Technologies
Tighten Up Your VR Game With the Best Head Straps for Quest 2
Spending hours in the virtual world? Make your VR headset more comfortable with one of these head straps.
Virtual reality is fast becoming the next big space in video games. The Meta Quest 2 is the current leader among the best VR headsets that don’t require a PC to run — though the PSVR2 has just released as competition— but it does have issues (not least a price hike). My biggest gripe is the Quest 2’s head strap. It’s aggressively average, which means it can and should be replaced with something more pleasant to use for long periods of time.
The best head straps have plenty of support around the back of your head, as well as firm fittings to the front. In order to test out these Quest 2 head straps, 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’s a list of my favorites.
James Bricknell/CNET
A new version of this headset was recently released with a new ratchet on the back and a more comfortable front shape. The extra comfort now makes this my go-to head strap.
One of the most important parts of a head strap is the padding, as it keeps your head secure while maintaining a good comfort level. This head strap from Yoges took that importance onboard and went all-in on making sure your head is padded everywhere. The strap even has extra pads that offer a counter to the pull from the back as the ratchet is tightened.
For long-term use, the Yoges offers one of the most comfortable experiences I’ve had so far. My only gripe is the center strap. It’s a little too short for my head, so it doesn’t feel as secure across the top.
Kiwi
The Kiwi head strap is a great budget alternative to the Elite strap, with a few nice editions that make it stand out from the competition. My son loves using this for long Beat Saber sessions, so it’s a firm favorite in our house.
Often when you’re wearing glasses with VR, the headset can often be uncomfortable to remove. I’ve banged my glasses and knocked them off a few times. The Kiwi head strap can tilt at an extreme angle, allowing you to put the headset on without knocking it into your face. It’s a far more comfortable experience than the Elite strap.
Yoges
I am constantly impressed with the comfort of the Yoges straps. The padding all around makes it incredibly secure and the added weight of the battery helps to balance the front screen. The battery is only 5,000mAh but that’s enough to fully charge the Quest 2 about one and a half times, so should keep you playing for a good long while.
Amazon
When I was looking to upgrade to an «elite» head strap for my virtual reality experience, I didn’t necessarily want to spend the cash for the official Oculus Elite version. I was looking for an Oculus Quest bundle that combined accessories, and I found this one from Esimen.
It includes a nice carrying case, which is what sold me on this. The strap is as good as others on this list, but the case is a bonus that the others lack.
James Bricknell/CNET
I bought the Elite strap as a bundle with my Oculus Quest 2 at launch, and while some people have suffered from breakages in that first batch, mine has performed admirably. This latest run of the Elite strap has removed the flaw altogether, so if you want to have a fully branded head strap, this is your best choice.
I’ve used my Elite strap for more hours than I count. From playing sweaty and energetic games like Supernatural to sitting in VR for an eight-hour workday, the only time the Elite strap felt uncomfortable was when I tightened it too much. If you can get it dialed in, it’s great.
Colohas via Amazon
One of the best things about a wireless VR headset like the Quest 2 is sharing it with others. Having brought my headset 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 died is a real bummer. I’ve used third-party battery packs that clip to your belt in the past to keep other headsets going, but the Oculus-made battery strap for the Quest 2 is something entirely different.
For starters, the added weight of the battery strap is a good thing — because it’s in the back of the headset, it causes a balancing effect that removes pressure from your nose and forehead. The battery also adds 2 hours of gameplay, and you never have to take it off. If you want to charge the headset, you just charge the battery. The power will flow through to both with no noticeable performance differences. It’s such a joy to use that I genuinely can’t imagine using a Quest 2 without one at this point.
Helpful head strap accessories
Having a better head strap is going to improve your VR experience, but there are also ways to improve your new head strap that will make it even better than that. Here are some of our favorite add-ons.
Anker
I’ve used Anker battery banks for my phones for years now, so it makes sense that I’d favor them for my Oculus, too. You could just put it in your pocket and attach the cable, but it works much better when connected to your head strap in any number of ways. I’ve even used velcro.
The bank isn’t too heavy, but it has enough bulk to help offset the Quest 2 headset and plenty of power to top up your Quest 2.
