Student Pilot & Aviation Headsets

[Jessica Stanley]

Hey Guys!

I've already posted this question on other pilot forums but I am interested in as much feedback as possible. Anyways, I am a new student pilot and I am about to purchase a headset. As many young pilots, I am on a budget but I do want a good headset that will last at least 5 years. I am also interested in an ANR headset. I have no problem spending a lot of money if I know that the headset is of good quality and it will last a while. I have heard good things about the Bose Aviation Headset X and the LSP Zulu. Which one is better and where can I find the best deal? Also, does anyone know anything about the LSP Sierra? Thanks for the feedback!!

-Jessica

[Northbeach]

Same question has been asked many times, have you done a search and read the previous answers?

When I flew charter I was happy with my David Clarks. Built strong lasted a long time good quality.

When I got my first job flying jets for a corporation, nobody else wore David Clarks. I ended up with a Sony head set. The Sony headset had outstanding sound quality, very light and quite durable.

I continued using my Sony when I moved on to the airline job. Eventually a mechanic inadvertently broke my Sony headset while thrashing around the flight deck-that sealed the deal and I was forced to replace my headset. I liked it so much I purchased a second one. I was completely satisfied with my Sony headset; but I believe they are out of production now.

When I moved over to the Boeing 737 I was forced to consider another headset. The Sony headset does not have noise canceling capability. The noise level on the 737 is high enough that virtually everybody wears noise canceling headsets.

After talking to just about everybody I flew with and doing my own research I ended up with the Bose Quiet Comfort II with the U Fly Mic adaptor. Together, you purchase them from different companies; they are half the cost of the Bose Aviation X headset. It performs as well or better, is half the cost and is much lighter and more comfortable to wear. We have well over a thousand pilots at our airline and more than 50% of the people I fly with have the same set up; Bose Quiet Comfort II and the U Fly Mic adaptor.

I have owned mine for around 3 years now; it shows no sign of wearing out and I have had exactly zero mechanical or technical issues with it. When either my Bose Quiet Comfort II or the U Fly Mic adaptor wear out I will purchase another one. The inventor & manufacturer of the U Fly Mic frequents PPRuNe.Org forums; I expect you will be hearing from him soon.

I don’t work for either Bose or U Fly Mic, nor do I get compensated for recommending their products. Just my 2 cents worth – again…………………

Good luck with your search.

Northbeach

[AndoniP]

you're on a budget but are looking at bose x headsets?

it depends on what your budget is i guess.

i have a david clark headset and it's very good. it should see me through to the end of my training at the very least. after you begin your flying career you can change to something better like northbeach but for the moment use something a little more budget until the time comes to upgrade.

[Jessica Stanley]

Thanks guys!

After doing some research I've decided to bite the bullet and go with the Bose Aviation Headset X. I know they are expensive but from what I've heard, they are the best and last the longest. I was even able to borrow one and take it up flying the other day. I absolutely loved it.
Thanks again for the info!

-Jessica

[gileraguy]

buy plenty of batteries for that Bose X, they sure go through em.

[Jessica Stanley]

Haha. Yes, I will. I am back to square one though. Bose just released their A20 headset. Now I have to decide if I want to go with that. I heard it was released to replace the Bose aviation headset X. It is a little more expensive but I am inclined to go with that but I still need to do some research. Thanks for all the help guys!

-Jessica

[Juno78]

Can anyone recommend a good headset for those of us students who are REALLY on a budget I.e. In the £200 region? I see there is a Sennheiser (the HME100 I think) around that range - is that any good and there similar headsets from other manufacturers that I should be looking at? Obviously I'll be going to try them on, particularly as I wear glasses and so I need to find a set I can wear over those for long periods without getting uncomfortable - hence my initially looking at the Sennheisers as I've been using Sennheisers at my club (not sure which model though) and they've been pretty comfortable.

[Retired Redcap]

Juno78
I changed to Beyerdynamics HS200 just over a year ago and am very pleased with their performance. Really light and comfortable. Also under the £200 mark. I bought mine from Pooleys.