Is TrackIR Better Than VR For Sim Racing? - TrackIR 5 Review

We take a look at all the pro's and con's of the TrackIR 5, and compare it to VR.

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#TrackIR5 #SimRacing #VR

[PandesalDrift]

IR is a good compliment to single monitor users

[robertbrown]

The point about VR isn't that you can just look around, it's that the image is 3D as in real life - each eye sees a different perspective. This is why, once they've experienced "being in the car" (VR), so many people actually refuse to drive with monitors again.

[currololo]

I have been a TrackIR user for many years. Once I got my Oculus Rift almost three years ago, I gave it as a gift to a friend of mine and I have never regretted.

[philippemoinet]

I use the trackir on automobilista 2 in helmet view with a simple screen. It really gives a lot of immersion and feeling, I love it;)

[GregzVR]

I was very intrigued by Track IR 10+ years ago, mainly for use in flight sims, than driving, but I never got around to trying it.

[simracer]

I just got head tracking with triple 27 inch monitors and I love it. Gives me the chance to move the camera around, spot apexes, look when opponents are alongside, use the rear camera in rf2 etc. Some people seem to hate it, but it's only been a positive for me. I got the £60 Delanclip kit and can very much recommend it - and head tracking in general.

[triplegazzy]

Thanks, a very useful video. I am currently seriously considering buying a trackIR 5 since my system probably couldn't handle VR ( with current gen sims ) and neither could my stomach. The main reason being that I like to use the correct field of view in racing sims but that means that I can only see the windscreen and nothing either side of me. I have wheel buttons mapped to look left and right but it isn't really ideal. It would be much nicer if I could just look left or right as required to see where the other drivers are. Based on your review I think trackIR could be the solution I have been looking for. You've had yours for a long time and generally they seem to be very reliable so it is not a massive investment to potentially change my sim racing experience massively. Thank you. This video was exactly the sort of consumer advice ( with sim racing emphasis ) I was looking for.

[SternLX]

Love my TrackIR5 for American Truck Simulator and ETS2. Made a world of difference. It's funny really, I bought it for Racing sims I rarely play, but it gets a work out in Trucking.

[ElMariachi]

love your vids Yorkie - its funny how some people do prefer track-IR, VR, or triples... or some combination. I'm glad to hear there's a market for all these systems.

I myself am strictly VR only. I tried track-IR and my really did a number on my neck - controlling the camera with my neck stiffened it up so so much, it required very specific control, always conscious of what my neck and head were doing, it tensed up the muscles a lot and my neck was unable to deal with it. VR feels way more natural to me - I forget I'm wearing it and I just look wherever I need to.

[greyham.]

That dive bomb up the inside at the start though... XD

[YTB_JSNFARRELL]

I converted my TrackClip PRO to cordless by wiring up a micro RC heli battery, LiPo if I recall.
The battery sits inside the unit and the charging plug is exposed so it can be charged easily.
Lasts a very long time and is charged via a fast-charger.
Have pics and all of the assembly somewhere... been a long time since I looked at those files.

[franjo]

Have one and I love it. I bought a wireless tracker, the UTC II+ Pro and it's top notch

[edteachr]

Thanks for the review, Yorkie. TrackIR seems ideal for my triple-screen setup. I have an Oculus Rift S, practically brand new, which isn’t used at all any more for my driving sims due to the reasons you indicated in the video. Not being able to see my steering wheel display and buttons is a game killer for me. I don’t get the immersion if my wheel, displays and buttons are in another dimension. Each to his own.

[Ryzza]

I've used TrackIR 4 since 2010 back in the days of Test Drive Unlimited and Race 07. I had no problems using the hat and wireless sensors which gets around the extra cord issue. I don't think Yorkie mentioned that the TrackIR software is typically configured to amplify your real-life head movements before applying them in-game. So you can turn your head a little IRL but be looking 90 degrees to the side in-game. I also have the Oculus Rift CV1 and found that much more immersive, it is amazing the first time you put it on and see how 'large' the opponents' cars are since you feel like you are seated in one yourself. To get used to driving in VR, start off with tracks that have no elevation changes. I don't race as much these days and also have an ultrawide monitor so have been using that with built-in Look to Apex enabled in various games to cover casual needs.

[starvinmarvin]

Vr just isnt quite there yet, though it's still fun. In dcs I use track ir for learning and vr for fun. With Track IR I can have a manual out or watching a tutorial video while flying. Sometimes it's just nice to be able to sit down and play without having to where the headset.

[darkknight]

I went ahead and ordered it York. Thanks again Mate.

[LorenzoClara]

For me that I can't wear a vr headset for a long time (I don't like not being able to see the ambient around and my nice rig + poor graphics) this is the best solution. I tried triple 27 (but the vertical fov was too narrow), tried several vr headsets but they all had obviously the problems that I said before, than a 34 ultrawide but still narrow vertical fov.. now I'm with a 43 inch 4k TV right after the wheel. Not overkill like a 55 inch, you don't feel like a dwarf in che car and more fov than a 34 ultrawide horizontally and vertically

[dans]

i use trackir with triples. works really great. can clearly see side mirrors, and look out side windows.

[frankdiehl]

Excellent sum-up... Great vid! Been using a DIY trackIR for a while now, which brings me to another plus on this contraption. A bloke where I live 3d machines the frame for the IR leds, and I use a ps3 eyetoy cam to pick up the leds.
For mere peanuts(50-70€) you're up and running this. There is no reason not to, there simply is not.

[jazzman]

Great video. I got my Track IR5 a year ago at a high price at end of Pandemec and starting calibrating it with the LED lights. The clip does not stay on my headphones with out taping it. Unfortunately, I have not used it for awhile and now I am a newbie on DCS. I tried the clip with the Led lights but now they don't light up so I put the clip one on my hat. Much better but after about an hour the camera gets real hot. I am about to get back using it starting on DCS so we'll see if the camera lasts.