Pimax Crystal Light. Sad day for plank owner Pimax user.

[Devil 505]

I never wanted to write a review such as this one on a PIMAX headset, but I think it is only fair to the DCS community I provide my perspective if anyone is on the fence about buying a PIMAX Crystal Light or Super. 

To provide a little background, I have been a PIMAX 8K Kickstarter backer from day 1, receiving my headset over 5 years ago now, almost 6.  I have been flying with my 8K ever since while my close friends purchased the 8KX, and then the Crystal prior to Crystal light being released.  I have been flying in VR with DCS and only in VR since I received my PIMAX to exceed hundreds if not thousands of hours (maybe embarrassing to say).  I have flown the 8KX and the first variation of the Crystal when it released.  All fantastic headsets.  My 8K recently stopped working which pushed me over the edge into purchasing a Crystal Light. 

I would like to start by saying the primary reason I went with PIMAX and backed them from the start was the field of view (200 degrees horizontally).  A lot of people like to debate this, but I have yet to actually meet someone who owned an 8K or 8KX for any significant amount of time who would honestly say giving up your peripheral field of view is worth gaining the clarity and sharpness at the expense of being placed in a box.  To put it into perspective, sitting in your car looking straight over the steering wheel and down your hood, you should be able to see the passenger and out both windows to your left and right.  PIMAX pulled this off and did it very well.  It easily surpassed any headset on the market at the time in clarity and FOV.  I was sold.  

The lens in the 8K and 8KX allowed this wide field of view.  It was not made of glass, but a high-quality plastic of some sort.  Still in my 8K, I can sit back and read all instrumentation and MFDs just fine in every module for DCS.  I predominantly fly the Hornet, Kiowa, and Phantom right now along with the Cayuse mod but own every module DCS has made. 

When the 8KX came out, it too had a 200-degree field of view and pretty decent increase in clarity.  I flew this over at my buddy's house to test it and loved it.  I almost jumped in on getting one, but the Crystal was right around the corner, so I decided to hold off. 

I held off for the Crystal which my close friend purchased before I pulled the trigger.  This was the first iteration of glass lens PIMAX had worked with.  The specs on the original Crystal said 120 degrees field of view Horizontally. The clarity was awesome, but this came at two large expenses.  It was battery powered with no ability for a direct power attachment to the PC without a DIY solution and you were losing 80 degrees off your field of view.  The field of view loss made me wait because PIMAX was already teasing the 12K and stating it would be bigger in FOV than the 8K and 8KX. 

That leads us to the sad state we are in now with the PIMAX Crystal Light.  The 12K got put on the back burner because PIMAX is stating the 12K was struggling meeting the FOV requirements utilizing the new glass.  To complicate things, PIMAX is stating the 12K and even possibly the Super light will require a 2.0 display port on your video cards to process more data through the HMD at one time.  No NVIDIA card that I can find even carries a 2.0 DP right now and none on the horizon have been teased.  AMD is the only brand promoting the 2.0 DP.  To top that off, the 5000 series will be the only cards supposedly carrying the 2.0 display ports. Out of pocket for a 12K and possibly the super, you would need to purchase and new card plus the HMD.  Not happening for this guy.  You would easily surpass the $ threshold of a brand-new top tier computer for the cost of a card and a PIMAX.

When my 8K went out (supposedly), I pulled the trigger on the Crystal Light thinking the FOV would be like the original Crystal, only with some amazing clarity brought to the table.  I knew I would need to adjust to the 80-degree loss, but I had no other choice really.  I had my concerns though with the Crystal Light and those concerns soon met me full force.  PIMAX has taken an approach to a one size fits all method to compete wise with the industry and the cost of a headset.  I have always lived by the mindset; you get what you pay for. 

