I assume that this is for use in a small general aviation aircraft?
I used the Pilot Avionics PA 17-79 and like them. I like the design of the PAs and how light they are. The rechargeable battery is fine, but if you forget to charge it you basically lose ANR until you can get to a power outlet. The omission of automatic power-off is an annoyance. Something I didn't find out until I'd "lived with them" for a while was that I get all sweaty in the cockpit of my little Katana during the summer (maybe that's just my own problem
)Anyway, a set of cloth covers for the earpieces sorted that out nicely.
Many people swear by the Lightspeed range.
I tried the Sennheisers at an exhibition and they seemed nice, but to be honest, until you fly with them it is hard to say.
In the US, there seems to be something of a price war going on - well, as much of a price war as is possible with something that isn't exactly a consumer product. Most web sites selling pilot gear are discounting below Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) and several new models seem to be coming out. For example, Lightspeed just introduced a cheaper ANR headset and Pilot Avionics are doing the same.
Bottom line: you really need to try them out yourself. If you buy over the web, make sure that you can return the item if it isn't to your liking. Ideally, you can find a pilot supplies shop where you can try different headsets side by side. Remember, though, flying with them is the ultimate proof
David.
[This message has been edited by BayAreaLondoner (edited 15 May 2001).]