First headset - bluetooth and noise reduction??

[ShamrockF]

I'm looking to buy my first headset. Would you have any recommendations?

I see a number of headsets advertised with Bluetooth. Is it really worth the extra? Also, excuse my ignorance, but is the Bluetooth for wireless operations, or is it just to connect up a mobile phone?

Would you recommend going for the noise cancelling ones?

Finally, I've heard Bose and LightSpeed are supposed to be good. Would you have any recommendations?

Many thanks

[Thracian]

I'd definitely go for noise reduction.
Bluetooth in most cases is just to connect a mobile. Helpful only if you're sitting half a day in the cockpit fully equipped and doing nothing... For me as a PPL I didn't find any use case for this.

More important than a good noise reduction is the fit to YOUR head.

MY head is best fitted with the LS Zulu (1). I'm very content with this one.
So I would recommend you testing a Zulu PFX or a Sierra.
But if they don't fit to your head and ears: DON'T BUY.

Check the current Bose A20, Zulu PFX, Sennheiser S1, Zulu.2, Sierra and maybe a David Clark Pro-X

Happy landings

Thracian

[Whiskey Hotel]

Might be best to start out with something simpler just incase things don't work out, and you may need the extra money further down the line for more training etc. When you're just starting off I'd recommend a David Clarke headset. I had the H10-13.4 for a few years and it really is brilliant, it's not ANR but you don't really need that, it's just a nice bonus but certainly not essential. The David Clarkes are great value for money, practically indestructible and will do exactly what you require of them.

Further down the line maybe get an ANR, but in the early stages a David Clarke will do just perfect.

As for later down the line, I've an older model Bose aviation X ANR, great headset. Will be upgrading to the new model A20 in time.

[whoknows idont]

I can personally recommend the PHONAK FreeCom, I love mine. Beats ANR Bose (at a similar price point) & probably all other over-ears hands down in terms of noise reduction. Plus it's in a different league comfort-wise, I don't even feel them after a while. Doesn't conflict with hats and glasses and doesn't make you sweat.
It's a question of philosophy, I never want to go back. There are threads on it here (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/310838-clarity-aloft.html) and here (http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/504035-ear-aviation-headset.html).
If your budget is a bit tighter you might want to try the Quiet Technologies HALO, they are supposed to be well worth the money but I haven't tried them yet. Also Nanocomm 2 GA seems like a good deal and they seem to be a bit focused on the UK market.
Clarity Aloft supposedly don't last very long. That's about it but maybe there could be something new to the market by now.

[ShamrockF]

Thanks for all the advice

[hueyracer]

Best advice is to get one with a high/low impedance switch....

You might end up owning a fancy headset with noise reduction, bluetooth and all bells and whistles, that does not work in the helicopter you´re flying..

[n5296s]

Avoid the Lightspeed PFX. The battery life is terrible (5 hours or less) and the battery box is huge. I ended up selling mine on eBay.

I have a new Bose which I really like, both fixed wing and heli.

ANR is absolutely worth having, and the price difference between the various ANR headsets isn't really worth making a bad choice over.

My wife, who is an occasional passenger, has the Clarity Aloft in-ear headset and loves it. I also heard it strongly recommended by a guy whose day job is (believe it or not) flying a B17.

[Paul Cantrell]

Avoid the Lightspeed PFX. The battery life is terrible (5 hours or less) and the battery box is huge. I ended up selling mine on eBay.

I have a new Bose which I really like, both fixed wing and heli.

ANR is absolutely worth having, and the price difference between the various ANR headsets isn't really worth making a bad choice over.


I called Lightspeed about the PFX and why they don't offer a coiled cord for helicopters, and the guy basically said the PFX doesn't work well in a doors off environment. So, I'm sticking with my Lightspeed Zulu 2. I have a number of students/clients with the Bose and that seems good as well (but I think the Zulu has better Bluetooth).

However, I agree that if you're just starting out, you might want to consider the David Clark 10-13.4 and then reward yourself with a Lightspeed or Bose when you get your first job!

[krypton_john]

Anyone tried the cord-free Lightspeed Tango? Love the idea... however it is 18oz vs 14.7 for Zulu2. But... no cord drag!

[EN48]

The headset will be one of the least expensive purchases you make if you fly helicopters for any length of time, and the difference in cost between a basic ANR headset and the best is less than a tank of fuel or an hour of dual, so this is not the place to save money. I have tried a bunch and the Bose A20 is the leader right now IMHO. Bluetooth can be handy to have and the incremental cost is modest. While not an approved or recommended use, it can be useful in some situations to make a call in flight and Bluetooth greatly facilitates this.

[Vertical Freedom]

forget the rest....go with the best; Go BoseA20 (You'll be glad You did in the end, I guarantee it) :8

Happy Happy ;)
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h338/rotors99/Vids/a1/8F9C7E15-34C0-49BD-8AAA-1DAAF02576FA.jpg
Bose A20 installed inside the NorthWall Helmet :ok:

[Hot and Hi]

With all doors closed, the Bose A20 is boss. I agree.

But be careful if you are flying doors off. Depending on the wind buffeting you get, it can confuse the active noise cancelling logic of even the Bose. You might end up switching off the active noise cancelling as buffeting induced oscillation can be quite irritating.

For doors off it is not as easy to give a generic recommendation.

[jdwky]

I own 3 Lightspeed zulu headsets (2 plane, 1 heli) and love them. Comfortable for long flights, amazing noise reduction, and the bluetooth is good for pre/post landing phone calls (or in flight hotel reservations as I did on the ferry flight across the US w/ a CFI). They are very durable, I've owned 1 for 7 years with no issues other than replacing ear seals. The other two I purchased used and they are still great. But carry an extra set of batteries, they're worse than non-ANR when the batteries die!

[whoknows idont]

For doors off it is not as easy to give a generic recommendation.

Again, in-ear wins hands down as they are passively reducing the noise to at least the same level as good ANR. Especially the ones with custom ear molds. Combination with a good helmet must be superb...