My first concern was the price of the light was significantly lower than the original Crystal which they do not sell anymore.  I first wondered how they could produce a superior headset at such a lower cost but include improved technology.  On paper PIMAX originally advertised the FOV as the same as the Crystal.  In fact, it was another 5-degrees smaller than the Crystal.  It may not sound like a lot, but it is, and I will explain. My second concern was the modularity approach they took to the lens.  You can now remove the lens yourself and replace them with a different set.  I was really concerned with this because I knew any deviation of a lens not seating properly would cause issues visually in the headset.  I was glad to see they had included a corded power source again and deviated from the battery.  I decided to pull the trigger but still had my hesitations.  I wanted to wait on the Super and man, am I glad I did not pull the trigger.

Prior to stating my complaints, note, I have and still continue to fly with my 8K and LOVE it. I wish no ill will on PIMAX and hope they can make some better business decisions moving forward, but I cannot support their future line of products with the quality they are producing now. 

I already had a bit of a bad taste in my mouth with PIMAX customer service prior to the Crystal Light.  My backer package was to include 2 controllers and 2 base stations.  They decided not to make their proprietary sword controllers because they were struggling to get them to work.  PIMAX decided to go with including steam base stations and controllers.  When I finally received my base stations and controllers a year after my headset, they sent an old pair of sword controllers that never went into production and 1.0 steam base stations.  1 base station stopped working 3 months in and the controllers were garbage, never tracking or staying on.  PIMAX support at the time said they would not replace the base stations, stating I needed to go through Steam. Steam gave me the finger and pointed me back to PIMAX.  PIMAX said my original backer was for sword controllers so that's what I got, even though they never made them officially.  I finally trashed the controller ad bought my own 2.0 steam base stations because it was going nowhere.

 I received my Crystal Light in a few weeks and was thoroughly fired up.  With the new US distribution centers and improved customer service, I was a little less concerned this go around.  Upon opening the box and getting everything plugged in and fired up, I was immediately met with the smallest FOV I have seen in a PIMAX.  To put it into perspective, it was only 15 degrees bigger than the original PSVR headset.  I honestly thought there was a setting in the PI tool I had inadvertently adjusted to make it small.  NOPE, that was the default view. 

I fired DCS up and had the same settings as my 8K in both the PI Tool and DCS.  Prior to the Light, I was running everything smooth as butter in max settings.  I have a top end PC with the latest of every piece of hardware. The performance in the light was absolute trash.  Stutters in the main menu, jitters in game, unplayable without going back to the drawing board and starting from scratch with every setting in DCS, NVIDIA, and Steam VR.  

Before I could even become angry with the performance and figure out what was going on, I noticed a terrible vertical distortion that immediately started giving me a headache after 5 minutes of use.  After restarting my computer and attempting to trouble shoot the clear disconnect between the two lenses, I noticed while the headset was sitting in my lap, a clear deviation in height between the two lenses.  The right lens was sitting significantly higher than the left.  I remembered watching a video on changing the lenses with PIMAX and went straight back to YouTube to check it out.  You must remove a set screw in each lens after taking the face cushion off and rotate the lens counterclockwise to remove them.  You then seat the new lens into place and rotate clockwise to lock them in and screw the setscrew back in.  What they had done with mine was not set the right lens into place and just screwed it on while it was not fully seated.  I managed to seat the lens, and it was massively loose, clearly not aligning with the left.  Nothing I could do would correct the hardware issue.  I tried DCS one more time and could not get beyond a cold start in the Hornet before i had to shut it all down because of performance and the lens being off.

I contacted PIMAX and wanted to send the entire HMD back the same day for a repair, on a brand new out the box HMD.  I suddenly found myself going down the BS rabbit hole with support again asking stupid default questions such as have you tried turning it off and on, unplugging it, ect.... All I wanted to do was send it into a repair station because it was a hardware defect, not software.  No dice. Still more questions.  I required a cool down period and had to set all of it down.  During this time, I plugged my 8K back in and holy S***, it fired up.  Not sure how or what happened, but it has been working since. 

