Extended Controller Grips for Meta Quest 2 (Kiwi Design Review)
We expose one simple thing that surprised us and changed this review from entirely positive.
When I opened the box for the Extended Controller Grips for Quest 2, I realized this was much more than expected. Heavy duty and over-engineered, but much better than the cheap silicone grips I had been using (which had actually torn). I had to do something I usually don’t do: I read the manual to do the installation.
The Extended Controller Grips for Quest 2 are currently on sale for $26.39 USD (Full retail is $32.99 USD). You can purchase them directly through this link or use the promo code RICHCANADIAN.
The most annoying thing about the flimsy silicone grips I already had (which I got as a welcome gift to Supernatural) was that whenever I needed to replace the batteries, I had to take the grips off the controllers. It was a pain every single time. It wore on me like the ocean wears down the rocks on the beach.
Kiwi Designs solved this by over-engineering the grips to include a battery compartment door built right into the grips. This means the white plastic door is removed entirely when the controller is inserted into the grip. When the batteries die, you flip open the door, replace the battery, and never have to remove the grips. Brilliant!
The first time I used the grips, the initial setup took significant effort (and some patience) and was not enjoyable. Then, I realized the stock wrist loops come off, which was the reason it was so difficult. Facepalm.
But still, without that battery door feature, I would certainly go mad when replacing the batteries.
Without even playing with the grips in VR yet, I was already impressed.
What was not impressive was the protective sleeve for the controller rings. I’m sorry, but even though the protective layer installs quickly and easily, the rings on the Meta Quest 2 controller don’t need them. They have no real purpose, and they’re entirely useless. A rare miss by Kiwi, but the solution is simple — leave them in the box and don’t use them.
The grips felt good in my hands. A luxurious, expensive feel matching the “eco-friendly premium silicone, memory foam, non-slip, durable and comfortable” materials the manufacturer claims on the packaging. They are certainly better and more durable than cheap silicone grips.
High-impact testing environment: VR Fitness.
But the real test was to put them through their paces with a full-energy 20-minute workout session with my favorite VR fitness game, Supernatural (see my full review here). When I started swinging at targets, the controllers felt significantly heavier. This changed how I played the game; it was almost like having ankle or wrist weights. This might be a bonus while using an exercise app, but I didn’t care for it. However, the weight improved my power scores in the game because I swung harder and longer through the targets.
The extra weight and effort also meant that I sweated more than usual; I had not expected that. In other games, I think perhaps the extra weight could be detrimental. It could lead to faster fatigue and may make you less competitive in multi-player games, but it is a personal preference.
I can definitely see the value in the extended controller grips if you have large hands. The standard controllers are quite small, and if you have big hands, they may feel a bit small — and these would be a perfect solution for you.
While I noticed the extra weight in my hands and the extra sweat, the one thing that surprised me that I didn’t notice was the Comfort Battery Audio Head Strap I was simultaneously testing. The additional weight of the grips was more pronounced than the head strap. Surprising.
The good news is that Kiwi offers various grip styles, colors, and shapes. There’s bound to be something that suits your personal interests.
The Extended Controller Grips for Quest 2 are currently on sale for $26.39 USD (Full retail is $32.99 USD). You can purchase them directly through this link, or use the promo code RICHCANADIAN.
If you do buy anything from Kiwi Design, they offer an 18-month manufacturer’s warranty, so if something does go wrong you know they’ll stand behind their products.
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Although Kiwi provided the gear for this review (and I receive a referral bonus for anything you buy there) if I thought their stuff was junk, I’d tell you.
