Headsets - ANR

[PyroTek]

Hey people,
My 18th birthday just came and went, and my parentals gave me a piece of paper on it:
The moral of the text on this piece of paper was: "Pick a headset, any headset" but they request it is an ANR one.
Now, I'm looking at Downunder pilot shop and I wish to know what peoples opinions on headsets are, has anyone got any suggestions for them?
I think i can get anything from $700 - $1500 (they gave a few options, one of the options being the Bose Aviation Headset X)

I am very pleased, it's such a generous thing!

Anyway, your suggestions would be much appreciated

Cheers,
Pyro:ok:

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

Congratulations Pyro! Happy slightly belated birthday!

Tell ya what - I got an old DC you can have for a coupl'a hundred - and we can have a party on the balance!

Dr :8

PS: Bet ya get 100 posts on 100 different headsets - then TW's gonna kill this thread.

[PlankBlender]

Uh, you've just invited all ppruners who love giving daddy-sponsored student pilots a hard time, to have a field day :}

Mate, your choice is between the Lightspeed Zulu and the Bose. I'd personally take the Lightspeed, more current technology (eg Bluetooth, one less cable in the driver's seat), probably more robust, quality seems to be on par with the Bose. The Bose is still the current gold standard, though.

My recommendation: Try them both, pick the one you like most. Or get mum & dad to pay for a flight lesson with the money they save on the Zulu over the Bose :E

[PyroTek]

the price difference is about 3 flying lessons worth :}
i'm strongly thinking the zulu... However, i'll keep researching

I like the Idea of testing them both... I'll try and do that sometime..

Thanks!

[Clearedtoreenter]

If you have the dough, the Zulu is phenominal - won't do much to help those scratchy old radios though....

[Horatio Leafblower]

I have been sitting back and watching the zulus for a while - I wanted one BUT I generally see ANR headsets worn by private pilots and the Chardonnay set, not by professional pilots.

If I am going to spend $1200 on a headset, I want to know it will last me 10+ years like my 1994-model Dave Clarks (don't buy the DC ANRs, they're rubbish... sold mine 3 months after I bought 'em)

Recently I have seen a couple of very senior GA Chief Pilots toting the Zulu. These guys don't gush about anything but they DO rave about the Zulu.

I know what I'm asking Santa for this year...:E

[Jabawocky]

Go the 13.4's and pocket the cash............. Mind you Forkie has had a good run with his DC ANR's.

As you know the ANRs you used last are the Soft Com and work well, better than the 13.4's but are a bit clumsy if changing a/c.

I think for moving about a fair bit and for your next few years go the H10-13.4 or the ANR's forkie has.

No need to entertain other confusing options.............or call me!

J:ok:

[ga_trojan]

Save yourself the money and buy a standard David Clark headset and wear earplugs underneath your headset. That way you are doubly protected from noise, its cheaper, and additionally you won't have a counter sound wave pumping through your ears.

Does anyone have any research on what damage, if any, these noise cancelling headsets can cause? Have mates who use them who claim they get sore ears on long sectors ie 3 hours+.

[sollas]

I think if you can go somewhere and try them on that's the best way to see what you like. As daft as it may sound, different people have different shapes and sizes of ears and head to others. What might fit someone well and suits them may not be the correct fit for you.

I use the sennheiser HME 100 and I like them, although I didn't have the pennies to consider the bose or those in the same price range.

Have fun flying

[Bushed]

I've heard good things about the Telex Stratus 50D. Excellent ANR (50db I think) but, also a very good passive headset for when your batts pack it in and you don't have spares. Think if i was back in GA aircraft though, i'd try something like the Clarity Aloft. No big muff's clamped to your noodle. Although, molded ear pieces do tend to become uncomfortable and cause hot spots in your ears if you wear them for more than a couple of hours.

[Peter Fanelli]

No big muff's clamped to your noodle.


You have issues with having muffs near your face? :E

[Bushed]

The problem comes with only having one mouth. And as a canuck who has flown the far north let me just say to you, do not discount the warming qualities of a fuzzy muff :E!

