Just the other day, TEA told us about this new headset that they are releasing at next week’s AUSA. If you are going to be there stop by and check it out but rest assured we’ll take a look at it as well. In addition to the HTH’s high noise threat performance, it’s also available in MultiCam. Normally, you have to paint your headsets or send them out for dipping. I was really surprised when they told me about it, considering the direction the Army is going for camo.
For over a decade TEA has been providing fully integrated communication kits to SOF and Recon, through key programs such as MICH-Maritime. A critical part of these systems is the “High Noise” communication headset and it’s ability to perform in any environment, even after being fully submerged. TEA’s Hi-Threat® (HTH) Headset is a special version of MSA’s Supreme Pro Headset that was specifically designed to meet the demands and intensity of Tier 1 operators and special operations teams.
The new Hi-Threat® (HTH) Tier 1 headset is TEA’s next generation design. Sporting a totally new adjustable mounting system and ultra low profile headband, the HTH Tier 1 provides operators the ability to choose between wearing the headset under their helmets or mounting them directly to the helmet rails. This new low-profile headband is much more comfortable when worn under helmets than earlier headband models because it has a reduced horizontal signature which keeps it from interfering with helmets such as the ACH. What makes the HTH different from others is that it was designed to have a removable headband so you don’t have to sacrifice destroying your headband when converting to a helmet mount.
TEA will offer the HTH Tier 1 in multiple configurations such as Single or Dual Cable Down Leads as well as 3 meter or 1 meter submersible versions. You also have a choice of color such as Black and OD Green and due to high customer demand they will also offer the HTH Tier 1 in MultiCam!
Combat Audio Features:
The HTH features Combat Noise Suppression technology that protects the operator’s hearing against damaging noises they’re exposed to during combat. In addition to providing certified hearing protection the HTH has adjustable and amplifiable electronic hearing that allows operators to maintain 360° battlefield awareness.
The Tier 1 version of the HTH also features a ballistic and submersible rated boom microphone that can provide compatibility on multiple communication platforms such as 2-way radios, vehicle/aircraft/watercraft ICS systems and even mobile phones.
New Modular and Adjustable Mounting System:
TEA’s new Hi-Threat® Tier 1 Headset features a totally new adjustable mounting system and low profile headband assembly with support arms that can adjust up or down for proper fit and then locked into place with screw on tension caps. This new version of the HTH provides users the broadest market compatibility with new and legacy helmets. The new slim headband design allows for standalone use, comfortable wear underneath helmets or the headband can be easily removed and replaced with rail adapters for mounting directly to the rails on helmets.
Removable Headband Cover:
The HTH headband features a removable nylon cover that integrates the cable with the new headband frame. This cover has an inner cushion for added comfort against the head, which is also breathable to reduce hot spots. Since this cover has Velcro™ attachments, it can be easily removed to covert over to the helmet rail mounts (or vice versa). The headband cover is manufactured within the US and is in compliance with the Berry Amendment.
HTH Tier 1 with Team Wendy® Helmets:
The HTH also has full compatibility with Team Wendy’s EXFIL™ helmets (including the new LTP version). The HTH easily fits underneath this helmet without making any adjustments to the inner mounting system. TEA also offers a rail adapter kit that allows for mounting directly to Team Wendy® helmets. The rail adapters can be adjusted for a more exact fit and also for stowing of the headset behind the head.
HTH Tier 1 with Ops-Core® Helmets:
The HTH has full compatibility with bump and ballistic versions of the Ops-Core® FAST™ helmet. The HTH easily fits underneath this helmet by making a simple adjustment to the inner two crown pads. TEA also offers a rail adapter kit that allows for mounting directly to the helmet. The rail adapters can be adjusted for a more exact fit and also for stowing of the headset behind the head.
Complete your Comms with TEA’s U94 Tactical Push-to-Talk Line:
The new HTH Tier 1 is fully compatible with TEA’s U94 Tactical Push-to-Talk product line. TEA offers a variety of U94 PTT versions such as Single Radio, Dual Radio, Radio + ICS as well as special versions that include secondary auxiliary switches such as their HALO or Sniper Switches. TEA also offers fully submersible Single and Dual Radio versions for maritime or dive applications.
To learn more, download this brochure:
(Click photo to view .pdf)
See them at booth #6653 at AUSA.
Looks like another Sordin rebrand…
TEA’s Hi-Threat® (HTH) Headset is a special version of MSA’s Supreme Pro Headset… We co-developed this headset with MSA/Sordin.
NL
can you point out the differences?
– It’s been in use with Tier 1 teams for over a decade (programs of record and direct sales), the biggest difference is technical specification. Especially the microphone, it’s a ballistic rated boom (very heavy duty).
