The new Sordin Supreme X2 was presented at the beginning of this year at the IWA 2024 trade fair in Nuremberg. We also reported on the new hearing protection there with a video from the booth. The manufacturer has now announced that the X2 will be available from specialist retailers from autumn 2024. Reason enough to present the features of the digital hearing protection with Bluetooth function in detail and explain the technology.
The Sordin Supreme X2 BT – technical details
The core feature of the Supreme X2 BT is the Bluetooth (BT) functionality that gives it its name. The device is designed to enable comprehensive communication even under harsh conditions. This function is the background to the entire development of the X2: according to Sordin, the demand for wireless, high-quality headsets has become ever greater.
And this response has a lot to offer: in addition to the new design and Bluetooth function, the X2 is also based on the new SordinFLEX modular design platform. It consists of integrated interfaces with which the hunter or sports shooter can customise the X2. For example, if you want to have a microphone directly on the hearing protection for communication on a driven hunt, you can purchase this from Sordin as an accessory (X2 Flex Com BT) and simply plug it into the X2. It is also possible to change the holding method. Christian Nilsson, CMO at Sordin, puts it succinctly: "X2BT is more than a first-class headset, it is a complete platform for varying user needs. You can easily reconfigure your X2BT, for example from headband to neckband version, or vice versa, using SordinFLEX accessories – fast, easy and without the need for tools (...)". Incidentally, the X2 shares this FLEX platform with its professional brother, the T2. It is built to MIL standard, but is not yet available on the civilian market.
A frequent criticism of the previous models has also been revised: they are powered by two AA batteries. Even if the runtime is very long, a change is due at some point. And here the second battery often stoically refused to come out of the hearing protection. This is now a thing of the past, as the X2 BT works with a single, replaceable 14500 rechargeable battery, which also protects the environment. Like some of the predecessor models, the hearing protection comes with waterproof microphones, battery compartment and electronic components.
The Sordin gel rings are also on board as standard. They offer an advantage over the usual foam rings, particularly when worn for long periods and also for spectacle wearers.
Sordin Supreme X2 BT comes with HEAR2 technology – What are the practical benefits for sport shooters and hunters?
As active hearing protection, the X2 not only offers a simple loud/quiet adjustment, but also provides the user with various audio profiles in the form of Sordin HEAR2 technology:
- Hunter: Gain and frequency are set at normal levels. This is the standard profile, which is intended to simulate natural hearing.
- Shooter: Reduced gain and narrower frequency spectrum. This mode is suitable for the shooting range if situational awareness is not important, but communication should be possible.
- Focus: Higer gain, wider frequency spectrum. Designed to pick up every noise, no matter how quiet. In combination with the Sordin earplugs, also perfect for particularly high attenuation, while situational awareness remains possible.
- Ambient off: Ambient sound is switched off and the hearing protection is used passively. However, the communication functions is still activated.
The noise inside the cups is always limited to 82 db (A). You can find more detailed data on attenuation performance on the Sordin website.
Availability and price: Sordin Supreme X2 BT
As mentioned above, the new hearing protectors from Sordin will be available from specialist retailers in autumn 2024. The model is available with either green or black cups. Also available as a version with headband or neckband. The RRP for the launch is 469 euros.
Further information about Sordin hearing protection solutions can be found on the manufacturer's website.
