A few words about "directional sound" and "identifying the source of sound" that can be found around the internet. I carried out an experiment where a blindfolded individual was subjected to sounds coming from 12 different directions (1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, and so on). This was repeated under two different head positions: facing forward and looking downwards. The experiment was conducted in three different setups: using Peltor SportTac, Ops-Core AMP, and without any hearing protection. The participant was required to determine the direction of the incoming sound. The variations from all 12 positions were summed and analyzed. Both Peltor SportTac and Ops-Core AMP yielded similar results. I took into account two different scores - one including the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and the other excluding these. The reason? When using hearing protection, distinguishing between the 12 and 6 o'clock positions is a guessing game rather than certainty. This seems logical as both microphones in each ear cup receive the sound at the exact same moment. Without hearing protection, the situation differs because apart from distance variations, our bodies also utilize the shape of our ears to differentiate between various sound directions. Without any hearing protection, the individual was able to easily identify the direction from which the sound originated. Don't get me wrong, Ops-Core AMPs are fantastic hearing protectors with no wires flying around. They're uniquely versatile, effortlessly transitioning between a headband and a helmet. The sound quality is fantastic, and the NFMI earplugs are great. Many elements are remarkably well-designed. But whether it's worth the considerable investment is your call. I initially thought it was worth it, so I purchased them. However, I decided to return them because I found them less comfortable than the SportTacs with gel inserts, especially given the many hours I spend using hearing protection. Moreover, the much-touted "directional sound" feature turned out to be more hype than reality based on my tests.
@@isi12345 I ordered the Comtac XPI (or V in the US). It's definitely not as nicely built as the Ops-Core AMP. Many things annoy me about the Comtacs. There's the hanging cable (or detachable in the case of the XPI/V Defenders, but that solution results in a jungle of cables flying around), and the microphone that isn't easily removable, which has its own hanging cable. It's also inconvenient to switch between a headband and a helmet. However, for me, the Comtacs are far more comfortable even without gels and they provide the exact same level of direction-determining for incoming sound. For me, Comtac wins, primarily because of comfort reasons.
I was pretty suprised by this headset in comparison to sordins. I feel like the sordin x-supreme pros and amps sound different but they have their pros and cons to how they sound. The Sordins are like you are hearing the world in Highs and mids so everything is really crisp and clear but that is for literally everything. So the wind sounds really bad with the sordins. With the amps the best way I can describe it is its optimized hearing all the sounds you don't need to hear are dampened or canceled and the sounds you need to hear are nice and clear.
Ive been using these consistently for over a year. The directional sound is absolutely amazing. Its like having bionic hearing. These do kill the AAA batteries fast though so buy some Lithium AAA's and replace them before doing anything important.
I use these everyday at work. They are rugged reliable and have awesome quality with the NFMI earplugs. I work around running jet engines all day and these are a life saver.
The Otto Noizebarrier Tac also has the ability to swap the headset to either side, so the AMPs aren't the only ones with that capability. But Otto doesn't seem to ever get any attention for their stuff
For those who’ve experienced both, how do these compare to the “poor standard” walker razor slims? I know there has to be some improvement. What am I missing out on?
The main thing is the multidirectional sound and being able to boost above ambient... while keeping the same sound quality. My walkers sound like a kids walkie talkie in that headset lol The amps also give you some superior radio connections outside of the 3.5mm jack but I've shown some good comms setups using 3.5mm also. but a lot of folks don't need those added features... and if you don't, the walkers are perfect It's like a mustang vs a Ferrari... they both get you there but the ford probably needs a tow truck and has a check engine light on. -Walsh
Added onto that if you run one radio there's options with the downlead cables so that you can have audio from your radio playing in one ear cup or both. Plus you get the added feature of radio communication passthrough to the headset even if the headset is off.
Everything. I have the razor slims and although they do cancel noise, the direction of the noise is impossible to determine. With the amp, you can tell exactly where the sound came from and get a very good general idea how close it is to you. They amps are pricey, but they are worth every single penny. Paired with the nfmi plugs, you're literally hearing like a super hero while having a high protection rating. I HIGHLY recommend them in the nfmi version.
