Review：https://www.reddit.com/r/Pimax/comments/1r78nwm/early_pda_impressions_spoiler_its_a_keeper/
For background, I used a Reverb G2, Varjo Aero, and XR4, Megane X for a short time, and Pimax Super 50ppd, UW, and mOLED modules.
I tried iRacing and LMU so far.
140% res (~7300/5300) in iRacing thanks to QVFR. 140% in LMU thanks to cropping because LMU doesn’t have QVFR, despite being a Pimax partner (a little uncalled for stray bullet, but I couldn’t resist )
Briefly tried ams2 at 130%. I’ll try Msfs, AC, and DCS later.
Essentially, it has excellent, very clean Pimax Super Micro OLED visuals, a little glare, and excellent comfort and form factor. I never noticed the brown areas in the edges that people mention, neither in the PDA nor in the micro OLED module. The glare is very visible during loading screens, but easy to ignore in-game. I only notice glare in the lower-right and lower-left corners. When the scenario is bright, it’s a bit more visible. Iracing is super sharp and yet, almost no aliasing.
Brightness is lower than that of QLED, but acceptable to me. Like the mOLED, the image is super clean, with noticeably less aliasing.
The FOV is about the same as the micro OLED module, except the headset is so light that I can turn my head completely effortlessly.
I’ll share my results, but I get about 110 HFOV (though it goes to 115 in the corners), but that’s by squeezing the face mask. I raced without squeezing and probably lost 5 degrees, though it didn’t feel restrictive. I’m looking forward to trying the 120-degree HFOV lab mode.
I have the cable anchored from the ceiling, and the split cable works really well. Comfort is just spectacular. Especially compared to the super, which I never really enjoyed because it felt clunky, especially since I was coming from Xr4, which has a similar but better design and ergonomics.
With the PDA, I just place the hmd on my face, tighten the 2 straps, and I’m done. I’m looking forward to the new face mask, but this one fits my face well. Your mileage may vary.
Ventilation is quiet and works well.
Good lighthouse tracking with 2 2.0 base stations, despite having 3 screens 65 cm apart. Though I noticed that the zero position was lost after I placed the headset on the seat for a few minutes. This requires a new motion-compensation process, unlike the Varjo headsets. I’ll submit a ticket, but the super (SLAM) was already behaving the same way.
Speakers are average.
I’ve never used anything but over-the-ear Sony noise-cancelling headsets; built-in speakers will always feel underwhelming. They fit perfectly over the PDA.
The build quality feels more premium than the Super’s, which didn’t impress me. Again, coming from the Xr4, which has great built quality. From what I remember, Mégane x felt slightly more premium, but PDA is very nice.
Pimax stated the velcro straps are temporary, but they feel totally fine, even with motion. I don’t think I’ll need any aftermarket add-ons. Though I’m looking forward to the AVP-like final strap, I can see how that could make it even more convenient.
Right now, if I want to type or check something on the computer, I just lift the headset, rest it on my forehead, and place it back when I’m done. That process is much easier than with super, which requires adjusting 2 knobs, finding the sweet spot again, maybe even cleaning the lenses, etc.
With the PDA, it’s much easier, but I still have to adjust the 2 velcro straps a little. Hopefully, the final 3D strap doesn’t require that, given its elastic properties.
Early impression, but that’s probably the best headset I’ve owned. I don’t see myself racing/flying with anything else.
PS : I just wanted to remind everyone that these are my opinions only. It might also be dependent on the games one uses. Please don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t like it as much as I do.
PS 2: I forgot to mention the focal distance of 1.3m which works really well for me. I wear prescription lenses which, in the dream air don’t cut into the FOV, since the lens inserts are built in. And actually, I’m still trying to find out whether I need the lenses or not. The lenses being concave, my eyelashes never touch the lenses and don’t require cleaning.