– It’s fully submersible, others are not
– Gel Ear pads come standard, others are foam or have an up charge for gel
– Features a removable headband, you have to destroy other’s headband to make the conversion to the helmet. The standard Sordin or 3M headsets have a leather type cover that stitched around the headband, you literally have to cut it off to convert to the helmet rail. The headband is also a brand new design, much slimmer and has a lower profile than previous versions.
– The combat awareness/compression tech is constant, others have a tendency to clip or cut out when you are exposed to noises over 100 dB, the audio performance is very rock solid/consistent in comparison to other brands
– Fits under most new and legacy helmets, also can be mounted to helmets. We will be the only one’s to offer this capability
– We are able to offer our versions in Multicam
– We provide broader Integration into com platforms/devices, we also have the ability to provide customized solutions.
We offer a 30 day T&E program as well, if anyone wants to try out the headset we are happy to send one for eval.
thank you very much for the answer!
I would like to try out a set, I’ve used the MSA/Sordin and Peltors regularly in the past. MSA’s were nice and gel ear pads make it comfy but combat awarness tech is money.
Why is it that companies with the lowest product presence with SOF units feel the greatest need to advertise their usage?
Truth is Peltor, Invisio and Atlantic Signal are just about the only headsets you see.
I will never again own a Sordin product due to the shear amount of hatred I have towards the hundreds of hours of wearing their crappy headsets in the past. Bad design that caused a head crushing and painful experience, poorly placed everything, terrible audio both rx and tx and non-replaceable microphones that failed at an extra ordinary rate.
Even seeing a sordin headset makes me feel physically ill.
The issue headset for MICH has been Sordin for years. Additionally, TEA sells Invisio here in the US.
Way to blow that one.
Not really bro,
Because that POS headset was program no one could get rid of it, guys were/are literally spending $1K of their own money for years to buy Peltors.
At tealst Navy side, no one is using Sordin at the Tier 1 level, and on Vanilla side, only the new guy AW’s are running them.
Given the choice between a Sordin Headset and an H-250 handset, I’ll take the handset hands down.
Oh,
I am specifically talking about the “High Noise” Sordin Headset, the maritime and Invisio part of the kit are GTG.
Will, I’ll be the first to agree with you that 1 type of headset isn’t the best fit or choice for everyone. Like Eric mentioned we provide the entire kit, including all of the headset variants. We fully agree that there needs to be a new iteration of this program, so much has changed in 12 years.
We have some pretty new high-speed systems that you may like better, check us out at http://www.TEAheadsets.com. We offer a free 30 day eval for all our stuff and if your guys are having to go out of pocket we can sometimes offer steep discounting to ease the burden.
We will be releasing more new headsets/systems on SSD that you may prefer over this headset.
NL
Look Nick,
I understand your job is to sell this, but also I almost got killed during a firefight because of the Sordin headset.
Products that made no improvements during their “Program” lifespan, especially ones that involve life and death, need to go away and the end user should make that call, but we couldnt because of the “Program”, I also don’t know anyone that would choose to wear a Sordin into combat.
And if, they are now painting it whatever color is cool to get more people to wear them, then I am pissed because there are better headsets on the market that will allow you to still have SA while talking to other elements or aircraft … This stuff isn’t a game Nick, and the dude in the firefight deserves the best on the market and Sordin should feel ashamed about their offering.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience and can see how this relates to your feedback. A lot has changed in 10 years, the current version allows for constant SA, at no time is your hearing cut off. Previous headband versions under the ACH helmets were known to cause “compression headaches”. At that point we went to a neckband wearing style and now we are full circle back to headband, but the new headband is smaller and has a much lower profile than the Gen 1 versions. Does this address you vomit statement?
What you are looking at is not simply a newly painted headset, major improvements have been made to the electronics and DSP’s.
We very much understand the extreme operating conditions of combat, myself especially so don’t think for a second that we consider any of this simply as a “game”. All products are vetted through AFL and Natick, so it’s not like we’re developing products that simply fail in combat…
Our reputation in SOCOM is what it is today because we take direct feedback from the community and use that info to improve or develop new products.
Will,
Maybe you’re not getting this. Nick agrees with you that there needed to be a new headset from Sordin. This is it. Additionally, the company that Nick works for offers other headsets you might want to take a look at. He is trying to help you.
If the Program of Record item isn’t working, then you need to talk to your Force Mod shop. That is how changes are made.
-Me
I once again find myself singing praise for TEA’s attention to detail. These guys put a clean product together. And although Will has a bad taste from Sordin’s other products, rest assured when it comes to TEA getting there hands on a design. No one can tell you what will work for you, but if you give it a look, you might be surprised at what they turn out. I’m a fan of TEA’s stuff simply because it does exactly what I want it to do; I’ve me the ability to shoot, move and most importantly, communicate. I am satisfied with their products which are a cut above any regular production model that comes from Sordin. I will be checking out their new headset.