3M Peltor Tactical 6S Behind The Head Headsets Review

The Peltor Tactical 6S Behind The Head Model By 3M

The Peltor 6S Behind-the-Head unit is a modified version of the Peltor 6S. It features a band that wraps behind the user’s head rather than over, allowing easy use of hats, headgear and other cranial considerations while offering the same 19 dB of hearing protection.

Both 6S models offer active sound amplification from two microphones that allow the user to hear quiet sounds around them more easily while still blocking out noise.

Packaging

The earmuffs come nicely packaged in a regular cardboard box with an instruction manual.

Weight, Feel and External Features

The Peltor 6S Behind-the-Head features two compact ear cups connected by a wire band. These ear cups are a bit smaller along the top than other models in order to fit under hats, helmets or other attire.

The cups each feature an independent volume control and microphone, allowing you to hear sounds in full stereo while compensating for any peculiarities your ears might have.

The Behind-the-Head is extremely lightweight — so lightweight you might forget you’re wearing it. This comes at a small downside: for whatever reason, it seems that the insulating foam used in these protectors is not quite as dense or insulating as the foam used in other models.

A little modification can easily fix the issue if you have a similar set of hearing protection lying around — or you can content yourself with the 19 dB that the 6S offers out of the box.

Hearing Protection

The 6S Behind-the-Head is stunningly light. Its amplification of low level sounds works well, from a technical perspective — it amplifies quiet sounds clearly and evenly, supplementing its user’s dampened hearing with additional audio cues.

From a practical perspective, this means that you hear wind, rustling, footsteps and breathing quite clearly. Speech, however, can be difficult to understand, especially in a noisy environment. It’s a bit easier with the 6S BtH than without a sound amplifying device, but the 6S’s amplification algorithms don’t seem to get along with our brain’s speech processing centers.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of these Behind-the-Head protectors is the Behind-the-Head aspect. The wire band that keeps them in place gets jarred easily by any movements that tilt your head back. This makes using a rifle scope, going prone or even looking up very impractical.

These problems can be fixed by wearing the protectors upside down — but at that point, why not just get a normal pair of 6S’s? If you don’t specifically have a use for the Behind-the-Head aspect of these protectors, you may want to consider another pair.

Finally, the 6S BtH work best on an adult male with a normal sized head. Those with smaller heads may find the ear cups slipping off frequently.

Battery Life

The battery life on the 6S BtH is difficult to judge. The on/off switch for the unit’s active features is located in such a way that it’s likely to get flipped during storage and transport.

Some users have suggested simply pulling the batteries out of the unit when it’s not in use — a drastic solution that requires a screwdriver each time. When care is taken to avoid leaving the unit on, batteries seem to last for quite a long time.

Price

At the time of this writing the 6S Behind The Head Model goes for about $40 to $60. This is comparable to its competition in high noise reduction, full sized headsets.

For comparison, sets of hearing protection with similar noise reduction ratings with electronic noise amplification go for about $80. Click here if you would like to purchase the unit now.

Overall

Overall, there is no difference in the Peltor Tac 6S Behind The Head Model versus the regular model with the headband other than well…. you guessed it, they just go behind the head.

Of course, the price is another difference and although it is only about a 10 to 20 dollar higher in price, this could be a decision factor for those looking to purchase a set of hearing protectors.

Pros and Cons of the Peltor Tactical 6S

Pros:

– Lightweight

– Quality hearing protection (19 dB)

– Sound amplification makes hearing easier

– Fits under hard hats, hats, etc

– Separate volume control for each ear

Cons:

– Less hearing protection than other models

– Doesn’t amplify speech well

– Easy to drain battery accidentally

– Difficult to use with rifles, looking up

Click Here To Read All Of The Reviews For The Peltor Tactical 6s Behind The Head Headset

Manufacturer’s Specs

– Folding design provides for easy storage – behind the head neck band for easy wearing of those shooters and users wearing hats   

– Electronics limit amplified sounds to 82 dBA while active volume provides distortion free amplification of low level sounds up to 19 dBA   

– Stereo microphones provide enhanced sound detection   

– Independent volume controls on each cup

– (4) AAA batteries provide 300+ hours of operation

– Lightweight (8.8 oz.)

– No audio accessory jack

Warranty Policy

Below is the Warranty Policy according to Peltor.com:

3M™ warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) Year from the date of original purchase (the “Warranty Period”). Dated proof of purchase such as a bill of sale is required to establish warranty eligibility.

If the product fails to perform due to a defect in materials or workmanship during the Warranty Period, 3M will repair or, at 3M’s option, replace the merchandise with the same or comparable item at no charge to you for parts or labor.

In the event that the product cannot be repaired and a suitable replacement item is not available, 3M will refund the original purchase price shown on your proof of purchase. All repairs are warranted for 90 days against the same material defect.