[AnyGivenSunday99]

Mate,

Save Mum and Dad the cash - go the David Clarke 13.4's. Had mine for 5 years, never a drama. At the rate the industry is going you'll be in a jet before you know it and GA headsets will be a fond memory, so use the extra cash you're saving to spend on lessons - or your theory exams!

If the oldies are worried about protecting your hearing, mine is still tip-top (ask my DAME) and have never bothered with ANR headsets.

Best of luck buddy, you've picked a great time to be in the best industy in the world!

Happy Landings,

AGS99

[waren9]

.........At the rate the industry is going you'll be in a jet before you know it and GA headsets will be a fond memory.........

Yeah, in a jet alright, without an ANR headset. My last 2 jobs the employer had ANR's fitted for the lads and they were brilliant. This one does not.:(

The earplug idea under ya DC's is a good compromise if you havent got the cash yet.

[QSK?]

Oh no, not another headset thread!

Doesn't anybody do searches anymore?

[Niles Crane]

Garmin Aviation GPS, David Clark Headsets, Pilot Supplies from SkyGeek.com (http://www.skygeek.com)

Go for the Telex Digital ANR50

[povopilot]

Pyro, I'm with the J man - go the 13.4's and see if you can get the olds to make up the $1500 with a nav bag, some good BT theory books, some decent nav gear and a few slabs. ANR's are a bit of a wank for a student in a cessna single

povo.

[kongdong]

I've had the Bose X's for the last 3 years and they have never missed a beat. They do get a little uncomfortable after around 4 hours but not too bad. The Zulus are better for listening to your ipod though.

[NAMPS]

I still have my 13.4s after many years of use. I wouldn't worry about the ANR.

[Ratshit]

I suspect the people who say "skip the ANR" have never used one for any length of time. Most who have an ANR headset would never go back to passive only. For long trips I sometimes use ear plug with the ANR - and enter a world of quiet!

Flying is more than skills and training - its about image!!!!! Pansy looking magnesium cup Zulus might appeal to Gen X, but real pilots would only be seen wearing green ie David Clarke.

I know a bloke who swears by his DC X11's!

Rat:cool:

[AnyGivenSunday99]

The Zulus are better for listening to your ipod though

Are you a pilot or a music critic?

In my humble opinion, if you are more concerned about how your ipod sounds in flight, you are not concentrating on flying the aircraft. Low time pilots need to be focussing on what they are doing, not grooving to tunes. I know long sectors get boring, but one must focus on the job at hand. Whipping out the ipod would not look good in front of PAX.

I agree with Rat. DC's complete the image. Ms AGS99 reckons they're super sexy...

[rjtjrt]

Ignore all posts in the vein of "I have passive headset and don't have hearing loss".The same attitude as "my dad/uncle/mother etc smoked all there lives and died aged 100 of old age".
High frequency hearing loss is permanent and frequently accompanied by tinnitus. the hearing loss is a nuisance but the tinnitus, whilst not the end of the world is asomething you will live to regret. Once you have either you can't go back in life and change the decisions you made.
So your parents are very sensible to insist on ANR.
As to headset only choice of two really IMO - Bose X or Zulu. I have zulu - cheaper and as good or debatably better than Bose. Rugged, comfortable and excellent active and passive attenuation.
Good luck - you have good parents.
John

[Horatio Leafblower]

Brett Mahlo and Ross Pay aren't dummies and weren't born yesterday. They have both used many, many different headsets.

If both those guys use Zulu, I am saving pennies for a Zulu.

Rat**** - I thought my X11s were.... well, rat****. sorry.

AnyGivenSunday has an excellent point about music and concentration :ok:

[PyroTek]

Wow, looks like the response has a majority in the Zulus favour... I'll keep thinking but I reckon I'll go for the Zulu's, however, still deciding! Keep your opinions coming!

[4Screwaircrew]

I run with a Bose in the 737 for work and the cub for fun they are 1st rate, I used Sennheiser anr for a number of years and these are better; battery life and sound quality. I just wish I'd had them when flying the Electra and Herald (twin Dart powered old girl).

