Reddit reviews 2 Packs Protective Frame and Silicon Protective Case for HTC Vive/Vive Pro Controllers MDW

Also, for anyone who doesn't have a 3d printer, you can buy almost the same thing on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524343307&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=vive+controller+protector

They're garbage, though. My tracking went to shit after putting them on.

You can find a good selection of covers for your controllers on amazon. Some look ridiculous but should keep you from breaking them.
For example

PART TWO -- wrote this before seeing your VIVE arrives... basically tomorrow

-=- recommended accessories -=-
get the Deluxe Audio Strap. this is a MUST HAVE.

https://www.amazon.com/HTC-Vive-Deluxe-Audio-Strap-pc/dp/B06Y2GDXMC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=htc+vive+deluxe+audio+strap&qid=1555922928&s=videogames&sr=1-1


i don't consider this an accessory...this is just absolutely CRUCIAL. installation took me ~15-20 minutes after watching a youtube video on how to install as the instructions that ship with it are ...lacking. there's a video of a german guy who shows you have to install it easily.... this strap adds not only great sounding, adjustable and comfortable headphones but (more importantly) will secure the HMD in a way that makes the default strap seem laughable. this deluxe strap allows more comfortable wear of the HMD, better cord management and eliminates the need for supplying your own audio (be it earbuds or headphones) while i ordered all of these "accessories" and received them before my VIVE, i decided to try the original / shipped strap before installing the "deluxe" and words can't describe the difference in fit, comfort, and how great the audio from the adjustable integrated earphones sound. the headphones are able to "snap" in an upright position when you are either removing /storing the HMD or just need to lift one up to hear something someone is trying to tell you...


-=-2nd suggestion for "accessories"-=-


probably most important second only to the deluxe audio strap.... get these tripods. you don't want to mount your lighthouses to your wall... with these tripods you are able to place your lighthouses without drilling/mounting. it is way worth the investment as the stands are very secure, adjustable and the lighthouses screw directly into them. no other parts needed, just these two stands... you'll realize that you might have to fine-tune/tweak the placement of the lighthouses slightly, and with these stands you are able to make adjustments (not only in placement but with the ball/swivel you are able to change the angle/pitch etc.) which you couldn't do if you mounted them.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B6FDKZ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


-=-honorable mention -- not necessary but recommended...-=-

when i purchased my vive i made sure to get a nice stand to set the HMD/controllers on... (...i went a bit overboard with other accessories and for brevity i'll only mention two more accessories that i think you should pick up) here's the HMD/controller stand i purchased for when either storing the vive or to set it on while taking breaks/cooling off... . it isn't an absolute necessity but it gives it a nice place to rest the HMD/controllers during breaks between play (you will sweat a lot even in a cold room, i know i'm out of shape but with titles like sairento, sprint vector, space pirate etcetc i take breaks just to let my face breathe and cool off.) this beats just setting the HMD on the ground or on a nearby table which could easily fall off.... your call, but -- again, protect your investment!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1N5GP4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-=-

"Skywin VR cable management system"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0733NN7G8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


-- these are simply pullies that attach to your ceiling, allowing the cable to be out of the way of the ground... personal preference here but i find these very useful (especially with titles where i'm moving around a lot... sairento, gorn, QuiVR etc) ... protip: i went to walmart etc, purchased -several- packs of 3M "Command" large picture and frame hanging strips 16lb "large picture hanging strips" and have them all over my ceiling at different strategic places (depending on if i'm playing a title that requires my entire room i.e having to move my bed for the max. play area, or if i'm playing a title that requires only the smallest room setup or even for sitting) so using the 3M strips instead of the adhesive that comes with the pullies in the kit, i'm able to switch around the location of the pullies to suit each above situation...also, they remove without damaging your ceiling... if you have any questions on this just message me and i'd be happy to elaborate.
-=-
last accessory suggestion -- after watching videos of people punching holes in their walls etc. i decided to grab these protective frames which have saved my walls and possible harm to my controllers when demoing my vive to friends (even though when demoing i always have chaperone on "beginner", floor bounds on etc) it -never- fails that they will try to throw a grenade and hit my ceiling, swing a punch while playing Gorn and instead of my vive controller slamming into the wall, the cage around the circular top part absorbs the impact and deflects/redistributes the force from one point of contact to several. just throwing this out there, just in case you or someone you are showing it to will be inadvertently throwing your controller into your wall