I currently have Comtac V's. Always had sordins or comtacs through the years just to have decent hearing as long as possible in life. Decided to pick up the ops-core offering - they should finally be in tomorrow. I'm interested to see the differences but mostly just wanted a decent helmet mounted option other than going with the ops core arms /Unity Team Wendy adapters, AXL rac link + comtac's route. After watching this, I wish I had also selected the NFMI option but I think I'll still be pretty content with this product.
@@xPrevailingGaming Mine came in that next day, I had waited about 2 months give or take. Last I checked they were out of stock but hopefully things are picking up shipping & availability wise. It's such a toss up depending on the color you chose, accessories etc that I really can't offer any helpful info.
The sound test was pretty good. Yes we could hear the wind and trees, but it wasn’t just noise, it was discernible. I have to save up my pennys. Edit: Is there another way to connect them to the helmet without using the big clunky plastic mount kit?
yeah, you can actually do the unity amp rails and just connect up comtac style. The headsets then still pop off the same way as the rail arms and headband too. I'll recommend the rail arms though. They hold your head better and just give a better overall experience since the arm can go in and out and spin to fit your ear Aannnnndd... having the arms further back helps to offset the nods weight! -Walsh
Too many of these, including mine, have an annoying feedback sound when there is nothing between the muffs. It's loud AF with mine. Ops-core told me to take it apart and make sure everything was connected securely and clear it of metal FOD. Otherwise there is nothing else they could think of.
Hey bro really love it your video > SUPER done. I have a question for ya . I have radio with kenwood two pin connection. Please advise me wich cable I sopose to buy for Ops Core NFI headset. Thanks man
whatcha trying to do? I'm assuming hook into a PTT from the headset then the PTT to the kenwood 2 pin? (that's what I do) If so, look at a nexus u94 PTT to a Kenwood 2 pin. Then get the connectorized or fixed download (don't please) u174 cable. It'll all connect up! -Walsh
Would it be possible to connect these to a computer or phone? If so is the only option via bluetooth or is there sone way to get an adapter for a 3.5mm audio jack?
well most phones don't have 3.5mm anymore, I know my last two didn't. The best way is the disco32 discus as it hooks into your PTT also and you keep the full comms chain and then you also have bluetooth comms for calls and music. -Walsh
you get the added feature of radio communication passthrough to the headset even if the headset is off and you have the option depending on which downlead cable you get to hear audio in one ear cup or both. As with the sound quality of the mics I haven't tested.
So this is a late question. I hope you are able to answer. If I am using the headset with the NFMI earplugs, is the hearing safe noise still amplified to the same amount as if I am using the headset alone? Or do the NFMI earplugs muffle this sound to a certain degree?
@@ThinLineDefenseCo The NFMI headset sounds like the one to get then. I may not even use the plugs all the time, But you never know. That is impressive that the plugs will still amplify the safe noises. Thanks for the info.
I own a pair of M32’s myself, I also own some comtacs V, and cheap Howard leights. Right off the bat, the noise cancellation is not the best. I used them in an indoor range and that was brutal. That’s with gel cups too. My Cheap Howard Leoghts do a better job than the M32’s I don’t personally recommend them. I would save money and go for a set of Sordins
yup I have the comtac vi's and hate em. I don't even loan em out there so bad. I bet they could take a beating but I hate everything about em. the amps with NFMI is amazing... a little more prone to breaking but ops core will fix you up
no....even the comtac sport 300s sound just as good as the top top tier. It's all very very similar. I want to do a blind test to see which one is the best without people knowing which one is on their head. I think it'll be a mixed bag because they're all so similar.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo oh ok, that's surprising, unfortunately I know no one who has a set of peltors, amps or sordins, so I can't really test them my own, that's why Iam asking
yea they say that in the manual... but you either have to wear the headset backwards or have the mic all out to the side because the cord is too small. They checked the box... sure... but it's non-functional when you try to use it.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I feel like we’re maybe talking about different models! I got mine through my work so maybe it’s that these aren’t available on civilian market? Unsure if that’s even a thing… but my left and right ear cups are completely symmetrical and the cable connection and microphone connects/mounts in the same manner on both left and right sides. Microphone itself extends off of the front swivel arm and cable connects to the rear of the ear cup on both left and right sides. I’m a little worried I might be mixing my models up or something, so pardon my confusion. But for sure at least one Peltor option out there has legit ambidexterity implemented into it.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I’ve used them both ways, I just ran them on my Tacticon ballistic helmet with the amp arms and it was such a fun setup to shoot with this weekend!
