Got The Headphone Trifecta, Which One Do I Like?

[TripleT]

Just picked up a set of Patriots.  Comfortable, good sound.  They block out ambient noise much better than the yellow minelabs.  Louder than the minelabs, but that could be because they block external noise better. External noise at my favorite beach consists of Harley's and Seaplanes. Only complaint so far:  pretty warm on a hot day.  

[F350Platinum]

8 hours ago, TripleT said:

Just picked up a set of Patriots.  Comfortable, good sound.  They block out ambient noise much better than the yellow minelabs.  Louder than the minelabs, but that could be because they block external noise better. External noise at my favorite beach consists of Harley's and Seaplanes. Only complaint so far:  pretty warm on a hot day.  

How is the low frequency response on these? As good as the ML105? Low conductors are what the Manticore is all about for me. Louder is good. I like the ML105 headphones when it is hot and appreciate not having to take them off when talking, also the situational awareness. Some times it doesn't matter tho. 🤔

I have the Thresher headphones and they are more mid-range. Almost no bass at all.

[cjc]

On 2/28/2025 at 7:42 PM, F350Platinum said:

Hey y'all, 

Let me start this by saying the opinions you read in this post are mine.

Now I'll give ya some resumé: 

I've played in rock bands for many years, from 50s and 60s to loud heavy metal, I've even seen Styx twice, had my ears ring for three days after each show, and I still pass hearing tests with flying colors. I've been to 100s of concerts.

I'm no stranger to high end audio and studio quality headphones. Basically I can hear a mouse fart in a coliseum, and no tones are lost to me. 😁 I think my eardrums are probably steel.

Since I got the Manticore, I've used the ML105 headphones, and they're fine, but get in the wind on a cold day and the wind goes right through the earcups, they wheeze and whistle, and you can't hear your targets. They're great for calm days, and with an ocean breeze they aren't too bad when it's hot. They give you situational awareness which I heartily endorse.

They are loud, you even find yourself turning down the volume, they have great dynamic response. They are by far the best sounding headphones for the Manticore that I have.

But...

Get them wet and they're toast. Go out in a high wind and you're toast. 🤔

That's where the Killer B Thresher headphones come in, Thresher was bought out by the Killer B company.

They are waterproof to over 100', they're tough, well made, have a nice long cable and high quality wires and hardware. Somewhere I read that Killer B upgraded the drivers, and while they sound "canny" and thin, they do deliver some pretty decent volume especially because they are compatible with the Manticore "Underwater Volume Boost", which puts you about where the ML105 headphones are with loudness, just a much "thinner" sound. I bought them for water use.

A few days ago I found out that Killer B makes a wireless set for Minelab, even uses their wireless tech so there is no lag, and no additional transmitter is required. 

They pair as quickly as the 105s, you hold the red button in to enter pairing mode, put the Manticore in pairing mode, and a couple seconds later they're connected. I think they are using the same circuit for wireless as Minelab does under license. 

They have real leather covered earcups and headband, they're comfortable, have well made components and they block out about 90% of outside noise. I bought them to use on cold windy days.

The similarity to the ML105 headphones ends, however. Again, these headphones have a thin "canny" sound, their dynamic range doesn't come close to the 105s. If it did these would be perfect, as it is I'll probably only use them for cold windy days after hunting season, and maybe early beach mornings if it's windy. They are also not loud. You have to turn the Manticore volume all the way up. 

Another thing I find a bit trifling is the intense multicolor LED on them, it blinks like a runway beacon. 🫤

Honestly, I think I will keep all three, I like that I don't have to charge the Threshers. Each has its merit and use. 

For most detecting I do I'll probably use the ML105 headphones, they sound great and are extremely comfortable. For the rest of relic season I may use the Killer B's.

I am also looking at a way to use my Creative Jams, they are light and great when it's really hot. I have a solution but again they aren't loud, despite their internal volume and bass boost. Most APTX-LL transmitters don't have inline volume. 🫤

🍀

Don't forget  the new kid  on the block.  Louder than the Threshers, great sharp response.  I can't take them off now and have sold  my 105's. Cheaper than  any of them too.  Impedance matched  to the Manti.

cjc

 

[cjc]

On 9/9/2025 at 8:14 AM, F350Platinum said:

How is the low frequency response on these? As good as the ML105? Low conductors are what the Manticore is all about for me. Louder is good. I like the ML105 headphones when it is hot and appreciate not having to take them off when talking, also the situational awareness. Some times it doesn't matter tho. 🤔

I have the Thresher headphones and they are more mid-range. Almost no bass at all.

These are  not bad either.  I've dealt with the manufacturer and he uses a special  boost circuit.   Didn't last that well though--calll  em like I see um.

cjc

[Chase Goldman]

17 hours ago, cjc said:

Didn't last that well though--calll  em like I see um.

Can you elaborate?

[cjc]

4 hours ago, Chase Goldman said:

Can you elaborate?

 

4 hours ago, Chase Goldman said:

Can you elaborate?

I like them while they worked but I returned  them once after about a year,  then they went again  after about another year, this time the speaker--done.  They  are in  the pile now lol...

c

[TripleT]

On 9/9/2025 at 6:14 AM, F350Platinum said:

How is the low frequency response on these? As good as the ML105? Low conductors are what the Manticore is all about for me. Louder is good. I like the ML105 headphones when it is hot and appreciate not having to take them off when talking, also the situational awareness. Some times it doesn't matter tho. 🤔

I have the Thresher headphones and they are more mid-range. Almost no bass at all.

I had to use the yellow minelabs for a 7 hour water hunt the other day. Forgot the Patriots at home.

I found the minelab headphones uncomfortable and mid tones had a sour tone to them.  They are definitely cooler to wear than the Patriots.  As for the Patriots loudness.  I still have not decided which brand is louder, but I am leaning towards the Patriots as being a better sounding headphone.

[blackflag]

I have 3 sets of headphones that will work with the manticore. The 105, Tony Eisenhowers, and the specialized version impedance matched for the Manticore that cjc sells. The specialized version is head and shoulders above the other two audio wise for my hearing. Clean, louder, and sharper audio makes it easier for me to hear nuisances in the busy iron and trash infested sites. Love them so much thinking about getting a WM09 to use with these when hunting on land. Sometimes it takes a certain pair of headphones to get the most out of a detector. Thanks again Clive.