At this point I did not even want to use the Crystal Light anymore. It was absolutely Crystal clear, no pun intended. Beautiful from a clarity standpoint of view.  But the construction and all my fears about the lenses and quality of the HMD were coming true.  I tried sitting in the F-4 and it was so bad FOV wise, it felt like you were sitting in a small box.  It was terrible. 0 peripheral view. You had to turn your head everywhere for the smallest interaction in the cockpit.  It felt unnatural.  I finally made the call to send the HMD back and get my money back.  A few days later, I received a text from my virtual DCS wingman with the article listed below.  I was so relieved to see so many others had the same experience I did, and I was not over exaggerating this. 

I could not in good conscience recommend this headset to anyone unless you are willing to roll the dice dealing with massive performance problems, a significantly smaller field of view, and possible hardware setbacks from the time you open the box.  Customer service is not set up to deal with the level of hardware issues coming in on the Crystal Light.  How I play even commented in his video today he has had to put his Crystal Light on the shelf because of the performance issues.  I do not think this is all ED's fault. I feel between PIMAX's decision to make an all-inclusive one size fits all model and a poor-quality assurance team for mass distribution of production units has caused a severe decrease in their quality.  I am also not happy that they are going down significantly in the FOV.  This was their bread and butter. 

My intent with this article was to provide an honest perspective of the Crystal Light and the progression regression of the PIMAX headset.  I feel your best bet if you were to invest money would be to find an 8KX.  They run amazing on DCS and still provide an experience you will not find in any other VR headset on the market today.  I wish PIMAX the best and hope to see them back on the performance train in the future with another wide FOV HMD.  If I can answer any other questions regarding PIMAX for the community, please ask.  I probably have an answer.

 

 

Edited October 15, 2024 by Devil 505

[Dangerzone]

I'm sorry that you've had such a bad experience with the PCL. The right lens in my situation was not seated correctly either, but i was able to get this resolved. A real shame that yours appears to be out of alignment when seated - as you're right - in this instance there's not much you're going to be able to do. The lenses also had distortions on them (replacement lenses corrected this for me). 

Regarding performance - I had bad 'out of the box' performance issues too. Quadview's completely changed my Pimax experience from being awful to incredible. Pimax's own software didn't optimize nearly as good as Quadviews for that, so if your friend hasn't installed and configured Quadviews, I highly recommend that he gives that a shot. 

As someone who came from a narrow FoV headset (HP Reverb), the FoV wasn't a factor for me, although I can only imagine what wide FOW would be like and how much more immersive it must make things. 

My experience with the PCL has left me satisfied with the product - but cautious about the build quality, etc. I was considering upgrading to the Super when it came out - but I'm going to hold off for now as I believe Pimax has had QC issues, and I want to see proof of concept with a release of a product with these resolved first before I consider committing significant extra cash into a VR headset. I really do hope that they nail it though - Pimax are filling a void in a market that's desperately needed to be filled for a while. 

[Devil 505]

3 hours ago, Dangerzone said:

I really do hope that they nail it though - Pimax are filling a void in a market that's desperately needed to be filled for a while. 

I could not agree more. That is why I have been so disappointed.  I am not giving up on them per say, but it will be a while before I go back.  A lot of stories like yours are surfacing with the Light.  I hope they are reading all this and taking notes.  Time will tell.  I was hoping PIMAX would create so competition with US VR distributors, but it has not really taken off like I hoped it would.  Closest thing I am looking at if not another PIMAX down the road is HTC Vive stuff.  Just hoping the 8K stays in the game another few years.  

[Calvin.Pimax]

2 hours ago, Devil 505 said:

I hope they are reading all this and taking notes.

I'm doing this, mate! 

In addition to forwarding all this feedback to the team, I'll also check on the status of your support ticket.

