Turtle Beach Recon 70 Headset Review
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Headset
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Developer: Turtle Beach
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Turtle Beach is one of the biggest companies for console accessories and is known for providing a wide range of products that fit every user’s needs. With this in mind, we took a look at one of their budget headsets, the Turtle Beach Recon 70. Recently, more and more brands are offering budget and mid-tier products as they begin to realize that the casual gamer does not necessarily need top-level accessories, or the price tags that come with them. So, how does the Recon 70 fare as a budget level console headset? Let’s find out!
For a headset that runs you around $40 USD, the Recon 70 seems, at first glance, like your typical budget headset. The frame is light but limited in its manoeuvrability and comes without any bells and whistles that you will generally find on most of the higher-end headsets these days.
The comfort level of the Recon 70 is a tricky thing to nail down. When I first put it on there was, despite the lightweight build of the headset, some significant pressure to the sides of my head, and I got the immediate sense that if my head was any larger, this headset would not fit at all. (Keep in mind I am a big guy so my head is on the large end of average.) After wearing the headset for some time, however, it seemed to adjust nicely and provide a satisfactory level of comfort following that.
The actual sound provided by the headset can only be described as basic. You won’t gain any particular advantage with directional sound or encounter an otherworldly audio experience with the Recon 70, but you won’t miss anything either. Its 40mm speaker drivers are powerful enough to deliver a clear sound, but do so without the dynamic range you would find in a higher tier headset.
The flip-up mic that comes with the Recon 70 is a familiar disappointment. When it comes to budget headsets, easily the most common shortcoming lies in the microphone. This is not surprising as it can be very difficult to provide solid speaker and microphone performance at a budget price and the Recon 70 also follows this pattern. The mic is quiet and has a constant light static/white noise in the background that was slightly distracting to those on the other end of the conversation.
The style of the Recon 70 is perhaps one of the best things about it. It would appear that (rightly so) Turtle Beach is looking towards the Recon series as its flagship line for affordable headsets. The Recon 70 is available in at least 7 different colour combinations and, to be quite honest, is a refreshing change of pace from the traditional black and grey/metal that dominates the design of most headsets nowadays.
While it would be nice if some of the familiar features were included in this type of headset, it is equally understandable that there are serious limitations when you aim to create a quality experience on a value headset.
Sound Quality: 3.5/5 While the dynamic range and depth of sound might be lower than a higher-tier headset, you won’t miss any of the action with the solid sound provided by the Recon 70.
Mic Quality: 2.5/5 The true downfall of many a budget headset lies in its microphone and sadly, the Recon 70 is no exception.
Comfort: 3.5/5 Bigger headed people may feel a slightly increased pressure on the ears, but overall the comfort level is passable and actually increases over time.
Durability 4/5 One thing that budget headsets are good for is reliability. This headset is sturdy as anything and would be quite at home as an on-the-go headset that can take a bit of a beating.
Compatibiltiy: 5/5 Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC; you name it, this headset can do it.
Overall Value: 3.5/5 Overall, the Recon 70 does everything you would expect from a budget headset, and maybe even a little more. That said, if you are a frequent or heavy gamer, it is well within your best interest to invest a little more money for one of their higher-end headsets.
Take a look at the Recon 70 and all of Turtle Beach’s headsets at: https://www.turtlebeach.com/