The audio selection of quality wireless headsets for console gaming systems is incredibly low. And since most of us probably can’t afford to skip this month’s electricity bill to buy an Astro A30 or some Tritton gaming headset; we need to look at “more affordable” alternatives for a digital wireless gaming headset. Turtle Beach Wireless Headphones have been standing out in this market for a while now, mainly because they offer high-quality upgraded gaming headsets at very affordable prices. They currently have 10 models of console gaming headsets ranging in price from $30 to $200.

In this review of Turtle Beach’s headphones, we examine the Ear Force X31; an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. The call of wireless gaming audio appealed to me for some time, as my wife tripped over the X11 cable several times (when my son wasn’t “borrowing” them). I finally bought these headphones when I found them at a bargain price online, and I’m so glad I did! This digital wireless headset features:

• Transmitter provides rich, clear audio that improves performance
• Adjustable bass boost with stereo expansion effects
• VERY comfortable cloth ear cushions for all night play
• Security and convenience of being wireless: no tangled wires, no tripping over wires
• Solid and comfortable construction.
• Great for not disturbing others or playing undisturbed
• High-sensitivity microphone with robust and flexible boom
• Now with a great discount

It took me about 7-8 minutes to connect the digital wireless RF transmitter (note that when using HDMI video, you MUST use the Xbox HD AV cable). When they first came out, I played Gears of War 2 in horde mode…I was immediately impressed by the sound quality. I could hear a boomer from across the map in the courtyard, and the explosions were so intense that I could feel them! Switch to Modern Warfare 2… Not only could I hear the breech sliding over my opponents’ intervention sniper rifle; I could hear him sneaking up on me from much further away. And online chat sounds much better than Microsoft’s chat microphones. It’s almost a given that the Ear Force X31 wireless headphones will help you up your game. But there are 2 things that bothered me a bit too:

• Bass-Boost is not very effective – could use a lot more bass for this feature to make any sense
• The online chat mute switch is really hard to find – have fun trying not to get killed while adjusting the mute/volume
• Overall sound quality is still not as rich as wired headphone technology

The headset itself is powered by 2 triple A batteries which seem to last about 15-17 hours, but my rechargeable ones last about 14 hours. Even with these few flaws, the Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 Wireless Gaming Headset really stands out as affordable; high quality professional game accessory. If you’ve been thinking about upping your game with a wireless headset but can’t afford it, the Ear Force X31 is now more affordable than ever.