[Aussie Insider]

H10-60's, Don't waste your time with ANR

[PlankBlender]

Here's another suggestion: Lightspeed Mach 1. You won't get sweaty ears or "headset hair" after the third hour in the seat, and the noise attenuation is pretty good.

It's non-ANR, but good enough. Apparently the reduction in noise is not far off the ANR headsets because you have plugs in your ears..

I've been using it in fixed wings and helicopters, and it does the job very well. Sound quality is excellent, they're super light and small (much less stuff to carry around), and with the custom molded earplugs they're superb! Music/phone connectors come with it, no Bluetooth though.

[werbil]

Horses for courses - it depends on what you fly.

I use Telex Stratus D50's as they are excellent in very noisy aircraft such as Beavers (radial powered). With the ANR switched on the loudest noise I hear is wind noise. However when I'm in a Caravan I often don't bother turning the ANR on - the passive noise reduction is better than most passive DCs.

I tried both the Bose and the DC X11's in the Beaver. The Bose were useless, the X11's were a little better as they provided similar attenuation to other passive headsets that I compared them with. If money was no object I would have probably get a set of X11's for the Caravan as well as they are very light and comfortable.

I have never tried the Zulu's so can't comment on them. I bought my headset to save my hearing - the people that matter don't look at the brand / style of headset to asses your flying ability.

[Pole Vaulter]

The David Clark X11 has a number of issues. biggest problem is they actually break. The plastic hinge that holds the earcup to the frame is breaking. The other main complaint is they seem to have insufficent volume even when all is turned up flat out but the biggest problem of all is David Clark will not allow any warrenty claims to be processed in Australia. All returns must be shipped back to the States for repair. Just rediculous. Imagine paying approx $1300 and having a problem a week later and being told it will be 3 months before you will have the headset back. Next one is the Bose. It has almost no passive noise reduction and if the battery goes flat or the circuitry fails you may as well take it off and use the speaker in the aircraft. Also the earcups are very shallow and they press on a lot of peoples ears which is quite uncomfortable. They have also had a major recall as they were flattening batteries in a few hours. The Lightspeed Zulu has become a real favourire and the Telex Stratus range has the highest nouse reduction around. Both have not had any real issues and the Zulu has bluetooth. Not sure about warrenty on the Lightspeed though as no real agent in OZ. Telex warranty definately ok in OZ. Another option is the David Clark H10-13 XL. Basically a H10-13.4 with a factory active kit fitted and not too expensive either. A great headset but not as fancy in the looks as the newer ones.

[Led Zep]

Never going back to PNR headsets. My Bose set survived my time "up norf" and I still use them over the company supplied DCs.


Hey Rat, does "Altronics green" complete the pilot image too?:8

[flog]

I've been flying with the Zulu's in a Yak for the past 6 months and can't fault 'em. Tried the Bose initially but for the money the Zulu's were both better and seem tougher. Time will tell.

[Lasiorhinus]

Active Noise Reduction. Do not waste your money or your hearing on anything without it.

That way you are doubly protected from noise, its cheaper, and additionally you won't have a counter sound wave pumping through your ears.

This is a very uninformed statement - the "counter sound wave" is the precise means of reducing the sound "pumping through your ears".

[PyroTek]

To use technical terms:
Destructive Interference, where a wave in the opposite phase crosses the other wave and causes the sound/light/whatever to be nullified..
:ok:
Think Physics, aren't you guys pilots or something?

Anyway, I was at work today: and I thought:
Just like the competition between CPU's in computers, you have AMD fanboys, and Intel Fanboys, no matter whether the performance on each is better.

I think i'm seeing a similar situation with the DC fanboys putting down all the other headsets because "real pilots use DC only". Maybe (big epiphany?) DC may no longer sell the best headsets?!
Maybe Active Noise Reduction is the go nowadays and maybe, just maybe, a set of spare batteries for an ANR headset in a flight bag (if the other batteries fail) could be better for you than wearing PNR headsets all your life?

