Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth Headset Disappoints

As someone who rarely needs or wants a wireless connection to my phone, I've just never purchased a Bluetooth headset before. Lately I've been thinking about how useful one might be while driving, so when I spotted the attractive looking Plantronic Explorer 220 for an enticing $28, I went for it. Unfortunately there are just a few disappointments that keep me from being completely satisfied with my purchase.

When I first unpacked the unit and started playing with it, I was immediately impressed with the look and feel of the device. Despite it's relatively inexpensive price, it doesn't feel cheap or low quality, and it actually looks pretty sleek and stylish. I was also happy at how easy and quick it was to pair the headset to my mobile phone. Following the instructions, it took me less than two minutes. After initial setup, pairing the device or disconnecting it from your phone is as easy as turning it off or on. Very simple! I was just getting really happy about my purchase...then I tried it on.

One thing the Plantronics Explorer 220 bluetooth headset has going for it is that it can be adjusted to fit either ear, which is a cool feature for the indecisive (or ambidextrous) among us. Unfortunately for me, it's not very comfortable on either of my ears. It's not exactly uncomfortable, either...it's just that it doesn't feel very snug. And it tends to pop off if I tilt my head a certain way, no matter what ear I place it on. This is especially frustrating in the car when you're looking over your shoulder to change lanes, and your bluetooth comes off your head! I think I've overcome this issue through trial and error; I just know how not to move now.

I found that the call quality is really pretty good, all my calls have sounded nice and clear, unless I bring my hand to cup the unit around my ear. This produces a bit of static, but I only found this out because I was trying to see what would cause static. The range seems to be good for the advertised 33 feet. It's nice to be able to roam about the room and leave your phone on the coffee table or desk.

The multi-function button is very easy to use (although you still might want to read the manual). The little LED light looks nice, and provides visual feed back on the status of the device. Adjusting between right-ear and left-ear modes of operation is easy, and voice dialing/recognition works well with my phone (the Motorola Rizr Z3) The volume controls are easy to locate by touch and are responsive...which brings me to my crucial complaint.

The Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth Headset just isn't loud enough. In quiet environments like your house, the office, and a library, the volume is acceptable, however as soon as things get a little louder, you'll find yourself wishing you could push the volume up just a little. In my experience, even moderate road noise kept me from fully understanding everything that was being said to me. This is very frustrating if you buy this unit for use while driving.

The bottom line is that this entry-level headset, although attractively priced, isn't stable on your ear and it's not loud enough for use in even a moderately noisy situation. While I'm not entirely unsatisfied, I'm certainly a bit disappointed that I can't recommend the Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth Headset for anything but primarily home and office use. For something you can use while moving around, or with your friends talking around your, you're best bet is another headset.

Sources:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UDX7C0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875978054
http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/explorer-220-silver