PELTOR ComTac VIII: Advanced Tactical Headset with Situational Awareness and Communication Clarity

• The 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII is the latest tactical headset in our esteemed PELTOR product line, offering hearing protection, environmental listening, and seamless connectivity to communication solutions.
• It provides reliable hearing protection against both impulse and steady-state noise, with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 dB with foam cushions and 23 dB with gel cushions.
• Enhance your operational awareness with environmental listening for auditory situational awareness.
• The Advanced listening mode featuring Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) helps maximize audibility in various acoustical environments with 5 preset gain settings. These include modes like Observation for quiet environments, Patrolling for low-noise movement, Conversation for near open-ear listening, Comfort for noisy transport, and Ambient Listening Off for maximum sound reduction.
• Select models feature a noise-cancelling speech microphone mounted for ambidextrous use, delivering improved voice transmission in noise and boasting an IP68 rating for dust and water ingress (6m/30 min).
• Benefit from fail-safe comms, allowing radio receive/transmit even without headset power.
• Soundscape technology automatically adjusts radio and voice prompt volume and reduces static to enhance speech intelligibility in continuous noise.
• The Earplug Mode boosts environmental listening and comms volume when earplugs are worn underneath for dual hearing protection. Warning: Ensure proper fitting of earplugs when using this mode to prevent potential hearing damage.
• Experience long-term comfort with the steel headband featuring individually sprung stainless steel wires for even pressure distribution. The updated earcup provides more space for dual hearing protection, and the low-profile headband reduces hot spots and allows easy transition to helmet-mounted use with an optional accessory.
• The ruggadized cable is engineered to withstand harsh conditions and repeated stress. The headset is tested in accordance with applicable sections of a variety of military and other standards.
• Connectivity to communication solutions is offered via downlead cables with various connector options, including 4-pin Single-COMM (NATO wired), 5-pin Dual-COMM, and 10-pin TAC, ensuring backwards compatibility with existing DoD PTTs. You can view the 3M™ PELTOR™ ComTac™ VIII 10-Pin (Here) for more advanced and specialized features.
• Powered by 2 AAA batteries (rechargeable or disposable), offering an approximate battery life of 50 hours, with an automatic power-off function.
• The ComTac VIII features a menu system with customizable settings for ambient listening mode, radio volume, balance, microphone volume and sensitivity, and more.

Peltor ComTac VIII Review

What are some common accessories to add to the Peltor ComTac VIII?

• 3M Peltor ARC Rail Helmet Adapter P3ADG47-F SV: Securely attach your Peltor ComTac VIII headset to helmet ARC rails for enhanced stability and comfort. This adapter ensures seamless integration, keeping your communication device securely in place during high-mobility operations.
• Ops-Core FAST SF Helmet: Designed for integration with communication systems, the ComTac VIII can be mounted to the ARC rails of this helmet using the appropriate attachment, providing head protection alongside communication and hearing protection.
• Ops-Core FAST SF Helmet Cover: Provides camouflage and protection for the Ops-Core FAST SF helmet while the ComTac VIII is mounted, ensuring operational effectiveness and equipment longevity.
• Agilite Mitznefet: A helmet cover designed to disrupt the visual profile of a helmet, the Mitznefet can be used with helmets that have a mounted ComTac VIII to enhance concealment.
• Team Wendy Exfil Ballistic SL: Similar to the Ops-Core FAST SF, the Exfil Ballistic SL helmet features accessory rails compatible with the ComTac VIII helmet mount, offering a lightweight ballistic protection platform with integrated communication capabilities.
• Team Wendy Exfil Ballistic SL Helmet Cover: Provides camouflage and protection for the Team Wendy Exfil Ballistic SL helmet when the ComTac VIII is attached.
• Caiman Ballistic Helmet: This helmet offers robust ballistic protection and features accessory rails that can be used to mount the PELTOR ComTac VIII for seamless communication and hearing protection.
• Caiman Over the Rail Helmet Cover: Specifically designed for helmets with rails, this cover provides camouflage and protection for the Caiman helmet while allowing for the mounting of accessories like the ComTac VIII.
• Helmet Counterweight: Attaches to the rear of a helmet to balance the weight of front-mounted equipment such as night vision devices, which may be used in conjunction with a helmet-mounted ComTac VIII.
• Night Vision Devices: These can be mounted to helmets worn with the ComTac VIII, allowing for enhanced vision in low-light environments while maintaining clear communication.
• Thermal Imaging Devices: Similar to night vision devices, thermal imagers can be helmet-mounted and used alongside the ComTac VIII to provide the user with thermal awareness in various operational conditions.
• Wilcox G24: A popular helmet mount for attaching night vision devices, the G24 would be used on a helmet that also has a mounted PELTOR ComTac VIII, facilitating both communication and enhanced vision capabilities.

