FWIW,
Flying a very rattly and noisy Rans in England good passive protection is a boon. Obviously what one flies and how much one values hearing versus comfort (but surely not 'looks') is dominant.
The above mentioned rivals do appear to need anr functioning all the time which means still a % risk of ear damage from ambient noise leaking in.
I chatted to my nephew in the USA with a VariEze and took his advice & bought top of the range Sennheiser with anr.
Compared with my generic standby headset it's streets ahead. All I need is comfort for a couple of hours, very good anr and able to wear glasses.
I don't listen to musak, just wish to hear & communicate with ATC etc.
I'm lucky and they do work, though a hefty £500 quid a couple of years ago took a certain amount of courage. In the end better value perhaps than stepping up in stages to 'better' models.
mike hallam.
Last edited by mikehallam; 12th May 2013 at 17:07.