FlyingBoiler

I'm looking to purchase a new headset and the Sennheiser HMEC 26 is at the top of my list. As you all are well aware, investing in a headset is not a small purchase, so before I drop $800 on a new one I was hoping to get a little feedback. Currently I use David Crushers and are getting fed up with the clamp pressure, weight, and wearing them in the hot summers. I fly the Dash 8 so I need a headset with more noise cancelling than Telex offers. Looking for feedback on how the Sennheiser's hold up in the regional atmosphere:

1. Comfort- cool in the summer? Still comfortable after long days/lots of legs?
2. Noise Cancelling- any feedback for how they perform in the Dash or other turboprops would be great
3. Quality- How is the sound? Are they durable?
4. Do you ever use the cellphone/audio ports? (To call dispatch or company of course)

I've seen reviews online but most are for large jet aircraft at majors and aren't really helpful to the type of flying I do.

MikefromMT

I have had my hmec 25-ka for 8.5 years and I still love them. I assume the 26 must be a little better since it's the new model but I'm not sure. The only thing I would aim for is a powered anr if possible, however you may find that the passive reduction is sufficient. I don't really care if I have batteries in or not for the crj.

1. Comfort- cool in the summer? Still comfortable after long days/lots of legs?

No issue for me. I never feel like I need to take them off on long legs either. Also, the split head band does't cause a hot spot for me like the dc's always did after a while.

2. Noise Cancelling- any feedback for how they perform in the Dash or other turboprops would be great

Makes the crj silent, but have never tried in a prop.

3. Quality- How is the sound? Are they durable?

The sound is perfect, as is the mic quality. Mine held up perfectly for 5 years and then I sent them in to be gone over due to a wire problem as I always pull them out incorrectly.

Good luck.

FlyingBoiler

Thanks for the info, anyone else with a review of the 26?

Moby Dick

Yeah, I had the -25. The sound and noise canceling qualities were great. If you pay attention you'll notice broadcasters use Sennheisers. My issue was that the on the ear design was uncomfortable on long transcontinental or overwater flights.

Sold them on EBay to a UPS pilot and got a Bose over the ear model. Btw, the UPS driver got them from me at less than half price, so you might cruise EBay and see if you can get a deal.

BoilerUP

No news on the -26...but I too had 25KAs for a while and they worked GREAT in the CRJ-200 and Citation II.

PBSG

I've got a pair of the Sennheiser HMEC-46 for the 145, and I love them. Bought them on a whim when they were on clearance and haven't looked back. I like the slip on/non-clamping feel of them and they sound great too. (And TSO'ed, of course )

Check out a set of those before you commit to the other ones.