Callpod Dragon V2 Headset Review

Performance

Call quality was exceptional. The noise suppression technology worked better than most of the other headsets that we have reviewed. If the headset is properly adjusted with the two microphones in line with the mouth, the outgoing audio was as clear as the incoming. When the headset was not aligned properly, there was a slight echo. While the Dragon performed well in loud situations, it didn’t do quite as well in our convertible tests. The wind created a muffled effect.

One very impressive thing about the Dragon V2 is the range. Because of its Class 1 Bluetooth certification, this Dragon could still be heard quite clearly when 300 feet away from a Class 1 cell phone. In fact it is rated for 100 meters which is over 328 feet when used with a Class 1 device.

While most Class 2 Bluetooth devices seldom get over 30-35 feet
of range,  hooking up to a Class 1 device can extend the range of a Class 2 device. The Dragon really extended the range of our Class 2 device. The Class 2 cell phone we tested with was still loud and clear through the Dragon headset when we were as much as 120 feet away.

Remember that when you talk about Bluetooth devices, there are different versions, like Version 1.2 and Version 2 and there are different classes, like Class 1, 2, and 3. The Version has more to do with the speed of the data while the Class has to do with the range of the transmission. In any case, since the Dragon is a Class 1 device, it will definitely give you more range than many other headsets which are Class 2 devices.

Our initial reaction to the extended range was, “Why would anyone need that much range?” However, the first time we left our cell phone in the office and were still able to take a call in the parking lot, we changed our mind.

The battery life of the Dragon is also impressive. It bested both the Jabra BT8040 and the Alph Jawbone 2 that we put it up against. Callpod rates the talk time at 8 hours and the standby time 300 hours.