Clarity Aloft headsets

softwarepilot said:
did anybody have experience with lightspeed mach 1? http://www.lightspeedaviation.com/subgrouping.htm?cat=32799
appears to be the same principle
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I used my Mach 1's for about 4 years. I like the Clarity aloft pro's much better. If I could just have the mic gain adjustment that the Mach 1 had the clarity's would be perfect. Though I'm not ruling out a bad mic or headset box, I still have to call them. I had the custom ear molds for the Mach 1, but it just never felt right. Always some thing just slightly off.
 
If you guys want to save yourself some scratch, this is what I use (Plantronics MS50/T30-2):

ms50.gif


I have a custom ear mold from these guys, so I don't have the headband. For loud cockpits, you can get an earmold for the other side (for two-ear audio), or simply use an earplug. I think I spent $250 all said and done.
 
dasleben said:
If you guys want to save yourself some scratch, this is what I use (Plantronics MS50/T30-2):

ms50.gif


I have a custom ear mold from these guys, so I don't have the headband. For loud cockpits, you can get an earmold for the other side (for two-ear audio), or simply use an earplug. I think I spent $250 all said and done.
Click to expand...
You are rockin' out like a controller with that headset.
 
rframe said:
Dang, over $500 for foam ear plugs and passive electronics.... seems steep. I like the concept though.

I saw one review that said he couldn't wear these with glasses or sunglasses, it doesn't look like it'd be that big of a problem to me, but have you run into any issues like that?
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That's the main reason why I got them. Superior sound to comfort ratio with glasses on. If that makes sense. Most other sealed headsets are mucho uncomfortable with glasses on. I used these in the loudest plane I've flown. Be-58's and they work just as we'll as passive dc's but you forget you are wearing them.
 
I've had my CA Pro for about 7 years now and it's going strong. It's great for quieter jets because I leave the right ear piece in and secure the left one to the headband so I can hear the boss. I almost bought some ear molds until I discovered you can take the free ear plugs from the CPO, soak them in water, stick them on the freezer, and then drill a hole through them. Easy, cheap, last long time.
 
Cav said:
I've had my CA Pro for about 7 years now and it's going strong. It's great for quieter jets because I leave the right ear piece in and secure the left one to the headband so I can hear the boss. I almost bought some ear molds until I discovered you can take the free ear plugs from the CPO, soak them in water, stick them on the freezer, and then drill a hole through them. Easy, cheap, last long time.
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Sounds like a good idea, do you have any issues with the ear plugs not staying attached? or getting stuck in your ear?
 
dasleben said:
I have a custom ear mold from these guys, so I don't have the headband. For loud cockpits, you can get an earmold for the other side (for two-ear audio), or simply use an earplug. I think I spent $250 all said and done.
Click to expand...


That place has some cool ideas. I really like the idea of this:
MS50-earpiece.jpg

Combined with this:
DualEarpieceYadapter


Do you think these things would stay in while pulling some positive/negative G's?
 
A few years ago I bought the non TSOd version of the Clarity Alofts. I do wear glasses and this was one of the main reasons I went with this headset. It was great for wearing glasses, but they did not live up to my expectations. I used them in Warriors, Diamonds, and Seminoles. I found the mic moved too much (for my liking) with any head movement. I was constantly adjusting the mic. I ended up selling them a few weeks later and stayed with my Lightspeed 30 3g. They were very quiet in the above aircraft but for me they weren't the ones.

I now have the Telex 850 which work well with glasses but never have used them in a piston driven aircraft.
 
rframe said:
That place has some cool ideas. I really like the idea of this:
MS50-earpiece.jpg

Combined with this:
DualEarpieceYadapter


Do you think these things would stay in while pulling some positive/negative G's?
Click to expand...

I would think so, but that depends on how well the ear mold is done. If you really require something that needs to withstand Gs, I'd make sure to have them done by an audiologist. Mine stays in securely and snugly, but my type of flying is 1 G only. :)

By the way, the top picture is exactly what I have, except that I have the two-prong version (T30-2).
 
skypilot6 said:
Sounds like a good idea, do you have any issues with the ear plugs not staying attached? or getting stuck in your ear?
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If you make sure the drill bit diameter is significantly smaller than the earpiece post you won't have an issue. A couple of tries and you'll figure it out.
 
One thing I'm confused on is that the Clarity Aloft claims to exceed any other noise reduction (including ANR) with 35-45dB of protection (http://www.clarityaloft.com/features.htm) with basic foam plugs, while the custom deep impression acrylic ear pieces advertised on http://www.pilotstuff.com/pilot_earpiece.html says they will not exceed even DC headphones (approx 23dB)... this doesn't seem consistent, wouldn't the custom deep impression ear pieces exceed simple foam plugs, or is the expansive nature of the foam actually a better sound deadening option?
 
rframe said:
One thing I'm confused on is that the Clarity Aloft claims to exceed any other noise reduction (including ANR) with 35-45dB of protection (http://www.clarityaloft.com/features.htm) with basic foam plugs, while the custom deep impression acrylic ear pieces advertised on http://www.pilotstuff.com/pilot_earpiece.html says they will not exceed even DC headphones (approx 23dB)... this doesn't seem consistent, wouldn't the custom deep impression ear pieces exceed simple foam plugs, or is the expansive nature of the foam actually a better sound deadening option?
Click to expand...

Supposedly the custom ear pieces are more comfortable and easier, but expanding foam is quieter.
 
Adler said:
Supposedly the custom ear pieces are more comfortable and easier, but expanding foam is quieter.
Click to expand...

Probably so. I haven't tried mine in loud cockpits, so I can't say how they'd perform. They're comfortable, though.
 
The idea is that the ear pieces expand and fill the entire ear canal. Where as a molded ear piece might not do this as well. If for what ever reason I have to reposition mine during flight its pretty cool having the noise fade away as they expand.
 
rframe said:
One thing I'm confused on is that the Clarity Aloft claims to exceed any other noise reduction (including ANR) with 35-45dB of protection (http://www.clarityaloft.com/features.htm) with basic foam plugs, while the custom deep impression acrylic ear pieces advertised on http://www.pilotstuff.com/pilot_earpiece.html says they will not exceed even DC headphones (approx 23dB)... this doesn't seem consistent, wouldn't the custom deep impression ear pieces exceed simple foam plugs, or is the expansive nature of the foam actually a better sound deadening option?
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If you can, get the silicone ear pieces. I had the acrylic ones with the one that Das posted. The acrylic is harder and seem to irritate my ear slightly more. The silicone were much easier on the ears.
 
Just a bit of a tip for you guys...

If you use anything like this - ear plugs, headset, whatever, I'd recommend using ear drops (an RN told me a drop of olive oil per day would work as well) regularly to soften/release ear wax. Over time, the plugs push ear wax into the canal, which gets impacted and difficult to remove. I learned this the hard way.
 
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