Best Quest 2 Head Strap
Best Quest 2 Head Strap
Virtual reality is quickly becoming the next big space in video games. THE Meta Quest 2 is the current leader among best VR headsets which do not require a PC to operate — although the PSVR2 has just been released in competition
— but there are problems (notably a price increase). My biggest complaint is the Quest 2’s headband. It’s aggressively average, which means it can and should be replaced with something more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
The best head straps have plenty of support around the back of your head, as well as firm adjustments in the front. In order to test these Quest 2 headbands, I spent a lot of time playing in VR. It’s not easy playing games for a living, but I endured it for you. Here is a list of my favorites.
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A new version of this helmet was recently released with a new rear ratchet and a more comfortable front shape. The added comfort now makes this my favorite headband.
One of the most important parts of a headband is the padding, as it keeps your head secure while maintaining a good level of comfort. This headband from Yoges has taken that importance on board and worked to ensure that your head is padded throughout. The strap even has extra pads that provide counterweight to the pull of the rear when the ratchet is tightened.
For long-term use, the Yoges provides one of the most comfortable experiences I’ve had so far. My only complaint is the center strap. It’s a bit too short for my head, so it doesn’t feel as secure on top.
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Kiwi
The Kiwi Headband is a great budget alternative to the Elite Band, with some nice edits that set it apart from the competition. My son loves using it for long Beat Saber sessions so it’s a favorite in our house.
Often times when wearing glasses with VR, the headset can often be uncomfortable to remove. I bumped into my glasses and knocked them off several times. The Kiwi head strap can tilt at an extreme angle, allowing you to put the helmet on without bumping it into your face. It’s a much more comfortable experience than the Elite strap.
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yoga
I am constantly impressed with the comfort of Yoges straps. The padding all around makes it incredibly secure and the added weight of the battery helps balance the front screen. The battery is only 5,000mAh, but that’s enough to fully charge the Quest 2 about 1.5 times, so you should keep playing for quite a while.
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Amazon
When I was looking to upgrade to an “elite” headband for my VR experience, I didn’t necessarily want to spend the money on the official Oculus Elite version. I was looking for an Oculus Quest bundle that combined accessories, and found this one from Esimen.
It includes a nice carrying case, which convinced me. The bracelet is as good as the others on this list, but the case is a bonus that the others lack.
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I bought the Elite Strap as a bundle with my Oculus Quest 2 at launch, and while some people suffered from breakage during that first batch, mine worked admirably. This latest version of the Elite strap has completely eliminated the flaw, so if you want to have a fully branded head strap, this is your best bet.
I’ve used my Elite strap for more hours than I can count. Whether playing sweaty, high-energy games like Supernatural or sitting in virtual reality during an eight-hour workday, the only time the Elite strap felt uncomfortable was. is when I tightened it too much. If you can get it dialed, that’s great.
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Color via Amazon
One of the best things about a wireless VR headset like the Quest 2 is sharing it with others. Having brought my headphones to a number of parties, I can say that hearing a disappointed “aww, OK” when you tell someone they can’t play because the battery is dead is a real bummer. I’ve used third-party batteries that clip to your belt in the past to power other headsets, but the battery strap made by Oculus for the Quest 2 is something completely different.
For starters, the extra weight of the battery strap is a good thing – because it’s on the back of the helmet, it causes a balancing effect that takes pressure off your nose and forehead. The battery also adds 2 hours of playtime, and you’ll never have to take it out. If you want to charge the headset, you just need to charge the battery. Power will flow through both with no noticeable performance differences. It’s such a joy to use that I really can’t imagine using a Quest 2 without one at this point.
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Useful headband accessories
Having a better headband will improve your VR experience, but there are also ways to improve your new headband that will make it even better than that. Here are some of our favorite add-ons.
Anker
I’ve been using Anker battery banks for my phones for years now, so it only makes sense that I would favor them for my Oculus as well. You could just put it in your pocket and attach the cable, but it works much better when connected to your headband in more than one way. I even used velcro.
The bank isn’t too heavy, but it has enough volume to help offset the Quest 2 headset and plenty of power to charge your Quest 2.
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Amazon
Although I think it’s a better idea to buy a full headband replacement, it may cost more than you might get. After all, the helmet wasn’t cheap in the first place. This cool little accessory from Kiwi adds a halo ring to the existing headband to increase your comfort.
Adding a halo to the back of your head distributes the weight more evenly and makes it much more comfortable over long periods of time.
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What should you look for in a headband?
There are a few essential things to consider when choosing a headband:
- A good halo that sits comfortably on the back of your head will help take some of the weight away from your neck, making the Quest 2 feel lighter than it is.
- Padding is essential. Your skull has minimal padding; this padding should come from the head strap, not you.
- A ratchet to tighten the Quest 2 is also helpful. You don’t always want the headband to be as tight as possible, but you need it to stay tight despite your jumps.
- Finally, it would be best if you had a strap that could twist but not break. You’ll thread the head strap through the wringer, so the side pieces should hold up.
Does the Quest 2 Elite bracelet always break?
While there are still isolated reports of breakages, the problem that has plagued the Elite straps appears to have subsided. Most of the problems we see now are due to misuse as opposed to normal wear and tear. Our final point on what you should look for exists because of this issue, so make sure the strap you choose has good reviews and doesn’t break regularly.
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