Why VR Headsets Are Fixing The WRONG Issues for Simracing

[@keithbriscoe99]

Not easy to get started, BUT... After the time investment, VR is absolute game changer for me. I have found ways to do everything i need in order to race in ACC. But yes, the issue with switching across game and desktop is annoying, however ultimately worth it to me. The driving experience is another world and i simply cannot return to flat screen.

[@glutvonsmark]

yeah i'm dong acc with quest 3. No going back for me for the screens. Immersion is amazing. You're actually in the car on the track.

[@gizmo104drives7]

Iv run a g2 for almost 3 years now in sim racing and flight sims. The initial setup and working out how things work sure wasnt easy but nowadays its the only way to experience these games for me. Got a good wheel and button box. Havent looked back. Absolutely wild times had in vr that simply wouldnt of been possible on 1 / 2 or 3 screens!

[@SimracingPopometer]

hehe, where in the venn diagram do you see yourself? :D

[@sortstokken1337]

I am a casual ACC driver (and quite old) without streams or overlays so I drive in vr exclusively. The HTC and Steam VR just works. Sometimes I have to bring ACC to the front but usually it stays as the prio window. I have a button box for centering view and other things. On the wheel I use the small joystick to jump in the menus of ACC to manage setups etc. Have to use the keyboard only when naming saves. It’s sad that such an expensive and nice headset like Pimax is ruined by the software issues. Thanks again for doing a honest review of it. All other reviewers just show it working.

[@SimracingPopometer]

once in game, and if the game is all you do, then this is perfectly fine. my main point is the struggle to get there shouldnt be a struggle at all. and its not entirely down to pimax, just something VR seems to lack in general, bar a few exceptions it seems?

[@PITAH1]

Have you tried Automobilista 2?

[@sortstokken1337]

@@PITAH1 No I only have ACC.

[@PITAH1]

@@sortstokken1337 ACC os known for being terrible for VR. You should give it a try.

[@mrspangles932]

Pimax isn't for the VR noob. I wouldn't make a big generalistion about VR based on your experience with that headset. Get a Quest 3 if you want a more user friendly experience with an easily accessible desktop in the headset.

[@wickfut-racing]

A HP Reverb size/comfort headset with 3k x 3k OLED panels and better lenses. That's all I want. No eye tracking, no auto IPD , no mixed reality. Why is it so difficult?

[@NWGJulian]

uhm, seems like the crystal light is just for you?? the crystal light is actually much much more comfortable, if you improve it with an apache strap and a better studioform creative face pad. I have both and its FAR more comfy.

[@L3v3LLIP]

5 years ago the g2 released and it had it all. I was able to buy it two years later and then 3 more years after that it still would be among the best cheap all around headset for simracing :/ Crazy that we have advancements in each direction but nothing combines it all in a great way. Its not even like the 4000€ headsets will get you 100% there. They are 1.5kg monsters that need pulley systems to not break your neck.

[@NWGJulian]

@ I still have my G2, but also the crystal light. imho the only thing that the G2 can do better than the crystal light is the sound. in every other aspect, the crystal light is better. in my opinion. but to be fair, the crystal light needs some comfort modding.

[@wickfut-racing]

@@NWGJulian I've owned a few Crystals which developed faults. I uploaded a few vids of me using them. I found them too loose fitting and spent a lot of time fidgeting with them trying to get them to stay in one place. I'm probably pre-ordering a MeganeX in the next week or so

[@NWGJulian]

@ did you also try to mod the face cover? that was the gamechanger for me. the stock pad is just trash.

[@Valefor61]

I race with VR since almost 2 years with a HP Reverb G2 and it is the most fun I have ever had in simracing and it also looks amazing, For the sound I use in-ears. Once you have it set up, it works flawless. ACC in VR has been a blast, iRacing as well. Lets see how it works in AC EVO

[@V-Racing]

if you're going to drive in VR, i suggest disabling all hud elements and overlays because using them doesn't make sense when you literally can see the data on the car's dash board, also its best to rely on CrewChef for the rest of info like your position and other things like lap time(some cars show you your laptime). this is how i did VR for more than two years

[@flyingracer14]

That's the way to go. I try to use my headset as I would a racing helmet. Focus on driving, get information from the Crew Chief. In my opinion an ideal VR sim lets you do everything on your PC screen and you switch to your VR headset (helmet) when sitting in your car and talking to your race engineer.

[@arekkubiak5957]

Thats why Quest3 + Virtual Desktop combo is so good, a few clicks and everything is connected and works almost seamlessly. This one dev is keeping me from abandoning PCVR lol

[@Leynad778]

You also can use Steam Link and it should provide better performance I've heard, compare to VD. It does some fixed foveated rendering on default to keep the image sharper in the center, which I prefer in case of wireless-VR with it's limited bandwidth. I got the Q3 working with a link-cable for a while, but after an update not anymore. With the link-cable I could bump up the transfer to >700 MBit/s with the Oculus Debug Tool and deactivate sharpening, which just looks like bad compression. The image was quite like DP with that solution.

[@arekkubiak5957]

@Leynad778 Ive seen that some people get better results with VD some with SteamLink, I prefer VD for additional functionality like chromakey/passthrough and OpenXR compatibility

[@PITAH1]

I use a link cable and the Quest app, very easy

[@flowerdealer]

@@Leynad778 Steamlink quality is trash compared to VD.

[@Leynad778]

@@PITAH1 When it's working, it's easy, but many people having problems. The headset just doesn't find the PC I had both now.

[@Endemiq2]

I'm racing in VR exclusively. Yeah ppl already pointed out Quest3 + Virtual desktop can fix like 80--90% of the problems listed both software and hardware related. VR space is absolutely dominated by Quest headsets. If you want to talk about current state of VR using Quest3 is THE way to do it.

[@exhaustor5983]

Hi. Glad that you brought up the AMS 2 overlay issue. It is like that forever and no effort on Reizas part to fix it.

[@der60er]

also tv cam bug in replay. (cam doesnt move)

[@jasonghaby]

​@@der60er you need to assign a key to next camera and then you can cycle through the different track side cameras in VR

[@RandyMagruder]

@@jasonghaby I wish it would auto-switch when you want to follow a car. And I still would love a TV-style presentation cam in VR, as RaceRoom and iRacing offer.

[@exhaustor5983]

If you can, try Quest 3 (with upgradet head strap and face mask) with Virtual desktop via strong wifi with just power cable connected to head set. I play like this and the struggle is minimal. Also the setup of virtual desktop is pretty easy.

[@irpk239]

@@exhaustor5983 Gaming on WIFI is a terrible idea. Why not just use your ethernet cable?

[@Gino_567]

@@irpk239 because it's not if you have a proper setup as he mentioned. I have AP points all over the house so game in whatever room I want with next to no lag.

[@4rPekro]

For me it's just the other way around: "Pancake" Racing is more for Fun, but VR is the only way racing simulations work properly.

[@SimracingPopometer]

also interesting

[@keithbriscoe99]

The DMAS upgraded audio for Pimax headsets should be considered a required upgrade ($99). I have them and audio is superb

[@SimracingPopometer]

thats good to hear, wish they sent me that version for the review! :)

[@Lakedistrictrider]

I was going to say this. The standard speakers are awful, the DMAS are excellent

[@RandyMagruder]

I have comments, kind of following up on your live stream where we talked. First, I accept as a premise "they don't make it easy". Granted. Nothing else I say detracts from that. But I also wonder how much is specific to the headset you're using and the way you have it configured. With the Quest 3, I found a suggested settings guide that covers the Oculus Debug Tool optimal link cable/rendering settings, the in-game graphics settings, and the nVidia Control panel settings. I hadn't tried them before. When I did the steps...(took 10 minutes), and re-ran AMS2, the result was...TRANSFORMATIVE. Good/Acceptable VR turned into JAW DROPPING VR. No chromatic aberrations, solid reflections on surfaces, god beams of lights coming through the trees, full detail/reflective cars around me, and still had 40% overhead, and this is on a 4070 based system. Honestly the best VR has ever been. As for sound, I have no complaints about the spatial audio coming out of the Quest 3. I *BELIEVE* it's very superior to many other headsets, and gives very good spatial sound even though your ears aren't covered. The only thing I would want from that sound is more bass, as always. Would be nice to have an optional subwoofer LFE feed to just add that extra bit of oomph on the low end, but the sound is still very very good without it in my opinion. Regarding controlling the UI, I now use -vrnomirror as a startup switch for AMS2, which turns off the mirroring of my display to the monitor. This buys me probably 15% overhead I can use for even higher graphics settings, but it also kills mouse support. HOWEVER, you can use either the keyboard or a USB/Wireless game controller to navigate the menus, which is nice because it's easily reachable and controllable even while you're in the helmet. AMS2 shows you all the game controller button shortcuts on the bottom of the menu screen and you can get around the game quite easily with it. It got rid of about 80% of the pain of fumbling with keyboard/mouse while wearing the headset. And finally, the Quest 3 lets you double tap your temple to pause the full VR link and use its cameras to show you your real space so if you need to reach for something or see your PC monitor you can easily do so without lifting the headset. All these things combine to make a really really great VR Experience. I love VR for its immersion and for leaving my cramped media room and being fully present in the car. You can't beat that no matter how good your 2d configuration is. But yes, can't wait for even higher resolution screens so we can fully match the 'retina' sharpness of staring at a 4k display at a natural distance. I did try AMS 2 yesterday on a 4K Monitor and it is definitely gorgeous...and usable. But it just feels more lifeless and flat after VR. I don't choose it willingly.

