Bowman Style Headset - ArniesAirsoft

Author

Spartan8029

Registered: January 2007
Posts: 13

Review Date: 10/2/09

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: �30.00 | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	Affordable. Headset looks exactly like the real version only without trades. Light weight and clear voice transmissions.
Cons:	Limited radio use. Slight disconfort on ear after prolonged use. Outside of those, there aren't many more cons in my oppinion.

I'm going to do a review on this headset because I feel this is one piece of equipment that every player should have out on the field. I cannot stress enough, how much this thing has done to help improve my performance as well as game play experience. I got mine from Players1stairsoft, the product can be found here http://www.playersfirstairsoft.com/tactical-gear/communications/infantry-communications-headset.html
Upon receiving the package I thought it was bit basic and that for an electronic product, it could have came in a nicer package. Either way, this didn't seem to affect the shipping or product as everything seemed in order and the product was folded very neatly and looked safe.

This headset is pretty comfortable and the ear cup is made from some sort of almost gel-like, soft foam. The rubber covering it, is actually not as bad as I thought it was going to be, being as how low priced this unit really is. After an hour or so, it does start to irritate your ear a bit, but it's nothing that can't be solved by removing it from your head for about 5 minutes during a break. These are my experiences and mine alone, yours may vary. While wearing this headset I originally was under the impression that my hearing would be dramatically altered, that I wouldn't be able to hear ambient noises out of my left ear. Well that is not the case as this headset does not fully seal over your ear. I have zero issues with hearing little noises around me and believe it or not, sometimes I forget I'm even wearing it.

The sound comes through very clearly and I've had zero complaints with how my voice sounds being transmitted through the mic. The mic is a flexible boom style, able to be moved and positioned exactly how you like it. Just like your favorite pornstar.

The PTT seemed a bit cheap at first, but so far it hasn't had any issues. The clip holding the PTT is fairly sturdy metal, so no worrying about it snapping off. My only concern is whether or not it is going to hold up after time, being laid on and crawling through the dirt. It attaches to Molle webbing no problem and pretty much anywhere else you can clip it. The button is activated by being pressed and held in while speaking. I use my thumb and keep the PTT high on my chest, left side, this way I can activate it with my off hand, allowing me to not have to let go of my rifle.

Another cool feature is the disconnect adapter, in case you need to either switch the headset or PTT. I did find that this ptt functioned fine with another headset, particularly the Comtac II replicas. This disconnect also comes in handy for when you are either storing or transporting the headset, this way it doesn't get crushed by other gear.

The headband is adjustable in a thousand different sizes and I've found that it works perfect with a hat or just on your head. I really enjoy running this thing with my MICH helmet and it fits perfect without a hitch. Hell, I've ran a hat under my helmet with this headset. No problems once so ever.

The connector is a one pin, made for a motorola. Even though it seems to fit any other radio with a one pin hole, be aware that it will not. I've heard of someone at my local field who found a non-motorola to work, but when it was in use it sounded horrible. I believe it might come in a few other options as well, but I am not very sure.

In closing I would have to say that I can't really think of many cons for this thing, outside of the few I mentioned. I think it is safe to say that this unit is by far, one of the best additions to my combat load out to date, the advantages far outweigh any negatives. Also for the price of the unit there should be no reason why everyone can't get one. I've been putting this thing through its' paces, pretty hard now, for about 11 months, without one hiccup.

Edit* It seems I've finally managed to break this thing, lol. It will not transmit sound at all nor, through the mic or speaker. I'm going to try another ptt, so I'll let you guys know if its the actual headset or not.

tquilha

Registered: January 2007
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 154

Review Date: 23/1/11

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: �40.00 | Rating: 8

Positive aspects of the product (pros):
Cons:

Just got the Z Tactical version, I believe is the same as this.
Haven't skirmished it yet, will have to wait till next weeekend.
So far it feels confortable and solid enough.
Radio compatibility is taken care of by choosing the aproppriate
PTT module for your radio (mine's a Motorola).