Info on Telex ANR headsets...

[agpilot34]

Just curious if any of you guys have had any experience with the Telex Stratus headsets. I see they've introduced two new ones in the lineup... The Stratus 30 and Stratus 30XT. I've worn a 50D once and liked it, just didnt like the $700 plus price tag at the time. Anybody got one, had one, or used one for a while?

 

[11thHour]

I've had the 50d's since last october, and use them quite a bit. I like them, comfy and very quiet. However, removing the old batteries is a pain in the arse, as in I literally have to get tweezers to pull them out just they fit in so tight. Plus, they are bulky. I'd guess I get about 20 hours use per set of batteries. I paid $600 for them new when I got them through some website. I haven't had them long enough to have any issues, so long term reliability is unknown.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I'm a brand new 50D owner. I moved from Peltor and was a little concerned about the relatively higher weight and bulk, but I had heard some very good reports about the digital hearing protection and I had had a very good experience with Telex quality in the past.

It's really too soon for me to tell, but so far I like them. The sound protection is amazing. I flew about 3 hours on and off with them yesterday and they were very comfortable. It seems that Telex did a pretty good job with the cushioning and weight distribution. They also made the clamping strength variable - 3 settings.

I have an Angel Flight scheduled in a few weeks, so I'll know what they feel like after about 5 hours in the cockpit - that will probably be the best test for me.

 

[agpilot34]

Yeah, the comfort level is a main concern for me as well. I am in the air no less than 6 hours a day most days, and around 8 hours a day on two of my pipeline routes, so they've got to be comfortable. Of course, ANYTHING is going to be clamping on your head after that long in the cockpit!

 

[midlifeflyer]

BTW, just a thought. With the new series out, you may be able to find some buys on eBay. I doemoed the "old" 4105 before making my purchase and the comfort level seemed to be the same (I only wore it for aboutn 1.2 hours).

You might not be interested in all of them, but the "old" 50D and the "new" 50-Digital are 90%+ the same. As I understand from corresponding with Telex, the only differences are the color and the material that covers the ear cushions.

 

[11thHour]

Hey midlife, do you have the same battery removal problem that I have? It doesn't seem right that the batteries fit into the compartment so damn tight that I need to pull them out with tweezers!

 

[midlifeflyer]

I haven't had to change them yet but I checked and they seem to slide right out.

 

[MOCHA HAGoTDI]

ag - I have a set of the 30XT's on order, and I'm taking a long trip (20+hrs) next weekend.

If Sporty's gets them to me before I leave (I'm not counting on it) I'll let you know what I think.

 

[agpilot34]

That would be great, I'd appreciate the feedback.

 

[midlifeflyer]

ag - I have a set of the 30XT's on order, and I'm taking a long trip (20+hrs) next weekend.

If Sporty's gets them to me before I leave (I'm not counting on it) I'll let you know what I think.

You probably =can= count on it. I think Sporty's has a 48 hour delivery policy. If you're not leaving until the weekend, chances are excellent that you will have them in time for your trip.

 

[MOCHA HAGoTDI]

You probably =can= count on it. I think Sporty's has a 48 hour delivery policy. If you're not leaving until the weekend, chances are excellent that you will have them in time for your trip.

I ordered them last Wednesday and the order status hasn't changed on their website, so we shall see.. I'm leaving at sun-up on Thursday.

Typically, I haven't had any delays when ordering "easy stuff" (sectionals, their own branded stuff, etc) from them. Fingers crossed.. The DC's are killing my temples!

 

[midlifeflyer]

Hmmm. That's a bit surprising. You might give them a call. Maybe they are pre-selling them since they are a new model. Did they say whether they were in stock or not?

 

[MOCHA HAGoTDI]

Hmmm. That's a bit surprising. You might give them a call. Maybe they are pre-selling them since they are a new model. Did they say whether they were in stock or not?

I called them today to check.. As luck would have it, they are shipping tomorrow - with a scheduled delivery of Thursday! They are going to ship them next day for me (fortunately).

 

[MOCHA HAGoTDI]

So, I did end up getting the headset yesterday, and used it for a trip today..

It is really comfortable, if not slightly heavy (no different than the 50D). The passive noise reduction seems really good - which is a good thing, as the ANR started to wig out after two hours of use. It's possible that the rechargeable batteries were faulty (though it wouldn't have been a bad idea for me to charge them yesterday). I'm giving it another shot tomorrow..

The audio interface is cool. I had my iPod hooked up for a while, which was nice for a lonnng flight.

 

[agpilot34]

yeah, most all rechargeable batteries have to be charged initially before you use them. Let me know how it goes tomorrow. I'm planning on ordering first part of next week.

 

[midlifeflyer]

The passive noise reduction seems really good

I noticed that in my 50D as well. On my third short flight last week I forgot to turn them on and never noticed (I was also flying a quieter airplane).

 

[MOCHA HAGoTDI]

Just got back to an internet connection. Even after charging the batteries, the thing was still acting up (it's like the noise canceling was "thumping" on and off).

After replacing the batteries, all's well. It's amazing how quiet it is when the NC is turned on!