Which Headsets?

[WilliamOK]

I'm looking at buying a pair of headsets, rather than using the ones the flying school supplies. I don't want an expensive pair, but I do want the best quality that I can get (understandably).

I'm looking at spening between $1-$250.... As that's all I can really afford.

Which brand/model would be the best or are they all fairly much the same at the lower end?

[barondriver]

haha for that price range, altronics

[morno]

I owned a set of Altronics from early on in my flying, and they lasted me about 5 or so years, before the wires in the jacks started to play up a little. Could have easily got them fixed, but I figured it was time to upgrade anyway, so went with the DC ANR's. Not a bad headset when you put David Clarke seals onto them, for the price you pay.

morno

[kiwiblue]

rather than using the ones the flying school supplies

That's the best idea WilliamOK. IMO your headset is an extremely personal item. I never let anyone borrow or use mine. That way the head band/earcups et al are not being distorted by another users' different head size/shape, I don't have to worry about who had what disease that I may pick up from the mic and I know no one else will look after my headset the way I do -it's an expensive piece of kit!

I don't want an expensive pair, but I do want the best quality that I can get (understandably)

Absolutely understandable. However, for a number of reasons I would recommend you look just a little higher up the food-chain. IMO cheap headsets are cheap because they are, well, cheap. Poor materials and build quality, poor support and worst, poor noise retention.

As an example I had to scrimp & save for ages back around the early 1980's (when headsets were becoming common in GA aircraft) to buy my 1st headset -a DC-H10-40. From memory, I paid somewhere over $600 for it then in NZ. That was a lot of hours lost! I had that headset for over 20 years myself, only gave it away when I traded up to a 10-60, which I still have.

Coming up to 30 years in industry now, I still have no appreciable hearing loss, despite all of that time in GA, much of it in BN2A which many consider one of the noisiest airframes -I put that down to a good headset, properly looked after.

I reckon the price of the headset should be the final determining factor in your decision -not the 1st. Look for decent materials and build, look for support, parts and backup, but above all look at the noise retention. Without your hearing you won't retain a medical. Get the other things right 1st, then worry about which of the best you can afford or are willing to save for. I did, and for sure I have no regrets!

That new DC X-11 is looking pretty damn good just now! :)

[bentleg]

Agree that it is wise to buy the best you can afford.
The David Clark 10/13.4 is a good headset. You can get them cheaper via the USA http://www.pilotmall.com/productcompare/index.php?cat=Headsets USD 265 + USD 30 for post = USD 295 = AUD 373. The same unit is AUD 500 at a pilot shop at Moorabin. Pilotmall have headsets available from USD 110 (but dont appear to carry Altronics). I have bought a headset and a transceiver from pilotmall.
The organisation I fly with have used the Altronics as "public" headsets for some years. They work, although we are patching the headset wires every now and then when they break. The DC headset mentioned is far superior.

[WilliamOK]

So from the looks of it the David Clarkes are the only good ones? Are there any comparable headsets from other manufacturers or are they the best of the best in terms or features and quality?

[AirSic]

:ok:Started flying in 1988 and bought Altronics. Still using the same headset today!

Replaced more PTT on Control Columns than headsets.

[Grivation]

1989 for me with the altronics also - still going today. Nothing wrong with 'em

[witwiw]

in essence, whatever you buy as long as you look after it, should last a long time.
if you thrash them around they will suffer. of course in this case a better built set will last a bit longer.

my tip is to save up and shell out a little more for DC 10-13.4's
get them from www.marvgolden.com (http://www.marvgolden.com) in the states for $370AUD, call it 420 by the time you get it here- as opposed to $500 from Skylines.
generally the more expensive the item, if you get it from the states the more you save compared to here.

dont base your opinion of Altronics on the flying school loaner pairs!
ive got a pair from ebay and they do the job quite well... no match for the 10-13.4 though, love em!

[Ratshit]

WilliamOK, I can endorse what Witwi says. I bought DC 10-13.4 in 1983 - although I upgraded to the latest active noise cancelling DCs 5 yrs ago, the 10-13.4's are still going strong.

