bHaptics TactSuit X16 review: A haptic hit with minor flaws
The TactSuit X16 is designed to take your VR experience to the next level with 16 vibration motors. Find out how the haptic vest performs in everyday VR life.
Imagine if you could not only see and hear the action in your favorite games, but also feel it. That's accurately what the bHaptics TactSuit X16 promises — a haptic vest that lets you experience every move, hit and explosion up close.
I tested the X16's haptic hit feedback in VR games on the Meta Quest and PC-VR, and explain in this review whether it can deliver on its promise of greater immersion.
Content
bHaptics TactSuit X16 review: The essentials in a nutshell
The bHaptics TactSuit X16 impresses with its high-quality workmanship, simple setup, long-lasting battery and comfortable fit, even during longer VR sessions. On the other hand, the X16's Bluetooth connection is a little weak, occasionally dropping out, and the software also seems a bit immature. All in all, however, the bHaptics TactSuit X16 offers a successful package of haptic feedback that will appeal to VR enthusiasts with a big wallet looking for more immersion.
- Price & availability: $329 (Amazon link)
The TactSuit X16 is suitable for you if you ...
- want maximum immersion in VR games.
- value quality workmanship and wearing comfort.
- are looking for an easy-to-set-up solution for haptic feedback.
- appreciate a good battery life.
The TactSuit X16 is less suitable for you if you ...
- are looking for an inexpensive solution.
- expect an absolutely latency-free connection.
- expect sophisticated software with many setting options.
Design, craftsmanship & comfort
As soon as you unpack the TactSuit X16, you will notice the high-quality workmanship. The vest is made of a breathable, durable material. All seams and zips are sturdy and durable. Weighing 950 grams, it is also pleasantly light.
The size can be adjusted at the shoulders and sides to fit most body sizes. Thanks to the flexible material, the X16 fits snugly to the body without slipping. Everything stays in place, even during fast movements in action-packed games.
There are eight vibration motors on the front and a further eight on the back. They are neatly integrated into the vest and are not noticeable. The battery sits in a pocket on the lower back and is almost imperceptible thanks to its light weight.
Setup & connection
Setting up the TactSuit X16 is quick and easy thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions. First download the bHaptics Player app for PC or Quest, then connect the vest to your device via Bluetooth. This works fine in most cases.
However, there have been a few instances where the Bluetooth connection was lost or took several attempts to establish. Alternatively, you can connect the X16 to your PC or VR headset using a 3.5 mm jack cable. This will ensure that the haptic signals are transmitted reliably.
Software & compatibility
The bHaptics Player app serves as the control center for your TactSuit X16. Here you can adjust the intensity of the vibrations, install firmware updates and see which games are supported natively. Overall, the software still seems immature and offers few setting options.
The X16 offers native support for a number of popular VR games such as Half-Life Alyx, Ghosts of Tabor, Breachers and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. Here, the haptic effects are integrated directly into the game and matched to the action. This works really well and noticeably increases immersion.
The audio-to-haptics function is used for all other games. This converts audio signals into haptic feedback. Sometimes this works more, sometimes less well. In shooters like Pavlov Shack you can feel impacts and explosions appropriately, but in quieter games the effect is often lost. All in all, a nice function, but not a full-fledged replacement for native support.
Haptic feedback
Let's get to the heart of the bHaptics TactSuit X16: the haptic feedback. The 16 vibration motors are precise and powerful. Every hit, every movement, is translated appropriately and reproduced exactly in the right place.
In supported games such as Half-Life Alyx, this greatly enhances immersion. If a headcrab jumps on your back, you are guaranteed to be startled. Thanks to the precise feedback, you know immediately from which direction you are being attacked. This makes the virtual worlds feel even more real and tangible.
You can adjust the intensity of the vibrations in the app from gentle to brutal. By default, they are forceful, which can be tiring during longer sessions. I would like to see finer gradations and an 'automatic' setting that adapts to the volume and intensity of the game. This would make it possible to find the right level for each game.
The bHaptics Tactsuit X16 comes in a stylish red and black design and has an extremely high-quality finish. | Picture: MIXED
Battery & runtime
The TactSuit X16 is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. The manufacturer promises a runtime of up to 22 hours. However, this can vary slightly depending on the intensity of the haptic feedback. Nevertheless, you can easily get through more than one long VR session.
The vest is charged via USB-C. The included cable is quite short at 1 meter. I would have liked more length here. The battery is fully charged in about 2 hours. Practical: Thanks to the quick charge function, 30 minutes plugged into the wall are enough for several hours of gaming fun.
My verdict on bHaptics TactSuit X16
The bHaptics TactSuit X16 delivers what it promises: it takes your gaming and especially your VR experience to a new level with precise haptic feedback. Especially in supported games like Half-Life Alyx, it catapults immersion to an impressive level. Every action can now be felt as well as seen and heard.
The X16 is also suitable for longer sessions, thanks to its high-quality finish, simple setup and good wearing comfort. The battery life is good and the intensity of the vibrations can be adjusted, but the vest's Bluetooth connection and software are a little weak.
All in all, the TactSuit X16 is a good addition for anyone looking for maximum immersion while gaming. If you have the money to spend, you get a well-rounded package that shows just how much potential there is in haptic feedback. When the software is a little more polished, it will be a good addition for gamers with VR headsets.
You can buy the bHaptics TactSuit X16 here
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