Plantronics RIG 300 headset [Review]: Affordable audio, ear-protection

Plantronics makes a range of quality headsets, with modular designs and keen sound, at a variety of price points. The latest try from the visitor is the RIG 300, clocking in at $40. People oft associate lower price brackets with a cut in quality, merely Plantronics has managed to build a headset that not only punches above its weight but also contains some nifty features, especially for parents looking to buy headsets for youngsters in the holiday season and beyond. There is a potentially large downside with the RIG 300, though ...

Protection for your ears

Plantronics RIG 300

$40

Bottom line: This is a solid headset for $40, with decent audio and a dainty volume-limiting function to protect hearing. But precipitous-edged plastic makes it risky to recommend for youngsters.

Pros

Comfortable and light
Solid sound quality
Protection from book spikes

Cons

No detachable mic for added versatility
Edges on the plastic are sharp

What you lot'll love virtually the Plantronics RIG 300

The RIG 300 is a nicely built production with gloss black plastics and copper accents, and a familiar modular design that permeates throughout the Plantronics gaming make. You can detach the ear cups and fix them to one of three sizes. The cream on the ear cups is higher-quality than y'all oftentimes go in this cost range, and the fabric feels nice against your skin. The headband is also generous with its foam, and the vented, perforated design makes this headset incredibly light.

Category	Spec
Frequency response	100Hz to 10kHz
Speaker size	twoscore mm
Connection	iii.v mm (150 cm)
Cup space	vi cm x 4.5 cm, oval
Loving cup style	Fabric
Compatibility	Xbox One, PC, PS4, Mobile, and Nintendo Switch
Price	$40

The vented earcup blueprint lends itself well to environments where you might not want consummate isolation. For parents looking to buy a headset for a kid, this design will allow your child to even so be able to hear y'all when you call them for dinner or to finish their homework. No more "I didn't hear you" excuses. If you're an developed and simply prefer this sort of blueprint, it works well, and isn't as anti-social every bit a fully-isolating headset might be in some scenarios.

It also comes with in-line controls for muting and book.

In the sound department, the audio quality is nice overall, elevated further by Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic for that surround audio feel. Information technology doesn't suffer from distortion, but it's nowhere near as rich or immersive as more expensive headsets, owing to its very modest frequency range. If you take sensitive hearing, though, it comes with a nifty feature that limits audio spikes above 118 decibels. The idea is that it will protect the ears of youngsters, whose ears oasis't all the same fully developed, in a globe where games like Fortnite accept become so pop.

However, if Plantronics's aim was to build a headset that promotes safety for youngsters, information technology made some serious errors of judgement when it comes to the headset'southward physical design.

What you lot won't love near Plantronics RIG 300

Whether or not you like Plantronics' design conventions is a matter of gustation at the end of the day. I quite like them equally a gaming headset, simply I observe the harsh angles and shapes the company uses eliminate their products as an option for outdoor utilise. This is compounded with the RIG 300 by the fact the microphone isn't detachable. This is a gaming headset through and through.

Where the pattern actually fails, however, is in how the plastic is cut. The edges of the headband are literally sharp enough to cause papercut-way wounds, which is frankly a terrible blueprint oversight, particularly in a product that boasts safety with its volume limiting features. Someone, somewhere along the line in the blueprint process for this headset actually dropped the brawl.

Should you buy the Plantronics RIG 300?

Until I noticed the sharp edges around the headband (and almost cut myself on it), I was prepared to fully recommend this headset. Information technology's lightweight, sports solid-feeling materials, has swell sound quality, and the book-limiting features are a nice touch, particularly for parents concerned nigh their kids' hearing.

The chances of you sliding your finger in such a way every bit to actually cut yourself on the headband are probably pretty slim. As an adult, you shouldn't have an issue avoiding it. Nevertheless, I'm non sure I'd desire to give this headset to a youngster for that reason. Plantronics could accept done a scrap more than to solve this event during the manufacturing process. If that worries you, pass on this headset. If non, you'll get a quality audio selection for a reasonable cost.

Affordable sound with ear protection

Plantronics RIG 300

Great, affordable audio with added volume protection, with one big drawback.

This is a solid $40 headset with decent audio quality and a nice, comfortable design. Plantronics could accept done something to cutting the plastic without creating harsh, sharp edges, which could potentially cause harm, simply for older gamers, it should be fine.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more than.