Hearing is one of those things in life that you simply can't get back; once it's gone, it's gone. Growing up in the military, this was preached to us at every possible moment on the firing ranges, when operating around loud machinery and so on and so forth. Personally, I have always taken hearing safety very seriously, as I never wanted to rely on hearing aids in my later years. After becoming a helicopter pilot, I take hearing safety even more seriously. The problem is that most places I work now, I need to be able to communicate while also having hearing protection. The solution to this problem, headsets that can lower ambient noise while enhancing voice chatter, but also be able to plug into a radio communication system on a helicopter or PTT.While the army has its own headsets for tasks like this, they are big and bulky and only suited for one purpose. This is where the Ops Core Amps come into play, an advanced tactical communication headset designed for integration with Ops-Core helmets, providing active hearing protection, audio transmission, and enhanced situational awareness for its user. Let's see if they live up to the hype?More Headsets @ TFB NOW HEAR THIS: Best Electronic Hearing Protection From TFB Staff ATN Introduces the New ATN X-Sound Hearing Protection Noveske Rifleworks & Safariland Collab on Liberator HP Electronic Ear Pro TFB Review: Comfort Combo by Qore Performance and Noisefighters The Ops Core AMPs and Helmet Mounts were provided by Ops Core for this review, and while I am allowed to keep this headset after the conclusion of this review, this will not change my opinion on any of their current or future products. Ops Core has not been allowed to preview this article prior to its publication. I have been using the AMPs for about 9 months now and have taken them on multiple range trips, helicopter flights, and to my in-laws' house (Because they have 6 very loud dogs).Specs - Ops Core AMPS Battery Type - 2x AAA lithium batteriesBattery Runtime (Standard) - Up to 120 hours at 21°C (68°FOperating Temperature - 40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F) with lithium batteriesWeight - 0.92 (419 Grams)Color Options - Black, Tan 499, Urban Gray, Foliage GreenComms Systems - Integrates with standard tactical radios via U-173/U plugsNumber of Downleads - 2Mounting - Headband or rail-mountedCountry of Origin - USAMSRP - $1,595.95Hearing Protection and Amplification At its core is the 3D Hear-Through (3DHT) system and its active mics that amplify ambient noise for that natural ear feel while capping peaks. This means you can hear all the range commands while the gunshots will be toned down. NRR sits at 22 dB standalone (SNR 27 dB), plenty to tame a .300 Blackout or 12-gauge thunder without turning conversations into lip-reading exercises. While I did not have them for this review, the optional NFMI earplugs (another $200 or so), and you're at 34 dB. I love this feature as it lets me not be that guy in class asking the instructor to repeat themselves. The noise-cancelling mic is boom-mounted (left or right), depending on your preference, with U-173/U connectors for getting up on a radio. I use this feature a good amount when I need to trade my flight controls for a camera at my unit. It's nice to be able to have my own dedicated headset to communicate with the rest of the crew. The controls are simple with earcup buttons for volume, modes, and power, and are glove-friendly for when hands are mittened up. Battery-wise, those AAAs deliver 120 hours of power with auto-shutoff after two hours of idle to stretch it further. There is also a Fail-safe mode. If the batteries die, the comms will revert to a passive mode so you can still hear and communicate in the aircraft. When wearing anything around your head for multiple hours on end, you want it to be as comfortable as possible. The gel seals mold around your head without any noticeable pressure points in my experience. The headband distributes weight evenly, but the real versatility flex is the Rail Mount Kit. With the Rail Mount Kit, the headset clips to helmet rails for stabilized, counterbalanced wear under any compatible helmet. I have run my helmet with a normal headband headset in the past, and, unusually, after a few hours, a few hotspots have formed. With the rail mount, you get to have one less thing crushing your skull, and that can make all the difference. The AMPs are also IPX7 waterproof, and my pair has survived a few sudden rain showers to date.Performance and Use The true measure of any tactical headset like the Ops-Core AMP emerges in everyday scenarios, where it handles a spectrum of environments from casual outings to structured training with consistent reliability. Consider a standard range session involving multiple firearms and high round counts. The 3DHT technology excels by amplifying subtle environmental cues. This directional audio precision allows me to maintain spatial awareness, distinguishing between sounds from various distances and directions For team-based activities or when I'm working around a helicopter, the noise-cancelling microphone ensures clear transmission over radios, cutting through ambient blasts to deliver commands or feedback without distortion. Transitioning to times when I need to have the headset mounted to my helmet, this feature has proved invaluable. It provides rock-solid stability and no slippage during dynamic maneuvers like transitions between positions. The mount's counterbalancing design complements optics and accessories, while its 360-degree adjustability allows for customized positioning that supports optimal cheek weld and doesn't interfere with night-vision setups. It will take up a slot on the rear section of the rail, but will allow you to mount more items on the top section.Value At $1,596 MSRP, the AMPs aren't an impulse buy, but for those in high-stakes roles like pilots, SWAT operators, or frequent range instructors, the return on investment stacks up quickly. You're not just buying hearing protection; you're investing in a system that adapts to your workflow, reducing the mental overhead of swapping gear mid-mission. Compared to cobbling together separate ear pro, comms mics, and helmet adapters (which could easily hit $800 and still underperform), the AMPs' all-in-one modularity pays dividends in reliability and sanity. Sure, the battery life is low at 120 hours, and bundling the NFMI plugs would sweeten the deal, but as-is, they've earned a permanent spot in my flight and range bag. Not to mention these are great for when I’m filming with James and I need a set of ear pro for my safety but also monitor audio levels. Pros:Versatility, you can swap effortlessly between a headband and rail mounts3DHT delivers natural awarenessComfy seals and mic clarityRemovable and customizable cables and microphonesCons:Steep entry price $1,596NFMI add-on bumps cost even moreOnly 120 hours of battery lifeComparison to Alternatives Pitting the AMPs against staples like the 3M Peltor ComTac VII or SureFire EP4s, it carves a niche in shooter-centric versatility. After wearing the AMPS for a while I went back to my older pair of ComTacs and noticed there was much less room for my ears inside the cup. I'm not saying this is a problem but just an observation and if you have bigger ears that might be another reason to take a look at the AMPs.ComTacs (around $600) nail basic protection (NRR 23 dB) and are lighter for pure range days, but lack the AMP's helmet rail seamlessness. EP4s are plug-simple for $20, but zero comms or amp, and that's fine for most people. Where the AMPS really shine is if you need to have active noise canceling while maintaining comms and want the versatility to mount on a helmet or a headband. There are very few out-of-the-box offerings on the market that can do this that I'm aware of. Wrap Up The bottom line is that the Ops-Core AMPS are a versatile and tactical tool for a shooter's loadout, blending protection, comms, and modularity. From headband ease on sunny ranges to rail-steady tactics under a helmet, the do-it-all nature streamlines my gear choices when I leave the house. While they are certainly not cheap, they have been dependable and easy to use from day one. I do wish the Battery life were better, and they came with the NFMI out of the box.If you're someone just looking for some simple ear protection at the range and you shoot a couple times a year, these are certainly overkill for you. If you shoot a lot and want the passive audio only, then there are much cheaper alternatives on the market that can accomplish that job for you. I believe this headset is best suited for Military and Law Enforcement applications. If you're in the market for a high-end headset with all the bells and whistles, then you can stop searching because it's the Ops-Core AMPS.I would like to thank Ops Core for sending me this product for review. For more information on their products, please visit https://shop.gentexcorp.com/