Peltor ComTac VIII Features & Specifications

The 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII Headset is a tactical headset designed for hearing protection, environmental listening, and communication connectivity. It provides hearing protection from both impulse and steady-state noise with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 dB to 23 dB depending on the cushion type and whether it’s used with a headband or helmet-mounted. The headset enhances auditory situational awareness through environmental listening capabilities, featuring Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) with 5 preset gain settings for various acoustic environments, as well as a Classic mode and an Earplug Mode for use with passive earplugs. For communication, select models have a noise-cancelling speech microphone with improved voice transmission and ingress protection (IP68 on select models). The ComTac VIII also features Soundscape technology for enhanced radio communication clarity and fail-safe comms allowing transmit/receive without power. It offers various downlead connectivity options including 4-pin Single-COMM and 5-pin Dual-COMM.

The ComTac VIII is designed for comfortable extended wear with an individually sprung stainless steel headband and a low-profile design that facilitates transition to helmet-mounted use with an optional accessory. It is powered by 2 AAA batteries providing approximately 50 hours of battery life. The headset is built with a ruggedized cable and tested to meet applicable sections of military and other standards. It is available in Charcoal Gray, O.D. Green, and Coyote Brown. The ComTac VIII also includes features like automatic power-off, adjustable environmental listening modes (Advanced with MAP and Classic), and various menu settings for radio volume, microphone, balance, and language.

Key features of the Peltor ComTac VIII

• Provides hearing protection with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 dB to 23 dB.
• Offers environmental listening for enhanced situational awareness.
• Features Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) with 5 preset gain settings to optimize listening in different acoustic environments.
• Includes Earplug Mode for maintaining situational awareness when used with passive earplugs.
• Utilizes Soundscape technology to improve radio communication clarity in noise.
• Equipped with a noise-cancelling speech microphone (IP68 rated on select models) for clear communication.
• Allows for fail-safe communication enabling radio transmit/receive without headset power.
• Offers 4-pin Single-COMM and 5-pin Dual-COMM downlead connectivity options.
• Designed for comfortable extended wear with a low-profile headband.
• Convertible for helmet mounting using optional ARC rail attachments.
• Powered by 2 AAA batteries with approximately 50 hours of operation.
• Built with a ruggedized cable for durability in harsh environments.
• Tested in accordance with applicable sections of military and other standards.
• Features an updated earcup for maximum attenuation and space for dual hearing protection.
• Includes an individually sprung stainless steel headband for even pressure distribution.
• Offers automatic power-off to conserve battery life.
• Provides a menu system for adjusting various settings including ambient listening modes, radio volume, and microphone sensitivity.

What’s in the box of the Peltor ComTac VIII?

• (1) 3M PELTOR ComTac 8 Headset
• (1) Headband or Helmet Attachment (based on model)
• (2) Foam Cushions or Gel Cushions (based on configuration)
• (1) Battery Lid
• (1) Quick Start Guide
• (1) User Instructions
• (2) AAA Alkaline batteries

Peltor ComTac VIII FAQs

What is the 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII Headset designed for?

The 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII Headset is designed for hearing protection, environmental listening, and connectivity to communication solutions. It helps protect against hazardous noise levels while allowing users to hear their surroundings and communicate via external communication devices.

What kind of hearing protection does the ComTac VIII offer?

The ComTac VIII provides hearing protection from both impulse and steady-state noise. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is 22 dB with headband and foam cushions, and 23 dB with headband and gel cushions.

