Best place to buy headsets?

[Mark1234]

Based in Melbourne. Buy online, or just head down to Morabin and get one there?

Looking at a DC 13.4 unless anyone advises otherwise; have ruled out Bose on cost!

[QNH1013.2]

Normally I'd say to you to shop locally and support your local retailers, however with the US dollar nearing 90c I'd suggest buying straight from the US unless your retailer chooses to pass on the savings to you. I just picked up a set of DC X11's for AUD$922 delivered from Gulf Coast Avionics in Florida. It only took 5 days for them to arrive from Florida, yet sometimes it can take me a week to get something from Queensland !@##@$%$@

I think it's utterly ridiculous that aviation seems to be a haven for rip-offs charging any figure they feel like for gear these days.

[montyjames]

Picked up a set of DC HS20-10S from Sporty's Aviation in the US for roughly $360AUD, cheapest price I could find in AUS was around $450-500.

[Mark1234]

Ok, sound advice.. rather a price difference!

Does anyone know if the stereo versions of the headsets are plug compatible with standard plugs? Is there an advantage - unless you're piping music in, which I'm assuming you can't?

[The Hedge]

I bought my DC's from Marv Golden http://www.MarvGolden.com. Arrived three days later ,no dramas whatsoever.

[Mr. Hat]

mate i'd seriously look online at the US options....look around a few hours can save hundreds..

[Lefthanded_Rock_Thrower]

Ebay, hands down.

[QNH1013.2]

I would keep away from Ebay for an item that may require warranty. Must safer dealing with one of the big US shops.

[MikeJulietHotel]

If you want to buy locally then try Hawker Pacific - have a look at their website under "Specials". those are the best available local deals.

MJH

[Launchpad McQuack]

eBay is not too bad, a lot of the sellers are actually Aviation shops anyway. I did exactly the same thing as QNH1013.2 and bought my X11s from Gulf Coast Avionics...

http://www.gulf-coast-avionics.com/

...I forget exactly how much (only just bought them too :\) but it worked out hundreds cheaper thanks to the current dollar/exchange rate :ok:

QNH1013.2 - what's your initial impression of the X11s so far? Tried using them with sunnies? :cool:

LP

[Counter-rotation]

Mark,
Lefthanded_Rock_Thrower - what he said!
eBay is the place to shop. I bought a headset recently there, about $150 cheaper than what I could get in Australia. There are PLENTY available and the whole eBay thing is no dramas at all.
You can get them even cheaper by buying "as new", although you'll get no warranty. To me this is no issue if you're buying quality (ie. DC) - I have used the same DC H10-20 for the last 14 years, and needed only a new mic. cover.
So again for mine,
eBay - hands down. :D

[Rich-Fine-Green]

Be sure about warranty transfer if you buy from the USA.

Ol' mate recently bought a Bose X from the USA about $300-$400 cheaper than locally.

Had a small prob. but Bose Australia apparently would not honour the warranty as it was bought outside of Oz.

[Defenestrator]

I picked up my second pair from Hawker Pacific in Sydney. Bought them through the company I worked for and got a great discount. Had the 13.4's initially but never liked them. The 10-20's were a far superior headset for mine. But with the way the AUD is to the USD I'm pretty sure you can pick them up cheaper in the States. I'll be travelling there soon for work if you'd like me pick you up a set. Might save a few $$ in freight. Let me know.

D:ok:

[Mr. Hat]

Ebay is a good gauge as to how cheap you will get them. Sus out the prices and then try and match them with an online store.

[montyjames]

I contacted DC about the warranty and they will still honour the waranty even though I purchased them from the US.

[Squawk7700]

I can vouch for Gulf Coast in the US. I just picked up a Garmin 296 from them for only A$1,420 delivered. (You'll get hit with customs for that one) The new 496 is only around A$2,100. Prices have dropped through the floor and the dollar is helping out big time.

[bentleg]

I have had good experiences with http://www.pilotmall.com/. I have bought two scanners from them and a headset (DC 20-10). Item is mailed by traceable US post and delivered within a week. I have never been charged customs duty (I think it is exempt if mailed into the country and less than a certain value - check the value with customs). I take the point made about warranty. I have not had to resort to warranty. If I had a problem locally getting warranty honoured I would go back to pilotmall. If buying something that requires charging request a 240v version and/or get a cigarette lighter adapter.

[Defenestrator]

And if you do have a problem with them, most LAME's worth their salt can fix them in a snap.

D

[Kiwiconehead]

I have never been charged customs duty (I think it is exempt if mailed into the country and less than a certain value - check the value with customs)

Current threshold for import by mail is AUD$1000, anything over that will be charged GST and duty if applicable.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5549

[Squawk7700]

"I have had good experiences with http://www.pilotmall.com/. I have bought two scanners from them and a headset (DC 20-10)."


Careful with this mob, their GPS prices are US$300 more!!! It's so frustrating when shops have such varied pricing $#@&$^%.

[vrd]

I have a pair of Bose x Headset for sale . Only 6 months old in new cond. Payed $1650 for them but selling for $1050 ono. Have moved on and no longer require them.