[Lasiorhinus]

Excessive brand loyalty does often tend to cloud people's judgements of other brands.. DC headsets are good, sure. But just because lots of people have them does not make them the best. There are more cockroaches on the planet than humans, but we don't claim cockroaches to be the superior life form. Remember people once thought the earth was flat.

Claiming ANR headsets are bad because the batteries might run out is like claiming engines are bad because the fuel might run out.

[WannaBeBiggles]

I use the BoseX's and can't fault them, however I bought them and shortly afterwards heard about the Zulu's, but my decision was based on BoseX vs. X11's and the like, given the opportunity I would have probably tried the Zulus as well as they sound like a good product.

Have done 4 plus hour navs with my BoseX's and they are fantastic! Anyone who doubts ANR should take off without ANR switched on and then switch ANR on at circuit height and then tell me that ANR is useless! The difference has to be heard to be believed.

[Jamair]

I used ordinary DC 10-30s (which were over 10 years old when I inherited them) for many years, then got a set of DC ENCs (forget the exact model, not the 11). Have used them constantly in pistons (singles & twins), turbines (singles & twins) for the last 8 years; including some very long sectors (5+ hours). They are very very good. No faults, no failures, good battery life.:ok:

Have not tried Zulu or Bose.

[LJones]

I have used Bose and Lightspeed as well as some david clarke sets and personally i choose zulus, i have baught a set and love them, the only thing i have to say is that they feel as if they dont clamp as tight as they should. feels loose but they stay on during aerobatics. so i recomend these. :}

[HardCorePawn]

Yeah... it just wouldnt be the same without 'Highway to the Danger zone' :E

Seriously tho... I have tried the Lightspeed Zulu and they were fantastic... however I made my own version of the Mach 1/QT Halo (http://www.anr-headsets.com/Html_folder/QT-HLO.html) using a set of in-ear foam earphones (Hearing Components NR-10's with inline volume (http://www.complyfoam.com/noise-reduction-earphones/nr-10-noise-reduction-earphones/)), the mic+circuitry+cables+plugs from an old telex airman 750 headset, a coathanger and some heatshrink tubing...

something similar to this guy (http://www.canardzone.com/members/nickugolini/CuplessHeadet/cupless_headset.htm)

The earplugs are rated at 29NRR and they seem to do alright for small aircraft like 152's and 172's... I've compared them inflight to my normal PNR headset and they are quieter but they can be a bit fiddly with all the cables... definitely more comfortable tho... no headclamp, no sweaty ears/head etc...

[Chadzat]

While we are on the subject....

Anyone here have a set of 13.4's they have modified with the Headsets Inc ANR kit? I find the 13.4's extremely comfortable but the low frequency noise they let through that you get inside a C404 is almost deafening. Im wondering if this is a feasable option as I have tried the Bose X's and i found they just sit on my ears, rather than around them like the 13.4 earcups do. This was very annoying for me! And I don't even have large ears! Is this a normal fit for Bose's?

[Led Zep]

Chazdat, wiggle the earcups of the headset so your ears slip into them. Works for me. :}:}

Pyro, whatever you chose get a demo first. Usually you'll be able to try before you buy provided you leave your details and a few hundred $ while you're out flying. A good earseal is important. I remember when I tested the Bose and thought "these are good, not great". Then I took my sunglasses off to clean them and was plunged into almost total silence. :ooh:

[Ready Immediate]

Which ever you choose try buying it online from the US. With the exchange rate reasonable at the moment you can save a fair bit over OZ prices even with freight.

RI

[PyroTek]

on Led Zep's point, does anyone have a pair of the various headsets around Brisbane?
I would love to try the Zulu's, Bose, Telex Stratus 50D's, and the X11's.. if thats too much to ask..

PM me!
Thanks Heaps!
Pyro

[Jabawocky]

Jeeeez Pyro....... all them headsets in one place :eek:

You would have to be lucky!

J:ok:

[PyroTek]

I was hoping there would be 1 of each in this city at least...:ok: (not with the same person though)

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

Hey there Pyro!

