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biglipzit
08-05-2008, 09:02 PM
Razer Piranha™



In 1999 the gaming world was changed forever when Razer took to the streets with its first product. From that very first mouse, the Razer Boomslang™, their products have been used worldwide by the most elite of gamers. Sporting a much wider range of products today, there seems to be something for every gamer at heart. What Razer has aimed for and accomplished is the the production of gaming peripherals designed to step up your game and give you an edge against the toughest opponents in any gaming situation.
Today we are reviewing the Razer Piranha. This is Razer’s solution for gamers seeking comfort and functionality from an on ear headset. The clarity of in game sound and overall quality makes the Piranha a must for all extreme gamers looking for an upper hand.

Razer Piranha Features and Technical specifications:



• True-to-life audio quality with superior clarity and bass
• Adjustable, noise-filtering microphone for clearer in-game communication
• Comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable earphones suitable for prolonged use.
• In-line remote control with convenient volume adjustment and microphone muting.
• Single-sided cable for hassle-free usage
• Durable braided fiber cable protection
• Internet telephony compatible
• Compatible with most major operating systems
• Usable with CD, DVD and digital audio players (via 3.5mm mini jack)


Specifications
Headphones
Freq. response: 18 – 22,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohms
SPL (@ 1 kHz, 1 Vrms): 114 dB
Cable: 3.0 meters (~10 feet)
Microphone
Freq. response: 80 – 15,000 Hz
Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz, 1V/Pa): -38 dB
Impedance: ~2 K Ohms
Pick-up pattern: Uni-directional





First Impression


Before we can see what these bad boys are capable of, we have to open the packaging. The headset arrived USPS Priority mail. The box was a little larger than expected but I found out why shortly after opening




http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/picture1watermarked.jpg



The packaging was superb with as much if not more packaging paper than headset in the box. I must hand it to Razer, they truly make that extra effort to ensure the safe delivery of their products. Besides a small crease in the headset box, everything was safe and sound.




http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/picture2watermarked.jpg



As if the packaging in the shipping box wasn’t impressive enough, I was absolutely blown away at the packaging of the headset inside its product package. It took a lot of battling to get it out of the stiff plastic it was pressed into but it was definitely worth the effort.




http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/picture3watermarked.jpg



After getting everything out of the box this is what we had.
- Piranha Headset
- Flyers, Stickers, Manuals
- 3.0 Meters of cable with USB and two 3.5mm audio jacks




http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/picture4watermarked.jpg



The headset uses the two 3.5mm jacks for the headphones in and microphone out. Razer has also incorporated many lights into this headset, three in total. One on each ear piece and one on the mic mute/volume control. The USB cable supplies power to these. The headset does work without the usb cable plugged in.





Closer Observations



The size adjustment of the headset functions extremely smooth, much smoother than any other headset I have ever used. The ear pieces seem well made and have lived up to the abuse I have put them through so far. I rip this thing off my head so often and throw it around and it still looks like new.
Plenty of cushioning ensures a snug comfortable fit on the ear. The microphone boom is very stiff and hard to bend. This turned out to be quite a good thing because when finally forced into position, it never seems to move.
I have always had problems in the past where the mic boom goes to close to my mouth after the headset is taken off and on a couple of times but this one holds it at that right position every time!





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I especially love the volume control and Mic mute. My only issue with this was the lack of any signs or indications’ showing which way was muted or not muted and volume up or down. Otherwise the clip on the back was a great idea and the built in light adds a touch of style to the whole headset.





http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/picture6watermarked.jpg




The connections are very small but Razer clearly states that they are mini plugs. Not as easy to handle when reaching behind the pc to plug them in but they work well and stay out of the way of everything else.
I fell in love with the 3 meter cord. The black braided cord is very flexible and very strong. I won’t lie and say that I have never rolled over it with my office chair. In fact I have done it more than once and there aren’t any visible damages to it. It truly is strong and a necessity for any gamer. It is the one cord I never worry about.





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Performance



If this package Razer has put together doesn’t blow the mind of any gamer, then the performance definitely will! I play a lot of COD4, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt, my in game experience has improved greatly. I have used good headsets before but this one blows everything out of the water. No one can sneak up or hide anymore. I can hear gun shots from across the map or footsteps coming around the corner behind me. No matter where the noise comes from, the headset can track it and direct me straight to it.
The noise filtering works beyond expectations, during game play or whilst listening to music, it would take a gun fired next to me to catch my attention, or so my friends say. It just works that well. As an owner of the Razer Lachesis, Razer Lycosa and Razer eXactMat, I can certainly stand behind the statement that this headset is a necessity to the other gamers like me out there. It has been the perfect addition to a previously incomplete Razer gaming collection. What also impressed me was the sound quality. No matter what genre of music or song choice, it broke into my eardrums with deadly force and some of the crispest sound I have heard. The bass that these headset’s small drivers can produce is also phenomenal. It proved itself to me over and over again. Not a single complaint over performance here.





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Thoughts



This headset is definitely a must have for any extreme gamer. Besides sometimes getting a little hot on the ear, it works flawlessly. It doesn’t weigh much and I can sometimes forget it is there which proves how comfortable it is.
My game has improved a lot since receiving this headset and listening to music has become such a pleasure through them. While the price reflects the premium performance and comfort at $80 MSRP, it may seem a little steep for those not wanting to spend more than $50 on a headset but all in all the pros definitely outweigh what little cons there are.
If you are an avid gamer with the cash to spare to get one of the best headsets that the gaming world has to offer, then definitely go with the Razer Piranha. It will not disappoint.




Overview



Performance: 10 out of 10 Frags. There were no complaints here at all. It did everything it was suppose to do and more.

Price: 7 out of 10 Frags. While definitely not one of the cheapest headsets on the market, true Gamers should be willing to part with the paltry $80 to own one of these, especially when it is paired with a great gaming mouse or any other important gaming tool that may be needed to ensure maximum enjoyment and performance.

Style: 10 out of 10 Frags. Simply the best looking one on the market hands down.

Comfort: 9 out of 10 Frags. They do make your ears warm after hours of gaming which was my only issue but I never felt any pain on my ears like I have experienced with other cheaper on ear headsets.

Construction: 10 out of 10 Frags. Razer put a lot of thought into this one and has paid full attention to all the little details to make this a great product.




This product earns a score of 9.2 Frags out of 10, making it Clan Team Xtreme Approved.



http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/biglipzittag.png (www.clanteamxtreme.com) http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb243/biglipzit/Razer%20Piranha/razertag.png (http://www.razerzone.com/p-92-razer-piranha-gaming-communicator.aspx)

Senior Editor,
Daniel Kessell

Gator!
08-05-2008, 09:23 PM
awesome review big..keep em coming

[cTx]MARKEDONE
08-05-2008, 10:34 PM
great review. hope to see more like that one.