Being confined to a relatively low budget, I mulled between the neckband version and the headband version of the Comtac Defender V's for a while and finally pulled the trigger on the neckband version so I could run it with my issued ACH. I was hoping the headset would be easier to swap back and forth between rails and the neckband so I could switch between a personally owned high cut and my ACH (my unit doesn't allow personally owned ballistic protection). Unfortunately, the cable is routed through heat-shrink around the neckband, so just disconnecting from the arms won't work. A little modification is required to make it modular enough to swap between rails and base configuration. Additionally, the cable is shorter than the headband version, so it's a tight fit if mounting on rails.
I opted for the Defender model because I have no current need for comms. I couldn't justify spending an additional $200+ for the comms version when I'm not going to need it in the foreseeable future. There are kits available to add a boom mic and Y-cable, making this headset comms-capable in the future, should the need arise.
Sound reduction through the headset is absolutely incredible. Even while wearing glasses, the stock foam cups are comfortable enough and make an air-tight seal. After wearing for a few hours at a time it gets a little uncomfortable (with glasses), but I'm sure upgrading to gel cups would mitigate that. No issues wearing long term with contacts in.
Peltor did a great job b...
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