I got a DC X11 you can try. PM me your postal address and I'll send it down. I'll pick it up when next in town.

Cheers

Dr :8

[PyroTek]

Okay, sweet!
Anyone with any of the Telex,LS-Z or Bose willing to let me borrow them for a few hours (around the Brisbane Area)?
I would love to test them all at once..
This will be in a few weeks time, however..

[sparksfly01]

defently the bose x headset, i have tried a few different ones, my first headset which i still have the very reliable DC13.4, make great passenger headset. ive also had the older DC H10.30X which had the ENC good but quite bulky and heavy (ended up on ebay). I tried the DC X11 which were very good, but i found them bulky and with sunnies i wear didnt fit to well. So i went for the bose x, defently the best headset ive had and tried

[clear to land]

Another, not yet mentioned, that you might consider is the Sennheiser HMEC-25. These are 'On ear' rather than over, so comfy with sunnies. The headband is multi adjustable so no hotspots. Also provide a reasonable passive (15dB from memory), and average battery life of 12 hrs. Nice and light, and a very pretty black :) What you really notice is that you can turn the radio volume down and yet the clarity is excellent. I have used many headsets over the years, and DC 13.4's were definately the best 'pure passive'.

[PT6]

I bought a Lightspeed Zulu recently and find it a superb unit. Seems very similar to the Bose just a little cheaper. All gone up now!! Very happy with the lightspeed. The ANR works extremely well.

[WannaBeBiggles]

Pyro, I'd lend you my Bose's, but living in Mexico...ahh.. Melbourne now...
Mal at RAC has a pair of Bose's, maybe book a lesson with him next time ;-)

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

I went back to the DC H20-10XL yesterday, having got them back from the repair shop (damaged cord).

They are in a class of their own compared to the DC X11 for both passive and active noise cancelling, and audio clarity.

The X11 may be slightly more comfortable because they are lighter but apart from that are no match for the H20-10XL.

Dr :8

[LJones]

I have just had one problem with these, during my PPL flight test the right ear failed :mad: 'not happy jan!!!' so took them back to place of purchase and they sent them back to lightspeed, 5 days later recieved brand new set :ok: that's customer service.

[socal swede]

I have used the Sennheiser HMEC460 for about a year and I work in a noisy cargo twin with poor insulation. I have compared these with Bose and Lightspeed and found them to be very equal in noise attenuation quality. I have previously used DC's and Peltor's and these are a great buy at $580 with the rebate. Bought them from Marv Golden.

[PyroTek]

So Today, the FTDK, Night Mode, and Myself went for a little flight in the FTDK, with possibly enough headsets to exceed MTOW (not really, only about 5 pairs)

These were:
DC H10-13.4
DC X11
DC H20-10
Lightspeed Zulu
Telex Stratus 50D

The 4 ANR Headsets blew the 13.4's out the water, some even when acting passively.
I tried both of the DC ANR headsets and the Zulus.
Though beating the Zulu's passively, the Zulu's beat the DC's with ease with ANR turned on.
The Zulus were almost silent with ANR on.
We never got to try the Bose, however, I think the Bose are slightly out of my price range.

Also, the bluetooth functionality on the zulu's made them even more impressive, so without further ado, my choice of headset is the LS-Zulu.

Any questions?

Pyro:ok:

This was the test vehicle from today
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5816/img11921hj1.jpg

[Jabawocky]

Man them Zulu's are the go!

I tried them on the ground around running engines and they were brilliant!!!

And funny thing was I could see the FTDK ordering some now too!:E

Ohh and the 10 of us had a blast at the cafe just of the end of RWY34 at YKRY. Top Spot!:ok:

J

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

There are some very good headsets around, but for all around performance and features - the Zulu wins!

Dr :8

PS: I wonder what Santa will bring me for Xmas?

[Capt Wally]

Looks like a pair of the 'jungle muffs' are the go, tnxs guys for the 'in-flight' test.
Geeez you folks are brave though, one engine & all the time you where probably listening too Tammy Winett country music blisfully unaware that the engine sound was only in mono!!!!:E


cw:ok:

[PyroTek]

Well actually, I've found Night Mode has a similar taste in music to me! plenty of new age music, like, Electronic/Trance etc!
I was glad!

