....s it worth sticking with the CV1 and upgrading the PC in the short/medium term or going for it with a new headset?
As I've owned many of the headset available right now I very strongly feel the CV1 is by far the best all around choice, that was until I put my head in the Reverb. A VR headset is so much more than it's screens and really is a sum of it's parts - and when everything is factored in from comfort, usability, software, performance, quality, etc. the CV1 is by far the clear leader IMHO. By so wide a margin I've gone back to it after time in every headset and even in the case of the Vive Pro and Odyssey+ immediately I was happy to be back - even though I missed the image clarity. That's because the clarity bump between those on the CV1 just isn't worth the compromises in comfort, bulkiness, etc. Again until the Reverb as it's 90% of that comfort and is an aftermarket faceplate away from matching it.
So I'd say stick with the CV1 until you can afford the upgrade for the Reverb, or possibly Index as it looks second most interesting to me. Your 1080 is technically supported but even with my 2080Ti I'm still dropping to a consistent 45fps when I run with high quality settings and am in a RES, etc. That lower rate has never bothered me but it will some.
Are the points of contact for the headset covered by fabric with infill padding, or plastic/foam/vinyl in direct contact with the skin?
The pro version I have is leather with a foam infill. Leather is my personal favorite as it doesn't get as hot as foam/cloth.
Do you find with extended use you end up with a sweaty contact between your face and the rig?
For me yes, but I sweat if I think about getting hot
- for most I think comfort due to temperature isn't going to be an issue until you've been in it for hours
For the top head contact points, the same questions. Many of us shave our heads and having direct skin contact with plastic/vinyl/foam becomes problematic.
Hmm, for a bald head I'm not sure it would be that comfortable as it's a rough'ish fabric. It doesn't move around or put much pressure so I don't think it would be terrible, I imagine it would depend largely on the sensitivity of your scalp. I have a pretty good thinning patch on the crown of my head but don't notice a thing (but not fully bald)
You disconnected the sound system. Are you wearing headphones, earbuds or using external speakers while wearing the headset?
Yes, both earbuds (most of the time) and a 5.1 speaker system (if I'm not in Discord). And to be clear the speaker included with the Reverb sound really good, especially bass considering they are on-ear. They would actually be better if they offered a little more pressure holding them tighter to your head, but they are surprisingly very good.
If powered extenders/booster don't work well with it that would be kind of a deal breaker for me.
Being blunt this isn't the headset for you then - as even with extenders the cable is big and bulky and uncomfortable to move around with. They are designing around their backpack PCs for full roomscale - and yes, I think that's a mistake. It's not really their fault - it's just where the technology is right now, they had to go with such a thick cable to even get 4 meters out of it - we'll just have to wait and see how extenders work.
ugh the tracking sounds like a dealbreaker, like you said, microstutters when moving head rapidly e.g. when in combat, that just ruins it for me.
From your comment it sounded like maybe tracking could be improved down the line, is that true or am I just hearing (reading) what I want to?
Let me be a bit clearer - it's not deal breaker territory for me, but it isn't as good as the Rift that's for sure. I did turn on all the lights in my room, as that does help (usually just play in the dark). And no, I see no way it could be improved in the future but wish there was an option to add external tracking cameras ala Rift. While it's not as smooth as the Rift it's playable for sure - just one of the drawbacks. Sorta like a 60hz vs. 144hz monitor - would you take a 55" 4k 60hz display or a 27" 1080p 144hz? It's sorta that kinda question - some would take the 144, some the 55" 4K.
And seriously, thanks to everyone for the questions and input - I'll be sure to cover all this when I can put up my review. I'll say this - I have fallen in love with Elite all over again in many ways. About 6 months ago I got the Samsung 49" 32:9 144hz gaming monitor - and in short it's absolutely amazing. As such I haven't played in VR a ton since - and since I can't film for my channel in VR my time in my Rift dropped significantly. I'm back in love with VR and am, and think I will be, in it much more going forward than before. I really can't understate the clarity difference - it really is game changing, hence I can put up with some of the other annoyances.
~X