RIG has entered the console gaming headset space with a genuinely interesting product: the R5 SPEAR PRO HS. This isn’t just another flashy RGB headset with gamer aesthetics. Instead, RIG has focused on studio-grade audio quality, specifically optimized for competitive console gaming, with this headset being officially licensed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. After spending over a week with the R5 SPEAR PRO HS, I can confidently say that RIG has created a special headset with a great value proposition.
Audio Quality
The first thing I have to mention is how shockingly loud these get. I have over a dozen headsets in my inventory, and none have ever been able to reach the volume that the R5 SPEAR PRO HS achieves. There is a volume slider on the cable that is independent of the actual volume from my computer, which allows them to get much louder than any of my other headphones.
What’s awesome is that not only can they get loud, but they sound great when loud. The 40mm graphene drivers deliver powerful audio with no noticeable distortion, even when I crank these to the maximum. The audio is well-balanced, which is important considering that these are meant to have “studio-grade” sound.
These also have Tempest 3D Audio, which is Sony’s proprietary technology for delivering object-based spatial sound on the PlayStation 5. This allows users to experience more realistic audio positioning, and this will only get better as Tempest improves. You can also use these with your PC, although you won’t get any of the benefits of Tempest, as it is an exclusive technology for the PlayStation 5. These are also great for listening to music, and every genre I played sounded good in these.
The microphone on the R5 SPEAR PRO HS is surprisingly good considering the cost of this headset. The voice clarity is excellent and doesn’t sound tinny or muffled. RIG says that the microphone is “broadcast-grade,” and while that sounds like marketing speak, I don’t think they’re far off. Comparing these to all of my other headsets, these by far have the best quality, and that’s saying something, considering that the best headset I tested them against costs twice as much.
If you’re gaming or in a voice call, the microphone will sound great. The boom is flexible and stays in position once adjusted, which is great for finding your optimal microphone placement. It also features a flip-to-mute function, where raising the boom automatically mutes your microphone. This is a simple but effective feature that I found myself using constantly.
Build Quality and Comfort
For the price, the build quality of the R5 SPEAR PRO HS is impressive. The memory-foam-lined headband and ear cushions are very comfortable, and I wore these all day without any issues. You can adjust the size sliders, and the cups also swivel. These are the most comfortable cans in my inventory now, handily beating many headsets in higher price tiers. It makes me question why most other brands making headsets don’t use the same materials.
One con of the build quality is the cable itself. The R5 SPEAR PRO HS is a wired headset, and with that comes a non-removable cable with a 3.5mm headphone jack. While I do appreciate the previously mentioned volume slider on the cable, this will always be a negative for me in any headset, and I doubt that it would cost much more to make the cable detachable.
It is also unfortunate that the cable is using a cheap polymer coating instead of being braided. This cheaply coated cable, being permanently attached and non-removable, means that you will be buying another headset altogether when it breaks.
The major gimmick of this headset is the “R5 MOD-PLATES,” which are swappable and magnetic. They look pretty good, and once you put them on, they won’t come off accidentally. For this review, RIG provided us with a PlayStation-branded pair and a “Lachlan Power” pair, which were my preferred set.
These are pretty good-looking and easy to swap out, but I never understood the purpose of having a cool design on your headset unless you’re streaming with a facecam on, and $20 per pair is a bit much compared to the price of the headset. I also think the headset looks great without them, but they’re here and completely optional, as they only serve a cosmetic purpose.
Value and Comparison
The value proposition is absolutely incredible here. For $69.99 USD, you’re getting a really solid headset with impressive volume, decent low-end, and a great microphone. At its low price point, the R5 SPEAR PRO HS competes directly with popular headsets like the Logitech G Pro SE and HyperX Cloud Alpha.
What sets the R5 SPEAR PRO HS apart from the competition is its combination of studio-grade audio quality and microphone performance at this price tier. While other headsets may offer wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and companion software, the R5 SPEAR PRO HS focuses exclusively on sound quality and comfort. The Tempest 3D Audio integration makes this an even more compelling choice for PlayStation 5 gamers.
The main trade-off for the R5 SPEAR PRO HS is the non-removable cable, which is unfortunate for durability and lifespan. If wireless connectivity is important to you, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Final Verdict
The Nacon RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS is a great gaming headset that punches well above its weight class. I believe that RIG has delivered on its promise of studio-grade audio quality, creating a headset that excels in both gaming and music listening. The above-average microphone quality and memory-foam padding also help justify the already great deal offered here. The swappable “mod-plates” are a cool gimmick, but aren’t a good selling point for this headset. The non-removable cable is the headset’s Achilles’ heel, and, unfortunately, this design choice could ultimately limit the product’s lifespan. Despite this flaw, the R5 SPEAR PRO HS offers tremendous value for PlayStation gamers.
If you’re a PlayStation 5 owner looking for a wired headset that delivers premium audio without an expensive price tag, the RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS is a solid option. Just be careful with the cable.
Disclaimer: Nacon provided Final Weapon with the RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS for review purposes.
