The ANR question always seems to end in arguments. Just been a mildly heated discussion on headsets on the Flyer website!
From a personal point of view - got mine because I could never hear what ATC were saying over the engine noise of the 152s I was flying at the time.
The first time I wore it, it was a revelation. Before that, whenever I'd been flying I'd always come back with a cracking headache, which I'd mainly put down to general stress, having my head clamped too firmly by my old DC headset, and concentrating too hard. Since I've had the DC ANR headset I've never suffered with one at all. For me an excellent investment.
Doubtless others will have a different opinion!
Why don't pilot shops on airfields have rental pairs so we can try before we buy?? Surely if they charged £10 to hire them for a couple of hours they'd soon make back the cost??