All images: Alex Cranz/Gizmodo Gaming headsets have spent the last few years in a vicious race to the bottom. It seems like each new product is bigger, pricier, and flashier than the last.

Gaming headsets have spent the last few years in a vicious race to the bottom. It seems like each new product is bigger, pricier, and flashier than the last. The companies that make these headsets have seemed more obsessed with bright lights and bizarre eye-catching shapes than they have with making...

My main headset is a Turtle Beach Z300 wireless, which was $300 when i bought it last year from Turtle Beach. Its still doing well and sounds very good but I wanted to see what was out there for a backup set and a set that my GF can borrow when she needs it. These are some nice looking cans (lol).

-Excellent sound quality -Mids and highs are emphasized and well done, bass is there but its very crisp and tight, not "loose" as in other headsets; -Quick visit to the manufacturers website to download the Steel Series Engine 3 software and you can tweak the EQ

-For this price point based on what you're getting; none

If you've been looking for a new headset and want something that advances the category forward in new and exciting ways, . That said, I can only imagine how much better the next Arctis update will be once the company irons out the kinks and streamlines everything to a T.

In terms of raw technology, gaming headsets have never been better. They sound great, and their microphones provide a distinct advantage for competitive players. For overall user experience, though, they leave a lot to be desired.

Extremely comfortable; Sleek aesthetics; Great audio; Sensible software

So-so surround sound; Long; convoluted cables

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 Gaming Headset is one of the more exceptional new-release headsets at a fantastic price. Not only do they look and feel more durable than the competition, they're actually designed with sound quality as the number one priority.

The SteelSeries Arctis line of gaming headsets is the latest release in a string of gaming peripherals that have moved away from loud, ugly design and toward something more sleek and modern.

After 2 years we're back looking at another headset from SteelSeries. Where the last one occupied the premium end of the scale with a price tag to match, the new Arctis series is set to take aim at the mainstream market, but retain the premium features. Read on to see how the Arctis 5 stacks up.

Fantastic sound reproduction in stereo and surround sound modes in all scenarios; New Clearcast microphone is a major step forward; Suspension headband keeps the headset light and comfortable; Middle of the road price point for high-end quality across the board

In game surround sound quality might be hit or miss depending on the title

In the eight and a half years that I have been doing reviews here at LanOC, I've had the opportunity to work with SteelSeries on every one of their headset launches. But in that time none of the new headsets have been a completely new design.

Today we will be checking out the Arctis 5 gaming headset by SteelSeries. In my opinion SteelSeries is one of the leaders in manufacturing gaming headsets. I don't think I am alone in that thinking either. For

Fantastic Sound; Very Lightweight; Suspension Headband; Many accessories available to customize your headset; RGB; SteelSeries Engine; Price; Compatible with everything

Not-a-one