I was very interested in PSVR2 gunstocks given the new controllers and tracking, and KobraVR’s Vader One peaked my interested for going into Pavlov. As someone that plays all my shooters on PCVR, I have been used using gunstocks for the extra immersion and benefits, so this was going to important to get me playing them on PSVR2. I have now been running the Vader One through its paces, so how did it perform?
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Inside of the box you will receive an already constructed gunstock, which means there is not initial building to do. This pre-built setup included the metal rail, with the stock built in three pieces on the rail and then the part for the end that disconnects from the stock to allow for any actions like reloading or wanting to use items. The final and an important addition is an Allen-key for altering the positioning of the parts to suit you.
QUALITY
All the materials used on the KobraVR are of high quality and standard. All the 3D printed elements of the stock are of a high quality and I have never felt like they would break in anyway when disconnecting the non-dominant controller from the stock. The magnets used in the stock are all strong and keeps everything connected securely, and all the nut and bolts used means it easy to adjust but the gunstock is held together well.
Over my testing of the review unit the team reached out about making quality of life improvements to the cup you disconnect from the gunstock and sent the new part out for testing. For me I think this is a good sign, as it shows the team have been working on making sure the product is at the best performance for quality and usage.
SETTING IT UP FOR YOU
One thing that is important when using gunstocks is getting the set-up perfect for how you play and to make it comfortable for you. Now, this is always the most painful part of starting to use one, as it’s all about trial and error testing. But, I found KobraVR’s design really allowed for a quicker and less painful set-up process.
Even if you plan to use the Vader One for most of the shooting based games on PSVR2, I would massively recommend going into Pavlov to get the set-up process perfect for you – as the realism and shooting range in this makes it perfect for testing and setting up.
There is only one section of the Vader One you can move, and this is the position of the part with your dominant hand controller connected. So I think this is what makes its so easy and little testing to get it right for you, as they have not really made it over complex with the placement of everything.
DESIGN/USING THE PRODUCT
Firstly the device is created for everyone never mind your dominant hand, with you being able to pick left or right handed version when ordering the product. So, never mind how you play the KobraVR Vader One will work for you.
The main body of the Vader One brings a silver triangular pole, each part making up the gunstock being mainly white with black accents – with only the stock for your shoulder being solid black.
The main part for the gunstock that will hold your dominant controller is the only part that can be adjusted, this can be moved up and down the main body of the metal runner. Personally I found moving it so it is the center of the runner the most comfortable. However if you want this placement to adjustable on the fly depending on the gun your using, you could just loosen the screw so it can be moved with some force being applied (to stop in moving to easily in error).
You might be thinking; ‘how does the gunstock negate tracking issues?’ KobraVR have done this by designing the parts that hold the controllers to go over the join on the controller ring – which means it does not cover any tracking lights. The way the controller is attached to gunstock is a hinged joint that you open put the controller in and tighten the screw to hold it in place, with rubber inserts to protect the controller. This make sure they held securely in place and stop any movement to a part that is covering any tracking lights.
I would like to add a little point around the rubber inserts, at first these will leave black marks on your controller, but these easily wipe away with your finger. After a set amount of use these marks will no longer be left on the controllers.
In order to reload and complete other actions in the games, your non-dominant controller can be snapped off the end of the stock with a magnet. I found the best way to snap the magnet is by tilting the controller up/forwards – and where this does disconnect easily it is hard to do this accidentally. The only issue I really found with it was the dominant hand being connected the stock continuously, meaning if using a pistol you have the the rest of the stock connected. Thankfully the stock is light it only adds a bit of weight but it does feel a little clunky – this could be because I am used to both cups being removable with the ProTube I use on PCVR.
With the placement of the detachable cup being at the end of the stock, it does mean it takes little time to get used to connecting it back up when your eyes are covered by the HMD, and the magnets strength does really help you know when you are close to it.
Now, to my favorite feature I have not seen on any other gunstock for VR and something I think all should implement. Between the shoulder stock and the runner you place your dominant hand controller in there is another magnetic hinge, this allows for you to use your forearm to snap the connection to make the stock shorter. This means if you are switching between rifles to SMG’s in game you can shorten the stock with on simple movement. Want to switch back the the rifle? Then the stock part lines up perfectly to simply allow you to push it back with your fingers on your dominant hand – this then comes around and connects the hinged magnet back up and its extended for using a rifle. The shoulder stock also connects with a small magnet to keep in place when in the shortened mode.
IMMERSION AND BENEFIT
Over my time testing the KobraVR Vader One I jumped into a number of shooters that are available on PSVR2, to get an idea if it will work for other games outside of Pavlov – although this would be my main use case for the stock.
I think it would be best to start with what I think is the main use case. Honestly it is crazy how much extra immersion and benefit it offers in shooters based on weapon realism. The main benefit as you would expect is accuracy of your shots, this is because you no longer have the slight movements caused by floaty hands, and have a solid item to steady your aim and shots. With the ease of snapping the magnets to reload and throw grenades not causing any delay or hindrance by using the Vader One.
The only game I really had a big issue with on PSVR2 was The Light Brigade, but this is not down the the Vader One and due to how the game has handled the weapon-wight physics. However, the team at KobraVR did inform to offset the vertical weapon height +5 as a work around to improve this, and it did make it more fun to play with the stock.
As aforementioned the snappable shoulder stock is my favorite feature of the KobraVR and what this actually does for immersion is crazy. There is nothing like switching from a rifle to SMG in games like Pavlov and After The Fall, and quickly shortening or extending the stocks length with one simple action. This really adds to the immersion with the gunstock matching up with what weapon you are using.
REVIEW USING PLAYSTATION VR 2
For the purposes of transparency, this review was created using a sample provided by the company or their respective PR company. The use of a review press sample does not affect my judgement of the product.
REVIEW OVERVIEW
KobraVR Vader One is a fantastic addition for those who play shooters on PSVR2. Coming in at £65 it’s the cheapest gunstock available on the market, but the team have not skimped on any the quality to make the price possible. Coming with one of my favorite features I have seen on a VR gunstock with the ability to make the gunstock suit rifles and SMG’s with one simple movement making the stock shorter and longer – it’s really hard to say how much this does for immersion without trying it yourself.
With shooters like Firewall Ultra and Crossfire: Sierra Squad on the way to the platform and Pavlov already being available, this is perfect the option for those who want an Aim Controller replacement for Sony’s latest headset.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Available to order now
Developer: KobraVR
Price: £65.00