[@riccardopuzzarini7924]

best solution for vr is quest3. two click and you have a mega desktop screen and the reality around you. performance is similar at the half at price of pimax. listen to me. quest3 with good pc is very very very similar to the quality of pimax BUT without all issue that you say in the video

[@mikecroshaw9233]

I'm a veteran VR user and a month or two ago wouldn't have considered stepping back from VR. But then games started getting updated and things started going wrong. iRacing VR performance has tanked ( even though I'm not resubbing to it this year ). Other games just won't run properly in the Crystal without hours of tinkering ( Raceroom/ACC ). Even the king of VR ( AMS2 ) has some niggles in VR ( replays/ui overlays etc ). I also discovered the RSI in my shoulder was caused by reaching up for my mouse and keyboard while in VR, as its hard to navigate menus etc within the headset ( I don't like faffing with controllers in the rig ). Final nail in the coffin ( for now, I'm sure I will go back one day ) was getting a Samsung 57" and getting it mounted properly behind my wheel. Triples are not an option for me, but this is so close to it, and such a great, easy experience, that I've stepped away from VR for now ( apart from occasional use ). Benefits - UI/overlays/better replays/better sound as I can use my gaming headphones/no sweaty head/smoother framerates, more relaxing for long sessions. Downsides, less immersive.

[@simonoregan4744]

I agree, VR can be a pain. I was pulling my hair out when I got my first VR headset. But I'm glad I stuck with it. I've created several multi action buttons on my stream deck . I've automated most functions I would've had to do manually through batch files. I switch my PC on. Power my headset which connects automatically and push a single button. About 20 actions run off that single button. Then the game launches and I play. If I want to change my VR settings they have also been bound to buttons that run scripts. I even change in game graphics settings, controller settings all via batch files linked to single stream deck buttons. I never have to use a mouse and keyboard to do anything. I sit down push a couple of SD buttons, put my headset on and play. It took me ages to get every sim set up but it was totally worth it. My scripts can even change my Steam account depending on the game I'm launching. Even my CPU & GPU overlock when I launch the game and then return to normal clock speed once I exit the game. I had allot of fun figuring out ways to get this all done. But my aim was to be able to run all of my sims in many different configurations with all of my complicated hardware and software, including different VR settings, with as few actions required on my part. Most are just 3 actions. Power PC. Power VR headset. Push 1 SD button for the sim. And I'm off to the races. I had no end of frustration previously when I was required to do all of this manually. Nothing worse than being at the start line of a race and as the lights go green you realize Crewchief didn't load or you have the wrong controller profile or the wrong pixels per display setting for that car and track combination. I got rid of all of my LED screens. I use mostly tactile button boxes with a combination of buttons, switches, knobs & dials. With which I rely on muscle memory and feel to make any necessary changes while racing.I got a trackball mouse which is stuck to my rig an always stay in the same place. My quest 3 also has a small gap around the nose gasket. If I tilt my head backwards I can see some of my controls through the gap. But I rely mainly on feel and practiced muscle memory to use all of the necessary controls. Also a double tap on the side of the Quest 3 switches me to passthrough, but I obviously cant use that while racing. I try and stay away from overlays. But in Rfactor 2 I use the XL Lovely Dash via Simhub which is pretty easy to setup in VR

