Hardware Review: RIG R5 Spear Pro HS

In recent weeks, we’ve been evaluating the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS, a set of economical wired headphones crafted by Nacon, officially endorsed by PlayStation. But at a budget-friendly price of $69.99, does it deliver in terms of sound quality? ​

What Is The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS?

The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS is a wired gaming headset featuring 40mm graphene drivers, and with such an elongated name, we’ll simply refer to it as the Spear from this point forward. ​It employs a 3.5mm audio jack, indicating compatibility with your PS4, PS5, or any other audio device using a jack.

This headset is primarily designed for gaming, equipped with a flip-to-mute microphone, a lightweight and comfortable build ideal for long gaming sessions, and even customizable ear cup covers. The Spear is priced at £69.90 in the UK and $69.99 in the US.

​What’s Included In The Package?

Being a wired headset, unboxing the Spear is quite straightforward. The headset is simply there, ready for use, with the wire neatly tucked behind some plastic.

With the PlayStation variant of the headset, you’ll also receive two of those customizable ear covers, enabling you to style the standard RIG-branded ear cups. There is no drawstring bag or case provided, which is expected for a headset in this price category. ​

Construction Quality and Hardware Features

The Spear, similar to its pricier counterpart, the RIG 900 MAX HS, features a lightweight design.

Its construction is entirely plastic, equipped with memory foam padding on both the headband and ear cups, which are covered in a soft fabric finish. While the cushioning is not particularly remarkable, the fabric-over-faux-leather design should enhance the headset’s longevity.

However, if durability is a concern, the Spear includes replaceable Snap+Lock ear cushions. Removing these cushions is as simple as described, which means if the padding starts to wear out or the fabric tears from frequent usage, they can be swapped out without needing to purchase an entirely new headset. ​

This magnetic system also applies to the customizable ear covers, allowing you to exchange cover designs. This model comes with two covers featuring the PlayStation logo. ​

These do give the headset a somewhat bulkier appearance, but we feel it’s a rather gimmicky feature. We can’t envision anyone rushing out to curate a collection of these accessories. ​

That said, we genuinely appreciate the elegant design of the Spear. With a blend of matte and glossy black surfaces, it doesn’t make a bold statement. It’s uniform, avoiding the “gamer headset” look that many others have, which we consider a positive aspect. ​

We value that, unlike some other RIG headsets, the Spear has a sliding, adjustable headband, making it effortless to position the headset comfortably. There’s not a great deal of flexibility, however, and we suspect that for some it might feel slightly small.

​Its ear cups aren’t exceedingly flexible either, but this contributes to a snug fit, rendering the Spear a reasonably secure pair of headphones if you tend to be active. Combined with its lightweight structure, the Spear remains a comfortable headset even during prolonged use.

​Despite its lower cost, the flip-to-mute microphone on the Spear surpasses some of the higher-priced headsets we’ve examined here. ​Nacon asserts the mic is broadcast-grade, featuring advanced noise cancellation and a mesh pop filter.

From our numerous sessions in group chats with friends, the sound was reportedly “sharper” than that of headsets like the Sony INZONE H9 or the JBL Quantum 910P. Quite impressive for a seventy-dollar headset. ​

However, there is a notable concern – the wire. The Spear is a wired headset equipped with a 1.5-meter cable, terminating in a 3.5mm audio jack. ​Fortunately, it’s not overly rubbery, preventing it from constantly clinging to clothing, and of course, you won’t have to worry about battery life with this device. ​

There is a volume slider attached to the wire, which we find less than ideal. It’s relatively small, making it challenging to dial in your desired audio levels. Adjusting audio directly on the PS5 is far more convenient. ​

Whether the wired nature is a deal-breaker really depends on individual preference. Personally, we enjoy chatting in voice parties while strolling downstairs to grab a drink between matches. It’s manageable with the Spear, but obviously, you’ll need to carry your DualSense around as well. ​

The Sound Experience

Arguably, the standout aspect of the Spear is its sound quality — a significant consideration for a headset. ​

The Spear features 40mm graphene-coated drivers, enabling low-distortion 3D audio with a frequency response ranging from 20Hz to 40Hz for those rapid online gaming sessions. This translates to incredibly clear sound, especially given its price range.

​Despite the absence of noise cancellation, the plush padding and fairly high volume (up to 117.5dB) make it hard to be distracted while using the Spear. ​

Across PS5 titles such as Ghost of Yotei, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and The Callisto Protocol, the Spear demonstrates an excellent audio spectrum that greatly enhances immersion. ​

Whether it was the howling winds in Yotei or the bustling wildlife on Pandora, the sound feels vibrant and lively. It does lack some of the depth found in pricier headsets, but then again, it’s also a third of the cost. ​

What often gets overlooked in headsets within this price range is the deeper bass sounds. However, unexpectedly, the Spear delivers a formidable punch for action-heavy titles like Battlefield 6.

​The LMGs may lose a touch of their heaviness, but explosions and the zipping of bullets remain strikingly impactful with the Spear. ​

For audiophiles, there is no specialized app for audio customization or built-in audio balancers. All of that functionality is instead integrated into the PS5, making the Spear a truly plug-and-play option. ​

Should You Acquire The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS?

In our opinion, the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS is definitely worth your attention if a wired headset doesn’t deter you.

Given the cost, you’re acquiring an exceptionally comfortable headset accompanied by an impressively dynamic sound profile, along with a microphone that surpasses what some pricier models provide. ​

Being a wired headset means you won’t get the freedom associated with wireless options — but if sound is your main concern and your budget is constrained, then the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS is a remarkable choice.

What do you think about the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS? Does a wired headset concern you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.