Among the most renowned brands in the world of audio peripherals, we cannot exclude Haylou, which recently decided to bring its expertise to the gaming world, standing out as always for the excellent quality/price ratio typical of its tech philosophy. Our review today focuses on the new Haylou HexStorm G1 gaming headset, highlighting all the advantages and possible disadvantages discovered after extensive testing.
HAYLOU HexStorm G1 Wired Gaming Headset 7.1 Surround Sound Dual 50mm Driver Esports Gaming Headphones with Microphone for PS4 PS5 PC
The new Haylou HGexStorm G1 are wired headphones with a list price of around $52, but with our coupons you can get them for much less. This is a very low price considering what they offer, not so much in terms of the WOW effect of thousands of LED lights typical of the gaming world, but of pure audio magic and features that are usually not found on more expensive and well-known products.
Haylou's over-ear headphones use an interesting aluminum and titanium composite for the 50mm drivers inside the earcups. Besides being extremely lightweight, this material minimizes unwanted resonances, thus ensuring maximum distinction between low, mid, and high frequencies. The driver response is quite classic and completely covers the frequency spectrum audible to the human ear. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sheer audio capture quality of the omnidirectional microphone, which can be rotated 360° and likely also boasts a wide frequency response.
In terms of connectivity, the Haylou headset guarantees full compatibility with Windows PCs, PlayStation 4/5, and Nintendo Switch via USB 2.0. I actually tested them with a Linux PC and they were recognized without any problems, but in terms of volume, Windows provides significantly better results. In fact, Windows offers software that offers interesting features, such as the ability to change the pitch of your voice, adjust microphone levels, and above all, benefit from 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. It also allows you to equalize the sound across 10 channels or with pre-defined audio profiles based on usage scenarios, such as FPS, RPG, etc.
The beauty of not having a battery and a Bluetooth module is that you'll have infinite battery life and, most importantly, zero lag or delay between video and sound, making it perfect for gaming. Furthermore, with the 7.1 Virtual Surround feature, we can immerse ourselves in the game with pure realism, hearing, for example, the direction of a footstep or a gunshot.
The Haylou HexStorm g1 headphones feature a very simple and minimalist design. The manufacturer's goal of making this device as light and comfortable as possible is immediately apparent upon first contact. Lifting them from the packaging, they'll feel even lighter than their actual 330 grams, thanks to a clever choice of plastic materials. While they certainly don't scream miracle quality, they are pleasant to the touch, thanks to a glossy surface and well-chosen color contrasts. The headband has been made as light as possible, yet still able to flex to the most extreme degrees. The memory foam padding contributes to the product's excellent comfort and fit, which can be adapted to different head sizes thanks to an extendable headband. Most importantly, even those who wear glasses won't have to worry about pressure on their skin.
The cable, reinforced with tangle-free nylon braiding, features a sort of structure that houses the microphone on/off switch and a volume control dial. There's not much else to add other than that these HexStorm G1s sound truly impeccable, although I must admit there's a certain imbalance (though I think it's intentional) towards the low end, typically found in high-end FPS games. However, the software's built-in equalizer allows you to create your own audio profile. In action-packed video games where hundreds of sound effects typically play simultaneously, the Haylou HexStorm G1s have no trouble handling it all. Volume is well-balanced, and the maximum volume reaches an excellent level without ever distorting or bothering the listener in any way. The directionality of the various sounds is also very clear and distinguishable: in competitive shooters, you'll always have the situation under control, being able to pinpoint the origin of enemy footsteps or distant gunshots.
But as already mentioned, the microphone also boasts high quality, capturing audio that's very clear and crisp with just the right amount of depth. Compared to most headsets, it captures much more detail and nuance in our voice, making it enjoyable to listen to when conversing with someone, for example during gameplay or during work calls, on Teams, or other software. In fact, the understated aesthetic allows these headphones to be used in more professional settings, not just for gaming. Finally, the price is definitely a strong point. So don't wait for the deals to end, don't miss out.
