The Nacon (formerly Plantronics) Rig 800LX has gained a second life as of late. Wireless gaming headsets are experiencing shipping delays and stock shortages. However, the Rig800LX launched in 2018, is on store shelves and readily available. This maybe one of the best and most affordable wireless headsets for quarantine. Here’s why:
The RIG 800LX is a pre-coronavirus headset that is aimed for semi-professional gamers. You know, they type where an additional 1% MOBA win rate means the world. The model I received to review included the Dolby Atmos code which gives a slight advantage in games that utilize the technology. In PUBG for example, you can hear enemy footsteps rather than wait for a visual confirmation. These advantages add up.
A good wireless gaming headset comes down to five things. Sound, Mic, Comfort, Connectivity, and Battery. The RIG800LX has all of them with the 10/10 being the ability to use it for 3-4 days (at 8 hours) before actually charging it. The sound is clear enough to use for video editing. Though it may be bulky, it is adjustable. Going 8-12 hours a day in the Zoom generation isn’t as scary compared to wireless earbuds. The mic won’t win any awards for bass, but it’s not a $400 SM7B, and last I checked we’re not on Joe Rogan.
In between my gaming sessions of EVE Online (Spreadsheets in Space) and seasons of PUBG, I easily walk around the house gathering resources… ahem… I mean making tea and preparing dinner. The independent receiver for the headset takes up a USB port, but it’s worth the trade off. There is no connectivity issue room to room. There is no active noise cancellation so you can take in the world around you. I never have to worry about missing an Amazon package knock at the door. Though if you’re looking for a tunnel vision type of focus for a home office, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Pros
- 24 Hour Battery Life
- Comfortable even for long haul gaming.
- Superb connectivity with receiver.
Cons
- Not noise isolated;
- Mic doesn’t have much in the way of bass
The price has stabilized to around ~$120 in Fall 2020. This is a tad bit cheaper than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 headsets but with overlapping features. If you’ve been looking for a gaming headset, this one is worth a look. It is in stock and checks all the boxes. I have a slew of review units on the shelf, but the is one I genuinely enjoy coming back to when not testing new products.