R:cool:

[WilliamOK]

Yeah, from what I hear the David Clarks are good. So far I have found a pair of headsets, AVCOMM AC747. Any opinions on these? they seem to be about the same as the H10-13.4s in features...

[Wheeler]

Have used AvComs for several years and found them to be excellent, as good as DC's in my opinion -they should be cheaper than DC's. I believe Angel Aircraft sell them at reasonable prices. Why not look around for a good 2nd hand set of DC's or something within your budget? There are people around giving the game away who need to sell their gear and advertise on club notice boards and the like.

[slackie]

Agreed...buy the best you can afford...also look at eBay and TradeMe (NZ) as there are some good bargins going...but "buyer beware"....factor in an amount to compensate for no guaranttees etc.

[WannaBeBiggles]

I bought a headset from http://www.flighthelmets.com.au/products.htm going on 5 years now and no complaints what so ever!

When I bought it it came with gel ear seals which were (at the time) reserved for the more expensive headsets.

The weight is reasonable, it is very comfortable, doesn't feel flimsey and the flexible mic boom is much better than the hinged set up some of the cheaper headsets out there have.

[HeadsetHunter]

Discovered PPRUNE through a Google search for aviation headsets; there's another thread debating merits of new models, thinking this might be the spot for my post.

I'm looking for RACAL Minilites of the type it sounds were standard for air traffic outside the US (where I am) and which were apparently discontinued in the '90s. I don't care if they work, only if they're complete and reasonably intact. I'm thinking that with the quantities of these that were once in place, there must be some available, functional or not.

Hope someone can help!

[Lasiorhinus]

This may be an odd question, but why do people still recommend DC 10-13.4 headsets over ANR headsets?

[Awol57]

If you can find a set of ANR for $250 which was the original price go for it definately. I think if he said I have a spare $1500 then people would recommend ANR.

For $250 though you are unlikely to get a set.

[flyhardmo]

Check out Ebay mate. Seen a couple on the australian ebay that dont look too bad ynd you'll get them a bit quicker than from the states.
As for DC's,well mine are H10-30, have survived 4000hrs of extreme african flying conditions so they are rugged. A bit heavy but work fine. The H10-13.4 are also really nice but the mic boom sometimes gets a bit loose. I agree with paying a bit more for something of better quality.
Good luck

[bentleg]

This may be an odd question, but why do people still recommend DC 10-13.4 headsets over ANR headsets?

because ANR are twice to three times the price.

[Ratshit]

This may be an odd question, but why do people still recommend DC 10-13.4 headsets over ANR headsets?

Cause the only ANR you will buy for $250 (see original post) is one that has been run over by a bus!

R:cool:

[AerocatS2A]

If you have some kind of windfall and end up getting an ANR headset, try it out first. I spend a fair bit on a David Clark ANR headset and I don't like it. The headset itself is excellent but I don't like the effect the ANR has, so I have it turned off. I basically have $500 worth of useless electronics hanging off my headset.

[Ratshit]

If you have some kind of windfall and end up getting an ANR headset, try it out first. I spend a fair bit on a David Clark ANR headset and I don't like it. The headset itself is excellent but I don't like the effect the ANR has, so I have it turned off. I basically have $500 worth of useless electronics hanging off my headset.

I, on the other hand, have a David Clarke ANR headset which I think is just brilliant!

R:cool:

[Ovation]

ANR is the only way to go. You should be able to buy a good second hand DC H10.13X or similar for around $500, so the difference is about $250 more than what you're prepared to pay.

What value do you put on your hearing? If you fly for a living, over 25 years the extra cost is $10 per year. Put a good ANR set on to start with and go without booze/fags/food whatever for a few weeks.

[Ovation]

ANR is the only way to go. You should be able to buy a good second hand DC H10.13X or similar for around $500, so the difference is about $250 more than what you're prepared to pay.
What value do you put on your hearing? If you fly for a living, over 25 years the extra cost is $10 per year. Put a good ANR set on to start with and go without booze/fags/food whatever for a few weeks.

[WilliamOK]

At this stage i'll be missing out on flying lessons if I save up. You can get new DC H10-13.4 headsets for $500 dollars.

