ProTubeVR - ProVolver Elite with Front hand & Shoulder extensions

I've been using the ProVolver Elite with front hand & back shoulder attachments both on my live stream and off stream sessions. Having used the original ProVolver for many years, I went into this well familiar with the ProVolver ecosystem, but the Elite is genuinely a meaningful upgrade rather than a small revision.

Positives:
One of the first things that stands out when in hand is the natural feel and way better balanced. Especially with the front and back attachments. The original ProVolver was solid, but the Elites weight distribution and ergonomics allows for better accuracy and weapon handling feeling smoother and much more controlled. Especially in my long VR sessions, which go up to 5 hours long without any breaks. It's immediately noticeable how much less fatigued my forearms and wrist are during a session. The well thought redesign and ergonomics make this worth an upgrade in itself.

Another massive improvement on the device is the universal compatibility. While the original ProVolver had dozens of VR titles that I regularly played, being able to use the device for any and every FPS title is a game changer. It was so nice to pop in my Quest 3 controller and play Forefront on launch. The single button system to change the haptic modes makes it a breeze to swap between different weapon types during games. It's positioned by the trigger and is similar to where a safety button may be on an actual weapon. It makes it feel more natural and not immersion breaking as I anticipated. Grabbing a pistol off my hip in game, I just push the button once for a single shot fire, switching to my full auto rifle, I do a quick three pushes and the stock is feeling like I'm firing an automatic. 

The haptics are also noticeably improved. While maybe not more powerful (didn't feel necessary to add more kick) it is noticeably more refined, feels better in the hand and the delay of the original is a thing of the past. The communication and feedback is more responsive and accurate with each pull of the trigger. With the new design and front and back attachments, this has gone from a fun haptic device that adds another layer to the immersion, but a legit contender for a gunstock to help improve accuracy during FPS titles. I've had viewers on my live stream even mention how I'm hitting precision shots and that my rifles are very steady when aiming up a shot.

The modularity is also a big improvement. Being able to quickly add or remove the front and back shoulder attachments is a nice addition I didn't know I wanted. And the newly designed controller placement makes getting fully ready for gameplay as easy as snapping in the controller. It doesn't take but a literal second where it was almost a chore before on the original. Another aspect of this is that nothing on the device, or the attachments, feels loose or wobbly.

Also, the tracking is noticeably improved as well. I didn't notice any controller drift or occlusion caused by the ProVovler Elite.

Going back to a major difference in the redesign, having the device be able to charge fully in about an hour is huge! On the original ProVolver, it took a solid 5-7 hours. If I forgot to charge it after a session overnight, then there would be no way for me to use it that day if I wanted to jump in some games. Now, I can start charging it as I start setting up for my live streams and by the time I'm live and loading up games, the device is ready to go!

Front hand & Shoulder attachments:

The shoulder mount attachment has the adjustability of the MagTube, but better since it doesn’t require a wrench to change the angle. So the butt can slide up and down on the fly, and you can adjust the angle on the fly. The shoulder attachment also has the carbon fiber railing, which you can adjust the length and rotation without needing tools as well.

The front attachment can be adjusted height-wise without the need of tools as well. But the front attachment is a fixed length. At the end of the front is the strong magnetic design that the MagTube and other ProTube devices use that allows for a secure system to have your controller attached, or easily remove the controller when needed. That is rotatable in a front to back pivot without the need for tools as well but can’t be adjusted side to side.

As far as matching with guns in game, no issues so far. Games like Forefront, using it with an SMG feels just as great as using the AK. Just may need to do slight adjustments. Some may feel it could be a bit off since the front length is not adjustable, but that’s been a non issue for me in the games and guns I’ve used since adjusting the height and/or adjusting the front cup works well for my use case. I could also see some folks feel off if they want to rotate their front controller at a side angle but I don’t have the need or desire to do so. I prefer how it’s lined up straight in its design.

Transitioning from two hands to one for various interactions like throwing grenades is a breeze with the magnetic cup design of the front attachment. And honestly, the grip cups that it comes with is very premium and among my favorite of all Quest grips.

Some of my favorite games to use the ProVolver Elite in are the games that use both single handed guns and two handed weapons. The previous ProVolver was quite front heavy as I had mentioned above, especially when using it one handed with the front attachment, but that is drastically improved on the Elite. Games like GTFO VR mod where my main gun is a pistol and my secondary is a two handle rifle works beautifully with the ProVolver Elite.

Negatives:
The main downside I have with the device so far is not having a Valve Index option. As mainly a PCVR user with my Pimax Super, and a big fan of the Index Knuckles, this cuts into my usage of the ProVolver Elite. Now I have talked to the ProTubeVR team about this and they said while it's not confirmed, there is a possibility of getting Index Knuckles support later on. They also mentioned that it may depend on the voice of the community, so if you want Index Knuckle support for the ProVolver Elite, let the ProTubeVR team know directly! It may very well be the deciding factor in getting them supported!

I also do have to mention that during testing on a pre-production unit, the trigger became stuck, but ProTubeVR was notified, they were sent the product back so they could see, and the issue has been addressed so that shouldn't be an issue for folks going forward. But also I should mention that ProTubeVR customer service was above and beyond. They were very responsive and helpful even being on the other side of the world. Although I didn't think anything of it since I was testing, they sent me the final product express shipping within 2 days, with a note that explained that they were sorry for the mishap with an adorable dog picture. I felt that was a nice touch.

It's also worth mentioning that it is in the higher price range for gunstocks, but you also get something unique with the haptics. And with the farmertrue discount code, you can currently get 25% off with the current deal. For those interested in saving & while helping support my channels & VR community, here is the code and referral link to order.

Extra 5% Off Discount Code: PTVR5_FARMERTRUE
ProTubeVR Website - https://www.protubevr.com/en/?aff=y24245
Quest 3 - ProVolver Elite affiliate link
PSVR2 - ProVolver Elite affiliate link
Steam Frame - ProVolver Elite affiliate link
Pico 4 Ultra - ProVolver Elite affiliate link

Wrap Up:
As a person who is in constant search of premium VR products that are easy to use, who enjoys using gunstocks (with over 10 various gunstock types in my studio) and hopes to find ways to increase the overall immersion, the ProVolver Elite nails what it has been sent out to accomplish. It checks all those boxes. As far as haptic gunstocks, this is easily the best one available. It checks so many boxes, and while it's on the more premium side of price, you get what you pay for. The ProVovler Elite is exciting to use & unique, has universal compatibility, is easy to use, adds to the immersion and increases gameplay, all while feeling premium and good in your hands. And for a device of this quality & functionality, it stands above others and is in a league of its own. Props to the ProTubeVR team!