HOME OF VIRTUAL REALITY
Over time, I've had my fair share of issues with the official elite strap for the Meta Quest 2, as have many others. This prompted me to explore third-party accessories, an area where BOBOVR shines. Recently, I've been putting their M2 Pro Strap to the test. How did it perform?
Inside the box, you'll find the M2 Pro strap, an additional strip of fabric for added support on the top of your head (in case you prefer it over halo head straps), and a battery that attaches to the back of the head strap for extended gaming sessions. They also include an extra USB-C to USB-C cable for charging the battery pack.
Attaching the M2 Pro strap to the Meta Quest 2 is straightforward. Simply remove the faceplate and the current strap, then slide the grips on the M2 Pro strap halfway down the Quest 2's arms. Hook the fabric on the front of the head strap through the loop in the middle of the HMD, leaving about a 2cm gap. Place the faceplate back on, and you're ready to go.
If you opt for additional support for the top of your head, you should do this before attaching the faceplate. First, remove the current piece of fabric by taking off the pad from the front of the strap. Replace it with the front of the extra strip of fabric you received and put the pad back on. Complete the process by hooking it to the HMD. Afterward, you can remove the pad at the back of the strap and attach the other end of the strip there.
The primary advantage of the M2 Pro strap is the enhanced comfort it offers. Made from durable ABS plastic, it provides a sturdy and comfortable fit. Even if you prefer not to use the halo strap, which is my case, it has additional arms and padding to alleviate pressure on your forehead.
Achieving the perfect comfort level may take some adjustments initially, but once you get it right for your head, it's the most comfortable head strap for the Quest 2. The added benefit of the battery pack not only extends your playtime but also serves as a counterweight, further enhancing comfort.
To thoroughly assess the M2 Pro strap, I tested it with various types of games, including shooters, active games, and seated experiences. This allowed me to evaluate comfort during both stationary and active gaming and test the battery attachment's stability.
Regarding the battery, my initial concern about it detaching due to magnets while moving quickly was quickly dispelled. The magnets are strong enough to keep it securely attached during even the most intense movements. With the battery attached, you'll get approximately three extra hours of playtime on the Quest 2, extending it to around five hours. However, when casting or recording gameplay, it provided about four hours instead of five.
Comfort is the M2 Pro strap's standout feature. It offers excellent support and weight distribution, ensuring comfort during various types of movement in your play space. It particularly shines during active games, maintaining a secure and comfortable fit throughout.
Following my experience with the official Elite strap breaking, the M2 Pro Strap from BOBOVR has been a remarkable replacement. It excels in comfort, support, and battery life. If you're in need of a new head strap, I highly recommend this one.
The M2 Pro is an upgraded version of BOBOVR's original Halo strap, featuring a removable and swappable rear battery solution. The battery pack weighs just 141 grams and has a capacity of 5200mAh, providing around three extra hours of playtime on the Meta Quest 2. You can purchase additional battery packs separately to further extend your playtime.
The battery charges rapidly at 15W, and in practice, it charged from 4% to 19% in about 20 minutes during gameplay. On standby, it reached 42% in 1 hour, 82% in 2 hours, and fully charged in just under 3 hours. The four LEDs on the battery indicated that it had some charge left even after full charging.
The battery attaches securely to the back of the head strap via magnets and serves as a counterweight, enhancing comfort. Its weight is negligible, and removing it reduces the strap's weight to 245 grams, just slightly heavier than the original M2 strap from BOBOVR.
The included braided USB-C cable is generously long but could be slightly shorter to reduce slack around the left ear. Routing the cable through a hidden side hook behind the left-side headband arm is recommended, although better cable management options would be appreciated for a neater appearance.
BOBOVR has upgraded the top headband pads, making them thicker and wider for better weight distribution at the top of your head. The front and rear pads have also been improved with different foam and surface materials, enhancing comfort.
The M2 Pro strap offers superior comfort due to its sturdy build and additional support features. It's a substantial upgrade over the standard strap that comes with the Quest 2, particularly for users who find halo straps more comfortable.
While the M2 Pro excels in comfort, the rear pad design may not work perfectly for everyone, especially during active gaming sessions. Some users may experience the strap riding up the back of their head. Additional padding or modifications may be necessary to achieve a perfect fit.
In summary, the BOBOVR M2 Pro strap combines enhanced comfort, extended playtime, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for Quest 2 owners looking to upgrade their head strap.
Get more from VrOne.co.uk: Join us for the latest headsets, games, news and reviews
Enhance your gaming experience and find the right accessory for your experiences.
VrOne.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.it, Amazon.de and other Amazon stores worldwide.
Other accessories to consider
ACCESSORY INDEXProtective face cover
If you love your Quest, you may want to protect it with a protective silicone cover from Eyglo. VR headsets aren't as robust as you’d think, yes, you may have dropped it a few times and it still works, so why bother I hear you say. Well, it’s only a matter of time before the last drop is enough and your headset stops working altogether! However, there is a simple affordable solution.
Disposable VR Face Covers
Hygiene is more important than ever now, especially with the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. If you’re going to share a headset with someone it’s a good idea to protect yourself and others from picking up germs from the sweat secreted by others. The cheapest and probably most sensible way to do this is by using disposable face covers.
VR Headset Stand - Universal
If you have the space and like to keep everything neat, tidy and in the right place, a VR headstand is a good idea. The AMVR VR headset stand is an excellent choice and compatible with the Oculus Quest, Quest 2 and the Rift S virtual reality headsets.
Controller straps for Oculus
I must say, KIWI makes some fantastic intuitive products for VR. KIWI also sell knuckle straps that are compatible with the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S Touch Controllers. They have a fully adjustable Nylon fixing strap, that is tailor made to fit the controller and wrap securely around your hand. The straps allow you to release your hands from the controllers, but keep them in place, offering greater immersion while in VR. They also provide better protection for your controllers.
Oculus Quest Headphones
Let’s face it, the sound on the Quest or the Quest 2 isn’t overly great, by any means! That’s where the Kiwi Headphones come in. The KIWI Oculus headphones are stereo earbuds that are custom-made, in-ear earphones for Oculus Quest/Quest 2 and Rift S VR Headset. These earbuds are the perfect sound accessory for your VR headset. The cable is high strength, very durable and tough.