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-=-
final thoughts/closing: hmm. well, i think i said a LOT here and hope that your experience with installation is pleasant. again, let us all know how your first experience went and feel free to ask any questions.


welcome to the subreddit, welcome to the VIVE family and congrats on embarking on this journey together with us


--kyle

Anyone have an opinion on these? Looks like they'd work well but I'm concerned about signal interference.

https://smile.amazon.com/MDW-Updated-Version-Protective-Controllers/dp/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1494817428&sr=8-7&keywords=vive+controller

I bought these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They make the controllers very heavy. After taking both the protective shell and skin off the controllers it felt like the controllers had no weight to them at all. I took them off because I was having tracking issues and because I'm not doing anything but development right now. Most likely the tracking issues are my own fault - my setup isn't the best and I haven't taken the time to improve it.

I am 6'5" or so. I hit my ceiling when playing games, so the shell is great for protecting my controllers. I'd recommend them for problem games but not for full time use.

Edit: Not on topic but this is the best accessory I've bought. Two switches to turn the lighthouses off. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWNMB86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am so pumped for you! I love GORN and Devolver are a perfect fit, congratulations.

Your trailer perfectly captures what this game can do; it's the reason I bought this!
It's the only experience that makes everyone lose themselves and punch my wardrobe.

I refuse to take a code; I want to give you money.

Get yourself a set of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got them and ive already hit the wall 3 times (and one time the ceiling), my wife another 2... (got the Vive less than a week ago)

i dont think the hits would have broken the controllers, as the protector didnt break, but im glad i didnt found out.

i've seen these plastic protective shield things, but haven't used them myself.

Show this to your friend

They work really, really well IMO. The silicone skin protects against scuffs and things of that nature, and the outer cage part can pop on/off in seconds depending on your protection vs weight needs.

Not a shill, just a satisfied customer. BTW they have DIY 3dprint alternatives on Thingiverse

Be sure to protect your controller with this!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XDLMYMQ?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

Now that you mention it... That's exactly what I ordered and I'm an idiot for thinking a skin would offer more than the slightest bit of protection beyond scratches.

I'll see if it is too late to cancel and order these.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499145146&sr=8-2&pi=SL75_QL70&amp

The idea everyone is pushing of OP going overboard sounds pretty extreme, but they will at least have a good whack at the railing with their controllers no doubt. OP, at least consider a protective frame if you haven't already. Maybe also rotate the couch 180 degrees.

I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've got a set of these coming:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

...before I grab this game. Going to use just the cages as the reviews say the silicone sucks.

Can't wait. Only tried an early beta from their site. I just remembered that this and holoball were the only things that made my controller hit the wall so I didn't buy day one when released on Stream. Refunded Holoball due to this(wasn't that great of a game to warrant any controller risk), I hope these cages will save my controllers with Gorn, as that beta was fun as hell.

I have 2 freinds with this one you listed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_sa5KzbFC8RR2S . Both really like it. They have small play spaces and tend to hit shit around them.

https://www.amazon.com/Packs-Protective-Silicon-Controllers-MDW/dp/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522360200&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=vive+controller+guards

These work great for me. But if someone has this stuff lying around I could see using it that way. The tracking is affected a little, but nothing major like floating controllers.

As said it's more than likely wiring that's come loose. Also I'd suggest asking the arcade to invest in these https://www.amazon.com/Packs-Protective-Silicon-Controllers-MDW/dp/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541789367&sr=8-3&keywords=Protective+Frame+and+Silicon+Protective+Case if they already haven't.

Might want to invest in some of these.
2 Packs Protective Frame and Silicon Protective Case for HTC Vive/Vive Pro Controllers MDW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDLMYMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_r35SBb8S4330K