Sennheiser vs Telex ANR

[Hugh Jorgan]

A few months ago, I bought a Telex Airman 850 ANR headset for use in a loud, very early model Boeing. I chose the Telex over the Sennheiser mostly because of the wider range of frequency coverage for ANR and for the fact that no batteries were needed. While the ANR did work, there were a few things about the headset I did not like. For one, the leather earpads, while soft as a baby's a$$, would get hot and a little sweaty after about an hour. Another problem is that I wished I could turn down the volume in my left ear so I could hear cockpit conversation better. I ended up having to pull one side off my ear so I could hear what was being said. So much for ANR in that ear. I sent the thing back and ordered a Sennheiser 45-KAS.
I am MUCH happier with the Sennheiser. The KAS model allows you to turn down the volume on one side to help hear cockpit conversation. The ANR works great! I spent the extra 15 bucks for the leather earpads that I took off after my first leg...same sweaty ear thing was no fun. Even with the volume turned down on one ear, the ANR in that ear is still working. The voices in the cockpit come in through the pickups on the outside of the ear and come in loud and clear. I am very happy with this headset and won't mind carrying batteries around (at least I think so). I paid less for the Sennheiser as well. check out http://www.aviation-headset.com/ They sell refurbished ones that still have a 2 year warranty. Just my 2 cents on the subject.