Choosing a headset

[kwuen]

Hello,

I am about to begin my flight training to be a commercial pilot and
I am looking for a headset for both my training and working after the training.

I have narrowed down the choices into three.
1. Telex Stratus 30. New.
TELEX STRATUS 30 <BR>AVIATION HEADSET from Aircraft Spruce (http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/avpages/telexstratus30.php)
2. Sennheiser HMEC250. New.
SENNHEISER HMEC250 HEADSET from Aircraft Spruce (http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/avpages/hmec250headset.php)
3. Bose Aviation X. Used.

The used Bose is priced about the same price as to the other two.
If I were to buy the Bose, I will meet with the seller at an airport
to check the headset out before buying.

Would you mind giving me some tips for making a smart choice?

[jay_joshi89]

i own DC H10-13.4 worked good for me had them since 2007 when i started my training. I would love to buy Bose but after getting a job.

[redsnail]

Where do you intend to fly? If you're heading to remote and rugged areas you'll be wanting a headset that'll last and be dependable.
I have used Telex ANRs in the past and didn't like them at all. Perhaps their build quality has improved.
I have been using a Sennheiser (different model) for about 6 years with no complaint. In fact, I have just replaced them with Bose A20s.
The Bose X is good, but the A20 is much better.

[Firestorm]

In light aircraft when you are training you need something a bit different to when you are operating a jet airliner. Dave Clark make good solid dependable headsets which will last a lifetime, and are very well suited to light piston aeroplanes, and turbo props. As you move on in your career you will find that different headsets suit bigger aeroplanes, and by the time you get to that stage the technology will have improved. Also different types have different systems (some have power supplies for noise cancelling systems, others don't so you will need a headset with a battery pack), some airlines will loan you a noise cancelling headset, some will sell one to you, and some will expect you to supply your own. In short get something suitable to get you through the training stage, and see where you go next. As you will have found out a high quality ANR headset has a very hefty price tag whereas a bog standard DC will be considerably cheaper which I would imagine is a consideration as you begin training.

[kwuen]

Thank you for all the replies.
The three headsets I mentioned is priced between $430 to $500.
I can get a mint-conditioned David clark 13.4 for $250 to $280.
All double-corded, I guess people call them general "GA" cords.

If the one with ANR vs. the famous 13.4 differs by about $200,
and if a headset lasts very long time, isn't it better to get a well-built ANR
headset?

I believe A20 is superb but the price is out of range. The only reason I am looking at the X is because the used ones are in a decent price range, yet people claim it is superb (from the review of the new one).

It's very hard to make a bang for the bucks.

[redsnail]

If I were you, get the Dave Clark for now. You'll probably use them for a while, if you're worried about the hearing aspect, do what I did for years and cut an ear plug in half and use them as well as the DCs.
DCs are perfect for the bush environment you'll find yourself in.
I was very underwhelmed with the Telex's.
I have a different pair of Sennheisers but their ear pieces began to peel after 5 years.
The Bose are great but I am not too sure how they'll go in the tough bush environment.

My DCs copped a beating. Searing heat and dust. Lots of vibration and general hard abuse. They were dropped and (accidentally) kicked more than once. Tough as nails. They're 20 years old and still work just fine.

When you're working and have an idea about where you're heading, flog them and buy the Bose A20s. (Tax deduction)

[kwuen]

Thank you for the recommendation.
I purchased David Clark h10-13.4.

[Piltdown Man]

Just a little question - how do people, working for European companies, get approval for their own headsets to be part of the aircraft's equipment?