David Clark Headset recommendations

[Miss Bigglesworth]

Going out to the U.S. in a couple of weeks, and want to take advantage of the current exchange rate, and buy a few supplies. I currently have a headset (not David Clark) which I find 'pinches' a little too much and after a while causes a bit of a headache (not what you want in the air!). I would like to invest in a David Clark headset but I don't do enough flying to justify spending a huge amount of money. Has anyone got any recommendations for the model I should consider, bearing in mind the above? And more importantly, has anyone had any experiences such as mine with DC headsets?

[High Wing Drifter]

Well bought me some 13.4s (non ANR). I think they are about the cheapest DCs available (not sure). I find them comfortable to the point that I don't notice them after a few minutes. Pretty good in every respect. Cost me about £230 I think.

[Sensible]

As above, cant go wrong with model H10-13-4 it's the cheapestand pretty good too.

Do a search for the cheapest on the net and then get them delivered to the FBO which you are flying from. Check first that either the FBO or a pilotshop on the airport doesn't have them at a comparable price first!

[B2N2]

Try a search on e-bay, somebody I know picked up an ANR D/C for like $300...or try http://www.aviationessentials.com/.

[Chilli Monster]

A thought - why DC's?

I'm off to the states end of March and looking to buy two new headsets. I've got my eyes on a set of Sigtronic S-58's (http://www.adamsdirect.co.uk/proddetail.asp?group=Headsets%2DPassive&modelno=S58). Considerably cheaper (GBP 130 in the US at the moment) than DC 10-13.4's but 1.5 oz lighter with 1db more noise attenuation.

Obviously I'm saying this without trying them myself, as I haven't yet, but if you get the chance to do a side by side test it might be worth thinking about (also you can post what you think when you get back ;)

[drauk]

DC headsets are generally the ones with higher clamping pressure, so if you find your existing headset pinches you might not like the DC models. The more expensive ones have adjustable pressure but even on the lowest settings I personally find them uncomfortable. Maybe my head is just too big! Do you know anybody that has a pair you could try before you actually buy some?

[Arclite01]

I've always found compatability problems with DC's.

I wouldn't recommend them unless you buy 2 sets.

And I realise that these headsets are the headsets of choice for the professional, but I prefer my Phoenix Softcom headsets........

Preparing for incoming...........


Arc

[Hairyplane]

I cannot recommend the DC highly enough - it ain't the worlds best selling headset for nothing.

You can get them in 2 headband sizes - they do a smaller one for the ladies. I have both sizes. No discomfort reported at all.

I have used all sorts of headsets over the years - some pretty expensive, some 'cheep as chips'.

I also own a variety, Peltor mainly, for my other machines.

However, the DC with cloth earcovers and the gel cushions get my vote.

A quirk of this type of headset - if you suddenly get reports of 'less than fives' reception, check that the microphone is directly facing your mouth. If it is twisted - even slightly - your transmit volume plummets.

Go for the DC.

HP

[S-Works]

Of ocurse if you want ultra lightweight, fantastic ANR and great comfort, there is only one choice...... Bose-x!!!!


Walks away to put on flame proof suit.......

;)

[dublinpilot]

I have a dc 20-10xl and my only critism would be that the clamping pressure is a litle light! Obviously if you are looking for a cheap set, the xl (which is ANR) might be too expensive, but maybe the 20-10 (non ANR) would suit you.

dp

[KCDW]

If you have acontact in the States, I personally would recommend AVshop, as a reliable internet supplier.

http://www.avshop.com/catalog/product.html?productid=338

Got my DC 13.4s from them. At the current excahnage rates, that's about £165 - not bad.

The Gel ear pads are really nice. Go get them.

[trevelyan]

Totally agree on the DC 13.4`s, just about bulletproof and about as good as it gets for the money.

trevelyan:ok:

[Miserlou]

Arclite,
I take exception with 'the choice for the professional.'

