So I'm ready to shelf the Clarks. Got the 10-13x (ANR) which i don't even bother with anymore, (paying for batteries)...

I'm tired of the heavy clamp on my head, and i'm looking to change headsets.

I've been looking at the Telex 850s (ANR-panel powered)
as well as the Clarity Aloft (Pro version for the TSO cert).

I've used the Telex and like them, however, never had the op. to use the CA Pro. Does anyone have any feedback?


I fly the Dash8, so as it goes, every airplane I fly in the future will be much quieter, but I've got a few more years on the Dash and want a headset that I can keep and appreciate on this and other aircraft, including GA.

Any suggestions, reviews?

 

just get two tin cans and some string...

 

I've got the Telex 850s and they are really nice, assuming you are flying something other than an ERJ (or equivalent) or GA aircraft, which it just so happens, that's all I fly

I still have to wear earplugs underneath the 850s because the ANR doesn't really do much when it comes to 450 knots true. Same goes for GA aircraft, with that big fan upfront blowing 100 knots of air over the windshield, the ANR just can't cut it out.

Now, on the positive side: It is not a clamp. Its a big improvement from my old Telex which is old enough to almost be my father. Its also a bit easier on the noggin' than the Bose headset, which I had for a six month trial. Cool headset (the Bose) but still a bit heavy and clampy. The 850 is lightweight, fits in my flight kit discreetly (leaving room for GOM revision after GOM revision ), and since the top part which rests on top of your head is so skinny, you can just reposition the skinny little thing forward or back for instant relief.

In my opinion, I would still with a comfy pair of Clarks or the Bose headset and just keep buying the batteries. But now that I think about it, earplugs are free and the 850 is pretty light. Well, to each his own I suppose. As for the Clarity Alofts, I have no idea.

Oh, I did want to add one other thing: I see a lot of guys who fly 320s and 73s and up with those tiny little headsets, the ones that just hang in one ear and with the tiny little mic. I suspect that once you make it that far in your career, you won't have a need for something like a Telex 850. I know as soon as I get into something quieter, I am ditching any "rest on my skull" headset.

 

I have used the calritys for several years. and love them. I used them on a King air 200 and now on the Saab, both of which are louder than the Dash, and I have no complaints. I have also used the Bose anr, and I feel that the little extra noise is well worth the added comfort.

As far as the TSO goes, save your money. There is no difference in the head-set. I contacted them to get this varified and the assured me they are the exact same you are just paying for paper work. Most carriers don't care one way or the other and they will never check anyway.

am holding on to my DC's though, they are like a good old friend

 

I hung up my David Clamps several months ago and chose to go with the Bose X. I absolutely love them, but the price tag was very steep. I am also on the Dash and the added ANR is extremely beneficial. That being said, if I were to do it all over again, it appears that Uflymike has their TSO approval and at half the price of the Bose X, I think I would have gone that route. Apparently from the crews I talked to; they love it. Just some food for thought.

 

I got one about six months ago, and I am pretty happy with it. Here's a good review of it:

Flying Magazine - In-Ear Headsets From Lightspeed and Clarity Aloft

 

I'm happy with my Clarity Aloft, and with the Bose X. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. I'm not crazy about the Clarity in the early CRJ-200's, but works great in a -700 and -900's.

The Bose X is the standard. Not many excuses there. The UflyMike setup needs batteries to work; if they die, you hear nothing. The TSO approval on the Bose and Clarity would not allow that.

 

That last paragraph made me laugh, you been in the front of a Jungle Jet? It is a lot louder than the Dash in cruise. I used the std Clarity in the 145 for three years, wonderful. I traded that for a TSO'd one to keep my new employer happy, I've used it and the Telex 850 on the -400, also very good. I like having the input on the Clarity though so I can listen to the sweet sounds of (insert your favorite artist here).

The two CA headsets are totally different, and and the TSO is printed on the one that has it. Anybody familiar with them will know which version you have. I've only had one manager ask about TSOs and that was on my Telex!

If you get to fly in cruise with your headset off a lot, you might want to just go for the 850. If you want to have really good hearing when you retire, go with the Bose, if you want to have good hearing and some Franklin's in your pocket, get the CA.

I like mine.

BBFO

 

Clarity aloft headsets are great. I used to have the bose and I wish I knew about the Clarity aloft headset before I got the bose.

 

Switched from the Bose X to the Clarity Aloft about 6 months ago and it was the best thing I did. Flying the q400.