[Ratshit]

Got a bit of stutter go'in there Ovation ?

:cool:

[Ovation]

Y Y Y Y eeee sss.

[bentleg]

At this stage i'll be missing out on flying lessons if I save up. You can get new DC H10-13.4 headsets for $500 dollars.
As mentioned in my earlier post - You can get them cheaper via the USA http://www.pilotmall.com/productcompare/index.php?cat=Headsets USD 265 + USD 30 for post = USD 295 = AUD 373.

[nzak]

I know of three excellent condition, nearly new David Clarke helicopter headsets for sale for NZ$300 each plus shipping - contact me privately if you are in the market for one.

Fly safe!

nzak

[1224]

Like ovation said, and what I have always said, what value do you put on your hearing? And what value do you put on your sight? There a few things a professional pilot should fork out for.

No1
A good headset-- I have a 13.4x ANR, its great. In fact in some aircraft i have real trouble understanding any calls from the left hand seat on take off with ANR off, such is the difference. Guess I’m so used to ANR now. I love it. Less fatigue, less ringing ears after a long flight.

No2
A good pair of sunnies. I never liked wearing em until I started flying. Go get a pair of quality sunnies such as serrengetti’s or raybans. I have a pair of serrengetti’s and they’re awesome, I can see further wif em on in some conditions. However they are fairly expensive and unlike headsets the more you spend doesn’t really mean the better you get. You can get a good pair of sunnies for around $150ish. Make sure there not polarized as that’s bad when flying. Do a search on this forum, you'll turn up heaps of info on this stuff.


Really for a person in your position you should really think, will I really be flying professionally? If that is yes, go get a good ANR Headset. If there is any doubt if that is what you want to do stick with a normal pair of DC 13.4s, they're a pretty good headset.



And depending who you work for No 3 Is a good therapist!! :} :ugh: :mad:

[Lefthanded_Rock_Thrower]

for the past tens years i have used 10-13.4's, they are excellent.

Last week my new pair of 10-13x's arrived ( off ebay, $750AUD from Florida ), have used them twice so far, absolutley awesome.

I also have a MSA Gallet helmet with ANR which i use more frequently than headset, i will never fly without ANR again.

Perhaps if you are starting out, buy an economical ( cheaper, perhaps secondhand ) make sure you get gel seals and the cloth covers, but as soon as you can upgrade.

On that note i now have a pair of well loved DC 10-13.4's you can have for $250 plus freight, presently in Perth.

if you plan to use the headset alot, stear clear of the cheaper brands.

[roadrunna]

At this stage i'll be missing out on flying lessons if I save up. You can get new DC H10-13.4 headsets for $500 dollars.

Ebay is the way to go if you're patient. I was quite lucky to pick up a DC H10-13.4 for $260 brand new, never used with all the tags still hanging off it. The seller had two but the other didn't last very long either.

It's comfortable, light weight and very good quality.If you really want to have all the 'bells and whistles' you can always upgrade it later on with an ANR kit.

[jethrolx]

Hi all, has anyone tried the new DC X11?? I am also in the market for a headset and have been blessed with a kind instructor who lets me use his spare bose x's, which i must say are a fantastic piece of equipment. My only issue is i find the ear cups just a touch shallow, so went to try on some other headsets to see if i could find something more comfortable. The light speeds i tried on lasted about three seconds, unfortunately i dont have ears the size of a three year old and found them uncomfortable also. Tried on the X11's, and was suitably impressed, my ears (not that they are THAT big) had loads of room, but am wondering as to the quality of the ANR eletronics. There seem to be little in the way of reviews available, and majority of what i have found is disappointing with several people saying they actually returned them.
I did try on some DC 10 13.4's and they are a little heavier on the mic side, wondered how comfortable they would be for long trips? the PNR was impressive, even in a quiet store.

[mortennb]

I also have a MSA Gallet helmet with ANR which i use more frequently than headset, i will never fly without ANR again.


A little bit off. But I live in Oregon, US and will be moving to Canada shortly. I need to buy myself a new helicopter helmet and most people recommend the new Gallet helmet.

