INTRODUCTION

   Haptic devices can mimic the sensation of touch via vibrations and/or motions to the end user and even though they aren't very popular right now after testing/reviewing the Vest Edge by Woojer earlier this year (review here) i have to admit that this is not something i can explain. Yes, the Woojer Vest Edge may not be the most comfortable peripheral I've ever used but it does propel one’s gaming experience to new heights so i do believe that it clearly deserves far more recognition. Still if size is an issue for you then you may be glad to learn that Woojer has yet another product in their current line, the portable belt-like Strap Edge model which can be used virtually everywhere.

   Woojer is a pioneer in the field of haptic technology with a fundamental patent portfolio and products that deliver high fidelity tactile sensation which reproduce the rich emotion of sound. Our team are visionaries who understand the intertwined relationship between sound, vision, emotion and immersion. The Woojer team has a proven track record of bringing disruptive products to market and are backed by influential industry leaders.

   Being portable means that the Woojer Strap Edge can't compete with its larger brother the Vest Edge model so instead of packing a grand total of 6 patented sensory points (OSCI TRX52 transducers with a frequency response of 1Hz-200Hz) it just packs a single one which you need to position against either your waist, chest or spine (the adjustable strap is very easy to use). Just like with the Vest Edge the Woojer Strap Edge also packs a Bluetooth v5.0 module by Qualcomm (compatible with aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, MP3, AAC and SBC audio codecs - 192kHz stereo DAC channels), built-in analog headphones amplifier by Texas Instruments (105mW output into 16ohm - 0.1% THD) exterior haptic and headphones controls and an 3350mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (4.2v) which can provide the Strap Edge with enough juice for up to 8 hours. So only left to see if both how it compares to its larger brother the Vest Edge and of course how it performs in general.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Woojer uses a small box to pack the Strap Edge and as expected at the front there's a large product picture right over a device compatibility list.

Several certifications are printed at the rear of the box right over the bundle contents and the product barcode.

The company logo is placed on the interior box as seen above.

3 pieces of cardboard are used to keep the Strap Edge safe inside the box.

Inside the box Woojer has placed the Strap Edge, 3.5m cable, USB-C cable, soft fabric carrying pouch and the user manual.

THE STRAP EDGE

At first glance the Strap Edge doesn't look that much different compared to some thick belts.

What really stands out is the main unit which is placed at the center of the strap and has the volume level and haptic strength control buttons on its exterior.

The input audio port is located at the base of the main unit right next to the USB-C charging and 3.5mm headphones ports.

At the top we find the on/off and bluetooth pairing buttons.

On the interior we see the single OSCI TRX52 transducer and proper usage instructions on both the left and right.

By extending or reducing strap length you can use it on your chest, waist or spine (and yes this should be long enough for almost all body types).

The plastic clip is not quite as sturdy as that found on the Vest Edge model but it gets the job done.

USING THE STRAP EDGE

As always you should head over to the official support page to download the latest firmware files.

Just connect your Strap Edge via USB-C to your computer install and launch the firmware update tool and wait until the update is over.

Once the update is completed you will need to unplug your Strap Edge, use a small pin to click the reset button (found next to the audio input port) and turn it back on.

To properly calibrate your Woojer Strap Edge i suggest heading to their YouTube channel to check the video that helps do exactly that.

CONCLUSION

    The Strap Edge was something i really enjoyed using (even though i have to admit is not very comfortable for long periods of time), not only while playing games (both 1st and 3rd person shooters work great with it - even flight simulators do) but also while watching movies. So yes, i had high expectations from the Strap Edge which weren't quite met. I don't know if it was wrong for me to first review/test the Vest Edge model and then the Strap Edge but there's simply no comparison between the two. And it's not only the number of OSCI TRX52 transducers (6 for the Vest and 1 for the Strap) it’s also vibration strength and since the Edge Vest tightly hugs your entire torso it produces a much better effect. Of course, number of OSCI TRX52 transducers clearly matters but it's not like Woojer could had placed more than 1 (perhaps 2, one on each side - that would be interesting to see) in a compact model (that also gives it slightly more battery life than the Vest Edge). For people who haven't had the chance to use the Vest Edge model i expect the Strap Edge will deliver a whole new experience (alas in a far lesser degree) but for people who have, well let's just say i wouldn't put it in my to buy list.

    With a current sale price set at USD143/127Euros (directly from Woojer.com) at least price-wise the Strap Edge is far more affordable than its larger brother the Vest Edge so for people who may want to get a quick look at how haptic technology works (and of course enjoy the experience) it's a good option. Still for people who really want the best haptic technology has to offer (indoors however) the Vest Edge is worth every penny. Overall i think that most people will have a blast using the Strap Edge by Woojer (just as long as you haven’t used the Vest first), it's compact (which allows it to be used outdoors), easy to use, affordable and offers the basic haptic experience which will probably make you want to ask for more and since at the end of the day that's what really counts i strongly recommend checking it out.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Haptic Experience
- Battery Life (Up To 8 Hours)
- Wired & Wireless Use
- Built In Amplifier
- Compatibility (Games, Movies & Music)
- Easy To Use
- Product Support
- One Size For All
- Compact
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Only Works With Headphones/Headsets
- Plastic Clip (Not Very Sturdy)
- Performance (Compared To The Largest Vest Edge)