Plantronics intros "military grade" Explorer 370 Bluetooth headset

While we're guessing most of you likely won't be putting the military grade-ness of Plantronics' new Explorer 370 Bluetooth headset to the test, you'll likely still find it a little reassuring to know that it passes all the requisite specifications for water, dust and shock resistance, and boasts a new "windscreen technology" to ensure clear calls even in tough conditions. Apart from that, however, the headset appears to be a pretty standard deal, with it boasting seven hours of talk time and eight days standby on a charge, and the usual features like voice-activated dialing and last number redial. Look for this one to set you back $80 when it hits retailers in March, with the less rugged Explorer 360 also set to be available at the same time for $70.

[EMoShunz @ Feb 11th 2008 3:44PM]

windscreen...does it also have noise reduction?
the noise reduction on my jawbone is way better then my plantronics 510, but both suck in the wind. and my bluspoon ax...tiny but shitty except in a soundproof room.
so, if this has windscreen AND noise reduction fo $80...holy shit, awesome!, if not...what's the point if (as bob sackamano says above) the wind noise in iraq is blocked, but the sound of the explosions in the background isn't filtered out.

[mattwier @ Feb 11th 2008 4:05PM]

can it find WMD's?

[Leo @ Feb 11th 2008 7:25PM]

nobody will every find WMD's

-they're like religion - stories told to dupe people into acting in accordance with a "greater" plan.

[Eriq @ Feb 11th 2008 4:34PM]

After easily breaking 3 earloop pieces to my Jawbone headset and dealing with the uncomfortable fit of it, this is going to be my next bluetooth headset. With windscreen AND noise-reduction technology, and a much more comfortable looking ear piece I'm sold already.

[Joanna Stern @ Feb 11th 2008 5:14PM]

Laptop Magazine has a hands on...
http://blog.laptopmag.com/hands-on-with-plantronics-ruggedized-explorer-370-headset

[Dualboot @ Feb 11th 2008 10:15PM]

If "military grade" is the equivalent of "clumsiness proof", this is on my shopping list. Too many of these BT headsets are nice, but they are so sensitive to drops, twists and pocket storage...

Let's home this is more rugged. It certainly looks sturdy enough.

[NewJohnny @ Feb 11th 2008 9:34PM]

Doesn't 'military grade' mean stainless steel and bullet proof? Who's military is this for?

[Brian @ Feb 11th 2008 9:56PM]

Are they kidding?

IMO, the only military-grade bluetooth headset is the Jawbone!

Let's see this thing tackle a the background noise lawn mower!

[benson2788 @ Jun 3rd 2008 1:36PM]

I know how odd this might seem, but I would not doubt this things ability to stand up to abuse. I have a Plantronics voyager 510, and accidentally left it in my pants for a wash and spin cycle in the dryer, and it came out none the worse for wear. If they build something not designed to stand up to damage that can take a trip through the dryer, then something designed for abuse should be able to take just about anything.