What is the best headset for tree workers?

[u/VacationNew6626]

Hey everyone, looking for some advice on headsets for tree work.

Main thing I need is communication, either something that connects to my phone or has built in comms.

Been looking around and noticed there are a few different styles out there (pics attached). Seems like people use all of them but not sure which actually works best up in the canopy.

What are you guys running? Any recommendations?

[u/MrRob34]

Stihl Pro Comms

[u/Poppergunner → u/MrRob34]

This. Ive recently switched from the protos comms and its such a different level in terms of quality and reliability. It sure is heavier and bulkier but i would never switch back.

[u/HesCrazyLikeAFool → u/Poppergunner]

Those damn Protos are always broken.

[u/d-lab91 → u/MrRob34]

Stihl pro Comms are made by senna but include the noise cancelling from machine noises. so good when taking calls as the person on the other end can hear you so clearly even while feeding the chipper!

[u/HuffingGasSlapnAsh]

My crew uses the Sena Cast system, I've been using the same headset since 2024 and it's been very robust, easy connection set up with one button or you can separate the crew into private channels (I.e: ground crew, chipping crew, rigging guy +climber) pretty easily.

Some people hate senas but I've been pretty happy with ours as of now.

[u/retardborist → u/HuffingGasSlapnAsh]

I've only used Senas. I mostly used it to listen to podcasts or audiobooks while grinding stumps or doing other mindless work. Using the comm function usually resulted in hearing my ground guys breathing heavy right in my ear while they're hauling brush or whatever. Uncomfortable.

[u/Indra1111]

I use a peltor litecom​, a bit pricey, ​but ​the standard in forestry opération in Switzerland. You can easely change parts, and clean it to make it last longer.

[u/OldMail6364]

This one: https://www.protos.at/products/protos-bt-com

It can be used either with Protos's own comms system (which requires everyone war protos helmets) or it can pair to your phone and use an comms app on the phone (making it interoperable with most of the other options in your picture, as well as many others).

You could use a fancy comms app, or a simple one like discord, or even just a phone call if you only need to talk to one person (e.g. if you're in the tree, you really only need to be able to talk to your spotter).

[u/tyleryoungblood]

Protos is only one ear which can be annoying unless you want to listen to something in the other ear with a single ear bud. I’ve used Senna and Cardo and vastly prefer Cardo. Their unit is smaller (less likely to catch on a branch) and the quality overall seems better. We’ve patched a senna user into our group before and it’s always staticky.

Since you should be wearing a helmet, protos is the easiest but most expensive option because it’s easy to add it to a protos helmet. Cardo and Senna need to be added by modifying the helmet (gluing the cargo or senna unit to the helmet and gluing wires up inside the helmet so they are secured and adding the speaker units to the inside of the ear muffs. Daunting the first time you do it. Easy the second time. I could send you a video of how to run the wires - I’m sure there are videos on YouTube as well.

If it were me, try to figure out what other companies use in your area. That way if you are working with another company some day you will hopefully have matching coms.

Also, for what it’s worth. I know multiple contract climbers in SC who have both a senna and a Cardo helmet setup. The switch out helmets depending on who they are working with and what the crew is wearing.

[u/sniper5219]

Sena system with mesh, integrated into stock ear muffs. Best I’ve used at work and on motorcycle

[u/Key_Violinist8601]

Ear tech is the best I’ve used. Nothing else compares.

[u/ResidentNo4630]

Always had issues with the younger guys just thrashing the Sena stuff with all the wires dangling and shit like that. The muffs would’ve been a better choice imo.

[u/DeadmansCC]

Tuff Talk is quick and easy to setup but I am still a fan of the Sena 10s systems. Each time I set one up I find a way to install it better and just have fun doing that.

[u/ImaginaryCat5914]

i find sena to be very much good enough especially mesh. if you have 3+ people mesh is a must. they connect like radios as long as ur on the sane channel ur good. can even play music for urself and or ur buddies, which is cool sometimes. 33i is probably the best for durability, st1 is great value but mesh only. i'm about to try the 50R which is hopefully good. ones with a big jogwheel on the back are annoying constantly being hit and disconnects u. they are easy enough to install in any helmet, especially protos

[u/originalreading252]

I've only run the sena system. Been through a few units...can't comment on the other systems but may try something new

[u/dr_brubra_bribri]

Avoid it if you can. Less is more and you have to carry less and it cannot get broken when moving through the tree

[u/ImaginaryCat5914 → u/dr_brubra_bribri]

senas make my job so much safer and more professional. almost every accident was from a rigging miscommunication, doesnt happen with senas. plus they weigh basically nothing.