I am a professional but wouldn't dream of owning a pair of DCs. I have one set Peltor and one set Sennheiser ANR; happy to wear either all day.

My advice is don't buy a Dave Clark headset!

I reckon it's an image/ego thing.

[High Wing Drifter]

I reckon it's an image/ego thing.
Errm, yeah, like, whatever!

[Keef]

I've tried all sorts, and come back every time to the DC 13.4 with the ANR mod. I can wear those for several hours of flying and not get a headache from the noise.

I adjusted the clamping force - I don't know if the "modern" version does that, but mine do.

If I were looking for anything better, it would be the Bose-X, but that's another price league altogether.

[Kingy]

Check these (http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CPC+Catalogue&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=252057) copies out for £74+vat! I've got a pair and they work great with the only problem being a slightly short, inflexible cable. £250 quid for a headset? - you lot must be made of money! :D

Kingy

[Flyin'Dutch']

Mrs B,

The best headset for you is the one you like best.

Go to one of the shops and stick one on your head and walk around with it for at least 30 mins. Better still see if you can borrow some different headsets from flying mates and fly around with them for a bit.

That way you will find out what works for you.

DCs are very popular as they are well built, have a 5 years warranty and most people find them comfortable.

With the current exchange rate you can not go wrong if you buy stateside but beware of the import duty and VAT which can make the deal less attractive.

FD

[zero-lash valve lifter]

Don't bother buying David Clark 13.4 in the states, you can have my basically new one's for £100.

Cheers

[S-Works]

PM me, I have set of the ANC's going cheap. Did not like them, to heavy and uncomfortable on long flights and loads of problems matching them with other non DC headset users, hence the reason for moving onto better things.

While I am at it I also have a couple of Pilot headsets with new cloth covers and gel seals etc, a couple of ASA headsets, Sennheiser ANC and a Lynx headset for sale. Open to offers!

I have been through a few before finding perfection....... :D

[High Wing Drifter]

£250 quid for a headset? - you lot must be made of money!
Well I was just about coping financially, then the flying bug got me! I think I can find some suitable lyrics for a bitter-sweet blues riff :O

[BEagle]

DC 13.4 - excellent! Had mine for over 10 years with not a moment's problem!

Whereas the 'imitation' DCs proved to be sub-standard and unreliable.

DC 13.4!
DC 13.4!!

Whether 'straight' or ANR, still the best!

[MLS-12D]

Headsets are very much a matter of personal choice, and I certainly second the advice that you should try a few before you buy, rather than simply deciding that DCs are the one you want.

For what it's worth, my wife and I have owned our 13.4s for the past five years, and have been very happy with them.

[Wide-Body]

Hi

Just a couple of little things. I bought a set of cheaper headsets. One broke on short finals once, requiring 2 stitches in my thick head. Also if buying second hand know what you are buying. There are Military spec DC's for sale on E-bay at present. If you have a civvy radio fit they will not work!!

Also try before you buy. I love my Peltors (7006) and DC's 10-30,10-80. At work I Use Sennheiser ANR's which are OK but they seem a little unsturdy. I also use DC13.4's which I as a personal choice will replace my own headsets when the time comes.

regards

Wide

[ACW 335]

i personally do not like the David Clarke headsets. I own an Avcomm 747 PNR - its wellpriced, comfy, very lightweight, excellent sound and mic quality and you can change the connectors as well as disconncting the lead from the main headset...and it came with a set a NATO plug as well.

The DC headsets are too pricey in my opinion; i guess your paying extra for the name

[greatorex]

I have to say that I can't recommend the 20-10's highly enough.

It's like wearing a pillow - they are amazing and far more comfy than the 13-4's.

Could've done with them at work this week - had an F/O with 'Women Trouble' :bored: :uhoh: :bored: :uhoh:

G

[HomerJay]

Does anyone use the DC H10-76 ? Iknow its mainly used by military pilots but i got one on the cheap, and have heard it will perform fine with the required adapter while flying in a Cessna.True?