[@SimracingPopometer]

this comment is so fantastic. everything about it. you are fantastic. now - take all you did and put it in a single program for people to buy and use to skip the mess themselves :)) also I think you are pretty center in the venn diagram :D

[@mikelshwede]

Tried a PCL, plagued with issues including warped lenses, poor build quality and the most uncomfortable headset I've ever worn, returned it after 2 weeks. I had more problems with the PCL than my previous 4 headsets combined, Pimax QC is non existent

[@Gino_567]

The clunkiness of it is one of the major reasons why I don't use it much in windows also. Glad you said that... i dont have the time and patience anymore to troubleshoot things that I just want to work out of the box. Maybe if I was younger, id have no issue spending that time, but yeh. I just want a seamless experience. My Quest 2 was a game changer in that regard where I can just pop it on and play. Not quite the same with windows yet, so hopefully there's more development integrating with steam and windows. Also, typing... i'm not sure how they can solve that but you need to be able to see to type something. I dont want to point a curser at each letter and pull a trigger..

[@michaelpickford7298]

Quest 3 via VD has made the experience so much smoother. Also has so many options headstrap wise which allows you to use whatever audio solution you want. I use it with motion via Simhub and MC and have no issues with tracking.

[@thewebkat]

I really like your honest reviews ! Good job keep going

[@fullmetalf4i]

I never would have thought to try using my headphones instead of headset speakers.... I'm going to try that on my g2 reverb when I get home tonight

[@abeidiot]

reverb g2 is one of the better speakers. other headsets are worse

[@simonjohnade]

Very good video. Think its very important for people to have expectations set correctly up front. Probably most important to know is what category of user you fall into. Streamer is probably the least compatible sadly, but true. I personally fall squarely in the immersion category and spent the last 2 and half years learning the ins and outs plus using a motion rig. Honestly ... I get a stupid grin on my face every time I get in. Feel so lucky to be alive and desperately wish i could share this experience with more people. For exactly what youve laid out here, most peoples first VR experience is a negative one. But for anyone out there, let me encourage you by saying it is much easier today than it was even 1 year ago. Best place to go for help is discord where you can connect with many of these VR specialists who love VR and are passionate about it... very helpful. End of the day, I'd say that this technology is magical and pushing the limits of whats possible. Knowing that, should frame ones expectations going into it. Complicated: yes. Worth it: absolutely. 😊

[@Leynad778]

Pimax is selling those DMAS headphone with Index-like sound that can replace the default headphones, which also means you can detach those crappy things to have maybe enough space for your Beyerdynamic. If you use an updated Windows 11, your G2 won't work anymore because M$ discontinued the Windows MR-support that the G2 requires. IMO Steam VR could be much better with integrating VR into the OS. I once had a Pimax 8KX without controllers and it took me weeks to even get a desktop image in the headset. I had to bind a button to my Xbox controller because this silly SteamVR can't be controlled via keyboard-shortcuts, which is just nuts. I also could never switch off my Samsung G9 to run VR only, because if I do, no matter which headset, the f-ing OS just doesn't work in desktop-VR-mode anymore, so trapped in SteamVR. With a Quest 3 it's even more inconvenient because you have to boot the Meta-OS as well and navigate with the Meta-controller to your VR-desktop.

[@L_Emir_de_Passy]

A lot of issues mentioned here are valid. VR is still very clunky and more cumbersome than flat screens. Those issues are solved with mixed reality headsets that allow access to the real world with the click of a button. Even on non-MR headsets, a virtual desktop should be accessible with the click of a button. That is the case for Varjo and Somnium headsets, so maybe Pimax could improve there.

[@tdhitchins]

There is a virtual desktop window you can open at any time on the pimax

[@onionbagarch8243]

All non-issues for me - VR is an extra vector for learning; I get fast in VR and then replicate that on triples so I’ve got the choice of either

[@AKCobra1120]

There are basically two classes of headsets on the market - consumer headsets and enthusiast headsets. Well, 3 if you want to count commercial, but for this discussion we'll say it's 2. Consumer headsets are Quest 3 and 3s, and maybe Pico. Enthusiast headsets are everything else. The consumer headsets are very easy to get running, don't even need a computer, and can be set up easily by pretty much anybody. Anybody that's buying a Pimax, or Bigscreen, or whatever is going to be tech savvy. I'm not saying I disagree that companies should be making this easier, but the people buying these things will have the technical chops to get them working.

