March 2022 sees the introduction of the new STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM headsets, an innovative headset for forestry professionals and landscapers that combines ear protection with intelligent communication for teams. We’ll delve into detail on the many features of ProCOM headsets here, but for in-depth instructions and guidance on how STIHL ProCOM can be used, see our other blog post here.
The hard-wearing headsets are available either as a headband unit, or as an accessory to fit STIHL ADVANCE X-Climb protective helmets. STIHL ProCOM can also be used with 3M compatible helmets from other manufacturers. The internal components are well insulated and IP 64 rated, meaning the STIHL headsets can be used come rain or shine, and the Lithium-Ion battery can last up to 17 hours on one charge. All the control buttons are large enough to be pressed with gloves on, and are intuitively designed to be used with touch alone, so that all functions can be accessed without taking the headset off.
STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM headsets have a communication range of up to 600 meters depending on the terrain, and can cater for up to 16 headsets. Each ProCOM headset acts as an amplifier and increases the overall range of the system, meaning workers located around the forest or worksite could communicate over much further distances than 600 m. If your team are spread over a wide area, a range alarm tells you in good time if the headset may lose connection to other team members. If required, hand-held radio telephone sets can also be integrated into the network via Bluetooth too.
With a high attenuation value (SNR 31) and active noise suppression, STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM headsets reliably protect against the engine noise of petrol-powered equipment. What’s more, an intelligent audio function means that incoming radio messages are prioritized and heard by the user, so that warning calls from colleagues can be heard clearly over any radio or music playing.
Ambient mode is a fantastic additional feature that allows the microphone to pick up ambient noise and play it through the ear phone speakers. This means potential dangers such as traffic, plant machinery or members of the public can be heard despite the 31 SNR rating. And the best thing? Ambient mode will deactivate automatically as soon as a loud noise (like that of a petrol tool) is detected and switch back to protecting your ears.
The communication modes can be tailored to suit you and your team. For example, if frequent communication is required, microphones can be left unmuted. Alternatively the push to talk (PTT) button is ideal for less frequent communication in noisy areas, and behaves more like a traditional walkie-talkie.
Much like STIHL DYNAMIC BT ear protectors, it’s also possible to pair a smartphone so that users can answer phone calls or listen to music. Alternatively the in-built radio can be used with no smartphone required. The free ADVANCE ProCOM app adds extra functions such as saving your favourite radio stations, adjusting communication channels, and changing the microphone sensitivity to name a few.
STIHL ProCOM Stats
Up to 17 hours operating time.- Up to 600m range between two units. A range alarm tells you when the connection could be lost.
- Direct connection possible with up to 16 units
- IP 64 protection rating
- High attenuation level of SNR 31
- Operating temperature -15 to +50°C
Up to 17 hours operating time.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Is ProCOM compatible with helmets made by other manufacturers?
A. Although we recommend ProCOM for use with the ADVANCE X-Climb helmet, ProCom headsets will fit on any helmet compatible with 3M attachments.
Q. Will ProCOM fit on a Protos helmet?
A. Yes, ProCom can fit on Protos helmets using the 3M Peltor attachment arm.
Q. Can these connect with Sena headsets?
A. STIHL do not recommend pairing ProCOM with other headsets that also use Sena technology. Although some Sena products may be compatible depending on the software version (supporting profiles can be found in the user manual), functionality may be severely restricted. ProCOM uses the latest version of Bluetooth Mesh which is not commonplace in the arb market, therefore we are unable to publish a list of which products may be compatible.
Q. How does the active noise reduction feature work?
A. Active noise reduction means that two users can have a clear conversation while each using loud tools, as the background machine noise is partially eliminated. A microphone on each defender records the background noise and partially removes it from the voice message recorded with the mouth mic, meaning the user’s voice is loud and clear above the machine noise.
The user can also adjust the microphone sensitivity to limit external noises being picked up by the mouth microphone alternatively the microphone can be muted and used in PTT mode instead. These features help to prevent loud and continuous chipper or chainsaw noise frustrating colleagues.
Q. How loud are the internal speakers?
A. The internal speakers are limited to a maximum of 82 db for all audio you will hear including music and voice communication. Given the high SNR rating of the ear defenders, you will still be able to hear all audio clearly.
Q. Can walkie-talkies be incorporated into the ProCOM Mesh?
A. No, only ProCOM headsets can be used in the mesh. If you have a DMR or walkie-talkie with Bluetooth speaker capability, ProCOM can be connected and used conveniently as a headset. In this case, the mesh intercom will still be functioning in addition to the DMR connection, but DMR messages will not be heard by other ProCOM users.
Consult the user manual of your DMR to check compatibility with Bluetooth devices. The DMR must be compatible with Bluetooth speakers, not just smartphones.
When ProCOM is connected to compatible Motorola or Kennwood devices, the push-to-talk button can be used for communication. For other brands of walkie talkie, the push-to-talk button on the radio device will need to be used instead.
To find out more visit your nearest STIHL Approved dealer, or ask us a question below. For more detailed information on setting up and using STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM headsets, read our follow-up blog post here.
