3M Peltor WS Tactical Sport Communications Headset Review | May Be Just What You Are Looking For

In this in-depth review, I will be taking a look at one of the most popular Bluetooth hearing protection devices for hunters and range shooters, the 3M Peltor WS Tactical Sport Communications Headset. It is manufactured by 3M, a trusted company that makes quality workplace safety equipment, so you can rest assured it will get the job done. This headset is a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for so you won’t be disappointed.

I’d encourage you to continue reading to learn a bit more about this particular set of headphones and better inform yourself as you search for your next pair!

Quick Review

In-Depth Review of 3M Peltor WS Tactical Sports Communications Headset

Now, I’ll be taking an in-depth look at this tactical sport headset. I’ll go over the basic aspects of any headset you’re considering purchasing as they apply to this particular model as well as some of the unique features it offers.

If you’d like to read more about the basic functions you need to consider when looking for a great pair of Bluetooth hearing protection headsets, read this article:

What to Consider when Purchasing Bluetooth Hearing Protection

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

This headset has an NRR of 20 dB, which isn’t that great, but it is still good enough for most noise environments such as hunting, gun ranges, transportation, construction, manufacturing, workshops, racing, etc.

The impulse control that this headset offers is great for sudden, loud noises such as gunshots, hammers, or any other similar sounds.

These will naturally reduce louder sounds and increase softer sounds, but you also have the ability to control specific sounds and frequencies to allow you to adjust your noise environment to your liking. If you want to be able to hear voices and no other sounds, you can adjust for that. If you don’t want to hear voices but alarms, you can adjust for that as well.

In addition to protecting you from outside sounds, there are also dB limits put in place to protect you from the sound coming from the high-quality speakers you are listening to. You have two options to select from. The first sets an 82 dB maximum on any sound over any period of time. The second output protection limits the average sound exposure to 82 dB over any 8-hour period.

Battery Life

3M includes a 2 AAA rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack and a charger with the package, which is great…one less thing you need to worry about purchasing.

According to the manufacturer, the battery life can range anywhere from 12-80 hours on one set of 2 AAA batteries, depending on which functions you are using and for how long. One reviewer on Amazon said he typically gets a day to a day-and-a-half on one fully charged battery pack.

Bluetooth Capabilities

This headset can easily connect with any Bluetooth enabled device (cellular phone, MP3 player, 2-way radio, personal assistant robot, etc.) There are controls on the side of the left earmuff that allow you to easily accept or reject phone calls.

Microphone

There is a built-in microphone that uses algorithms to improve communication by electronically filtering out surrounding noises. It is nice that there is not a boom microphone to get in the way as you work; however, since you won’t have a microphone right in front of your mouth, you may sound like you’re on speakerphone all of the time…which isn’t really that bad.

Sound Volume/Quality

The sound volume from the HD Stereo speakers with Bass Boost is excellent! Your music, podcasts, phone calls, or whatever it is you’ll be listening to will come through crystal clear in most environments. There were a couple reviewers who mentioned they had to turn the volume up really high to hear the music clearly, but they were definitely the minority among the reviewers…so take that for what it’s worth.

The loudness of the audio will be limited according to the built-in sound control system that limits your exposure to 82 dB at any given time or an average of 82 dB over an 8-hour period depending on your choosing.

Size & Comfort

This Peltor WS Tactical headset is described by their manufacturer as “One-size-fits-most”…so, unless you have an extremely large or small head, you should be fine.

The physical dimensions are 9.6 x 6.0 x 4.5 inches and can be collapsed down to an even smaller size for simple storage and travel.

It weighs 12.4 ounces which isn’t too heavy at all. They should be easy to wear for long periods of time without giving you a sore neck and/or irritated ears.

Durability

The construction quality of this headset is quite high and they should be fairly durable under normal usage situations. However, they do not have a lot of protection from the elements as the only barrier between external elements and the internal circuitry is the removable ear cups. If you get caught in a downpour you will run the risk of soaking these things inside and out…which would likely be a very bad thing for them.

Other Capabilities/Features

There are two sets of ear cup shells included with your purchase, one orange and one green. The orange ear cups are best if you are in a situation where you want to be more visible, such as on a pheasant hunt with other hunters. The green are best for situations where you may not want to be as noticeable and would rather blend into your environment. If these two factors don’t apply to you, you can choose whichever one you think looks the coolest!

Price

This Peltor WS Tactical Sport Communications Headset is on the pricier side of the Bluetooth hearing protection style of headsets. That being said, in this niche you typically get what you pay for…so you should get your money’s worth if you do choose to purchase them.

They come in at just over $400 on Amazon and over $570 directly from 3M…so it’s obvious where you’d want to buy them!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 3M Peltor WS Tactical Sport Communications Headset is an investment, but one that is well worth it! They will keep your ears protected in most situations while allowing you to listen to high-quality audio coming from any of your Bluetooth devices.

If you’re looking for a high-quality device to protect your hearing and keep you entertained while you work, then this headset may be just what you’re looking for!

If you have any questions or comments regarding this particular headset, please leave them in the comments section below! I look forward to hearing from you.

Dustin “Kirby” Garness