Before you go ahead with ANR headsets, check that they will protect you against some of the higher (inaudable) frequencies which can still be harmful
The ear of an adult can hear up to 10kHz-15kHz. This is way above the attenuation range of an ANR headset whose active attenuation ends at around (v. roughly) 1kHz. At 15kHz, the wavelength is so short one cannot achieve active cancellation within such a large device as a headset cup, and one is relying entirely on passive attenuation.
Anyway I think this is an OWT because there is no noise in an aircraft at inaudible frequencies. Where would it come from?
I agree re the Bose cables. Their circular Lemo (aircraft powered version) connectors are really flimsy. However, the coiled v. straight cable can be argued both ways. I went from coiled to straight with mine when recently upgrading the mikes.
The thing is that the Bose is not a "club use" headset which you can kick about, sit on, drop on the floor etc. It's something you let your passenger fly with but you would never lend it to anybody. If you want a headset which you can kick about then get a cheap David Clarke; they are crap in comparison but they won't break which is why schools use them.