[jaapgrolleman]

Hey OP, the Crystal Light is just a different headset than the 8KX. The FOV is smaller but the clarity so much higher, thanks to the aspheric (rather than fresnel) lenses. Of course you already know this. Right now it's not possible with the current technology to create a headset that is both lightweight, has high-res, high refresh rate, and has ultra-wide FOV and ultra-high resolution. So choices still need to be made.

Many people like the Crystal and Crystal Light for flight sims because the clarity allows you to read buttons and dials very clearly, and the lack of screendoor effect adds to the immersion. Of course it's all a balance and choice. 

Calvin already mentioned he'll check the status of your support ticket. The lens issue is definitely not as intended and odd as we have way stricter quality checks than before. I hope we can still keep you as a Pimax-fan, maybe if not for the Crystal Light, then for future headsets (who will have wider FOV and high clarity as technology progresses). Thank you for your write-out and support, going back to the original Kickstarter.

[Devil 505]

4 hours ago, jaapgrolleman said:

hope we can still keep you as a Pimax-fan, maybe if not for the Crystal Light, then for future headsets

 

4 hours ago, Calvin.Pimax said:

'm doing this, mate! 

Much appreciated to both of you for these comments! You have not lost me completely and these two responses have made me feel better about PIMAX.  No other VR headset out there as you stated is any better in the FOV department.  I would be inclined to give PIMAX another shot and even the light, if the QA improves.  I was really hoping my HMD was a one off, but there are so many posts and comments out there like my experience, it really forced me to think twice.

No other VR company has yet to sell me on their product.  I will continue to monitor and when the sad day comes my 8K finally goes out on me, I will see where you guys are at.  You have spoiled me to the 200-degree FOV. LOL.  I know people mention the screen door effect, but I do not have that in my 8K.  It is still beyond an amazing product.  The guys are still flying their 8KX and the OG Crystal and loving theirs as well.

Since I have caught your attention, does PIMAX refurbish or work on the older models anymore? Or once they are dead, they are gone? I wish PIMAX the best of luck, thank you for the professional and quick responses, and I will have my eyes on your stuff as always.  I have only posted here about my issues with the Light and do not plan on going anywhere else. 

Just so you know, my 8K is literally used between 4 and 8 hours a week and she is a beast.  Sill kicking with 550 cord holding the head strap on and a toothpick to turn the headset on because the rubber power button finally gave way and came off in the headset.  She is like a fine wine or an old 79 Ford Bronco you love and get offended at when people talk bad about her.  Below was actually a quick flight last night getting reacquainted with the P-51 because it has been a while since I flew WW2 in DCS. Never gets old in VR.

 

[Nodak]

I've never experienced a wide FOV so guess I wouldn't miss that feature, coming off a G-2 it's an improvement with more corners available and superior vertical views.   Apparently I won the lens lottery, they're so good I require glasses with this set.  Had prescription lenses in the G-2 that made a difference but going without them the change wasn't as apparent as it is in the pimax, guess the larger sweet spot and clarity area makes it more noticeable.  I'm putting in more hours siming with the lite than I have in with any of the other sets I've owned.  Have some custom made experimental prescription lenses on the way for the win since glasses are not a long term comfortable option.  I and my online flying pal both ordered within a day last May, we both think the C lite is a home run knocked out of the park as far as a worthy G-2 replacement.  We've gone from only flying Friday nights occasionally to at least three times a week if not more since getting them in August.  

I understand there's problems and many people just won't fit certain VR products, it's VR and a highly personal and physical thing subjectively the eye's won't lie, but the way these guys come on here an try to make it right, you just don't see that happening much for any product.  Not to mention the interest in our sport and collaborative efforts to integrate that which we require.  So it's a job well done from my perspective team Pimax.  

[Devil 505]

1 hour ago, Nodak said:

but the way these guys come on here an try to make it right, you just don't see that happening much for any product.

