Turtle Beach Ear Force X1 Review

How I rate the Turtle Beach X1s

There are many different factors which contribute to whether a headset is good, bad or just okay. The categories I've assigned to rate the headset include: Appearance, Build, Comfort, Performance and Cost. Remember, such articles and reviews like this are based around my personal opinion of how the headset performs as per its design. Meaning, it's not logical to compare a stereo headset to a 5.1 headset with a $200 price-gap. I take the written description the manufacturer provides about the product and voice my opinion on whether or not the product lives up to its specifications.

Appearance
The X1's are the type of headset where you can see the manufacturer has focused mostly on quality rather than sexiness. The headset does not look awful but it does not look spectacular either. It's a straight-forward headset designed for ease of use and quality whilst also maintaining an acceptable appearance. The attached microphone stands out quite a bit but again was obviously used and designed for ease of use rather than focusing on attractiveness. I will concede however, that I quite like how the headrail and adjustable slides are attached to the ear cups. It gives the headset a somewhat military feel for me.

Build
This headset is built quite solidly, while it won't withstand you sitting on them they have the flexibility to be 'tossed about' a bit without a worry. Like most headsets or headphones the obvious, most-broken part of the product is the retractable, sliding adjusters. The plastic used for these is questionably thin and weaker than what is to be expected. However, we are looking at a headset that is meant for a lower price bracket, so with some care taken such breakages could be avoided and you'd be quite happy and discregard the previous point I just made.

The cabling is sufficient, though it may be lengthy it can easily be tied up to a desired length so it does not get in the way but there'll be more than enough cable length to suit all users. Like the majority of Xbox 360 headsets, the microphone has had some issues in the past which unfortunately aren't easily resolved as the microphone is permanently (unless you wish to tear it off rendering it useless) attached to the headset.

Comfort
The ear cups are very comfy. The lining is soft and is not irritable and the material around the edges is actually rather cosy. Having said that, they can get a little too warm on the ears as the ear cups will fully encompass your ears (whilst blocking out background noise around the home) and keep the warmth in. Definitely not a complaint one would make on those cold winter nights though!

The microphone itself is easily adjusted to be positioned wherever you would like around your mouth, or can simply be turned away if you find it bugging you or you wish to refrain from raging and have forgotten the mute function on your Volume Control. The extensive cabling can be tied up and out of the way so as not to muddle up your gameplay.

Performance
This is probably the part most readers will want to look at. The X1's – regarding their price and specifications – have outstanding performance. The sound is very clear and individual noises can be discerned easily with no muddling of audio even with the added Voice communications coming in from your team mates. The bass is tremendous, especially considering the headset is only equipped with two 40mm drivers. The bass in these babies – particularly when 'Bass Boost' is turned on – makes guns and explosions sound very chunky and very cool. Personally, an M16 (COD4) never sounded better!

When it comes to figuring out where sounds come from, there is obviously only the 'left' and 'right' sound channels which (barring your personal hearing capabilities) are easily identified. Sounds made in other fields, such as behind you are also magically identifiable also, though not anywhere near as obvious as a surround sound headset. But the user still has the ability to hear that bastard creeping up behind him! Most sound identification is based on map and obstruction knowledge around the map i.e. tin sound equals roof, bush rustling equals walking right alongside you! – So the X1's can only prepare you for your battle, it's up to you to put the advantage of high-quality sound to the best use!

Cost
Although this headset isn't currently available in Australia, it can be imported from stores abroad or even eBay for usually about $100 AUD all up. This is a great price for a quality headset and is another reason why the X1's are highly favoured among Xbox users that don't feel the need to go out and get the biggest, most expensive headset available.

The Numbers
Turtle Beach X1's are without a doubt, a great headset. While their build may not be as unbreakable as the more expensive headsets, the pros of the headset far outweigh the cons. Any user will be pleased with the performance of the X1's and will most likely never turn back. In my opinion, the X1's are the main reason Turtle Beach are so highly regarded as headset and gaming peripheral manufacturers.

Appearance: 6/10 – A pretty ordinary headset in terms of appearance, but still has a few snazzy looking bits and pieces

Build: 7/10 - Solid in most departments but the plastic in the retractable headset adjustment panel isn't quite up to scratch and the microphone has had some issues in the past

Comfort: 9/10 - Very comfortable and well suited to the cooler environments. Can get rather warm on the ears after extended play, more so than most headsets – but still feels as if it and your head were just made to be.

Performance: 10/10 - Great quality, excellent thudding buss, quality stereo directional sound and pick-up.

Cost: 10/10 – Value for money, a great headset worth its price.

Overall: 8.8/10 - Some minor flaws but a superb headset offering great sound quality for an inexpensive price.
Feel free to comment or ask questions below.
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