The physiological basis of Comtac IVs (as explained by a 68W with experience): "They protect your outer ear (everything outside of tympanic membrane) with the inserts but they protect your inner ear with that wrap around. You get better audio through it that way because it is reverberating directly on those inner ear structures."
First Impressions: Now the Comtac IV headset is Peltor's solution to the overbearing headset issue in hot environments. I believe that in this regard, Peltor went above and beyond. The fit and comfort of these headsets are just miles ahead the Comtac IIs, IIIs and TEA Hi-Threats I've owned. Granted, I love those headsets. This design is absolutely brilliant! I don't feel like my ears are being cupped by heat traps.
Sound clarity? The Comtac IVs are just like the Comtac IIIs, but that isn't a complaint from me.
Sound amplification loudness? [OBSOLETE INFORMATION, USER IGNORANCE] Problematic. I believe this aspect of the headset is where it falls short. It does not amplify the sound at the same level that Comtac IIIs do, so conversations can sound very muffled.
Update: Has the sound boost setting for better sound amplification that matches up to the IIIs! Thank you Isaac!
Durability issues/design flaws? Some, for one, I really believe the earplug portions of the headset feel flimsy and thin and that 3M/Peltor could have done a better job at making more durable ones! Other design flaws of the ear pieces also come form the plugs themselves. The plugs take a little getting used to, but I've used ear plugs for years to listen to music, so I'm used to them, but I wish there was replacement comforter earbud replacements, aftermarket or OEM.
Price? Very steep. New, you're looking to pay 688-750 for a set. I ended up very fortunate and bought my set for 550 for the dual comm version!
Would I recommend? Yes, I would recommend, especially for my hot weather boys, but with the caveat that I believe Peltor should've done more with this design such as releasing aftermarket earbud/plug pieces and trying to alleviate the sound amplification issues (OBSOLETE INFORMATION, USER IGNORANCE, BOOST SETTINGS ARE AVAILABLE). It's not for everyone granted, you have to put up with the extra step of putting the earbuds directly on your ear after you put on the headband itself, but it's not terrible. Although these headsets have issues, I love them. They give my ears more breeze, which is a HUGE plus to me. I'm already loading my helmet up with a ton of stuff, so overbearing comtacs, even with the gel cups, barely help.
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