sales? iam a paramotor pilot. and like the helmet set up. question .has it got blur-tooth? if not can blue-tooth be fitted allowing me to listen to music. and make phone calls? think sales? reaching out to more people.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I was hoping to see the setup with the radio and the PTT in action. There're enough possibilities to make you second-guess your choice of downlead cable and other components wondering if you're picking the right ones for what you have/need (and those cable aren't cheap!)
i feel like for 1000 grand they should have an apple computer like box and opening. instead of a cardboard box with a plastic bag rattling around in it.
It's like Wilcox. Their G24 is half a grand, but it comes in a cardboard box literally wrapped in scrap paper. In contrast L3 goes overboard on their packaging.
I'm that guy that's hear because I cheated out and couldn't resell the junk I bought, hence wasting money. seriously save up and just get one versatile extremely nice set of muffs. save the cheapos for your friends that forgot their ear pro
hardware that goes into each cup is extraordinary, but the cup-seal sucks ass. You have to buy Butt-Core's stupid nfmi earplugs to get proper protection.
I didn't find that at all. I do have a pair of comtac VI's that are the biggest piece of hot garbage I've ever used. I don't even let people borrow them because I'm concerned the seal so god awful. You don't know the really bad ones till you try them all. -Walsh
That awkward moment when you watch this after you order a fixed downlead headset.
🥴 haha you can always change your order. In reality though, if your mission doesn't need you to change setups or leads...you're fine.
I actually changed my order after receiving mine. I did not realize until I received them there was a an option
A few words about "directional sound" and "identifying the source of sound" that can be found around the internet. I carried out an experiment where a blindfolded individual was subjected to sounds coming from 12 different directions (1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, and so on). This was repeated under two different head positions: facing forward and looking downwards. The experiment was conducted in three different setups: using Peltor SportTac, Ops-Core AMP, and without any hearing protection.
The participant was required to determine the direction of the incoming sound. The variations from all 12 positions were summed and analyzed. Both Peltor SportTac and Ops-Core AMP yielded similar results. I took into account two different scores - one including the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and the other excluding these. The reason? When using hearing protection, distinguishing between the 12 and 6 o'clock positions is a guessing game rather than certainty. This seems logical as both microphones in each ear cup receive the sound at the exact same moment.
Without hearing protection, the situation differs because apart from distance variations, our bodies also utilize the shape of our ears to differentiate between various sound directions. Without any hearing protection, the individual was able to easily identify the direction from which the sound originated.
Don't get me wrong, Ops-Core AMPs are fantastic hearing protectors with no wires flying around. They're uniquely versatile, effortlessly transitioning between a headband and a helmet. The sound quality is fantastic, and the NFMI earplugs are great. Many elements are remarkably well-designed.
But whether it's worth the considerable investment is your call. I initially thought it was worth it, so I purchased them. However, I decided to return them because I found them less comfortable than the SportTacs with gel inserts, especially given the many hours I spend using hearing protection. Moreover, the much-touted "directional sound" feature turned out to be more hype than reality based on my tests.
Which one you end up going with?
@@isi12345 I ordered the Comtac XPI (or V in the US). It's definitely not as nicely built as the Ops-Core AMP. Many things annoy me about the Comtacs. There's the hanging cable (or detachable in the case of the XPI/V Defenders, but that solution results in a jungle of cables flying around), and the microphone that isn't easily removable, which has its own hanging cable. It's also inconvenient to switch between a headband and a helmet. However, for me, the Comtacs are far more comfortable even without gels and they provide the exact same level of direction-determining for incoming sound. For me, Comtac wins, primarily because of comfort reasons.
@@piotr0x07da thanks for the info
Thanks for taking a minute to share your findings.
I was pretty suprised by this headset in comparison to sordins. I feel like the sordin x-supreme pros and amps sound different but they have their pros and cons to how they sound. The Sordins are like you are hearing the world in Highs and mids so everything is really crisp and clear but that is for literally everything. So the wind sounds really bad with the sordins. With the amps the best way I can describe it is its optimized hearing all the sounds you don't need to hear are dampened or canceled and the sounds you need to hear are nice and clear.
that's a fantastic way to describe it. The comtacs have their own slightly different sound also.
