RIG R5 Spear Pro Headset Review

RIG R5 Spear Pro headset review

Gamers have more options than ever when it comes to headsets. It can be overwhelming. There are plenty to choose from. Spear RIG R5 ProOfficially licensed for PlayStation 5 and 4, it offers a reliable and simple entry point for anyone looking for a reliable gaming headset without breaking the bank. While it may not come with all the premium features, and I definitely had some issues with it, it delivers in the areas that matter most: sound quality and value.

Out of the box the headset looks stylish. The included PlayStation logo ear pads give the device an official PS5/PS4 vibe that adds to its appeal. The overall design is clean and visually appealing. It's simple, the minimalist aesthetic works well, and the lack of RGB lighting doesn't detract from the look. In fact, it helps keep the design focused.

However, comfort is average at best. Of course I appreciate how lightweight it is. During long sessions, I never felt much fatigue in my ears or head thanks to the lightweight design. However, while the headset includes memory foam ear pads, it's not all that comfortable to wear over glasses—at least not for me. The clamping force and shallow earcups put pressure on the frames, making long sessions a little uncomfortable. Not to mention, it's difficult to put the glasses on and off while the headset is in place. Besides, these cans will probably fry my ears. After about 30-45 minutes my ears were cooking! However, I understand that this may be a “me” thing, and people with thinner body types than me may not have this problem. My oven is always hot!

On the other hand, the sound quality is decent. With 40mm graphene-coated drivers and an extended frequency response of 20Hz-40kHz, the sound is very robust. Sure, it lacks punch in the bass department, but that makes sense. It's clearly designed for competitive gaming, with a boosted mid-range to highlight strides and reloads. So naturally it won't be bass heavy. Tempest 3D Audio support is present, but the directionality and immersion are generally quite average. Given these characteristics, it is ideal for first-person shooters. I could clearly hear footsteps and bullet whistles, which is a plus when it comes to sound quality. The sound quality is excellent for the price, but make no mistake, there are plenty of better-sounding headsets available on the market.

The microphone is just as durable. It delivers reasonably clear chat audio thanks to its 6mm boom with mute capabilities, but the “broadcast-grade” label seems a bit of an exaggeration. It works and I haven't had any problems with it, but I've never experienced studio-quality voice capture. This is a microphone and it worked as intended.

One of the biggest drawbacks is ease of use. The R5 Spear Pro connects to the controller via a 3.5mm jack and lacks the typical built-in controls. There is no volume wheel, no mute button, no chat/game balance. There is a volume slider on the cord that works fine, but nothing on the headset itself. All settings must be done using the console software, which quickly becomes tedious. There's also no companion app or equalizer settings, so you'll have to use the factory settings. This is to be expected at a budget price, but even cheaper headsets offer a little more in this regard.

That being said, I appreciate that the simple setup makes it easy to plug and play. For gamers who don't want to fiddle with apps or software settings, this simplicity is more of a strength than a weakness.

As for Mod-Plates (replaceable side panels), they are purely cosmetic and provide no real benefit. However, they fit well into place. It's a gimmick that looks like an addition to a small list of features. Perhaps the younger generation of gamers will like the replaceable plates, and of course it will make the headset a little cooler, but I personally don't look for that in a headset.

Priced at $69.99, the R5 Spear Pro delivers great performance without breaking the bank. It may not have all the premium features, but it offers reliable sound, light weight, and a durable build that's ready for hours of gaming. For those looking for a simple, plug-and-play headset, the R5 Spear Pro is the perfect choice for price and performance, proving you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a great gaming experience.

***Headset was provided by COG for the purpose of this review***

good

  • Lightweight design
  • License for PS5/PS4.
  • The sound is decent
  • Accessible

76

Bad

  • Wired connection to controller – no wireless option
  • A little uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.
  • Some basic physical controls are missing
  • There is no equalizer setting or companion app.
  • Mod-Plates are cosmetic fluff.

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