One of the most essential tools to a hardcore Xbox gamer is his headset. But
what to do if yours is "laid to rest"? Well, the answer is
simple, but the choice is not. There are many different types of headsets on
the market today, and when mine broke, I made the unfortunate mistake of buying
an Xbox Live Headset manufactured by Datel. I was swayed by the deceptively
expensive look and low price of the headset, and essentially wasted $14.99 of
my money that could have been better spent on an inflatable raft to ride in
my bathtub.

Official Product Specs:

  • Replaces the standard headset without sacrificing comfort and performance
  • Noise canceling microphone has a full response range
  • Comfortable design provides extended use without fatigue
  • 2.5mm stereo gold-plated contacts add durability
  • Compatible with all Communicator applications

Design
The design was what originally lured me into buying the Datel Headset. The padding
on the receiver is leather, which is actually suprisingly uncomfortable yet
unpleasant at the same time. The flexibility of the microphone is a little off,
thus forcing you to position it about an inch away from the desired position
because it pinches your face if you don’t.

Sound
Oh, but so many words to describe the sound. I’d say the best is ‘horrible’,
due to only being able to hear someone talking if you have your plug rotated
a certain way. If it’s a little off, they come in fuzzy or not even at all.
And when this happens, the other person can’t hear what you say, and they hear
themselves echoing. When you can hear anything, the sound is still below average,
rendering you to only be able to understand 4/5 words you hear. However, if
you like trying to make sense of a sentance where two or three words are cut
out, this Headset is for you.

How You Are Heard
During a round of Links last night with a fellow XBSer, we had trouble communicating.
I had my headset plug turned the proper way so I could hear him, but he couldn’t
really hear me. This spawn-from-hell Headset not only distorts what you are
saying, but also it can even cut out parts of your sentances. Not fun.

The Feel
I’d have to say that this Headset feels better than any I’ve tried before. However,
if you play Live! for an extended period of time, this is not for you. While
being extremely comfortable, it is also very unpleasant. If you leave it on
for more than 30 minutes, the receiver becomes drenched in sweat.

Summary
While being comfortable and cheap, the Datel Xbox Live Replacement Headset is
a waste of money. The look and feel are above average (providing you don’t leave
the headset on for long), but the sound and how people hear you are way below
average.

However, there are some alternative uses for it. Buy it for your kid so he
can act like a pilot and speak into it, using language like "Roger that,"
and "10-4."

Buy one and whip people with the cord. It’s up to you what you do with it.
I just suggest not using it for your Xbox.

My Rating
I rate the Datel Replacement Headset worthy of a 2/10. I generously gave it
a two because the sound is horrible, other people can’t hear you 50% of the
time, and your ear sweats after 30 minutes of using it. However, it would be
very cool looking if you are imitating Tom Cruise from Top Gun.

Filed under: Reviews

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