Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am very particular about headsets. This Panasonic headset has been my favorite headset ever, and I own at least 13 headsets (really). Unfortunately, mine developed a bad/intermittent contact somewhere, but I go through headsets like bottled water (only 6 of mine work). I bought another because I couldn't stand using my 'backups' anymore. I recommended it to 2 friends, and theirs are going strong, but they use theirs less. I use my headsets hard, often hours a day. The leatherette earpad is comfortable, and will not wear out & need to be replaced like foam covers will. This one has a good-length boom and mic gain. People don't say, "What? Talk louder." with this headset, and they like the way my voice sounds; in fact, I believe it is the same mic element in my older high-end (nice-sounding) KX-TC series Panasonic phone, because people can't tell a difference when I switch over. Receiving sound is also very good; not too weak or too strong, but if I had to choose, a little on the stronger/efficient side, which most people prefer. The headset doesn't feel delicate, but I guess it is, or at least some internal wiring is, as poor durability is reported. It's not an excuse, but you ~could~ buy 2 or 3 of these for the same price as more expensive models (even Panasonic) and still not get a headset as good-sounding or as comfortable. I have ruined headsets by rotating the mic to get it pointed more towards my mouth (I don't mean bending the boom). Don't do that. If you pull off the foam windscreen, you will notice that the mic is at a 45 deg angle when it is facing your mouth. This is actually proper from a sound engineering aspect. Everything which makes this headset larger, 'clunkier', 'mid school', 'unattractive', or 'uncool', or its lack of collapsibility serves to your advantage for good sound and comfort. Due to its size, it's not ideal to bring along for cellphone use, but if you do, while you have it on, you will be well-served. Like the previous reviewer, I have used/owned Plantronics (not Panasonic) headsets and they do not work well in my Panasonic and other home phones. The (Plantronics--I've used 3) mics simply do not produce enough gain, and the booms do not come out far enough to the mouth. So I use them as backups. Plantronics used to be the expensive quality leader, but their quality seems to have suffered in recent years, and prices remain high. Panasonic has been the only brand to consistently do right by me on many products. Amzn price on this item fluctuates. Anything in the low tens is a great price online, anything in the mid tens is the best price you'll see in a store, and the high tens is typical store price. This has a 2.5mm mini-plug for use in cell and home phones, not computer sound cards. Headsets are made in China, like everything else we depend on.