[@lukebraddford3287]

The learning curve is there for sure, but once you have everything setup its good to go. Pimax XR, quadviews etc etc. You nailed it though, for your career as a professional streamer VR isn’t the answer for you on stream. I play all my sim games with the original Pimax VR with high settings and no ASW and no compression through a link cable. It is the best experience ever. Can’t wait for the pimax super myself. I never use the controllers at all with the Pimax and use the mouse and keyboard. I also find the best is to use airpods for sound. Another must is changing the face mask to a studio form one, but the most important thing is the top head strap (Studiofoam Apache head strap or the Pimax Head strap). This keeps the Pimax perfectly in the sweet spot, that is the most important addon to have. Without it, I couldn’t use the headset.

[@AllocDK]

Man, you are soo right about sound. I am still rocking the Valve Index after 4 years. I had a Pico 4 for 2 weeks and although the image is fantastic compared to the Index, the build-in sound was sooo bad and I could not fix my own headphones over the strap, so i resold it and kept my Index that got amazing sound

[@awakeandwatching953]

sound has been improved on the pico 4 but its still not great.. wanna get surround sound eventfully to replace it even if it means i lose the virtual sound effect

[@viktorianas]

Well... I use low latency earbuds connected to PC Bluetooth dongle, works absolutely amazing and no lag whatsoever, so you can get PICO 4 again ;)

[@Praelia7or]

Now imagine my pain having a sim rig without monitors, that sits off to rhe side of my pc. I've got pretty good at blind alt tabbing with a wireless keyboard! Good perspective as someone that just wants to use VR that brings up a lot of good points, theres a lot of faff finding the same apps that everyone uses (like openxr) that could probably be wrapped in a nice gui by a manufacturer. Also if you are racing the common overlays can become an issue, I never did find a solution to see track maps and pick a qualifying gap for ACC/LFM. Crew chief++ with some extra features I always thought would be a great thing for VR, like having an "AI" race engineer assistant but setting up the basic voice commands is yet another few hours I never got around to

[@TzeiEm]

I bought the Quest 3 for ACC a few weeks ago and returned it after 1 week of use. I agree to pretty much everything you said here + I suffered from motion sickness a bit, but it got a little easier day by day. In any case, it was such a hassle to get everything to work (ultimately I didn't get external overlays to work) and even when it did, for some reason it sometimes looked ok and sometimes really bad even when I hadn't changed any settings. All in all, I might consider giving VR another shot in maybe a decade when hopefully the whole process has become more of a plug and play. Not only for the actual process, but the games being more optimized for VR as well. And hopefully we will have headsets that have been made with pc sims in mind, without internal memories, controller sticks, cartoony vr lounges etc EDIT: And hopefully in 10 years VR goggles will also have eye tracking so you could look around with your eyes like in real life, not with your head

[@PITAH1]

The issue was you used on ACC, this simulator is the worst for VR.

[@TzeiEm]

@@PITAH1 I am aware, but it still doesn't take away the fact that the experience as a whole is quite a chore, regardless of what sim you play

[@PITAH1]

@TzeiEm I use it every week and it is just soooo easy.

[@TzeiEm]

@@PITAH1 I am happy for you then :)

[@MightyMikeVR]

I love VR but it's very complicated on PC. AMS2 is usually highlighted as a game that is well optimized for VR, but you still need to go into a file and modify some values ​​to get a sharp image (referring to what is usually called the "sharpness tweak"). Its never easy with VR.

[@MrMcRobsen]

all i want a small vr headset with a good resolution, quest 2 is to front heavy and gives neckpain, after some time and exercising the neck helped, still not optimal

[@supercededman]

I know I'm not a quick racer, and ( know I'm not a streamer, or a really competitive racer . BUT, I love my Sony PSVR2. One cable. That's it. And I cruise around, just enjoying the driving experience. It's totally different from this setup, I know, but if I just wanna chill, I know which way I'd go.

[@SimracingPopometer]

and I'd agree - its about the use case

[@PITAH1]

I have a Quest 3 but I would like to try the PSVR 2. It has oled ans display port, I would love to have that.