Could you give me some feedback on the helmet, and do you know of any websites that sells it? I have found 2 websites. 1 in England and 1 in Pennsylvania US.

Morten

[Mr. Hat]

I'm thinking installing the ANR upgrade in my old 10-30's...do you guys have any comments on ANR is it really good or just an expensive gimmik?

Cost of the upgrade $290....

[Ratshit]

I'm thinking installing the ANR upgrade in my old 10-30's...do you guys have any comments on ANR is it really good or just an expensive gimmik?

Cost of the upgrade $290....

I have no experience with ANR upgrades, but I have David Clark non-ANR and ANR headsets. The DC ANR headset is - BRILLIANT!

R:cool:

[Lefthanded_Rock_Thrower]

Morten,

I have had my Gallet for about 18 months, had a Gentex before that.

The Gallet is very light, well designed, the ANR is one of the best i've seen, the visa is of good quality and not polarised. I use mine in fixed wing.

The only two negatives i know of:

1) one of my mates is an ag pilot, he crashes an airtractor and walked away, his helmet took a pounding, he complains that he had to buy a new helmet, i argue that it did its job perfectly.

2) The plug lead is a curly cord, in some aircraft the jacks are not behind your head, like in most civilised helicopters.

I recommend the Gallet, they were made in France, besides being a great country to host an invasion, the french know how to make a helmet.

[woolie]

Has anyone tried the new Telex Stratus 50 headset out?? Looks like it might challenge the DC and Bose

Woolie

[Zhaadum]

Beat me to it Woolie! Tried on a Telex this week , is nniicceee!
Z.:ok: Wa Wa WEE WA!

[the wizard of auz]

2) The plug lead is a curly cord, in some aircraft the jacks are not behind your head, like in most civilised helicopters.

I had the same problem with mine. can be a royal PITA. :hmm:
And my second visor would never tighten properly. Can be a shock sometimes when you unexpectedly go from bright sunny day to dark and overcast....with a big bang. :} I fixed it eventually after getting a scare near a dead tree at 120Knts. :eek:

[KezFlyer]

I have just taken delivery of my brand new David Clark H10 13.4 mono headset from WadeAir www.wadeair.com.au (http://www.wadeair.com.au) in Spring Hill NSW, the headset arrived one day after their stock arrived and was even sent before I had time to get my card details to them, total cost $390 ex GST or about $445 delivered express post including GST, also comes with a generic headset bag. I haven't seen a place cheaper yet, even the US only just beats that price! I spent days researching the cheapest retailer so can pretty much guarantee these are the best.

[Sunfish]

Have some DC ENC headsets that work just fine,,,,,,,but not as good as Boses. Tried them both. I'm hoping that the airshow will have a special deal on Bose's like last time.

[aldee]

oops wrong forum

[Miraz]

I bought one of the Skylite headsets from a HK based ebay shop - http://stores.ebay.com/Save4More
It's a cheapy that I bought to use whilst doing my initial training - I'm delighted with it - it's comfortable, has excellent sound insulation characteristics, the flexible boom for the microphone does it's thing and all for less than US$100

[Squawk7700]

XCOM Avionics have only just (2 days ago) released their new headset.

Apparently only $155 for the first batch. Indistinguishable from DC's apparently, with gel and all.

http://www.mcp.com.au/xcom760/

I have used the XCOM radio but not the headsets as they are new.

[Howard Hughes]

After 20 years of wearing DC's, I have one thing to say Bose X, although I don't suppose they will last as long as my 20yo DC's!:ok:

[Magarnagle]

Anyone with any experience of the LightSpeed Twenty or Thirty 3G ANR headsets?

I've read a number of reviews which rate them pretty highly, with about the only drawbacks being their large size (although they are light enough), and their construction (which appears a little plasticky, although if looked after, I'm sure they'd be fine).
At about half the cost of the Bose X or the DC ANR, my limited budget is more inclined towards the LightSpeed.

[Victim Air]

BR ,just noticed your post. You still got that set for sale???

[Victim Air]

DOH.......don't ya hate that.