N618FT

I started training with an Avcomm PNR 900... upgraded to an ANR-950 (which I'm 100% satisfied with for the price)... but just in general the Avcomm stuff doesn't fit my head as well as some of the other brands. I was looking at some of the Telex, Sennheiser, Flightcom, and Lightspeed stuff... any suggestions on some of those that'll do me good in the Saab? I'd like to stick away from overpriced Bose and DCs... I can't believe the margins all of these companies make on plastic, wiring, and a cheap circuit board!!

RedGuy

Oh trust me the Bose are worth every cent! I've had mine for about a year and a half and put some where around 17-1800 hard hours on them flying freight in some of the most good awefully loud piston twins out there. But the Bose quite those 520's right down. The best thing about them though is they are THEE most comfortable headsets available. I can fly all day and all night and never feel uncomfortable at all, unlike all the other head vises out there, particularly the David Clamps. As a matter of fact aside from having to move the mic out of the way to eat and drink I forget they're even there. I figure I'll buy a new pair when the 5 year warranty runs out, buy then I'll probably have in the neighborhood of 6,000+ hours on them so It'll be time. You have to remember that headsets are one of the most important tools in a pilots tool chest. Just as any other skilled trades man will tell you it never pays to buy cheap tools. If you where some new kid just getting into training I might recommend something like Avcomms or Flight Coms, but now that your well past that and a professional it's time to step up to the plate and buy the right tool for the job.

av8or519

I just received my new Telex Stratus 50 Digital this morning. I'll be trying it out in the plane today, but just from putting it on and turning on the ANR, it's as quiet if not more quiet than the Bose (I wore bose during an internship flying a BE350), and it has the smart cancelling technology so you can hear new sounds (i.e. engine knock for pistons, funny sounds when raising/lowering the gear etc.). I've worn Telex ANR 150's since I started flying, and never really had an issue with comfort, so I can only imagine that the top of the line from Telex will have no issues either. Also, you can find the Stratus 50 for about $650 at the cheapest. I'll be sure to post and let you know what I think after I put a few hours on them.

rickair7777

In the CRJ, I've used both the Telex 750 and 850.

Both are very light, comfortable and fit easily in my flight case.

The 750 (no ANR) is barely adequate for the CRJ, and I suspect that at high IAS the background noise getting in exceeds the threshold for long-term safe exposure. You definately get enough background noise to contribute to fatigue. ($200)

The 850 is more comfortable around the ears and blocks enough outside noise to eliminate any hearing-loss concerns and to reduce fatigue. Also the ANR is powered by the headset (or mic) connection directly from the aircraft, so no batteries to worry about. ($400).


I stayed away from the larger units due to cost, large size, and batteries but if you want a silent ride Bose is probably the way to go.

N618FT

Guys at the AF base were getting the Bose for $450 new. Anyone try the Sennheisers? I've had only amazing life-changing experiences with their pro audio gear.