Could not agree more.  I was pleasantly surprised to see this and had no idea they monitored these forums for issues.  I will not give up on the Light just yet, but will wait to see if QA improves on them.  As long as my 8K continues to work, I could not give it up.

Good post though! Glad to see you and your team are rockin the headset without issues.  Only gives me more hope.

[maxTRX]

Coming from G2 I'm generally happy with CL. There's just one thing I have to figure out how to fix or mod...  airflow between my face and the lenses. I had to call timeout for the fog-up couple of times. Hey, maybe an old scuba mask trick will work. Spit on the inside and smear it around lol.   BTW, are there any VR sets out there that include the ventilation? 

[Dangerzone]

20 hours ago, Devil 505 said:

I could not agree more. That is why I have been so disappointed.  I am not giving up on them per say, but it will be a while before I go back.  A lot of stories like yours are surfacing with the Light.  I hope they are reading all this and taking notes.  Time will tell.  I was hoping PIMAX would create so competition with US VR distributors, but it has not really taken off like I hoped it would.  Closest thing I am looking at if not another PIMAX down the road is HTC Vive stuff.  Just hoping the 8K stays in the game another few years.  

Indeed. I don't think some of the youtube video's that were first out actually help. All these content creators with 'WOW - right out of the box' I think gave a bit of a bum steer. 

I also think it's good not to overlook the good, uniqueness that Pimax have as well. I know you're not a fan of the replaceable lenses, but I definitely am a fan. The PCL wasn't supposed to have replaceable lenses like the original Crystal, but they must have decided last minute to do it. This gives me confidence that if every (heaven forbid) I do something dumb and scratch a lens - it's not the end of the headset. 

Likewise, coming from HP - who was a distant company with zero connection to the community and I was just a number - that didn't back their product after warranty expired, and seemed to short supplied high needed wear and tear items (ie: the cable). In contract, Pimax connects with the community (like they are here), and provides replicable options for the more wearing parts. 

I'm very keen to see and watch what experience users who buy the Crystal Super have.  I think (really hoping) Pimax will get there with their QC, as I think this the biggest issue they have, and if they can overcome this, that will be great.

The other issue is their software. There's a lot to be improved on there, but I think that will come in time. The biggest gripe I have (besides still needing 3rd party stuff like Quadviews instead of this all being incorpporated, plus limited tweaking options) is it's reliance to the internet even when in offline mode. But Calvin has acknowledged that too, and is chasing that up with the team, so I'm watching with great interest as to how that pans out. (Because to have graphics need to load from the internet each time almost comes across along the lines of tracking pixels, etc more than providing a useful function to the user). 

However, if I had to take the option between higher QC (like HP had), but then zero community connection, and basically abandoning their customers once warranty is up, vs hit and miss on the QC - but backing customers when they have issues, good warranty support & returns, community interaction, design to allow for more user-replaceable parts, and making availability of those replaceable parts - I know which one I choose.  

 

[Devil 505]

2 hours ago, Dangerzone said:

Indeed. I don't think some of the youtube video's that were first out actually help. All these content creators with 'WOW - right out of the box' I think gave a bit of a bum steer. 

I also think it's good not to overlook the good, uniqueness that Pimax have as well. I know you're not a fan of the replaceable lenses, but I definitely am a fan. The PCL wasn't supposed to have replaceable lenses like the original Crystal, but they must have decided last minute to do it. This gives me confidence that if every (heaven forbid) I do something dumb and scratch a lens - it's not the end of the headset. 

Likewise, coming from HP - who was a distant company with zero connection to the community and I was just a number - that didn't back their product after warranty expired, and seemed to short supplied high needed wear and tear items (ie: the cable). In contract, Pimax connects with the community (like they are here), and provides replicable options for the more wearing parts. 

I'm very keen to see and watch what experience users who buy the Crystal Super have.  I think (really hoping) Pimax will get there with their QC, as I think this the biggest issue they have, and if they can overcome this, that will be great.

