All you need to know of the awesome Dominator waterproof bone-conduction headset

The name may confuse you at the first sight as to the actual utility and characteristics of this unique invention. But by the time you will finish reading this article, you will be quite familiarized about what this gadget is all about. Custom built originally for the U.S. military SPECOPS (Special operations) or SPECWAR (Special warfare) team, it is a tactical communication headset and is being termed 'Dominator'.

Atlantic_Signal_Custom_Military_LE_Tactical_Communications_Headsets_Tactical_Comms_Headsets_Dominator_3

A bone conduction headset is one in which sound is being transmitted through your skull's bones. It is an upgraded version of the Atlantic Signal (AS) waterproof tactical headset and has recently entered the production stage. The first look of this gadget was being provided at the NDIA SOFIC (Special operations force industry conference) in 2011.

Pricing and Availability

This invention is priced at $2000 for a unit. And if you feel that it is a price that exceeds your expectations, then consider the importance of your life. The safety it provides is unmatched with its price (in the positive sense) and so the amount you spend is worth every single penny.

What's great

This headset is featured with an in-ear electronic tactical hearing pro (which is a electronic hearing protection earpiece) manufactured by Phonak, a well known name in hearing aid equipments along with connectors from ODU which are waterproof and thus add to the reliability of the headset. It includes cables for radio connection, MP3, smart phone, and other features. The PTT (Push to talk) technology is user friendly and thus is an important asset of the gadget. It is compatible with combat helmets based on the concept of FAST (Future Assault shell technology) that have features like the head-loc chinstrap retention system and gas masks/respirators manufactured for special operations in the army. In addition to these features it boasts of a unique pelican carry case with a custom made cable pouches and cut outs of foam for storage of headset and the PTT box. A dominator patch is available that can be attached to the vet of the user. The Dominator Dragon logo is engraved on the case by laser beams.

What's not so great

Initially the design faced criticisms because of some drawbacks like ear fatigue, discomfort in usage, and inappropriate structure. But at a later stage, these drawbacks were dealt with effectively to bring out this version of the headset which is considered to be the best one among the list of headsets for the army because of its technical specifications and unique features. Some people may consider the cost of this gadget as too high, but the quality it provides you is worth the amount. Moreover, the durability and reliability of the gadget is remarkable.

Things to watch out for

To maintain the reliability of any quality product, you need to take a little extra care in terms of cleanliness of the equipment. This headset is no exception to this rule. It requires salt water followed by the typical wash down. The earpieces are available in two versions of foam and silicon and in three different sizes and thus the need of their replacement arises as per the requirement of the user.

Picture Gallery

Dominator

The Dominator is a modified and tactically enhanced version of the Atlantic Signal Gladiator V tactical bone conduction headset

Verdict

This headset is undoubtedly the best one in the category of headsets designed specifically for the SOF (Special operations Force) unit of the U.S. army. It is compatible with a range of helmets that are available in the market, thus providing utility with multiple gadgets. Initially, there were complaints regarding the heavy weight of such headsets but this version has dealt with this criticism and it led to a user friendly gadget. Moreover, the technology that is used in this headset is one that suits the needs of the army soldiers in an efficient manner. The headset can be rightly termed as a multipurpose gadget that signifies the advancement that the present world is acknowledging by using such unique equipments. This headset is a utility provider in search operations conducted by the army and its 'user based' applications make it a perfect combination of reliability and comfort.

Other Alternatives

The dominator is of unmatched quality. Yet, there are alternatives available in the market and the list of close competitors includes the following:

1. COMTAC IV Hybrid: It boasts of its compact size and thus rules down the hassles of carrying a heavy gadget on your head. A new feature 'Boost' is added to this gadget that allows the user to increase the volume by overriding the audio input.

2. LTH 500 bone conduction headset: Designed for industrial employees and the army, this gadget provides the user with the boom option to accelerate the sound in low noise environments. It weighs merely 300 grams and is featured with a variety of PTTs and a waterproof microphone.

3. Fire PTT with Bone Conduction Speaker Headset: This gadget has a special utility for firefighters and the fire PTT can be connected to a quick release nexus socket.

Further readings or Word around the web