[@johng4357]

Everything you mentioned, especially the lack native out of the box set up, is what puts me off. I'd love to give it a go for the fun and immersion, as a non competitive driver. But the faff is too much right now. So I bought a full simagic set up instead

[@Rob-un6pj]

Your exactly right. Be great to be able to use a mouse in VR. I bought the Pimax Light, the amount of time to get them or my older Valve Index to look good and set them up has been hours and hours. And i have to do that in every game. Then then the games are not optimized for VR like Assetto Corsa and Dirt Rally 2. Only sim game that is, is AMS2.

[@myweirdtaste8090]

That rant was overdue. You wonder if the „engineers“ (are they?) of VR headsets ever use them by themselves 😵‍💫? (That said by me - racing exclusively in VR… scratching my head since 8 years what‘s going on in the headsets manufactures mind) Your video should be hammered in their heads.

[@ettorebugatti6846]

You can have your desktop + mouse in VR, but you must use a tiny bit the controllers. I am at the level of typing in chat with the headset on 😁. It isn’t as casual as a monitor but the immersion is soo much better that I can’t go back to screens. As a streamer or content creator is a clear no go. Also I always use a DP headset, quest or other headsets that require compression and usb or airlink connection are out of the question due to lag and worse picture.

[@Godfather1010]

Great point VR should show windows with a fully working cursor or controller pointer

[@boosivemotorsportofficial]

Biggest problem with vr for me and why I won't use it. Is the comfort. It's annoying just having headphones on for a 5+ hour racing session. Never mind a big box hanging off your face as well. It's just not nice to wear for long periods of time. So it's no good for serious, competitive racers. OK for fun for a couple of hours though.

[@NWGJulian]

I did the Fuji 8hr race on iRacing 2 weeks back in VR :D Its just a matter of getting used to it.

[@boosivemotorsportofficial]

@NWGJulian no thanks. I'd much rather use my triples 😁

[@NWGJulian]

@@boosivemotorsportofficial absolutely understandable :D

[@employeeofthemonth1]

I used the Reverb G2 for 1/2 year around 2 years ago. It seems that there is very little pogress since then. Prices have increased 2x.

[@malkmusRules]

Not very different than setting up Assetto Corsa (and to some extent rFactor2) if you want to use mods. Not an easy start, get Content Manager, get cars and tracks from site x, y, z, install Pure version whatever, setup the track condition, car setups in any sim, etc. It'd be nice if VR was easier but to me it was just like getting the most out of sim racing games. But totally agree that using the mouse and keyboard within the headset must function. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't but I still haven't figured out why. By it's very nature, when you have the headset on you can't see what you usually see so getting a functional mouse at minimum is a must. USB and Display Port issues and cabling are unavoidable. Nothing else can be used for the most part so every solution uses them. Wireless will eventually be a fast enough option in top end VR headsets but at that point the wireless bandwidth may suffer the same fate as USB /Display Port. Quest 3 helps tremendously but some may have issues with compression (though most don't) and battery life. Hopefully in a few years, headsets like the MeganeX 8K will be affordable.

[@walter.66]

Wow - I don’t have these issues at all in my Crystal OG… it’s sharp side to side…I just need a 5090 to be able to play in the rain at night 😂

[@fingers68]

Not many buy that headset without knowing everything there is to know about VR. You have to be very tech savvy to get the best out of any headset. Once you have gone VR there is no going back to the flat screen. You are inside the car, it doesn't get any better than that.

[@TobiwanKentobiSimracing]

I tried VR once - literally just ONCE - in 20...16ish or 2018 or so? Can't remember. Was the Oculus Rift. And it was somewhat underwelming. Yes, the spaceous awareness was there, no question. But this stuff only works, if the visor is absolutely free of outside light bleeding through. That is manageable of course. But then there's the cables... there is the helmet-nature of that stuff, you literally put on a helmet, wether it's made of straps or hardshell parts, doesn't matter. It's a helmet, it's uncomfortable (to me) and it's simply annoying. Yes, there's VR-sets that can be worn like small welder goggle... but they are quite expensive. And an overall flaw is: the limited FOV with most VR headsets. Some do it quite well - Pimax e.g. - some don't - Oculus e.g. In short: I will wait for the Holodeck.🖖

[@DennisMay]

You are right the setup of VR is a science of his own but YT have enough Videos to do it properly. My Reverb2 is working well inACC, after I installed OpenVR/XR. With OpenKneeboard you can although use ACC Drive inside the VR. Whats the weight of the Crystal light, because I tried the regular Crystal and it was with the akku over 1 kilo, which is for me to much. The biggest VR question at this point what will happen when Microsoft shutdown Windows Mixed Reality in 2026? Btw you first have to start WMR then you can always chose the Steam VR option in any racing game. Mallinowski was driving with a Rift 1 during the SRO events.

