Radio's + Throat/ Ear/ Boom mic advice

[Gaffa]

Hello there guys and girls.

I understand that this may be yet another thread which talks about one thing solely - radio's. But I'd also like to get opinions on Throat Microphones and the associated other types of microphones/ ear options.

Basically first pointer: I've been looking at getting a pair of PMR 446 Cobra MT975C radio's to replace my other radio's which aren't as user friendly, and are a bit of a swine to get headsets for.

So the first question is, does anyone have any feedback on the 975's? They seem to be quite good, plenty of subchannels, 12km range (theoretical) etc.

Next question -

What types of headsets do we go for, and why? I've been looking at a shop based in the US which sells throat microphones for a whole range of brands and models, and one of which would appear to be used by military contractors.

So then... What are the advantages and disadvantages of throat microphones?

I'm seriously considering getting one of these "D" shaped thingy-ma-bobbies as seen here: http://www.amherst.co.uk/acatalog/wa...ries-shop.html first one.

Again, advantages and disadvantages?

Finally, the old fashioned style of having a piece in your ear, connected to a microphone that comes in front of your mouth, which I personally don't like, but seemed to work better than any of the others on my old radios. Pro's and cons?

Cheers!

[psirus101]

Re: Radio's + Throat/ Ear/ Boom mic advice

I used to use the 'D' shaped ear pieces at work and could never find one that was comfortable let alone fitted properly so I generally avoid any that have that shape.

[Gaffa]

Re: Radio's + Throat/ Ear/ Boom mic advice

Perfect, thanks for that - I was always at a loss as to how it actually held onto your ear...

[westywesty84]

Re: Radio's + Throat/ Ear/ Boom mic advice

People always seem to complain if you use a throat mic, doesnt really matter what type you have,£12-£100 messages always seem to get 'muffed' up by them.
Im going for an acoustic tube and seperate mic/ptt.

Now if you get a kenwood or say Motorola unit, im sure you'll open up the spectrum of headsets you can get.(I think). ive never seen anyone use a Cobra with a Cavalvy etc

Now the Cavalvy i liked, but after a while got a sore ear. you can get a 'swimmer' type which has a type of suction cup on it, which are apparently more comfy.

[Snakeh]

Re: Radio's + Throat/ Ear/ Boom mic advice

if you can afford to, go for DEVGRU gear... best mic based equipment i've come across, not necessarily cheap, but worth it, i had a DEVGRU throat mic and bar not always getting it positioned correctly it always worked fine till the mic's PTT switch died (mine was reconditioned ex-military). However a few folks i play with use DEVGRU frogman style headsets and haven't had any issues with then at all, try looking them up
Hope this helps
-Snakeh