The other issue is their software. There's a lot to be improved on there, but I think that will come in time. The biggest gripe I have (besides still needing 3rd party stuff like Quadviews instead of this all being incorpporated, plus limited tweaking options) is it's reliance to the internet even when in offline mode. But Calvin has acknowledged that too, and is chasing that up with the team, so I'm watching with great interest as to how that pans out. (Because to have graphics need to load from the internet each time almost comes across along the lines of tracking pixels, etc more than providing a useful function to the user). 

However, if I had to take the option between higher QC (like HP had), but then zero community connection, and basically abandoning their customers once warranty is up, vs hit and miss on the QC - but backing customers when they have issues, good warranty support & returns, community interaction, design to allow for more user-replaceable parts, and making availability of those replaceable parts - I know which one I choose.  

 

Really digging the feedback.  It's nice to hear other perspectives as well as experiences with other VR headsets.  The market and options are not very big, so the more I hear I read on this forum, the more informed decision I can make when I need to replace the 8K someday.  Hopefully by that time, they will have ironed out some of these issues with the CL and we can see how the super turns out.  My only concern at this point with the super is if it will require the 2.0 display port.  

I greatly appreciate the ongoing feedback.  Good stuff and I am glad to hear another success story with the CL.  

[Calvin.Pimax]

11 hours ago, Nodak said:

So it's a job well done from my perspective team Pimax

Thanks for the kind words, buddy!

I understand that some issues can't be resolved immediately, but I assure you they will be fixed eventually. It takes time, especially when it comes to software, as our developers have many projects on their plate. However, they are aware of the reported bugs and issues and are doing their best to address them.

[Calvin.Pimax]

10 hours ago, maxTRX said:

Coming from G2 I'm generally happy with CL. There's just one thing I have to figure out how to fix or mod...  airflow between my face and the lenses. I had to call timeout for the fog-up couple of times. Hey, maybe an old scuba mask trick will work. Spit on the inside and smear it around lol.   BTW, are there any VR sets out there that include the ventilation? 

Seems like you need an external fan to prevent the fog up.

[Mistermann]

Gotta say, I am in the same camp as @Devil 505.  Have been flying the 8KX for 2+ years and like him fly exclusively in VR.  The FOV in the 8KX is amazing and if you haven't experienced it ... well, words cannot describe the sensation of "being there".  I can see how those coming to the PCL from inferior FOV headsets (when compared to 8KX) wouldn't be bothered with the PCL's limited FOV experience.

Downgrading the FOV to these new Pimax offerings feels like a major regression to this virtual pilot - even with higher clarity.  Flying DCS in VR with horse blinders on sounds like an immersion killer to me. Add the plethora of negative experiences as it relates to Pimax quality control and messed up lenses and I just can't bring myself to acquire these new devices.  And this is coming from a Pimax "fanboy".  I reserved a "Super" the day it was announced.  At this point, I am going to look for another vendor's replacement.  Not completely writing off Pimax, but based on lots of negative feedback for the PCL, I won't be rushing out and acquiring the PCS like I thought.

Maybe 8KX FOV is a pipedream given where the market seems to be headed, I don't know.  Its a darn shame if that's the case.  I was pretty disappointed to hear Devil's experience on FOV when he told me about it (we fly together).

Edited October 17, 2024 by Mistermann

[Moxica]

Not a good start; I just ordered, and the price increased dramatically two times. First there is a shipping of €80 or $84,30 
That should pay for some premium and rapid shipping! -But it does not.
Also they added taxes during/at the end of the ordering process: €209.93 Not sure if that is within the law.
So I started a chat, hoping they would reassure me about shipping times.
Good lord! When humans impersonate bots it gets real frustrating. Will not bother with entire comms, but look at this example:

Just noticed that you complaint it is not rapid shipping 
22:27
No it was not! 
It was a message to you about the fair ecpectations such a price gives. 
22:28
And I therefore would like confirmation from you that the delivery time reflect the price. 
22:29
Merchant's profile image
OK. 
Merchant's profile image
Thanks for the patience. 