[Unusual-Attitude]

I've just changed to a set of zulu's (from DC 10-13's) after spending 7 months and 600 hours in 'the most efficient converter of fuel to noise after the titan rocket'...the BN2 Bongo...(yes i know, a bit like slamming the gate closed after the horse has bolted as far as industrial deafness goes!) And i'm quite staggered how quiet it is now, almost distractingly so! I tried all others, DC's, Bose etc, but these are something else! Shoulda done it ages ago...DOH!!!! If that isn't an endorsement i don't know what is!...now...wheres that ear trumpet? :ooh:

[sprocket check]

blisfully unaware that the engine sound was only in mono!!!!

That's funny!!!:ok:

[HardCorePawn]

How did you find the 50D's??

I have basically worked my shortlist down to the Zulu and the 50D... I have trialled the Zulu, including a nice 2hour cross-country while getting my PPL unrestricted...

They were comfortable and very quiet, although the passive is almost worse than having no headset on! Sounds like you are in a 40 gallon drum with an O-235! Oh wait... I was in a 152! :}

I guess the lesson there is, carry spare batteries!

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

I thought the Telex Stratus 50Ds were very, very good - but quite bulky (not heavy - just bulky) and not as sexy as the Zulus!

Somehow (a bloodless coup?), I got relegated to the back seat of the Bo for the return trip from Kingaroy. The noise level from there, with the 50Ds on, was exec jet like - just a low hum!

Dr :8

[Unusual-Attitude]

Dunno bout the bose, but i recon you'd want a chin strap if using the zulu's for any serious aero's.

[stepchoo]

Pilot USA PA-1761T Headset - Free Shipping! 100% Inventory Price Matching! (http://www.pilotshop.com/pilot-usa-pa1761t-headset-p-3726.html?osCsid=89a7c9e32761a33e7c3a26e795a95c97)

What do you think abt the above ANR headset that costs almost as much as a 13.4?

Is it crap or a real good deal?

If this one aint good, i will just get a DC 13S. Stereo!

[Horatio Leafblower]

A bit of Velcro will do the trick, available at Spotlight, craft shops, etc. :ok:

[GeXoR]

YouTube - Lightspeed Zulu Headset Review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=NRVdAlY7z2M)

[HardCorePawn]

The comments on that video are priceless...

HONY ******* ****!! $850 for a freaking headset!!! I don't care if its "bla bla bla high qulaity bla bla bla" that is way to over priced for a heatset, im using $10 headseat and the sound qulaity is prefect. For the price of that head set I could buy 2 PS3s or 4 XBOX360s or a computer or 17 $50 headsets (and $50 for a headset is allready overpriced)

:rolleyes: :ugh:

The follow ups are pretty good tho:

Clearly you've never been in a light aircraft if you're talking in terms of playstations and XBOXes. Stick with microsoft flight sim mate.
Dude, you have no idea what you're talking about. That $10 headset you use for XBOX or PS3 will be useless in an aircraft. Re: This headset is NOT designed for gaming/casual use. It's for aviation, where these things make an incredible difference.

[flog]

Was meat bombing the other day and lost my mic on the Zulu's.

Turn's out it was overwhelmed trying to noise cancel when the door was open and didn't return to service once it was closed again.

Much fiddling about swapping plugs, radios and hitting stuff then squawk 7600 and had a nice little one sided ident chat with ATC on the way down.

Back into the Yak the next day and everything working fine. Need to read about adjusting the gain on the mic... anyone else had the same experience?

Flog

[zigsta]

I bought the Lightspeed Zulu headset last week and they are amazing. All the heli to ATC comms were superbly clear. I haven't got round to using the mps or phone feature yet but i suspect they will not disappoint.

[PyroTek]

Yep, My pair of Zulu's are brilliant!
Strongly recommended. Now I just hope they last a long time!

[Kelly Slater]

Anyone got any more actual experience with the Telex Stratus 50?