Review: MaeckerVR Elite Head Strap with Battery | Meta Quest 2

The MaeckerVR Elite Head Strap with Battery is a third-party accessory that transforms the Meta Quest 2 experience. Priced at an affordable $45 or £30, it offers exceptional value compared to Meta’s own Elite strap for the Quest 3, which retails at $170 or £130.

Key Features

1. Extended Battery Life: The powerful 6000mAh battery provides an impressive 4-6 hours of additional playtime.
2. Balanced Weight Distribution: Strategic battery positioning reduces pressure on the face and neck.
3. Enhanced Comfort: A 0.67-inch thick head cushion, soft TPU head back, and 52° adjustable hinge ensure a perfect fit.
4. Durable Design: Side straps withstand over 10,000 bends, guaranteeing longevity.
5. Seamless Integration: The build quality matches the Quest 2 in color, feel, and style.

Unboxing and Setup

The package includes the battery strap, back-of-head holder, and padded head strap. Assembly is straightforward, with the strap clicking easily into place over the headset’s arms. The clinical, slick plastic replacements are a welcome upgrade from the standard “browning” material arms.

Comfort and Usability

The padded head strap immediately impressed my family and me. The easy-to-use dial on the back significantly simplifies adjustments between players. Tightening the strap is a breeze – simply twist the dial to hear satisfying clicks as it tightens in small increments. Loosening is equally effortless by spinning the dial in the opposite direction.

The additional weight is negligible and actually improves balance across the head, reducing forehead pressure. This design makes finding the right fit intuitive, addressing a common issue with VR headsets where users struggle to adjust straps correctly.

Battery Performance and Charging

During testing, I achieved around five hours of mixed use, including VR gaming, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and movie watching. The battery didn’t overheat, alleviating initial concerns. The convenience of not having to charge after every use is a significant advantage, especially for younger users who might forget to plug it in.

The head strap connects to the Quest 2’s side port, allowing you to charge the entire headset using the USB-C port at the back. You can even charge both simultaneously with additional cables. This rear port also enables wired connections for play, though it’s worth noting it’s a power socket only and doesn’t support data passthrough.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Elite Strap excels for active VR use, it may not be ideal for users who frequently use their Quest 2 while lying down or leaning back, as the counterweight and dial housing could interfere with comfort in these positions.

TL/DR

The MaeckerVR Elite Head Strap with Battery is a must-have accessory for serious VR enthusiasts. It significantly enhances comfort, balance, and playtime while seamlessly integrating with the Quest 2’s design. The improved weight distribution not only benefits the user but also makes the headset easier to carry.

For active VR users, this accessory is the perfect companion to the Meta Quest 2, elevating the overall experience and addressing key comfort and battery life concerns. While it may add some bulk, the benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience for most users.

You can check out the other Meta Quest accessories from Maecker right here: