The best - but worth it? - Peltor Neckband/Headband/Cap-Mount Active Hearing Headsets

This Tactical XP unit is likely the best electronic headset available for indoor shooting range uses where range commands and other voices must be understood. Ambient audio, active damping and flexible audio adjustments are superior to anything I've used to date.

The basic shells and NRR are the same as the other large 27NRR Peltor models, and external controls are identical to the Peltor Tactical Pro. Electronics of this Tactical XP unit are quite different, however. Ambient audio is clear with *no* background hiss. Effective damping of gunfire noise, always a hallmark of the better Peltor models, is particularly fast and effective with this one. Also, damping release time can be adjusted, so loud reverbrations can be minimized in ranges having poor acoustic design. I am less impressed with the other adjustments. 'Balance' might have some utility. But I have yet to discover what the 'Equalizer' function is supposed to do. There is minimal documentation enclosed with the unit. From the depths of the web I found a PDF brochure that provides some additional information. Peltor is now owned by 3M - yes, the same company that gives us PostIts - but the 3M website isn't much help.

A couple of curiosities that may be off-putting to some: Mine came with a *leather* headband (!), so the pretentious factor is right up there. Also, the shells are blue. Bright blue. The tactical crowd will not be impressed.

But the real negative of ths Tactical XP unit is its cost. At more than twice the price of Peltor's Tactical Pro model, the additional value of this unit is probably of this unit is probably not worth it for most users. (Hey, there is that leather headband...)

In any event, keep in mind that the great advantage of any of these large 'Micky Mouse Ears' headsets is their superior NRR over the slimmer, less bulky models. Adding Peltor's HY-80 gel ear seals adds two or three DB to the NRR. Anyone who goes into an indoor shooting range needs all the NRR he can buy. Hearing loss is forever.
Pros: Great ambient audio, superior active damping
Cons: Cost. Delivery time. Zero documentation. It's blue.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.