Warbird Intrepid BT Hearing Protection Headset: In-Depth Review & Features

The Warbird Intrepid BT headset offers advanced hearing protection and Bluetooth connectivity. It is suitable for shooting enthusiasts and those in noisy work environments.

You can buy it from the Warbird’s Official Store Online

First Impressions

The Warbird Intrepid BT headset makes a positive first impression when unboxed. It arrives in an attractive, sturdy box with an easy return slip, ensuring a hassle-free return process if needed. The headset itself is housed inside a robust fabric and foam-lined hard case, providing excellent protection during transport and storage. The hard case features a felt interior liner, an operation and warranty card, and a charging cable, all neatly packaged, signaling attention to detail and quality.

Upon opening the case, the headset is neatly nestled inside, indicating that Warbird prioritizes user experience and product presentation. Including a hard case is a significant advantage, as it ensures the headset remains protected from potential damage when not in use.

Installation and Setup

Setting up the Warbird Intrepid BT headset can initially seem daunting, particularly for those new to Bluetooth devices. The product features a micro-USB charging port connecting the headset to a power source via a brick charger. The headset also has power, volume, and sync buttons, adding to the initial complexity.

Press the Select button once to pair the headset with a Bluetooth device. This action triggers the LED indicator to flash red and blue, indicating that the headset is in pairing mode. It might take a few attempts to establish the connection, but it is stable and reliable once paired.

Specs of the Warbird Intrepid BT headset

Passive and Active Hearing

One of the standout features of the Warbird Intrepid BT headset is its ability to function in both passive and active hearing modes. The headset allows passive hearing through its integrated amplification system when not paired with Bluetooth. This feature is particularly useful in various environments. For instance, if you're hunting in a quiet setting, boosting the volume helps detect subtle sounds like rustling leaves and breaking branches. Conversely, in noisy environments such as shooting ranges or construction sites, reducing the volume relieves excessive noise.

The headset's volume buttons on either side enable users to adjust the amplification based on their surroundings. These buttons function as intended, though their response is slightly delayed. This delay, while minor, can be somewhat frustrating when quick adjustments are needed.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Audio Quality

When connected to a Bluetooth device, the volume buttons control the sound of the media being played through the headset. This allows for a seamless transition between passive hearing protection and active media playback. The headset also includes a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack for direct connection to an amplifier or DA, providing versatility in your device use. For additional hearing protection, reusable and washable earplugs can be used in conjunction with the headset to enhance safety and comfort.

Regarding audio quality, the Warbird Intrepid BT headset excels in mid-range vocal tones. The bass is noticeable when powering on the system but blends naturally with the mid- and high-ranges during use. This balanced audio profile makes the headset particularly suitable for environments where clear vocal communication is crucial, such as shooting ranges and construction sites.

However, one drawback is the presence of background static, which becomes noticeable at higher volumes. While this static diminishes when the volume is lowered, it can be a minor annoyance during extended use. Despite this, the overall sound quality remains decent, with a good blend of bass, mid-range, and high-range frequencies.

Field Test Results

Field testing of the Warbird Intrepid BT headset confirmed its effectiveness in blocking loud noises, allowing users to focus on their tasks. Upon powering on the device, a deep bass tone indicates that the units are live and ready to use. This also enables users to hear environmental noises, balancing hearing protection and situational awareness.

The headset effectively prevented loud noises during testing, protecting hearing in various settings. The device worked well when connected to both computers and phones, providing clear sound for media playback. However, the low level of background static mentioned earlier was a minor distraction, particularly at higher volumes.

In terms of quality, the Warbird Intrepid BT headset is best suited for vocal tones. The mid-range is where the headset shines, providing clear and crisp audio, especially for spoken commands. The bass, while apparent when powering on the system, is not overly dominant during use. This balance between bass and mid-range frequencies ensures that vocal commands and communication are easily understood.

Design and Build Quality

The Warbird Intrepid BT headset's design and build quality are commendable. The earmuffs feature a comfortable design, with approximately a quarter-inch depth and sufficient ear coverage. This ensures that the headset fits snugly and securely, providing effective hearing protection without causing discomfort during extended use.

The headset's cups fold into a compact form, easily fitting into the included five-and-a-half by five-inch case. This compact design makes the headset highly portable and convenient to carry around. The cords connecting each cup are made of high-quality, thick rubberized cable, ensuring durability and longevity. The padding around each cup is soft and supple, further enhancing comfort during use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Shields ears from the damaging effects of gunshots and other loud noises.
• Adequate environmental noise translation for most situations, particularly at the range.
• Convenient volume control buttons on the right-hand cup for easy adjustments.
• The recessed power button prevents accidental shutdown during use.
• Compact and portable design with a sturdy carrying case.

Cons:

• Background static is noticeable upon powering on, particularly at higher volumes.
• Sound quality, while decent, falls short for high-fidelity music listening.
• Pairing and button functions can be improved to reduce delay.
• The initial setup and pairing process can be challenging for new users.

Final Thoughts

The Warbird Intrepid BT Bluetooth Headset with Hearing Protection is a solid choice for those seeking effective ear protection, particularly in shooting or noisy work environments. While the headset excels in functionality, ease of use, and noise-blocking capabilities, it may not satisfy audiophiles or those seeking high-performance music listening.

The pairing process can be challenging initially, but the connection is stable and reliable once established. The headset's overall performance, combined with the noise-blocking features and convenient carrying case, makes it a reliable option for hearing protection.

In conclusion, the Warbird Intrepid BT headset is well-suited for shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and those working in noisy environments. Despite minor drawbacks, the headset balances hearing protection and situational awareness, making it a valuable addition to your gear. I plan to continue using the Bluetooth Intrepids for my hearing protection needs and recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and functional headset.