What is “environmental listening” and how does it work on the ComTac VIII?

Environmental listening, also known as “talk-through,” allows safe audio sounds to bypass the individual hearing protection electronically while still helping protect against harmful noises. A microphone receives sounds outside the headset and transmits them to a speaker inside. The level-dependent digital audio circuit compresses noise levels above a desired threshold to a safe level or amplifies weak sounds. The ComTac VIII features Mission Audio Profiles (MAP) with five preset gain settings and frequency shaping to enhance auditory performance in various acoustic environments like Observation, Patrolling, Conversation, Comfort, and Ambient listening Off. It also has a Classic mode with four amplification levels and an Earplug Mode that boosts environmental listening, communication volume, and voice prompts when using passive earplugs.

Does the ComTac VIII have a microphone for communication?

Yes, select models are equipped with a noise-cancelling speech microphone. This microphone is embedded with a 3M patented solution utilizing closed-cell foam, delivering improved noise-cancelling transmission in noise and wind while also improving dust and water ingress protection (IP68, 3m / 30 min). The microphone attachment is designed to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed shooters without relocation.

How does the ComTac VIII connect to radios?

The ComTac VIII connects to radios via a downlead cable and a Push-to-Talk (PTT) adapter. It offers various downlead plug options, including 4-pin Single-COMM (NATO wired), 4-pin Single-COMM (PELTOR wired), 5-pin Dual-COMM, and 10-pin TAC. The brochure lists various 3M PELTOR FL4000 and FL5000 Series Push-To-Talk Adapters compatible with different radios.

What is Soundscape technology?

Soundscape technology on the ComTac VIII helps promote speech intelligibility in noise. When activated, it automatically increases radio volume and voice prompt volume in high continuous noise (when radio volume is set to auto) and reduces radio static/hiss between transmissions.

What is Fail Safe Comms?

Fail Safe Comms allows the ComTac VIII to continue radio receive/transmit without headset power. The external communications function is independent of the electronic functions.

How is the ComTac VIII powered?

The ComTac VIII is powered by 2 AAA Alkaline batteries (LR03). The approximate operating time is 50 hours for environmental listening only.

Can the ComTac VIII be mounted on a helmet?

Yes, the ComTac VIII has a low-profile headband that is convertible to helmet attachment. Accessory Rail Connectors (ARC) are available as an optional attachment accessory (PELTOR Part # P3ADG47-F SV/2).

What are some other features of the ComTac VIII?

Other features include an adjustable low-profile rubberized headband, an updated earcup design for maximum attenuation and more space for dual hearing protection, Ghost Voice language options (English, German, Spanish, French), and a ruggedized cable. It also has a menu system for adjusting various settings like ambient listening mode, radio volume, balance, microphone volume and sensitivity, battery status, automatic power off, warning signals, Soundscape, and language.

What are some available replacement parts and accessories?

The brochure lists various replacement parts and accessories, including wind shield kits for the surround microphone, battery lids, headbands, microphone guides, boom microphones, ARC rail attachments, hygiene kits (ear cushions), and wind shields for the speech microphone. Different 3M PELTOR Push-To-Talk (PTT) adapters and cables are also available.

What is the correct term to use when referring to the Peltor ComTac VIII, and which terms are not officially recognized?

The official terms are 3M PELTOR ComTac VIII, Peltor ComTac VIII, and ComTac VIII. However, terms such as ComTac 8, Peltor ComTac 8, and 3M Peltor ComTac 8 are not official. The term “ComTac” is short for “Communication Tactical,” reflecting the product’s focus on reliable communication for tactical environments. Likewise, the Roman numeral “VIII” signifies it is the eighth iteration of the ComTac series. Using the correct terminology ensures clarity and professionalism when discussing the product.

Where can one buy the Peltor ComTac VIII?

If you’re looking to buy the Peltor ComTac VIII, Atomic Defense is an excellent choice. As an authorized distributor of Peltor products, they guarantee authentic, high-quality gear. You can conveniently make your purchase through their official website, where you’ll also benefit from their dependable customer service and swift shipping options.