[@FlightSims-v4p]

I think someone already mentioned to you that Pimax has the DMAS speaker upgrade on their website for $100. I think they should come with the headset (money grab)? I think the issue of sensory deprivation from the keyboard and mouse is a matter of getting used to VR. I am a flight simmer so I take in point that you are a sim racer and it might be different.

[@SimracingPopometer]

the problem in simracing is that if you need your keyboard, its most likely extremely time sensitive as you only have short straights. in a plane things are a bit more chill i suppose :D

[@denesk2794]

That's because you have a Pimax in your hand. I do have a Crystal Light and just ordered a Beyond Bigscreen VR. The Pimax software experience is a horror. You are in space. And then what now.... no menu, no interface, no explanation. You are on a planet. Are they serious. ... OK... you figure ... illogical, un-explained options, but you figure. You are a programmer and system admin for 30 years... you figure... Then tracking works like crap. You move/remove monitors, remove object, illuminate the room with IR. Place a giant textured box on the table. Still works like crap.... You order a tracking faceplate and 2 lighthouses. Then you don't have controllers because no one told you that the controllers you paid for won't work with the new faceplate. So and other handful or cash gone.... When you are on an ultrawide and Pimax, half your screen has an invisible cursor. The openXR is a menu from the last century and it just crashes, no matter what game and what setting.... So you are in SteamVR. After every iRacing race you are in space again, the desktop is kind of weird and broken and since it's ultrawide, you don't have a cursor on the right side ... Then you order an other headset and hope it will be better.... you are in the "light" ecosystem already $2,000 :O .... Frankly, Quest 3 with the USB connection is a horror for most games, but at least the software experience doesn't feel like I am punishing myself for an unknown reason. But ... true. To get e.g. ACC decent on the Quest 3 is almost impossible with all the compression artifacts caused by the USB (instead of a DP cable)... iRacing is kind of OK based on texture settings. None of that is an issue with a DP cable and Pimax .... Rant over ... Pimax is great. The software is a pile of trash. It goes on my 2nd rim, maybe my kids are more resilient to rage inducing stupid software.

[@martintop2605]

VR its not easy to setup , especially Primax even with 4090 you have to install additional software like open xr to run smooth. But when its running its really the most immersive experience you can get in simracing and gaming in general. Also it helps you with the real driving , i think James Bawldwin say it use it for race prep. and also have friends that doing pro rally that use it for prep.

[@larsmars]

that's a bold statement saying old people arent capable of dealing with github😆

[@SimracingPopometer]

surely not all, but needs a large sample size to have adequate representation of those who can

[@toututu2993]

Played some VR pvp fps and VR is almost completely replace flatscreen fps shooter for me except I do play Apex Legend in flatscreen which is an unique shooter that is hard to clone

[@MarcoFelbab]

Put on the headset first and then the pimax. Works for me with a beyerdynamics headset

[@SimracingPopometer]

mh. yeah perhaps. but why cant there be good speakers to begin with. seems like half a solution (I know there is a purchasable upgrade, but that wasn't sent to me for the test, so idk what i should say)

[@MarcoFelbab]

@SimracingPopometer yeahh totally agree with you. I've had several different VR headsets over the years and the sound has never been to my satisfaction, pro or standard. For me, closed headphones are a must in VR. I always modify or remove my VR headset speakers (removed the speaker on my Pinax Crystal Light). Right now I'm even testing noise-canceling headphones for more immersion since I'm driving a montion rig. I wish for vr headsets without speakers ...

[@KirkwoodImaging]

Still loving my Index in everything but ACC. Dislike how the interface elements are completely invisible on the main display and the optimization for VR is so poor. Hoping for some big changes in AC Evo. Experience in the original Assetto Corsa and iRacing is phenomenal.

[@simonoregan4744]

If you have a powerful enough PC ACC runs fine

[@KirkwoodImaging]

@@simonoregan4744 5800X3D and a 3090... Hopefully a 5090 solves my problems.

