Suggestions on ANR headsets

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Anyone have experience with headsets that they use in both General Aviation aircraft and on the job flying turbine equipment? I fly a loud Mooney - that really needs decent ANR protection and a quiet turbine aircraft that really does not need the ANR.

I like the new Telex 850 because it does not require batteries and is so comfortable. They recently redesigned the ear cushion - so it appears the headset might work in the Mooney.

Bose X's? I've never tried them. The David Clark ANR's did ot impress me a whole lot due to their power consumption, bulk and weight. What do you guys, and gals, suggest?

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[ClearRight]

I've been using the Telex ANR500s in the RJ (haven't tried them in a GA aircraft). It's a great compromise between the ear-muff DC's and the no noise attenuating Telex 750's. The cords are a bit cumbersome, but oh well, nothing's perfect!

I've also got the DC ANR headset and really like it. Yes, the battery pack is a bit heavy, but the new ones just have the 9v pack now. I used them primarily in loud utility turbine Beech 18s and King Air 90s.

The Bose X is great, but I've heard there's not much passive attenuation when your batteries run out. I tried on a pair and actually prefer my DC 13.4s.

 

[maxcackel]

The telex 850's anr only work's in the crj when the hot mike is on so when reading the paper while at fl310 with the hot mike off they are no better than the 750's.

 

[flint4xx]

I tried the Telex 850 in the 737 and it didn't work well at all. I sent it back. It felt to me like it magnified the wind noise on descent. I'd give it an "F".

 

[fLYbUDDY]

I bought a pair of the Bose X (not the like the kind that are out now) and to be quite honest I wasn't all that impressed. Sure they are comfortable, but not as comfortable as blowing close to 1000gs when you are trying to survive on a very limited budget. I had originally purchased a pair of the Denali (sp) (forgot who makes those) headset which was awesome. But I had the opportunity to exchange them for a fresh Bose. I think the Denali’s were just as good especially considering they are half the price. Just my .02

 

[avbug]

For the price and the product in a light airplane, I have a high opinion of the Lightspeed series headsets. They make a good product, I think they're comfortable, they're reasonably priced by comparison, and they have great customer service. They also are quite outstanding at supporting their product.

I've used the Lightspeed in large piston airplanes (extremely noisy critters that make any turbopropeller airplane seem silent by comparison) with good success. Never had a need to try them in a turboprop.

 

[~~~^~~~]

Thanks for all the good information. I did not realize the 850's required the hot mike be on, but it makes sense. My FO's would have gotten tired of that really quick!

Thanks again,
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[U-I pilot]

but not as comfortable as blowing close to 1000gs when you are trying to survive on a very limited budget.

1000g's? thats like a million bucks!

 

[Riddle momma]

Denali

I have the denali ANR, and I love them. Haven't taken them on anything other than piston airplanes, but even in the insulationless airplanes of the cargo world they worked wonders.
Like Chicaga said, very light and comfortable. Can wear them all day long! Mine are the graphite blue. I am not as bold as he

 

[Kingairrick]

I have the Bose X. I got them when I was flying a 210 8 hours a day. They were comfortable after 8 hours in a 210, 'nuff said. Now in the King Air they are quiet enough that I can pretend I'm in a jet. I can't recommend them highly enough. Very light and comfortable, worth the grand.

HOWEVER, don't EVER run out of batteries. There is no passive attenuation. In fact, I sometimes think they may be worse than open ears. There is some kind of ear in a seashell effect that happens. I carry extra batteries all the time.

Good luck.

 

[starvingcfi]

d*mn rich pilots.

i'm still using a hand mic with my fingers in my ears. it's a rough life.

 

[bssthound]

I have a set of Sennheisers that I use in the CRJ. They are magnificent. I got them payroll deduct at a big discount when I was based in ATL. I've not tried them in GA aircraft, though. If you're interested PM me and I'll give you the name of the Captain who hooked me up with the payroll deduct paperwork.

 

[HAZ-MAT]

I think the david clarks with ANR work great. $580 with AOPA discount, and they work just as good as the Bose (tried both). Batteries are 6 AA's and they last 60 hours. It gives you about a 2 hours heads up before dying (flashing red light). Nice felt on the ear seals so when you sweat they dont slide all over... but of course your in the CRJ, so no worries about sweat!! No experience with the Telex though.

 

[DJS]

Lightspeed

I'll second the vote for Lightspeed. I love mine. They are very good even if you forget to turn on the ANR.

...Dave

 

[RJ Bum]

I have tried the Telex 850 in the CRJ, and the ANR remains on even though the Hot mic is "selected off." The ANR is powered by the hot mic jack, which remains powered regardless of switch position. The switch position determines if the Hot mic "transmits" through the headset, it does not turn the power on or off.

Now if it is deferred, that is a different story because the power is truly disconnected. But how often does that happen?? The only thing I didn't like is that the ANR also amplifies all the bells and whistles so it is definitely a wake up call when the alt. alert or anything else goes off.

 

[SabreFlyR]

No experience with them in a prop plane, but I have a set of Sennheisers (hmec45) in the Sabre and they work great, and are comfortable.

 

[skylane58]

I just got a pair of DC ENC's. So far I love them. We also have a pair of the Lightspeeds. The lightspeeds are a great headset, however, they are very bulky. It feels like your wearing a helmet. Anyway, I only have an hour or so on the DC's but they work great.