Do they improve my performance in game?

Not noticeably so.

Are they tremendously loud?

If you require it sir they can most definitely oblige.

Comfort: 9/10 (seriously, they even cover the Monty lugholes without pinching)

In game chat: Quite clear plus they can be set to boost chat volume automatically when game volume increases.

Looks: Very impressive, neat stand of a white and black nature, body looking sleek next to console.

Range: Uber impressive, 30 feet according to manual, handles my viewing distance of 6.5m without interference.

Battery life: Main unit runs on USB, 2 AAA batteries power headphones, so far so good, 5 hours and counting.

Bass: Sensible inclusion of bass boost feature ensures plenty of punch for the thumper freaks.

Comfort: Ears warm up after an hour or so.  

In game chat: Hard to concentrate on chat when marvelling at in-game sounds not previously encountered.

Looks: Headset rather large – 1980’s deejay meets call-centre worker. Not for wearing in public.

Range: Interference when going for a piss, doesn’t allow you to continue chat when moving rooms and broadcasting through 2 metres or so of concrete and tiles.

Battery life: Why not include a rechargeable headphone battery unit?

Bass: Without bass boost there’s still loads and loads. Bass-heads will love it, but it can be overpowering.

And finally; the hiss. This was the issue that almost prevented purchase. 170 Euros for headphones that hiss! Monty can’t hear it. Sure if the headphones are on pre-game then hiss is audible but in game even at low volume and minus bass boost it simply can’t be heard.

Worth every cent in the Mont’s humble opinion.