-Walsh
Ive been using these consistently for over a year. The directional sound is absolutely amazing. Its like having bionic hearing. These do kill the AAA batteries fast though so buy some Lithium AAA's and replace them before doing anything important.
Wow 🎆 great review Walsh definitely worth every penny 👍!! You did a great job covering the whole process. Can't wait for the final!! Thank you sir..🇺🇸
I use these everyday at work. They are rugged reliable and have awesome quality with the NFMI earplugs. I work around running jet engines all day and these are a life saver.
Thank you so much for making this video!!! Great presentation and with all the information we needed!
I've really been wanting one of these for a while now, it doesn't hurt that they look awesome aswell 😂
Probably my favorite reviewer. 👍🏽 Keep at it!
Hey thanks. I'll say you're probably my favorite fan!
-Walsh
The Otto Noizebarrier Tac also has the ability to swap the headset to either side, so the AMPs aren't the only ones with that capability.
But Otto doesn't seem to ever get any attention for their stuff
I have no idea where to purcahse and what options to purchase in all honesty for this, can you maybe advice?
If you've ever spent less on a car than a set of ops core amps go ahead and hit that like and subscribe
hahah
Great vid
fantastic review. thank you.
Informative and entertaining as usual👌
How do they compare to the OTTO's?
not sure... I need to get Otto's one day to give a good comparison.
-Walsh
For those who’ve experienced both, how do these compare to the “poor standard” walker razor slims? I know there has to be some improvement. What am I missing out on?
The main thing is the multidirectional sound and being able to boost above ambient... while keeping the same sound quality. My walkers sound like a kids walkie talkie in that headset lol
The amps also give you some superior radio connections outside of the 3.5mm jack but I've shown some good comms setups using 3.5mm also.
but a lot of folks don't need those added features... and if you don't, the walkers are perfect
It's like a mustang vs a Ferrari... they both get you there but the ford probably needs a tow truck and has a check engine light on.
-Walsh
Added onto that if you run one radio there's options with the downlead cables so that you can have audio from your radio playing in one ear cup or both. Plus you get the added feature of radio communication passthrough to the headset even if the headset is off.
Everything. I have the razor slims and although they do cancel noise, the direction of the noise is impossible to determine.
With the amp, you can tell exactly where the sound came from and get a very good general idea how close it is to you. They amps are pricey, but they are worth every single penny. Paired with the nfmi plugs, you're literally hearing like a super hero while having a high protection rating.
I HIGHLY recommend them in the nfmi version.
I wonder how the sound clarity and amplification do Vs OTTO
I currently have Comtac V's. Always had sordins or comtacs through the years just to have decent hearing as long as possible in life. Decided to pick up the ops-core offering - they should finally be in tomorrow. I'm interested to see the differences but mostly just wanted a decent helmet mounted option other than going with the ops core arms /Unity Team Wendy adapters, AXL rac link + comtac's route. After watching this, I wish I had also selected the NFMI option but I think I'll still be pretty content with this product.
What what’s your order time? I see it’s long on the website, but I’m still interested as may things in this industry take a while to get in.
@@xPrevailingGaming
Mine came in that next day, I had waited about 2 months give or take. Last I checked they were out of stock but hopefully things are picking up shipping & availability wise.
It's such a toss up depending on the color you chose, accessories etc that I really can't offer any helpful info.
Any input on the amps vs the comtac v's?
@@ilovefreeski I sold off the amps, they just were not for me - Still Love the V's though & run them.
@@jcarter855ould love to hear why you decided to stick with the Peltors over the Amps if you get some time.
The sound test was pretty good. Yes we could hear the wind and trees, but it wasn’t just noise, it was discernible.
I have to save up my pennys.
Edit: Is there another way to connect them to the helmet without using the big clunky plastic mount kit?
yeah, you can actually do the unity amp rails and just connect up comtac style. The headsets then still pop off the same way as the rail arms and headband too.