Edited November 18, 2024 by Moxica

[Wali763]

Maybe not the right place to write this, but.....

I also was a brief PCL-owner. I ordered it and deliverytime was pretty fast, like 15 days, where Pimas stated 3-4weeks in the EU.

When I put it on the first time, it immedeatly felt strage. It did not fit may head (was too wide), which gave me a high pressure on the forehead. But I dont want to hold this against the PCL since a thinker face-cushion would probably have resolved that.

But the real problem was the image. I do not have any technical expertise, but the lenses must have been off. Looking at a landscape and rotating my head, the landscape was wallowing/distorting. Moving my head up and down also caused quite some distortions. The image overall also made me almost instantly a bit dizzy and was very different to that of my G2, which I can wear for hours without problems. 

Also the sweetspot was pretty soft, so when looking at the bipper in the HUD, I could not aim at a target, because I was not able to see it correctly. Strange thing is, when I reduced the IPD from my 67 to 63 and lower, this spot got sharper. But everything else around got softer and my wide nose started to hurt, because it got squeezed by the headset. 

Anyway, from what I could tell, the lens were somewhat off. I did not check if they were correctly seated, since if I pay quite some money for a new headset, it should be assembled correctly. Since I instantly decided to send it back because of the mentioned problems, I did not want to test too much and risk doing any damage to it.

The process of sending it back was pretty straight forward and I got my money back pretty  fast. Even thouhg Pimax offered me a refund for my sending costs I payed them myself, since I took a higher price parcel with right amount of insurance.

When sending back I added a brief note, asking to veryfy my problems and give me some feedback. I thought, since they have to check the unit, they can give me some feedback too. But I never got an answer.

Anyway, this episode caused two things for me.

1) Im now much more happy with my G2, also since the FOV of the PCL did not seems very much bigger, which was my biggest concern with the G2. Since Im an old Win10-User, I for sure will use the G2 until something (like the cable) brakes.

2) Even I have sympathy torwards Pimax, Im now even more hesitant to order from them. I was before ordering, since I had read some of the comments on reddit, but now, that I also had problems, Im (at least for now) am not willing to take the chance again. 

[Devil 505]

2 hours ago, Wali763 said:

Maybe not the right place to write this, but.....

I also was a brief PCL-owner. I ordered it and deliverytime was pretty fast, like 15 days, where Pimas stated 3-4weeks in the EU.

When I put it on the first time, it immedeatly felt strage. It did not fit may head (was too wide), which gave me a high pressure on the forehead. But I dont want to hold this against the PCL since a thinker face-cushion would probably have resolved that.

But the real problem was the image. I do not have any technical expertise, but the lenses must have been off. Looking at a landscape and rotating my head, the landscape was wallowing/distorting. Moving my head up and down also caused quite some distortions. The image overall also made me almost instantly a bit dizzy and was very different to that of my G2, which I can wear for hours without problems. 

Also the sweetspot was pretty soft, so when looking at the bipper in the HUD, I could not aim at a target, because I was not able to see it correctly. Strange thing is, when I reduced the IPD from my 67 to 63 and lower, this spot got sharper. But everything else around got softer and my wide nose started to hurt, because it got squeezed by the headset. 

Anyway, from what I could tell, the lens were somewhat off. I did not check if they were correctly seated, since if I pay quite some money for a new headset, it should be assembled correctly. Since I instantly decided to send it back because of the mentioned problems, I did not want to test too much and risk doing any damage to it.

The process of sending it back was pretty straight forward and I got my money back pretty  fast. Even thouhg Pimax offered me a refund for my sending costs I payed them myself, since I took a higher price parcel with right amount of insurance.

When sending back I added a brief note, asking to veryfy my problems and give me some feedback. I thought, since they have to check the unit, they can give me some feedback too. But I never got an answer.

