VR vs TRIPLES in Sim Racing - How to DECIDE? - Feat. Pimax Crystal

VR and Triple Screen Sim Racers are a smaller group than we sometimes think in our bubble. So maybe many of you will decide for one or the other in the future! We can tell you about our experiences, pros and cons, thanks to Pimax providing us with a state of the art VR headset for a limited test period - the Pimax Crystal!

00:00 Intro
00:55 Pimax Crystal & Triples Specs
03:30 Setup & Effort
06:18 Feel, Immersion, Performance, FOV
10:00 Comfort, Ergonomics, Decision Making
11:42 Conclusion

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The Sweet Spot for VR Sim Racing? - Pimax Crystal Light Review

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[doonavin]

Didn't see your poll, but I've gone VR and can't go back. My brain tells me it's just a game on a monitor. My stomach actually sinks on the Nordschleife in VR.

[b.s.]

Some facts for VR newcomers: while wearing a VR headset, you see the game world in real 3D and all objects in 1:1 scale. It just feels like you are IN the game. You DON'T have the feeling to have displays very close to your eyes, like some people might think.

[TheGeekZone]

I’m using a Quest3 in iRacing. And sometimes I forget it’s just a game. It feels so immersive. The feeling of driving wheel to wheel is full 3D is just something else.

[seanberry]

I've been using VR since the Oculus DK2 released. Before I got it, everyone was telling me that I'd need to be constantly troubleshooting and messing around with settings, etc. but the reality was; I plugged it in, configured it, and it worked. Apart from the odd restart when weirdness happened, it has been a painless experience.

[ErnieGaming]

I do simracing exclusively in VR since about 2017 and i can't go back.😎
And yes, you have to deal with some shortcomings in comparison to monitors. It can be slightly more uncomfortable wearing a VR headset for hours (or in other words ... it can get sweaty).😓 This also depends on the headset. My Bigscreen Beyond is much more comfortable than a very heavy Pimax Crystal.
And yes, you have to handle all your dials and buttons on your steering wheel or button boxes blindly. You have to get used to this, but it's not impossible.
And even if your FOV is way smaller than on a triple monitor setup, looking around in VR feels pretty natural and isn't a dealbreaker.
All the shortcomings aside, racing in VR rewards you with the best immersion you can get. The virtual world feels 1:1. And because all is in 3D you get a better sense for distances, elevation, braking points etc.

[GameKingFaiz]

Don't have room for triples, so VR is perfect for me!

[Jonny._.]

Long runs in VR gets straining to me even its the most immersive.I use triples more than my VR headsets. I love both.

[nickward]

I started on a single monitor on GT5 and ran that for about 7 years before getting a Oculus Rift and loved it instantly. Things have come a long way and about a year ago I went to an HP Reverb G2 and have loved it. No more screen door. No way I could go back. I tried to recently and had to get the headset out. Awesome way to go

[dimitrisingels]

I started with triples, and later went VR with the Quest 2. Definitely a step up in immersion, but also not too comfortable and unsharp. I left it for two years, and actually tried to sell it. A month ago I picked it up again and tweaked the hell out of it. I have a 2080 super, so no powerhouse. But I got it working to a degree that it now is too good to not use it anymore. But still, for me it is triples AND VR. They work both in it's own context...

[khawajadotd]

I'm training for real racing, so VR is the clear winner. I didn't have the configuration issues you mentioned. Took me 30 minutes to install the app, update game settings, and get into my first race.

[mrDJKdnb]

I find it is quicker to get in the 'zone 'in VR but I can play more comfortably for a longer time with screens.

[simonoregan]

Just got the quest 3 for sim racing. Already had my triple screen stand, but Im emigrating soon so avoiding getting more gear at the moment. I will no longer be going triples. Just uninstalled all of my non VR games. Nothing compares to being in the actual car. Pimax headsets look too uncomfortable. Raced 20 hours this weekend with the Q3. Took me 3 weeks to get everything dialed in and set up ti where I want it. But hardly any discomfort using the quest 3 for that length of time. Did buy a aftermarket head strap. Love the pancake lenses on the Quest 3. Threw up from motion sickness on my 3rd day. It took.2 weeks and now I no longer suffer from motion sickness. i may get the Big Screen VR headset. Comfort is everything especially because of the length of time I spend in my rig

[supermayneracing]

I had a quest 2 and did not enjoy VR racing games, it gave me a headache cause it wasn’t clear and felt like I was straining my eyes. However after a mate got a quest 3 and a few discussions decided to get the quest 3.
It absolutely blew my mind.
I all of a sudden felt like I was in a race.
Racing on a screen feels like you are playing a game.

But I do agree with what you said once you go into the VR world everything or everyone disappears and I don’t really like that feeling.

[mgrization]

I raced a quadruple stint at Bathurst 12 hours in VR! It was not as though as I thought, I just need a cup holder to have fluids close by. I have very limited space, so triples is not an option.

Hardware is really important, going below 80 fps is not good for the head.

The new rain system in iracing is freaking awesome!

[jased]

I've always used a valve index for racing and have had triple 27s and triple 32s .. not until I changed to triple 55s that I think it's as good if not better than VR due to how wide FOV can be where the back edges are already behhind my head. When I put my VR back on, the fov still feels like I'm wearing a helmet. Also had a bigscreen beyond for a few weeks and returned them as they're definitely wasn't as good as triple 55s.

[PilotGigi]

I’m an airplane pilot and I love racing as well!!
What I find is that in vr you really feel into the game, and your perspective is like the real thing.
But for long sessions I use my single screen.
I guess it’s a matter of size and weight of the headset.
They should all go the way of big screen with a tiny headset!!!

[rbzpov]

i just got in to sim racing a few months ago, while pricing out everything i wanted and all different options to be able to build my dream set up over time i decided to go with vr for now, monitors can be pricey and i just went with a quest 2 (cheap and simple option) and i know people complain about the graphics, sure it doesn't look perfect, but to me the immersion with not perfect graphics and a cheaper option than 3 monitors or a nice ultrawide is a great way for me to start while i build the pieces of a full sim around me. might have to put the crystal in my list to look in to down the road when i upgrade

[DesyDesotell]

I had been bouncing back and forth from triples, to VR, to even ultrawide monitors. As I've gotten older and have less free time to do sim racing, I've decided that I just want to have fun with it. And the way VR sucks me into the race can not be beat by any screen. It is a pain not having sight of my keyboard and stream deck (as a button box), but it's worth the trade-off. Plus, since I have less time, I usually just do fixed racing on iRacing or single player in other sims for the vibes.

EDIT: Get the Quest 3 over the 2! It's a night and day difference. Convinced one of my friends to upgrade too (they also were going back and forth) and the 3 made them switch to VR.

[DaevaB]

I just wanna brag, i'm just happy :)

For me it's VR! For the first time in my life i'm finally happy with my setup. Got a quest 3, racing in automobilista 2... Combine that with crew chief and it almost feels real!! I even talk to the app and it gives me info. It's very immersive, i love it!

Before i was always messing around, trying to get it smooth and looking good at the same time, but ACC for example.. You need a beefy computer for that. Anyway driving in VR, when it works and it works smooth, it's just awesome! I use no extra assists, just me and the car and my spotter :) I can't go back, i never was able to drive on a flatscreen.

[aj]

I have a very comfy gaming chair and sometimes I fall asleep or take a nap in the game chair. Falling asleep with a VR headset on and waking up is a surreal experience.