bHaptics Review: TactSuit X16 and X40

bHaptics is now a well-established name in the virtual reality world. bHaptics produces various haptic accessories, such as a haptic vest, haptic gloves, and haptic shoes. These devices provide haptic feedback (vibration), making it feel as if you are physically present in the virtual world. The latest products from bHaptics, the TactSuit X16 and TactSuit X40, are the most advanced haptic products available today. In this review, we will discuss the pros and cons of these vests to see if they can elevate your virtual reality experience to the next level.

• 16 Haptic feedback points
• Up to 22 hours of playtime
• Connection via Bluetooth 4.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
• Length: 50 cm (closed), 53 cm (open)
• Charging via USB Type-C cable (2.5 hours charging time)
• Weight: 0.95 kg

• 40 Haptic feedback points
• Up to 18 hours of playtime
• Connection via Bluetooth 4.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
• Length: 57 cm (closed), 61 cm (open)
• Charging via USB Type-C cable (5 hours charging time)
• Weight: 1.7 kg

The bHaptics X16 and bHaptics X40 vests are the successors to the first bHaptics vest released in 2017 (with 20 haptic points). Essentially, this vest worked the same as the latest versions of bHaptics, but there is now a clear difference in quality. Where the first version felt like a lightweight jacket, the new bHaptics vests truly feel like a premium product. When you put on the bHaptics X16 or X40 vest, you immediately feel like a sort of Iron Man in the virtual world. The vest is made of sturdier material and has a matte finish all over. This gives the vest a luxurious appearance.

At the back of the vest, you will find the battery. It is neatly integrated into the overall design. In earlier versions of the bHaptics vests, the battery was easily detachable and could be replaced in case of a defect, but in the new vests, the battery is neatly integrated into the vest itself. It is therefore not possible to detach the battery yourself. On the one hand, this can be inconvenient (a spare or extra battery is, for example, not available), but on the other hand, the battery is now so well integrated that you experience fewer problems with cables that could potentially come loose or become defective. When the new bHaptics vests were released, some users experienced the problem that the battery would turn on very quickly, for example, when the vest was lying on its back. However, this problem has now been resolved by equipping the vests with a slightly modified on/off button. The battery is positioned slightly deeper in the vest, making it less likely to be accidentally activated.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a haptic vest is the comfort during use. The accessory can be excellent, but if it is not comfortable, you will not use it. bHaptics has kept this well in mind. Both the bHaptics X16 and the X40 vests are very comfortable to wear. The two vests differ in the number of haptic motors and the length of the vest. The bHaptics X16 vest has (as the name suggests) 16 motors, while the X40 vest has 40. With the bHaptics X40 vest, you will therefore feel more precise feedback when playing games. For example, you can feel exactly where you are hit during a shooting game, while with the X16, you feel "approximately" the spot where you were hit. Additionally, the X16 vest is shorter than the X40 vest. This has the advantage that the bHaptics X16 vest can be used by children, but also that the bHaptics X16 vest can be used without problems while sitting.

The bHaptics vests are popular for a reason. Besides excellent hardware and the use of materials, the software also makes it incredibly easy to use the vests. Even people who have no prior experience with virtual reality can easily use the bHaptics X16 and X40 vests. The bHaptics vests are connected via a Bluetooth connection. If you want to quickly test the vest for the first time, the bHaptics vest can also be connected via a mobile phone. Download the bHaptics app and you can easily connect the vests via a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone. This is also fun when you want to show the bHaptics vest to someone without having to start a whole game.

In the first versions of bHaptics, the range of games compatible with the vests was minimal. This was one of the biggest disadvantages of using a haptic vest. Fortunately, this has now changed. There are more and more games where bHaptics can be used as standard. Popular games such as Onward, Pavlov VR, and Tower Tag are compatible with bHaptics hardware. This means that you only need to turn on the vest and start the game, and you can start playing immediately. And for the games that are not compatible? Fortunately, there is also a solution for that! With the audio-to-haptic solution, it is possible to receive haptic feedback based on the sound of a game. For example, it is possible to play Beat Saber or another rhythm game with a haptic vest on.

You can find the complete overview of bHaptics supported games here here.

The products of bHaptics can be connected without problems to various platforms and other devices. As mentioned earlier in this review, you connect the vest via a Bluetooth connection to a PC or smartphone. This makes it possible to easily use the products of bHaptics on different platforms, such as Steam, Oculus, or with a PlayStation. It does not matter whether you use an Oculus Quest 2, a Valve Index, or something else. Note, however, that to use the audio-to-haptic solution, you need to have the vest connected via a USB cable to the device.

Are you looking for a haptic vest to take your virtual reality experience to the next level? Then bHaptics is the right choice. The hardware feels good and sturdy, and the software is easy to use (even without VR experience). The bHaptics X16 vest is recommended if you prefer to use the vest while sitting, while the bHaptics X40 vest is better suited for standing use.

What is particularly important to us is that the products of bHaptics can be used by everyone. They are absolutely not products that require technical knowledge. Everyone can use the products of bHaptics without any problems! And that is the absolute strength of bHaptics!