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The Elite Strap is basically Oculus’ do-over for the original fabric strap borne by the Oculus Quest 2. The standalone VR headset offers quite an amazing VR experience, which shouldn’t be a surprise given previous models the brand had launched. But players started to complain about the headset’s attached sock strap, saying it was uncomfortable and did not comprise of a durable strap either.
So, in comes a bevy of headset straps for the Quest 2, all ready to solve users’ uneasiness with the original weak strap. One among them is the Elite strap which is offered by Oculus itself, compatible with the Quest 2 headset and aiming to give a better fit and an even better build.
Let’s see how it fares below. The version I review is the one with included batteries.
Design and Hardware
The design for the Elite Strap seems quite premium and visually, goes well with the Quest 2. Definitely an improvement over the original fabric strap, the Elite is made up of mostly plastic. It appears to be decently stable, compared to some wobbly plastic straps available on the market.
Would say it is quite supportive, given its ergonomics to use the back of the head to support the headset’s weight. The oval brace at the back also has a lock system in place to provide a better fit for the users. The lock also helps in the adjustability of the strap to adapt to different head sizes. The flexibility of the brace allows for longer durations of playtime.
There is also a singular strap at the top, which aims to increase comfort by keeping the headset supported in place, thus preventing it from distending forward. The product weighs about 6.2 ounces and its dimensions are about 0.63 x 25.2 x 7.6 inches.
It comes with 1 Lithium-ion battery and the entire unit is sold separately from the headset. In case, you were wondering they now sell the headset along with this evolved strap.
The included battery is housed at the back of the strap, and the weight difference compared to the original is minimal. Well, not enough to cause any significant discomfort while playing but it may be noticeable if used for longer hours.
And before I forget, you can also get the carrying case sold separately for this setup which is spacious enough to fit the headset, its controllers and it’s strap.
Overall, Oculus definitely made some progress with the strap’s build. Its comfortable and gives a snug fit. With the help of the lock at the back, you can play around in order to adjust the tightness of the strap for the perfect fit.
It is absolutely more sturdy than it’s fabric predecessor, but the plastic may invite a few questions in terms of how long it may last.
Set Up
The setup process is quite effortless. All you need to do is remove the Quest 2’s original strap and attach the Elite to the small legs affixed at the sides of the visor.
This will fasten your new strap to the headset firmly and you couldn’t even say its not part of the original manufacturing! In case you also want to charge the headset with the included batteries, then you can opt to do so by using the USB cable latched at the back of the strap and plug it to the Quest’s visor.
Battery
The Elite’s included batteries crams power worth of 4,676mAh and is a worthy addition to the Quest 2’s in-built batteries. It amplifies the usage duration of the headset by an additional 2 hours, which is an extra benefit for those who prefer 3D gaming for extended hours.
The uninterrupted power supply also caters to the needs of viewers who prefer watching 3D movies normally and those who choose to socialize in a virtual setting with their online avatars. A blessing for those who just can’t get enough of immersive experiences.
Although if you compare it with the GOMRVR head strap, which requires a power bank to charge the headset, then you will be able to get even longer hours of power supply given it’s capacity is significantly larger than that of the included batteries. You can check out our review for that too, in case you have been weighing several options for a compatible VR strap.
Performance
As far as performance goes, reviews say the Elite strap fulfils it’s purpose of providing a stable counterpart for the Oculus Quest 2 headset. With an added benefit of comfort and durability. But reviews also suggest that this strap may not be the best out there.
It provides a decent level of ease for sure, an upgrade from the original. But the overall fit and it’s role in pain alleviation was not the greatest. Some users complained of an inconsistent fit while a few others struggled with the adjustability.
It’s ergonomics were not able to adequately distribute weight around the face, which has led to the headset being the reason for people’s aching faces. A VR Facepad like this one, may temporarily help with the chafing and throbbing cheekbones but not everyone will prefer to spend extra bucks on solely comfort.
Overall, it’s performance seemed satisfactory but the aforementioned points seem to rob it of the status of being the most optimal VR strap available.
Compatibility
The Elite strap is compatible with the Oculus Quest 2. The said headset can be used to play any compatible VR game in both Google and Apple App stores; as well as to watch 360° videos.
Accessories
People may also opt for the carrying case available specifically for the Oculus Quest 2 along with it’s hand controllers and your choice of head strap. The case is quite bizarre in terms of it’s shape.
May seem to be quite bulky for some but is large and generous in space. Holds the entire headset setup quite comfortably which is all you need to know. The top of the case is covered with an ash-grey wooly substance. The design is admittedly funky but holds substantial room for your VR gadgets and accessories.
Verdict
In my honest opinion, the Elite strap may be Meta’s substitute for its flawed original Quest 2 strap but frankly users can do much better than this. Performance-wise, it is tolerable, but Oculus could have improved upon its comfort aspect a bit more.
Extra padding and cushioning around the brace with a more effective weight distribution would have hit the sweet spot for most users. Maybe in future upgrades we can expect a revamped strap, but I would look at other available options in the market before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the Elite strap compatible with the Oculus Quest 1?
No, the Elite strap is affixed using the original design of the Quest 2. So it cannot be used for Quest 1.
Q. Is there a version of the Elite strap without the battery pack attached?
Yes, there is a version without the latched battery pack, but the one reviewed here talks about the strap with included batteries.
Q. How do I remove the Elite strap from my headset?
Simply snap off the Elite strap from the headset’s arms at the side and you are good.
Q. Can the product be replaced if it breaks?
Yes. Oculus may send a replacement based on its retail policies.
