Since the launch of Xbox Live gamers around the world have been searching for
a better option to the standard Xbox Live Communicator headset, which in all
honesty is a fragile piece of equipment that may break if you look at it the
wrong way, several attempts have been made, the latest of which we’ll be discussing
right here and now. Enter into the gaming arena Plantronics’ Gamecom Officially
Licensed Halo 2 Headset, a much more durable piece of equipment that not only
looks better, but feels and sounds better as well.

The design is definitely unique, and putting it on for the first time may be
a bit confusing, but once you have it on it’s easy to forget it’s there. The
headset is extremely lightweight and the earpiece comes with 4 different earbuds
so there’s a match for just about any ear. We just left the one that came with
it on and it felt perfect. Since the headset simply attaches to an ear, and
there is no strap that goes around your head, you can finally rest your head
on the back of your chair. As for durability, you’ll need to try and break it
for something to go wrong.

The volume and mute controls are operated via the standard Xbox Controller
box, unfotunately, the Communicator does not come with the headset, so if you
don’t have one from a previous microphone you’ll need to purchase it seperately,
making the total purchase price a bit off-putting.

We’ve tried out many headsets, and this one from Plantronics is about the best
we’ve heard. When it comes to audio, there really isn’t a full blown method
we use to rate the quality coming out of the speaker, but we did notice a drop
in the “fuzzy-factor” while using the Halo 2 headset versus
the standard one. At times however the volume seems a bit low, even with the
volume cranked all the way up. The microphone is noise canceling, so your fellow
gamers won’t have to put up with the music you have in the background, or listen
to your heavy breathing while you’re not talking.

Features

A: Adjustable Earpiece B: Bendable Microphone Boom
C: Noise Canceling Microphone D: Customizable Fit

  • A: Adjustable Earpiece
  • B: Bendable Microphone Boom
  • C: Noise Canceling Microphone
  • D: Customizable Fit

Value
Gamers who are looking to replace their headset will find some great features
in this one, and if it weren’t for the price tag (suggested retail price is
$49.99) we would recommend every Xbox Live gamer go out and grab one. But the
truth of the matter is, 50 bucks is a bit hefty of a tag to place on a headset
that doesn’t even come with the Xbox Live Communicator (the attachment that
slides into the controller).

Overall Score
Overall Score: 8.0 [Not an average]

Additional Comments
Based on the hefty price tag, it’s a bit hard for us to fully recommend Plantronic’s
Halo 2 Headset. But if you’re the type of person that finds yourself buying
a new headset every month it may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you
have money to burn it’s also a good way to rid yourself of it.

UPDATE: We have been informed that there is a Halo 2 headset that ships with the communicator. For more information on this product please visit the Plantronics Website.

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