REVIEW – With new technology comes new problems. The technology, in this case, is Virtual Reality and the problem is cables. Most high-end VR systems involve some type of cabling connecting back to a PC or game unit. At times, those cables can interfere with the immersive nature of VR, tangling or tripping up the user. Several companies have stepped up with some innovative ways to keep cables out of the VR user’s way. KIWI design’s V2 – VR Cable Management system is one such solution and at only $26.99 it’s a great addition to any VR setup.
What is it?
KIWI design’s V2 – VR Cable Management system is a set of pulleys with thin retractable cables and soft rubber loops used to control the cabling for VR systems. The system comes with two different ways to mount the pulleys to the ceiling or walls of a VR playspace. The V2 works with any VR system that has cables leading from the headset to a PC or gaming unit.
The V2 system comes in a thin cardboard box with the components placed in small plastic bags.
What’s in the box?
- 6 VR Cable Management System Pulleys
- 7 Ceiling Screw Hooks with Plastic Wall Anchors
- 8 Ceiling Adhesive Hooks
- 1 Allen Wrench
- 1 Ring Hook
- 1 User Guide
Design and features
Overall, for such a simple product, the V2 – VR Cable Management system is very well designed. The pulleys are made of hard plastic, contain a length of thin retractable cable that can extend 71 inches, and are attached to soft rubber adjustable loops.
The rubber end of the loops can be adjusted to hold VR cables loose or snug.
There’s a small nut on each of the retractable cables that is used to adjust the cable length.
The V2 comes with two different options for mounting the pulleys.
For smooth ceilings or walls, it’s best to use the adhesive hooks included with the V2.
For textured surfaces that may be difficult to secure the adhesive hooks to, screw hooks with plastic wall anchors are a better option.
Setup
Setting up the V2 – VR Cable Management system is very simple once you have your VR play area mapped out.
If you’re using the adhesive hooks, peel off the plastic backing before putting the hooks in position.
Depending on your setup, you may want to adjust the height at which your VR cables hang from the ceiling. To adjust the retractable cable length, pull back the rubber covering of the adjustable nut on the cable.
Loosen the nut using the included Allen wrench and pull the retractable cable through the nut until it reaches the desired length.
Now when you hang the pulley, you can have the height of your VR cables already set to the optimum position.
The V2 also comes with a ring hook that’s used to attach four pulleys together to add to the mobility provided by the system.
Attach the pulleys to the ring hook before hanging them to make setup easier.
Performance
For testing, I used painter’s tape to hold the adhesive hooks in place so I could try a number of different positions and configurations.
Once I found a good spot for the hooks, I adjusted the length of each of the retractable cables.
Adjusting the cable length with the pulleys in place was a bit difficult with such a tiny nut and Allen wrench. It was a bit easier with a helper to hold the retractable cable while I loosened and tightened the tiny nut.
Once I settled on a good height for the cables, I hung the pulleys leading from the PC to the main VR play area.
For the initial testing I used the ring hook to hang one pulley from three other ones attached to the ceiling.
Once all the cables were in place, I enlisted my team of testers to put the system through its paces.
Our first tester is an avid Minecraft player and being our shortest subject he really showcased how versatile the V2 system is.
Despite his, let’s say energetic, style of play, the V2 kept the cable up and out of his way the entire time.
No amount of jumping, spinning, or flailing tripped up our tester or the V2.
The three pulleys on the ring hook provided our tester with as much mobility as he needed to take on Minecraft’s most dangerous creatures.
Our second tester is a bit taller, so we tried out the single pulley option and disconnected the ring hook setup. We found that even without the three pulley system, the V2 provided our taller tester with plenty of slack for his more precise style of gameplay. This setup also gave us three extra pulleys to use elsewhere if needed.
Our final tester tried out both the single pulley and ringhook configurations.
One of the great things about the V2 is how easy it is to change how you have it set up.
With some expert guidance from our younger testers, our senior tester was able to try out the V2 while playing the frantic Job Simulator.
The V2 really excelled here, adjusting seamlessly to our senior tester’s um… unorthodox style of play. Even accommodating him as he laid down in the game, and in reality, to continue playing.
The V2 – VR Cable Management system worked great for all three of our differently sized testers playing a variety of games. The system was easy to set up and took everything we threw at it without failing.
What I like
- Very affordable
- Easy to install and adjust
- Works very well and enhances VR experience
What I’d change
- More mounting options would be great
- Better system needed for adjusting cable length
Final thoughts
KIWI design’s V2 – VR Cable Management system is a great addition to any VR setup. It’s simply designed system of mounts and pulleys keeps the cables out of your way allowing you to enjoy your VR experience without getting tripped or hung up. It’d be nice to have some mounting options there were less permanent or easier to remove, but at $26.99, the V2 is an outstanding value for the amount of fun it provides VR enthusiasts.
Price: $26.99
Where to buy: KIWI design or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by KIWI design.
