Does anyone have any experience with the new in-the-ear headsets like the lightspeed Mach 1? I fly a turboprop and I'm not sure if I should try the mach 1 or go with a Bose. Any input is appreciated.

-Tim Foster

 

I think its safe to suffice that anyone who wants to wear an ear piece headset on a turboprop must be willing to love anything as long as it has an orifice.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

I fly with a guy who uses the mach 1. He likes it a lot. He said as long as you get a good 'seal', it is quieter than many others.

 

rightseater:
It's "orifice". I guess you don't learn things like that at Riddle.

 

Yeah i have been using the Mach 1 for about 6months now on the Dash -100,-200,-300. It is a great headset i have used Telex 750's and an ANR 500 and this headset is great for those 8 leg days. Also the nice plastic case it comes in keeps it protected in my flight case.
But a word of warning the Headset is set up for use on your left ear!!
I hope this helps, Cya..

 

I use the Mach 1 in a Cessna 402 and I think it is great. I used to fly with the Sennheiser ANR, and I prefer the Mach 1. My two cents is to spend the $150 and get custom ear molds made. They seal out almost all noise, and it makes the headset even more comfortable. You forget you are wearing a headset at all after a few minutes. Hope that helps.

 

So these kind of headsets are ok to wear in turboprops? I see a lot of guys still wearing the good old David Clarks etc even in regional jets too, I'm sure the $$ has something to do with that, not wanting to spend it on a new headset. But I'm just wondering how noisy the cockpits are in these kind of aircraft and how effective headsets such as the Mach 1 are.

Thanks.

 

ANR headsets such as the BOSE, David Clark ANR, and Lightspeeds (normal, not the in-ear kind) are, IMO, best for TP's. The Telex ANR headsets were made for jets, NOT PROPS.

Props create a LOT of low end freq that goes through standard headsets, INCLUDING the in-ear kind.

If you wanna get a feel for what the noise reduction ability of those lightspeed Mach 1's are, scrounge around for some of those orange in-ear noise foamy things at the outstations and try 'em in the cockpit. You'll find that, while the noise is reduced, the low freq noise still comes through somewhat.

The BOSE is hands down, the best headset for props in general. If you can't swing it, I wouldn't buy the Mach 1's. Just wear those orange foamy ear plugs with your DC's or whatever headset you have now.

Yes, I have worn the BOSE in a TP. Yes, I have worn the orange foamy ear plugs in a TP. I have not worn the Mach 1's in a TP, but I'm guessing the noise attenuation would be similar to the ear plugs.

I believe they both offer a trial period where if you are unhappy you can send the product back. Maybe the best way would be for you to order both, and try them out on the line?