Anyway, this episode caused two things for me.

1) Im now much more happy with my G2, also since the FOV of the PCL did not seems very much bigger, which was my biggest concern with the G2. Since Im an old Win10-User, I for sure will use the G2 until something (like the cable) brakes.

2) Even I have sympathy torwards Pimax, Im now even more hesitant to order from them. I was before ordering, since I had read some of the comments on reddit, but now, that I also had problems, Im (at least for now) am not willing to take the chance again. 

Really appreciate hearing this! This was almost my exact experience.  I am hoping to hear of production improvements in the quality before I attempt buying another PIMAX.  There is actually a lot of the same comments we have made out there on the web with people having the same issues.  Seems like some are getting lucky and having HMD's that work fine out of the box and many others encountering this issue.  

Pimax did a fantastic job responding to this thread, but I wish they still had the 8KX for sale until this gets ironed out.  I will be forced to choose another VR headset at some point and would gladly purchase an 8KX again if they were still around.  We will see as times presses on.  

[Moxica]

Ordered on the fifth, and they havent even processed my order yet:

 

Edited November 17, 2024 by Moxica

[Calvin.Pimax]

What is the order number, sir?

[Moxica]

3 hours ago, Calvin.Pimax said:

What is the order number, sir?

Order PM5148806

[Calvin.Pimax]

Roger that, I have asked the logistic team to update the status with you.

[Moxica]

1 hour ago, Calvin.Pimax said:

Roger that, I have asked the logistic team to update the status with you.

I just visit your website for updates.
Looks like this is turning out to be one of the ordeals you ironically pay for, and really want to avoid.
On the sixth of november i received this:

"We're pleased to let you know that your order is currently in processing, and we expect to ship it within the next 3 business days. "

Still, here is the update as of today: 
null

Edited November 19, 2024 by Moxica

[WipeUout]

Just to mention that also I am still enjoying the 8KX.  I need to recify some facts about the actual horizontal FOV, it is not 200 degree but about 170.  The 200 degrees is diagonal FOV in wide FOV mode.  In normal FOV mode, it is about 140 degree horizontal and this is what I use to keep my FPS above 90.  I tried also higher PPD (The Varjo) and was so much disapointed with the FOV that I decided to stick with the 8KX.  I guess that the wide FOV for me is increasing immersion much more than PPD.  In any case, the 25PPD of the 8KX is quite good... 

Can we get an 8KX 2.0?  With eye-tracking?   

[Mistermann]

1 hour ago, WipeUout said:

Can we get an 8KX 2.0?  With eye-tracking?   

I definitely support this idea.  Until folks experience the massive FOV of the 8K/8KX series its difficult to express how limiting the PCL and PCS FOV actually is.

Unfortunately, I think this ship has sailed.  

[Calvin.Pimax]

On 11/19/2024 at 6:26 PM, Moxica said:

I just visit your website for updates.
Looks like this is turning out to be one of the ordeals you ironically pay for, and really want to avoid.
On the sixth of november i received this:

"We're pleased to let you know that your order is currently in processing, and we expect to ship it within the next 3 business days. "

Still, here is the update as of today: 
null

Please confirm if you have received the tracking information. The tracking number has been updated within our system.

21 hours ago, Johnny Dioxin said:

PS - just remembered one hardware thing that bugs me - despite being comfy as regards lenses and nose/eye space the IPD is constantly popping up on the screen. I finally realised lately that this is mostly due to my nose touching the lenses and when I scratch my head or slightly move the headset for comfort, it touches the lens with enough force (which is hardly any...) to make it think the IPD is being adjusted. That could do with being sorted out, but is probably a hardware thing, so will have to put up with it.

I'll be scheduling some tests with the development team later. I wanted to give you a heads up that this week is quite hectic with the Sync event. I'll aim to share an update by next week.