Amazon
While I think it is a better idea to buy a complete head strap replacement, it can cost more than you might have. After all, the headset wasn’t cheap in the first place. This cool little add-on from Kiwi adds a halo ring to the existing head strap 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.
What should you look for in a head strap?
There are a few essential things to look at when choosing a head strap:
- A good halo that sits comfortably around the back of your head will help keep 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; that padding needs to come from the head strap, not you.
- A ratchet to tighten up the Quest 2 is helpful as well. You don’t always want the head strap to be as tight as possible, but you need it to stay at the right tightness despite your jumping around.
- Lastly, it would be best if you had a strap that can twist but not break. You’ll be putting the head strap through the wringer, so the side pieces need to hold up to that.
Does the Quest 2 Elite strap still break?
While there are still isolated reports of breakages, the issue that plagued the Elite straps seems to have abated. Most of the issues we see now are from misuse as opposed to regular wear and tear. Our last bullet point on what you should look for exists because of this issue, so make sure whatever strap you choose has good reviews and doesn’t break regularly.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sunday, Aug. 10
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 10
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Woo, my last name is in today’s Mini Crossword! «Cooper» is part of the clue for 3-Down. Did I get that answer? Nope! I had to let the other clues fill it in. But that said, today’s puzzle isn’t too tough, even if your last name isn’t featured. Need answers? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Try to tag
Answer: CHASE
6A clue: Fictional sports icon with a statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Answer: ROCKY
7A clue: Loosen, as laces
Answer: UNTIE
8A clue: Trigger for a werewolf’s transformation
Answer: MOON
9A clue: «It’s freezing!»
Answer: BRR
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Table tidbit
Answer: CRUMB
2D clue: Pay homage to
Answer: HONOR
3D clue: Driver, Cooper or Butler
Answer: ACTOR
4D clue: Poisonous part of a poison dart frog
Answer: SKIN
5D clue: Needle opening
Answer: EYE
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Aug. 10, #321
Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Aug. 10, No. 321
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition counts on you knowing a little bit about European soccer venues, so that could help or hurt some puzzle-solvers. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Strength
Green group hint: Start cooking those dogs!
Blue group hint: Anfield is another one.
Purple group hint: They miss their teams.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Fortitude.
Green group: Tailgating needs.
Blue group: Famous soccer venues.
Purple group: Former NFL cities.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is fortitude. The four answers are grit, guts, mettle and moxie.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is tailgating needs. The four answers are chairs, cooler, grill and tent.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is famous soccer venues. The four answers are Camp Nou, Old Trafford, San Siro and Stamford Bridge.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is former NFL cities. The four answers are Canton, Oakland, San Diego and St. Louis.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 10, #791
Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle No. 791, for Sunday, Aug. 10.
Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle features a fun blue category, especially for bookworms like me. That purple category, though — no one does those random «look for a word inside of a word» categories like the Times. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.
The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.
Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time
Hints for today’s Connections groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group, to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: To have an effect on something.
Green group hint: Gather together.
Blue group hint: Not nonfiction.
Purple group hint: Look at a high-school or college schedule for hints.
Answers for today’s Connections groups
Yellow group: Influence.
Green group: Amass.
Blue group: Kinds of fiction.
Purple group: Starting with math and science classes, for short.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is influence. The four answers are juice, pull, sway and weight.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is amass. The four answers are cluster, collect, concentrate and group.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is kinds of fiction. The four answers are fan, historical, pulp and science.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is starting with math and science classes, for short. The four answers are biopic, calcium, chemise and triglyceride. (Biology, calculus, chemistry and trigonometry.)
-
Technologies3 года agoTech Companies Need to Be Held Accountable for Security, Experts Say
-
Technologies2 года agoBest Handheld Game Console in 2023
-
Technologies4 года agoVerum, Wickr and Threema: next generation secured messengers
-
Technologies4 года agoGoogle to require vaccinations as Silicon Valley rethinks return-to-office policies
-
Technologies4 года agoBlack Friday 2021: The best deals on TVs, headphones, kitchenware, and more
-
Technologies4 года agoOlivia Harlan Dekker for Verum Messenger
-
Technologies4 года agoiPhone 13 event: How to watch Apple’s big announcement tomorrow
-
Technologies4 года agoMade in the USA: Baseball bats, sticky notes, kitchen mixers and more