Review: Skullcandy’s PLYR 2 Wireless Gaming Headset offers plenty of bang for the buck

There are a lot of great choices out there when it comes to video game headsets, including Sony's definitive Pulse set-up for PS3/Vita and Astro Gaming's stellar A50's.  But for those looking for a somewhat reasonable pricing – or a tendency to lean towards Skullcandy's brand set-up – you've got another great choice with the PLYR 2 Wireless Gaming Headset, which is compatible across the board for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

As part of a new gamer-oriented line-up with support from Astro Gaming (that also includes a PLYR 1 headset, as well as a SLYR model), the PLYR 2 is actually quite good, even with an overcrowded market filled with quality headsets.

Upon cracking open the box, the first thing we noticed was the quality feel of the headset.  The cups feel comfortable sitting over the ears, and the headset itself doesn't force any strain on your skull while you're playing.  Its black/yellow coloring leaves a little something to be desired, but other choices are available if you aren't out to look like a gaming bumblebee.

As for the quality of the headset itself, it's very good.  It's set up using wireless 2.4 GHz technology with a GMX stereo transmitter, which makes for a unique balancing of both game and chat sounds.  Like with other headsets, you can tone down one over the other, if you prefer, through an easily accessible function on the side of the headset.  In fact, everything is easily within reach, including the EQ3 sound settings and a boom mic that's simple to access and use.  (And like other headset models, it mutes when you flip it up.)

The wireless technology is a little bit better in the Astro Gaming set-up when it comes to responsiveness (it's just a hint higher on the technical level, especially the A50's), but the PLYR 2 headset performs admirably well under pressure, as we tested with thorough sessions of Black Ops II and a little bit of Tetris Splash.  (Yes, people still play Tetris Splash, quiet.)

The EQ3 settings differ into three different modes – bass, supreme and precision.  We couldn't really tell major differences between supreme and precision, but you might toy around with them using various games to see what fits right for you.  Overall, each one offers strong Dolby-style quality, with hardly any lag in performance.  And again, it's comfortable for long sessions, always a good thing with a bulky set like this.

The mic does stick out a bit of ways from the headset, so it might get in the way of your view if you have it in a certain position.  But outside of that, everything seems to work quite properly.

Now, the PLYR 2 isn't as cheap as, say, most $50-$70 headsets, as it sits more in the $130 range.  But if you can't afford the deluxe Astro Gaming models, and want something that's adequate for long-term gaming sessions, you can't go wrong with this.  It's a fine debut by Skullcandy, and we'll probably see better ones come along as they move forward.