The DBOX G5 haptic system, which originated from a company that initially made subwoofers, offers a mix of motion and haptic features for an immersive experience, but focuses more on haptics. While it has some minor shortcomings, it’s considered a worthy investment for those wanting immersive sensations like road textures and engine vibrations, although the software could be simpler and more comprehensive.
In the latest review of DBOX G5, the reviewer primarily explores the difference between motion and haptics. DBOX, founded by Michelle Jacques in 1998, started with making subwoofers and eventually expanded to offering a haptic system. The latest product, the G5 or Generation 5, is a modular add-on system offering both motion and haptic features. The G5 is considered to be a super butt kicker on steroids with emphasis on immersion through vibration. The features of G5 primarily lean toward haptic sensations like road textures, engine vibrations, and minor collisions.
After using the G5 for over a month and having experience with cubic motion systems as well, the reviewer suggests that DBOX took a different approach to motion and haptic systems. The G5 takes the entire platform and suspends it on as many as four actuators. Each actuator is optimized for haptics, making it easy to differentiate motions like hitting a rumble strip on the right side versus the left. The strong sensation from the DBOX G5 not only announces location properly but also reinforces the sensation with a bit of platform tilt.
The boxes come individually sold, bagged, and protected in soft foam. Each G5 actuator can be seen as having the metallic body with a heat sink pattern, actuator and motor, a control circuit, etc. For control, there is a powered hub that can take up to four ports. The software, called Motion Core, is composed of six programs. However, the software is more complex than necessary and could be simplified into one comprehensive piece of software.
The use of G5 reveals that its primary focus is on haptics, with motion playing a secondary role for the user. After continuous use over a month, the review indicates that the overall immersion and experience is better with DBOX when it is used to add some focus without becoming the focus. However, there are some features like cinema-like sensations which, although fun initially, the user might deactivate after using them for some time.
Lastly, the reviewer suggests that if someone is planning on spending a substantial amount of money on transducers and amplifiers, they should consider investing a bit more to get a more substantial system like DBOX G5. DBOX G5 falls short in some aspects like travel distance and velocity but these are minor negatives that don’t affect its overall performance. Offering a leap forward in immersion and feeling, DBOX G5 is seen as a suitable option for those who can afford it. However, more research is recommended for the buyers to explore other options in the same price range.