Hi. Steve from tiltrotator operators media on Facebook. With the group growing so much over the world I have been looking to promote a safe way of working practices on building sites, communications to machine operators and groundworkers have been a big issue in the uk.
I seen these new setup from stihl and thought there the perfect thing for the task. Being very user friendly ect.
Would you be interested in a sponser for me to showcase these to everyone and at shows, showing the benefits ect ect.
Please let me know your thoughts and hope to hear soon
Hi, thanks for your comment. For any requests for sponsorship, please could you email marketing@stihl.co.uk? Please just drop them an email with all of the information about your current set-up and how you would plan to work with us and the team will take a look and get back to you. Thanks, STIHL GB
Can these connect with other models of coms such as the senna range?
Hi, thanks for your comment. The very latest version of Bluetooth MESH in ADVANCE ProCOM is not commonplace in the arb market and it is not recommended to connect to other manufacturer headsets, although it may be possible. Functions could be limited when doing so though. The latest Bluetooth Mesh version in ProCOM allows 16 people to be able to automatically connect to each other, whilst other headsets on the market can typically connect up to 4 users. Thanks, STIHL GB
Will these (STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM headsets) be available in the USA anytime soon? Currently zero information on the Stihl website but they are listed in the 2022 product info guide
Hi Brian, thanks for your comment. I sent a message to our contact at STIHL USA and they have advised that some have already been delivered to some of the distribution warehouses in the USA. So they may already be available in your area and we suggest you contact your local STIHL Approved dealer for the latest on availability. Thanks, STIHL GB
My headset is about 8 months old. It now won’t hold any charge. I have read you can’t change the batteries in them, how long is the manufacturer warranty on these please?
Hi, thank you for your comment and sorry to hear about this issue. The warranty on the ProCom headsets is one year, so please do speak to your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer and they can take a look at it for you. Thanks very much, STIHL GB
Hi I would be very interested in these headsets as we work in a very noisy factory environment where ear defenders need to be worn. Do you have any demonstration sets we could try out to see if they work in a factory environment before purchasing? Kind Regards Mark
Hi, thank you for your comment. Could you drop an email to marketing@stihl.co.uk with a bit more information and we can look into this for you? If you could provide details of the company, how many employees would need to use the headsets, where you are based etc that would be great. Thanks, STIHL GB
Hi Will these be available in New Zealand this year? No info on these in NZ. Thanks
Hi, thanks for your comment. At STIHL Great Britain, we don’t get given information on whether products are going to be sold in other subsidiaries I’m afraid. Your best option is to contact STIHL New Zealand and ask them directly. You can find contact details for them on their website here: https://www.stihl.co.nz/contact-us.aspx
Thanks, STIHL GB
I have recently purchased a set of pro com advance ear defenders, I attached them to my existing Petzl helmet very easily, however there isn’t a slot to attach my face visor, assuming there is an adapter is anyone able to give me an idea of what I am looking for, as I seem to be coming up blank when searching, I may be at the point where I can’t see for looking!
Hi, thanks for you comment. You can use a 3M adapter, please see our blog for more information and FAQ’s: https://blog.stihl.co.uk/stihl-advance-procom-headsets/
Also, speak to your local STIHL Approved Dealer who may be able to suggest the best adapter for Petzl helmets.
Thanks, STIHL GB.
Hi, just got them in our ARB team and wondering if we can create private group to stop the boss listening in…?
Hi, thanks for your comment. A communication group can be created in the STIHL ProCOM App on Android and iOS. This is particularly useful if you have two teams working closely together so you can set them up on their own private groups. If you need to communicate with other people, the groups can then be reconfigured within the app. The app can be downloaded on Android here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sena.stihl&hl=en_GB&gl=US and iOS here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stihl-advance-procom/id1530129985
Thanks, STIHL GB
Hi. We’re having big problems with the microphones crackling during wet weather. We find we have to remove microphone and try to dry the moisture that has made its way into the socket. It’s a real pain. Today I couldn’t communicate at all with the guys on the ground. Stihl- you need to redesign the microphone plug to stop water ingress. It’s a great product in dry weather, but for the last couple of weeks, it has let us down. Also suppliers need to keep spares in stock. Waiting 10 days for spares is no good. Replacement microphones and sponges should be readily available.
Hi Gavin, thank you for your message and sorry to hear you are having issues with your headset microphone. Please can you email enquiries@stihl.co.uk with details of the number of headsets affected so we can investigate from our side and raise it with our HQ? Please also advise the dealer in the email, so we can get the affected parts back from them as part of the warranty claim.
Thanks, STIHL GB.
Can we remove the microphones so when we just hedge trimming etc? Where does the wire go if you use a protos? Is there anywhere we can try them on a o protos or take our helmets and try them out please before we buy them as we need 4 sets so expensive out lay. We are using protos own headsets at present but having issues after 4 years of use so looking to change over.
Hi, thanks for your comment. You can remove the microphone or tuck it out of the way when hedge trimming, or alternatively, just turn the mic off. The mic is a twist release but you will lose the functionality of the headsets when removed. It’s worth talking with your nearest STIHL Approved Dealer to see if they have a pair you could try. Thanks, STIHL GB