OPE Cable Management: Wrangling Your Ear Pro Cables

With the continually growing popularity of ear protection with cable downleads there’s a growing need for a system to manage those downleads when not in use. Enter the OPE Gear LCM (Lead Cable Management) Wrap, or just LCM for short.

Over the last decade, we have seen ear protection such as the Peltor Comtac, Ops Core Amp, and MSA Sordins become commonplace at our local ranges and in quite a few of our range bags. Personally, I am a fan of the Peltor Comtac III and currently I have two pairs, one I bought new and the other I purchased secondhand, my own hands-on experience is what I am basing this review on. Typically with these headphone designs they have a downlead from one earmuff or the other that can connect to a radio of the end-user's choice but when you’re not using that radio, say you're at the range by yourself working some drills, or you're at a competition and don't want the cable moving around and distracting your attempts at finally becoming a GM, what do you do with the cable? Your options range from running it inside your headband, rubberbanding the loose cable together, substituting the rubber band for a piece of velcro one wrap, or a product such as the LMC. There are many pros and cons to each of these, so let's run through them and then look at what the LCM from OPE Gear brings to the table. 

Running the Cable Back Through the Headband

This option is rather easy, especially because it requires no more equipment than you have already purchased. Simply pop open the rubberized headband and re-run the cable up and over the band to the other side and close up the headband again. 

OPE Gear Lead Cable Management

Now, lets look at what the OPE Gear LCM has to offer over other techniques. The Lead Cable Management system features laser-cut adhesive-backed 500D Cordura and either mil spec elastic or nylon webbing. The version shown is equipped with the elastic to keep the downlead contained and tight against the ear pro. With options in over a dozen color and camouflage patterns, it is possible to tailor them to the rest of your gear or personality. 

Installation of the wrap was easy and straightforward. All that was needed was to peel off the paper layer protecting the adhesive backing and then apply the correct piece to the proper place on the ear pro. It took me a maximum of three minutes to apply the LCM patches, and I have been very happy with the look and performance of the system. The large surface area, covering the outer casing of the earpiece, means it's unlikely the patch will peel off anytime soon. The OPE LCM is available in a range of colorways including: multicam, multicam arid, black,M81 woodland, wolft gray, Coyote Brown, and ranger greenI have another set with the nylon webbing option that I have yet to install, but I have full confidence that they will perform to the same standard as the one I am currently using. At the moment, they are available for the Peltor Comtac III/IV/V and the OTTO Noizebarrier, with Opscore Amps and Safariland Liberator options being released soon.