I’ve never really been a big fan of Skullcandy’s suite of audio products. For me, they’ve always been the epitome of form over function; stylish, often sexy – but never quite living up to my audio needs. I was not particularly excited to review their newly refreshed SLYR gaming headset. It’s a product that’s been available for years now, having been released originally to play nicely with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – and it’s now got a minor update (which I think is really just a sticker on the box, if we’re honest) that promises compatibility with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

slyr1

It does indeed, though there are a few notable caveats. On the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PC, connectivity is a dream. Plug the in-line controller’s USB cable in to your device, and it works. Plug the headset itself in to the in-line controller and you’re done; you get stereo audio and voice communications and there’s little else you have to do.

On Xbox platforms, it’s a little different. Unless you’re sporting one of the newer Xbox One controllers with an included 3.5mm jack (in which case you could just plug the headset, unamplified, directly in to the controller) or have purchased the separate stereo headset adapter, you’ll need to connect it to the audio bits of RCA or component cables; the typical white and red audio ones that you’ve not really seen in ages, because this is 2015. As you know, the Xbox One (and the 360, for that matter) use HDMI or optical for its audio, so you’ll need to either use an array of adapters, or have a TV with audio output for it to work. Because of these issues, it’s hard to recommend the awkwardly-named, vowel-free SLYR for Xbox gamers who don’t meet the requirements.

Slyr2

As mentioned, on PlayStation and PC platforms, it all just works. Plugging the controller in to the PS4 had the system automatically pick the headset up, and change output and voice comms to the SLYR, which is rather nice, and how technology should work.

Once I put the headset on and gave it a listen though, I was actually impressed. The SLYR provides crisp and clear audio that worked well in giving positional cues, despite it being a simple, no frills stereo headset. It might not be the best headset for music and film aficionados, but it’s quite well tuned for gaming.

A switch running along the side of the in-line GMX controller does its job, functioning as a simple graphic equaliser. There are three pre-sets: Bass, Supreme, and Precision. I generally left it in the default “Supreme” position, which gives a pretty broad general audio profile. “Precision” mode highlighted in-game higher frequencies – like footsteps and gunfire, while Bass mode is really self-explanatory, offering the other end of the audio spectrum.

Slyr3

One of my favourite things about the headset is the fold-away microphone. The mic – which offers some of the clearest voice communication I’ve heard – tucks in to the left earcup, muting it as it’s folded away. I’ve used a great number of gaming headsets with removable, or stashable mics, but this is easily one of the best. The SLYR is also suitably comfortable, with foam cups that rest securely, but softly. I wore them for hours on end, without the slightest bit of discomfort.

As you may have ascertained, because the connection betwixt the headset and the GMX controller is a 3.5mm jack, you can use the headset with just about any device sporting the standard jack, so it’s versatile. Offering great sound in its class, it’s a headset I’d have no problem recommending if it sold locally for anything approaching its price in other markets.

Right now, you can get the SLYR for $50 in the US, which works out, in direct currency conversions, to around R685. Of course, that’s not the way things really work, so you can’t expect to pay the same for tech that our friends across the ponds do. I’d happily pay R900 for these, and not feel like I’d wasted my money.

The problem then, is that the local RRP for the things appears to be R1966, though many stores are selling it for around R1200 or thereabouts. While the product is fine, this sort of pricing isn’t, certainly not for a headset in this class – especially one that’s wired (and my good gosh, is that wire long). Quite simply, while I can’t really fault the headset itself, you can get a better set for a better price.

Last Updated: October 27, 2015

Skullcandy SLYR
Skullcandy's SLYR is a great headset - but it's available locally at a not-so-great price. It packs in good sound, a fantastic microphone and multi-platform compatibility in to a neat and comfortable package, but it just costs a bit too much.
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17 Comments

  1. Hammersteyn

    October 27, 2015 at 14:35

    “whr dd th vwls g” XD

    Reply

  2. Mistake Not...

    October 27, 2015 at 14:36

    For me it’s Razer all the way. Though to be honest I might occasionally spend too much.

    Reply

    • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

      October 27, 2015 at 14:47

      Many tales have been told about Razer headsets, “They’re Pricey, but WOW!”, or even, “Holy SH*T man, that headset!!” I love Razer, yes, they are a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, I have a headset that lasted me well over 7 years, quite literally got a new one yesterday and man, oh man…. Loving it!

      Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja

      October 27, 2015 at 14:54

      My Razer Diamondback is now over 10 years old, still not an issue of a day old

      Reply

      • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

        October 27, 2015 at 15:00

        I can’t remember what model it is that I have, but after a few times where I’ve stepped on the cable and had it nearly yank my head clean off, the cable started giving issues, opened it up, took out the snapped cable and resoldered the whole thing, worked fine…until my cats decided it would be a good thing to swing on it while I was playing guitar…

        Reply

        • Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja

          October 27, 2015 at 15:00

          xD

          Reply

  3. The Sten

    October 27, 2015 at 14:49

    A few years ago I watched as 3 of my colleagues all ordered Skullcandy headsets for themselves at the same time. Exactly two months later all of them were stuck in a battle with Skullcandy support as they all broke separately AT THE SAME TIME.

    Skullcandy support’s response to this could be summarised as follows…

    Reply

  4. RinceThis

    October 27, 2015 at 15:00

    I’m happy with my PS4 headest.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      October 27, 2015 at 15:05

      Bestestestest

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        October 27, 2015 at 15:08

        It is! Except I’m to afraid to go into group chat now… The bad Nikolas was a bully ;(

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          October 27, 2015 at 15:10

          Ssssshhhh those shakes gives him supernatural senses. But don’t worry. I’m secretly spiking it with estrogen

          Reply

          • RinceThis

            October 27, 2015 at 15:18

            That explains his man boobs 0-O *RUUUUUUUUUUUUNS!

          • Hammersteyn

            October 27, 2015 at 15:35

            hahahaha

  5. FirstShop

    November 23, 2015 at 17:51

    As a multi-platform, wired and with a fold-away microphone, the Skullcandy SLYR headset doesn’t rate too badly.

    Reply

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