In-ear headsets are an option for those who do not want the bulkiness of an earmuff headset but still need the advanced features and technology. In-ear tactical headsets work well at reducing loud noise and let you stay connected to your team.
Silynx and Invisio are two popular in-ear communication headsets. These two headsets are used in tactical situations and provide hearing protection, situational awareness, and advanced technology.
Silynx most popular headset is the Clarus Pro and the Clarus Pro XPR while Invisio’s most popular headset is the Invisio X5. These headsets may look similar, but they are designed differently and have distinct technologies.
How does the Silynx compare to other in-ear communication headsets like Invisio? We’ll start by reviewing,
- Bone Conduction
- Price
- Design
- Noise Reduction Rating
- Battery Life
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| Silynx Clarus Pro | Invisio X5 |
Bone Conduction
In-ear communications headsets pick up the noise around you by using different approaches. Invisio uses what’s called bone conduction. Bone conduction technology uses the in-ear microphone to pick up vibrations from your jawbone. These vibrations then convert into speech and deliver clear communication to the receiving end.
The problem with bone conduction is it relies on your tragus, the small thick piece of flesh covering the opening of your ear. The problem is a lot of people don’t have a strong enough tragus so communication can perform differently depending on the user.
The Silynx headsets don’t use bone conduction technology instead they use an in-ear mic which is used to pick up your voice. No relying on your tragus. This results in the better overall communication between users.
During design, Silynx felt that having a clear and solid voice, even while whispering, was an absolute requirement, so they opted out of using bone conduction and instead uses what they call True Voice in-ear mic Technology.
Price
Tactical headsets are known to be on the more expensive side due to design, features, and functionality. Silynx offers different options for headsets that vary in price. These can be the FX2, XPR, Clarus Pro, and Eagle headsets. We’re going to talk about the more popular option, Clarus Systems. This can be in either single comm or dual comm configurations.
The Silynx Clarus can range from $940-$1085. The Clarus XPR can range from $625 to $770. These prices are dependent on configurations in the cable, adaptor, and utility pouch.
We do not have any information on the Invisio pricing as of now.
Design
These systems are different than your typical headset. They’re not bulky and that’s why there is a discussion on which configuration people prefer.
The Silynx and Invisio headsets require the use of a control box/unit. This is where your PTT, battery, comms, and headset connect to.
The control box is a small lightweight system that holds your push-to-talk buttons for single and dual communications. The Silynx control box design has two push-to-talk buttons on each side at the top and a + or – button on the bottom that controls the volume of ambient noise. This does not control the radio volume. This is also where you will change out the AAA battery when needed. This design makes it easier to hold and access items easier.
The Invisio control box has one comm port for connection to a two-way radio and 2 push to talk buttons on the side. You can choose your control box on how you would like it to set up. These can be the V10, V20, V50, and V60.
The Invisio X5 headset is a dual-sided hearing protection headset with external microphones for a natural hear-thru sound. The headset comes with six sizes of exchangeable foam plugs to improve comfort.
Silynx uses three communication capabilities, hearing protection, hearing enhancement, and an in-ear microphone. The earplugs wrap around your ear and the earplugs are placed inside your ear canal.
Silynx headsets use either a quick disconnect (QDC) or fixed headset connection. With the quick disconnect, you can easily remove the headset from the control box. This is a preferred option for most because you can quickly detach in a hurry. The fixed connection both headset and control box are attached. There’s no way to quickly disconnect the two. This is an option if you want one uniform headset.
The Clarus uses a quick disconnect connection, while the Silynx Clarus XPR can be fixed or a QDC headset.
The Silynx Clarus can support up to 2 two-way radios and the Clarus XPR supports up to 1 two-way radio and a cell phone. Connection to a two-way radio requires a cable adaptor that you must specify upon purchase to ensure compatibility.
Both systems are available in black and tan colors.
Noise Reduction Rating
In the military, you must have proper hearing protection because you’re around loud noises like vehicles and firearms. The Silynx Clarus headset has a 25 dB NRR while the Invisio has a 29 dB NRR.
Learn more about the importance of noise reduction ratings.
Battery Life
How long your battery will run in your in-ear headset is an important aspect to consider. You don’t want your headset to die halfway through its use and you don’t have a backup option, leaving you without communication and protection.
Both the Silynx and Invisio can run just through the power of your radio and require no additional battery to run. This can reduce the weight of your system and reduces the number of batteries you use.
When using this option, the battery life of your system will be dependent on how long your radio lasts.
The Silynx though can run on a AAA battery as a backup. You can get about 40 hours of life. Situational awareness, an important feature to be aware of in your surroundings, runs even without battery life.
Wrap Up
The Silynx and Invisio headset are both great options for in-ear headsets. It’s important to keep in mind the technology each headset uses to communicate. Remember, Invisio uses bone conduction while Silynx uses their patented True Voice Technology.
Ultimately, when deciding between the Invisio and Silynx headset, think of the battery life, communication technology, noise reduction rating, style, and compatibility.
This will help you to narrow down your choice in figuring out which headset is the best option for you.
What are your thoughts on the Silynx and Invisio In Ear Headset? Do you currently wear one? Let us know.
Want to learn more about how the Silynx compares to another popular earmuff style headset, the ComTac V? Learn more.
For over 20 years, First Source Wireless has provided communication equipment to tactical and law enforcement agencies across the world. First Source Wireless is a dealer of 3M Peltor, Silynx Communication, Motorcycle equipment, and much more. For more information on the First Source Wireless, and Silynx communications partnership visit here