I'll recommend the rail arms though. They hold your head better and just give a better overall experience since the arm can go in and out and spin to fit your ear
Aannnnndd... having the arms further back helps to offset the nods weight!
-Walsh
I understand the importance of hearing protection but I also must keep budget in mind. Specially when these Ops Core are over a thousand dollars...
agreed... these are not for everyone and we actually did a video on comm options that work well for every budget too!
great video thx
Too many of these, including mine, have an annoying feedback sound when there is nothing between the muffs. It's loud AF with mine. Ops-core told me to take it apart and make sure everything was connected securely and clear it of metal FOD. Otherwise there is nothing else they could think of.
What is a solution to your ear pro being in way of getting a good cheek weld to stock?
I'd like to upgrade my old Sordin headset.
Hey bro really love it your video > SUPER done. I have a question for ya . I have radio with kenwood two pin connection. Please advise me wich cable I sopose to buy for Ops Core NFI headset. Thanks man
whatcha trying to do? I'm assuming hook into a PTT from the headset then the PTT to the kenwood 2 pin? (that's what I do)
If so, look at a nexus u94 PTT to a Kenwood 2 pin. Then get the connectorized or fixed download (don't please) u174 cable.
It'll all connect up!
-Walsh
Would it be possible to connect these to a computer or phone? If so is the only option via bluetooth or is there sone way to get an adapter for a 3.5mm audio jack?
well most phones don't have 3.5mm anymore, I know my last two didn't. The best way is the disco32 discus as it hooks into your PTT also and you keep the full comms chain and then you also have bluetooth comms for calls and music.
-Walsh
Great video Walsh
Thanks Harry!
-Walsh
Opscore vs comms gear supply/Howard leights for radio? I know it’s wildly different price point.
you get the added feature of radio communication passthrough to the headset even if the headset is off and you have the option depending on which downlead cable you get to hear audio in one ear cup or both. As with the sound quality of the mics I haven't tested.
So this is a late question. I hope you are able to answer. If I am using the headset with the NFMI earplugs, is the hearing safe noise still amplified to the same amount as if I am using the headset alone? Or do the NFMI earplugs muffle this sound to a certain degree?
no muffle at all. It sounds exactly the same even though the hearing protection is tons higher. It's pretty nuts.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo The NFMI headset sounds like the one to get then. I may not even use the plugs all the time, But you never know. That is impressive that the plugs will still amplify the safe noises. Thanks for the info.
Do these ear muffs clear the stock of an ar15?
DO I have to also buy the lead, or does it come with lead? (downlead) cause now i'm looking at 1400 for this ear pro build if not (rail adapters, etc)
oh it's separate....you knew this lol
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I didn't actually. I am literally brand new to the earpro side of this like that. I'm also looking into the Otto Noizebarrier Tac
Will u ever do a ops core sf review and a comparison with the team wendy sl?
I hope to... I just don't have an SL currently... I have a carbon but I don't think that's a good comparison. I just need to borrow a SL from someone
I want to see an earmore m32 review for the poles
same! I think I'll get one soon. Just have a hilariously long backlog
-Walsh
I own a pair of M32’s myself, I also own some comtacs V, and cheap Howard leights.
Right off the bat, the noise cancellation is not the best. I used them in an indoor range and that was brutal. That’s with gel cups too.
My Cheap Howard Leoghts do a better job than the M32’s
I don’t personally recommend them. I would save money and go for a set of Sordins
Who makes those vest chest patches?
Have you owned the Peltor XPI or Comtac 6 before? Because Iam drawn between the amps and the XPI/VI
yup I have the comtac vi's and hate em. I don't even loan em out there so bad. I bet they could take a beating but I hate everything about em.
the amps with NFMI is amazing... a little more prone to breaking but ops core will fix you up
@@ThinLineDefenseCo is there a big difference in audio quality?
no....even the comtac sport 300s sound just as good as the top top tier. It's all very very similar. I want to do a blind test to see which one is the best without people knowing which one is on their head. I think it'll be a mixed bag because they're all so similar.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo oh ok, that's surprising, unfortunately I know no one who has a set of peltors, amps or sordins, so I can't really test them my own, that's why Iam asking
Dual lead peltor COMTAC V’s still allow for swapping the microphone
yea they say that in the manual... but you either have to wear the headset backwards or have the mic all out to the side because the cord is too small.
