1More Spearhead VR Review

Having built my dream PC from parts on Newegg, the Nightrider Car, and a downed military satellite, I’m finally ready to review the new 1More Spearhead VR.  At just $99, this headphone boasts a torrent of features: 7.1 Surround Sound, a 50 mm graphene driver, and an LED display with 16 million color variations.  But is there anything this gaming headset can’t do?  MajorHifi investigates.

1More Spearhead VR Review

The Spearhead VR comes in a stylish box that holds the headset, two cables, a carrying pouch, a user manual, and a cool sticker.

Build-wise, the Spearhead feels solid but lightweight.  Utilizing a suspension-style headband and a modicum of plastic to minimize mass, the headset wears like a dream.  And, even with my gigantic ears, the ultra-comfortable ear pads still provide a true over-ear fit.  The cups are also fashioned from a breathable neopreme-like cloth.  Thanks to this feature, these headphone don’t get hot and sweaty – no matter how many M-Rated cutscenes you sit through.

Inside each of these earcups is a 50 mm driver made from maglev graphene.  Delivering greater bass response, this larger driver works in tandem with a volume-and-bass adjustment dial on the back of the left earcup.  Below this knob, there are inputs for the supplied micro-USB cable and 3.5 mm aux cables.  Above the knob, an on-off switch connects to the integrated microphone.  The mic is also located (unobtrusively) on the left earcup.

And, when it comes to the mic, the Spearhead VR shows some impressive forethought.  Appearing to be made from a semi-opaque white plastic, the mic can be extended or retracted into the headphone.  Once extended, the microphone will pulse with light as it registers changes in tone and pitch.  This is cool – so cool that I spent a considerable amount of time just speaking nonsense into the microphone.

Supplied cables come in two varieties:  a 4 ft (1.2m) 4-pole 3.5 mm aux cable and a 6.5 ft (2 m) micro-USB cable (required for use with the 1More drivers and 7.1 Surround Sound).

Necessary drivers can be found on 1More’s website, while installation is quick and painless.  The drivers allow customization of the LED lighting, from coloration to lighting effect (including a solid light and two variations of pulsing light).  You can also fine-tune balance between speaker and microphone channels.

Specifications

Frequency Range:  20-20,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance:  32 ohms
Sound Pressure Level:  103 dB

As you can see, the 1More Spearhead VR doesn’t boast a lot of over-the-top specs.  The standard frequency range and standard impedance offer a competent if simple sound.  This headset will work fine on almost any device, including smartphones, computers, the PS4, or even an iPod.  One area where this headphone does seem to excel is sheer volume.  Helped along by a decent sound pressure level, that 103 dB seems even louder due to the Spearhead’s 50 mm drivers.

Low End

When it comes to lows, the Spearhead VR delivers…and then delivers some more.  With good detail and a natural warmth, the sound here does any track justice.  The bass boost function integrated into the headset allows the user to dampen the mids and highs for greater bass impact.

Midrange

Relatively clean, there might be a shade of compression in the mids.  For the price, I wasn’t expecting a fantastic midrange, but the Spearhead still provides a surprisingly decent listening experience.

High End

The high end appears slightly peaky – the culprit most likely being a hint of distortion in the mid- and high-highs.  Despite this, the sound remains passable, and like the mids, it’s more than forgivable on such a cheap headset.

Soundstage/Surround Sound

Depth and space seem fairly immersive, and the added bonus of 7.1 Surround Sound does add an additional level of realism.  Directional cues register clear and precise, and it’s all too easy to get sucked into a virtual world with this baby.  Here the bass boost function really shows its value, as explosions and gunfire seem to breath ear-splitting life into an otherwise-mundane playthrough.

Other Observations

Comfort and styling are a dream with a 1More Spearhead VR.  I love wearing these headphones as much as I love taking them off to admire their looks.  Every component seems well-planned to deliver a phenomenal user experience.

Volume is another high point.  With such a large driver and a sound pressure level of 103 dB, these things can get LOUD.  During my listening sessions, I could barely push it past 25% volume before my ears started to hurt.

Recommendations

If you need a gaming headset for under $100, you need the Spearhead VR.  If you need a headphone and you occasionally game, you need the Spearhead VR.  If you have RGB lighting on your computer and just want a sweet accessory, you need the Spearhead VR.

Maybe, if you don’t own a PC or a PS4, it would make some sense not to buy this headset.  Maybe.

But for those who have these systems for gaming, and want a competent sound with a beautiful design, the Spearhead VR brooks no competition.

Final Analysis

With a price of just $99, the 1More Spearhead VR can seem like a real bargain.  Once you put this headset on, though, you realize just how much value it presents.  With a rich, detailed sound, fantastic features for gaming, and a solid user interface, there isn’t a thing I don’t love about this headphone.

Get it for the best price here:

Amazon

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