TrackIR worth it?

sightreader · 21 October 2009, 05:12 PM

So, me and my friend are wondering whether TrackIR would be worth the (great deal of) money. Our concern is that it may be shakey - that is, doing frustrating things, jerking around, or operating in an otherwise counter-intuitive fashion (sometimes the Wii can act in annoying ways, for instance). Does it take a long time to get used to it?

Anyone have word? Thanks!

vonSchaller · 22 October 2009, 01:03 AM

I think there can be only one answer... YES it is worth it !! It puts you
completely into the game. I couldn´t imagine how it should work before i had it, but just after a few hours of flying and tweaking the movements in the software, it was absolutely stunning. I began with TIR 2 for about 20 bucks on ebay, and that made me buy TIR 5 with 6-dimensional movements and i´m still fascinated. Look on ebay and give it a try, you won´t be disapointed.

Greetings
Armin

GilmoreDK · 22 October 2009, 08:32 AM

Hi

If you play flight sims or Racing sims regularily then my answer would be: definately yes. One word 'immersion'. Just add rudder pedals and a wicker chair. And perhaps a big fan blowing in your face. Otherwise - no.

-Gilmore

sightreader · 22 October 2009, 09:07 AM

Thanks so much for the feedback! I was thinking about getting the headset version - does it work as well as the baseball cap version?

vonSchaller · 22 October 2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sightreader

Thanks so much for the feedback! I was thinking about getting the headset version - does it work as well as the baseball cap version?

hmm i think so. It is just a matter of the position of the reflectors, that´s all.

Greetings
Armin

Chock · 22 October 2009, 11:47 PM

The headset version merely offers the convenience of not having to wear a baseball cap, although you can do what my buddy did and mount the hat clip on a tennis headband with a peak, so you're not really having to wear a hat as such, so even that is not a big deal.

As others have said, if you like flight sims, and especially combat flight sims, you really will not be sorry getting hold of Track-IR, as it really is a must have to make them usable in a realistic sense, and you will wonder why you didn't buy it earlier when you try it. It's very intuitive to use too, you get used to it in about five minutes, and then it feels completely natural.

Al

stevedrew · 23 October 2009, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sightreader

Thanks so much for the feedback! I was thinking about getting the headset version - does it work as well as the baseball cap version?

sightreader,

If you regularly wear headphones whilst flying (for instance if you mostly fly Multiplayer on line etc, or if you wear headphones to keep the noise of the aircraft down to keep the peace with your better half), the pro clip for the headphones might be the ideal for you.

Personally, I don't fly Multiplayer, nor do I have to worry about upsetting anyone with the noise, so I wear the cap clip, and it works perfectly. I think with the pro clip, you might have to be more concerned with ambient lights in your area (like covering the windows with heavy duty black plastic), but both the pro-clip and cap clip work just fine (TrackIR 5), and as others have posted, you'll kick yourself for not getting one earlier.

Busk on a street corner, wash windscreens, sell a kidney...

Trust me, TrackIR IS worth it. Every cent. (and I had to pay exorbitant price to get it sent to me in Australia).

VFC_Baxter · 24 October 2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sightreader

So, me and my friend are wondering whether TrackIR would be worth the (great deal of) money. Our concern is that it may be shakey - that is, doing frustrating things, jerking around, or operating in an otherwise counter-intuitive fashion (sometimes the Wii can act in annoying ways, for instance). Does it take a long time to get used to it?

Anyone have word? Thanks!

There are a couple of free ones like freelook that will let you get some idea of what is possible. I balked at paying a lot so ended up with a very low priced product called cymouse (I got mine for $30). That comes complete with its own head mount and is a bit like an optical mouse being strapped to your head. If you dont mind looking totally nerdy and ridiculous you can have some fun with it and it is quite steady although probably not as flexible as the true TrackIR would be.

sightreader · 24 October 2009, 07:49 AM

Well, after all the positive feedback, we decided to bite the bullet and order the thing. Still staggering from the price, but also looking forward to it!

GregorySharp · 25 October 2009, 03:26 PM

I wouldn't want to touch ROF without it.

Fun to use. Makes the game more 3d in the sense you can move so freely inside the cockpit. The worst I can say, is I wish the headphone clip on thingy was wireless. I don't like wearing Baseball hats... looks funny on my big ol round head.

I know you already ordered it, but it I just had to add my two bits.