibly serial number or manufacture date or something but not sure what the key difference we are looking for is.

[@Eskoxo]

As someone who has way too much vr equipment i can say this headset is only good for someone who only wants vr for sim games otherwise get quest 2 or valve index.

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks for your feedback Julius. Definitely a top choice for simmers, but also after I saw the clarity I wanted to replay all my games to see what I was missing.

[@cenciende9401]

Haha no. Index is incredibly expensive anywhere outside the US, practically unobtainable, and I would never recommend a Facebook device to anyone. There are tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of us waiting for something new in 2022 which has the image clarity of a newer headset like the G2 and the tracking quality of something like the Index. There is nothing that can be bought right now for PCVR which is not outdated in some major way, I've had 1k set aside for a year now waiting and will continue to do so.

[@theVRpilot]

@@cenciende9401 This is going to be a good year. You are smart. Be patient!

[@midnightrocker7]

I could never get this headset to work right regardless, I even got a replacement G2 with the updated cable back in September, 2021 to replace the preordered one I bought in 2020, and the headset still never worked right no matter what, I still got usb 3.0 connection issues, blue lines at the edges of the fov on certain Steam vr games, tracking issues, controller issues with games, etc, plus the battery life on the controllers is a joke, even using 1.5v batteries, 2 batteries per controller is pathetic, the Windows Mixed Reality software is useless also, I just could never get this damn headset to work right, the G2 is just not worth the hassle in my opinion, I gave up on this headset, I'm using a Index and a Quest 2 now, alot better experience and less problems with those two headsets, HP should of planned the G2 alot better than they did, they really dropped the ball with this headset, it's the biggest piece of junk I ever bought for a headset, the G2 was nothing but total aggravation since I bought it when it came out, now it's just collecting dust in my closet, I'll never trust or buy another HP Windows Mixed Reality vr headset ever again no matter how good HP claims it is

[@theVRpilot]

Fair review of it! So I agree it is not perfect and those simple connectivity issues actually affect a lot of people and it’s so unfortunate. For me the resolution, comfort, audio, clarity and IT WORKED make it an easy winner, but had I struggled with those issues that wouldn’t get resolved, I’d be disenfranchised as well. I really want to try a valve index, just to have the reference. I love my quest 2 as it’s so capable, and take it to work daily with my laptop for VTOL VR sessions lol. Also, WMR is annoying, I think I like oculus and Steam home, the others are just bleh.

[@CurbsRacing]

Currenlty on sale $200 off current price. Only hours left.

[@CallmePink]

How don't like the controllers thoo!

[@theVRpilot]

Ugh Really? I actually do! lol, I mean ok, Quest 2 are the most comfortable, Index are the most functional, but the G2 arent that bad? And I will be honest, THEY TAKE A BEATING lol