They checked the box... sure... but it's non-functional when you try to use it.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I feel like we’re maybe talking about different models! I got mine through my work so maybe it’s that these aren’t available on civilian market? Unsure if that’s even a thing… but my left and right ear cups are completely symmetrical and the cable connection and microphone connects/mounts in the same manner on both left and right sides. Microphone itself extends off of the front swivel arm and cable connects to the rear of the ear cup on both left and right sides.
I’m a little worried I might be mixing my models up or something, so pardon my confusion. But for sure at least one Peltor option out there has legit ambidexterity implemented into it.
Can u maybe compare peltor 3s, sordin supreme pro x, peltor 6s, and the amps?
I have all of those except peltor 3s. The 6s are the worst by far in terms of quality which is a little confusing.
@@ThinLineDefenseCo really? care to elaborate on why the 6s are worse in terms of quality?
I just got mine, the are
M I N D B L O W I N G
Love my amps. You run em on the headset or on a helmet?
-Walsh
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I’ve used them both ways, I just ran them on my Tacticon ballistic helmet with the amp arms and it was such a fun setup to shoot with this weekend!
sales? iam a paramotor pilot. and like the helmet set up. question .has it got blur-tooth? if not can blue-tooth be fitted allowing me to listen to music. and make phone calls? think sales? reaching out to more people.
the new disco 32 discus connects Bluetooth in but I agree with you. It seems it should be integrated.
But why u no show example of usage with radios? :c
I think the only part I didn't show was keying the PTT..... is that what you wanted to see?
-Walsh
@@ThinLineDefenseCo I was hoping to see the setup with the radio and the PTT in action. There're enough possibilities to make you second-guess your choice of downlead cable and other components wondering if you're picking the right ones for what you have/need (and those cable aren't cheap!)
Can’t wait to blow my paycheck on a pair of these
You won't regret it if you can work around the price in your budget. I love mine.
What is the price of this earmuffs?
1100
i feel like for 1000 grand they should have an apple computer like box and opening. instead of a cardboard box with a plastic bag rattling around in it.
I dunno. I'd rather have a good product than a fancy box. Apple products need a fancy box lol
-Walsh
Ops Core AMP: "I am the best headset, no one can match me"
*Peltor Comtac 7 has entered the chat*
oh God no... have you used em?? plus it's 2700 dollars for the whole setup.
The sound quality isn't impressive.
I'm still angry I paid for comtac VI's
One would think, for a headset that costs 800 thousand dollars, it’d come with better packaging…anyway, what’s up with Revision Military gears
It's like Wilcox. Their G24 is half a grand, but it comes in a cardboard box literally wrapped in scrap paper.
In contrast L3 goes overboard on their packaging.
1400, not 800
@@huntersmark917 I meant to exaggerate by saying 800 thousand. As in $800,000
I thought most people didn't wear ear pro was price.
you... didn't read this before posting did you lol
-Walsh
@@ThinLineDefenseCo lol no I did not
hahah it makes it an even better comment
but for you....
"yes it can be price ear pro"
-Walsh
What ballistic bang for buck helmet would everyone recommend?
depends... ballistic or bump?
@@ThinLineDefenseCo Ballistic
Hard head veteran! I just got the helmet and I absolutely love it.
@@johnkorn1810 That’s awesome! What model?
@@ThinLineDefenseCo What would you recommend Thin line?
i feel like mine as a static sound
hmmm got it too loud?
I'm that guy that's hear because I cheated out and couldn't resell the junk I bought, hence wasting money. seriously save up and just get one versatile extremely nice set of muffs. save the cheapos for your friends that forgot their ear pro
And just when I was convinced to blow $500 on Sordins and a mic mod. Why you gotta convince me to spend more money Walsh?
haha the amps are so good!
-Walsh
1nd
hardware that goes into each cup is extraordinary, but the cup-seal sucks ass. You have to buy Butt-Core's stupid nfmi earplugs to get proper protection.
I didn't find that at all. I do have a pair of comtac VI's that are the biggest piece of hot garbage I've ever used. I don't even let people borrow them because I'm concerned the seal so god awful.
You don't know the really bad ones till you try them all.
-Walsh