[@SimracingPopometer]

"one more lane will fix it" ;)

[@SimracingArnout]

All the issues you describe are a thing, i stream and race VR, you'll get used to the limitations even if your streaming

[@pimon-monono]

VR is simply amazing.

[@PeermaC_GT3]

great video. Colin

[@SimracingPopometer]

Thank you!

[@pamo5900]

dont have to disconect screens, just turn them off

[@SimracingPopometer]

would be good if they put that in their FAQ :D

[@simonoregan4744]

@@SimracingPopometer I have my screens plugged into a multiplug beneath my seat. I simply reach down and flip the switch and my screens are off. I don't have to even move from my seat.

[@martinbailey4076]

You can use voice commands using Voiceattack

[@SimracingPopometer]

i aint talking to my pc :D

[@martinbailey4076]

@@SimracingPopometer 😂

[@matel9985]

Its true. I have a hp reverb which is a whole other beast with wmr and opencomposite and misleading advice online. If i wasnt as patient of a person I probably would have thrown the headset against the wall

[@der60er]

you get used to it. the whole vr thing. i will NEVER drive a sim on flatscreen.

[@RinceWindWizzard42]

No dust? That makes me jealous. It looks very different in my house.

[@SimracingPopometer]

dust?

[@RinceWindWizzard42]

@@SimracingPopometer salt in my wounds. the close-ups of your PC show me my weaknesses

[@SimracingPopometer]

oh :D well, for recording I might have used the steamer and a cloth before ;)

[@M43S7RO]

Lol watching u try to fit the heaphones over vr

[@f3rny_66]

TBF pimax has the worst issues and jank of all headsets (had the 5k for a while and hated it), as others mentioned quest3 is almost plug and play, valve index same thing but is kinda old already. I wish there was a headset out there with the performance and price of quest3 but PCVR only, light, with displayport and no battery (bigscreen beyond seems nice but I don't want a headset that only I can use, I want to be able to share it with the family and friends)

[@pamo5900]

i use crystal with iracing, would send you setting, but u dont play it, so dont need :D

[@bigbangerz5856]

PeeMax? 😂 thanks I got a good laugh out of that though I shouldn’t 😅

[@channelvr1293]

Get yourself a 6DOF rig with full flight and race setup... and then plug in your HMD lol 😂 pure horror 😮

[@channelvr1293]

Lol every time you said Pimax it went ..noo its...Pie (like apple pie) max, not Pee max LOL 😂 . But owning 4 HMD'S i fully agree with the VR dilemma.. it SUCKS

[@SimracingPopometer]

im sure i used both pronounciations at some point though :)

[@andrewvillegas7747]

quest 3 with VD is much better, most of your complaints are due to the pimax/ wired platform really shouldn't generalize VR because pimax is crap and dated

[@hdvrNG]

Would never go back to a flat screen to race! Using a modded Vive Pro with pancake lenses and custom firmware. Vive is SteamVR native so easy set up and use. Pimax isn't great from what I hear from friends, both customer service and quality. Your issues with streaming and using so many screens are such a niche issue!!!! Think you're title is incorrect and your analysis is very much a 'you' problem, not being an a hole, many people using VR for sims and your complaints are not an issue for most.

[@SimracingPopometer]

"Using a modded Vive Pro with pancake lenses and custom firmware." You are in the middle of my Venn Diagram :)

[@cuypers1984]

This is so funny. Boomer goes VR! I know the pain tho :D

[@martinbailey4076]

Yo

[@HomieFFM]

Ok it's not so practical for you.............. before you throw it into the trash, I would like to have it! Please?? 😆😂😉

[@SimracingPopometer]

was only sent for the review, it's not mine.

[@HomieFFM]

@@SimracingPopometer aah ok, damn :D

[@gomezthechimp1116]

I must be the only sim racer who doesn't like vr at all. My favourite sim, Raceroom doesn't work at all, ACC made me motion sick and in AMS2 and AC, I found the driver 'body' got in the way, so I had to sort of crouch forwards to get rid of it. Even if it had worked perfectly, I found it really uncomfortable after 30 minutes and had to take it off.

[@SimracingPopometer]

I don't think that's the case

[@abeidiot]

you had to crouch? Always keep the recenter button on your steering wheel and use it after starting the sim. All sims have the button

[@mrspangles932]

You can adjust your position in the car using the game settings, as well as recentre your position...

[@der60er]

shiftall megane x 8k superlight. finally formfactor