Headset types in GA

[Extra260]

Well after my zulu's failing earlier this week, I bought a pair of DC10-13.4's as a backup (doesn't hurt to have a good spare set). I tried calling the lightspeed repair center (tristar aviation), had to leave a my name & number, but didn't get a call back, so tried emailing yesterday but no response so far. I spent some time fiddling with the set last night, and it seems to be a problem with the music mute button (which I don't use anyway), some wiggling of the button caused all sorts of clicks and pops (not plugged into anything). I tried the headset again today in an aircraft and it worked fine. I will probably send them for a check anyway.

[Bunyan Wingnut]

Clarity Aloft

I have used the David Clarks for a long time, was very happy with them, but sometimes had issues with clarity of reception at long range, hearing faint transmissions over engine noise. I had a try of the Zulus and liked them - but more recently when I flew with Curtis at Camden I used their Bose Xs and they are fantastic. I bit the bullet and got some. Recent trips have shown incredible clarity with faint transmissions. I have no regrets with that purchase, notwithstanding the initial price tag.

[Barkly1992]

Now lets hold a poll - who doesn't use a headset - handheld mike and speaker.

Very cheap.

[RadioSaigon]

Originally Posted by Barkly1992

...who doesn't use a headset - handheld mike and speaker...

Maybe you could entitle your poll "who doesn't value their hearing".

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

My DC-X11s broke today - at the hinge on one side. They are only a couple of years old and used very little.

NOT HAPPY JAN!

Dr

[D-J]

My DC-X11s broke today - at the hinge on one side. They are only a couple of years old and used very little.

Pretty common for X11's, a friend had the same happen & got up DC until they replaced them

[QSK?]

Barkly1992:

Now lets hold a poll - who doesn't use a headset - handheld mike and speaker.

When I was learning to fly in '74 almost every pilot I know did not have a headset. Handheld mike and speaker was definitely the norm back then.

[smiling monkey]

Now lets hold a poll - who doesn't use a headset - handheld mike and speaker.

I did my Restricted PPL in 1988 and we didn't use headsets then. All coms were done through the aircraft speaker and handheld mike. Headsets were just about to become popular and by the time I started my Unrestricted PPL training in 1989, our flying school had installed intercoms in all aircraft. Some of them were those messy third-party jobs with wires everywhere with the multi-jacks sitting on the floor. I remember my instructor then was proudly showing off to me his brand spanking new model David Clark 13.4 with flexible boom mike! That's how long this model has been around.

[aerodude]

My DC-X11s broke today - at the hinge on one side. They are only a couple of years old and used very little.

NOT HAPPY JAN!

Wow DR you were doing well to get a couple of years out of them. I have seen these things break as young as 6 months old!! Unfortunately DC has skimped with the build quality of the X11s a bit. Thank god DC have excellent customer service. Take them back to where you brought them and DC will send out a brand new pair!! Also another hint when you go to replace the ear seals just wack on the standard gel seals (the ones used on the 13.4s ect) . They save you $10, they seal better and there is none of this left right crap.

[Rollingout]

Big head comfort?

Hi all,

Could I get some sort of indication of which headsets work better for people with bigger heads... like me!

For me, I'm interested in the Bose, Zulus and the Telex D50.

[PyroTek]

Though I haven't tried the Bose or the Telex, From what I hear, the Zulu's (My most valued posession) don't have a very hard clamping force on the head..
I'm real happy with my Zulu's.

[phatmike128]

I'm heading over to the States in a few weeks, just wondering if anyone knows if it's worth looking for a headset over there? Would it be much cheaper and does anyone know the warranty details on the Bose and Lightspeeds? If it's not an international warranty I wont bother - just thought I'd ask..

[210oneday]

Be very careful getting headsets from the states. most people forget that you need a US/Aus adapter. I made this mistake and $6953.21US later I am still headsetless. If your going to New York, go to the centre of Harlem and check out "Jakes Ghetto Gadgets"

PS Pay cash and jake will sort you out

[snoop doggy dog]

DC 13.4

I used DC 13.4 for about 10 years whilst flying Piston and Turbines. They are a good set. Ruggered and tuff enough for dozen sector bouncing of Australia everywhere. I had a Telex set before this (15 years when they died). They were lightweight and comfortable.

After my set was about 5 years old, I sent them to the states to get the mic checked out. They replaced the mic, replaced the metal as it was a bit rusty and put new gel seals and covers on them. All for FREE! (cost postage)

The customer service is first class, the headset is a good no frills, cheap and reliable headset.

You can put a liitle more foam in the cups to make them quieter.

Not the fanciest, but take some punishment

[The Green Goblin]

Ive used my DC 13.4s for about 9 years now and have only had to replace the ear cups once.

They are a good reliable headset and have served very well through my piston days.

I have just bit the bullet and ordered the Bose headset as I am sick of the noise from a couple of screaming garretts (hopefully for not much longer!!)

Anyway something I have just noticed, the band is made from Magnesium and is a highly flammable material. From flying the 404 with a magnesium wing spar I remember if you had a genny failure which was geared and it lit up, it was a land immediately event wherever you could before the spar got a whiff of a flame.

What do you fellas think of magnesium in a headset?

[carbon]

Your head would be burned severly long before the magnesium in the headset ignited

Considering some auto engine blocks are made from magnesium, your noggin should be ok!

[freshy1234]

What do you fellas think of magnesium in a headset?

I would think it is a magnesium alloy (same for engine blocks) and whatever it is alloyed with would considerably change its characteristics. But even if it isn't an alloy the ignition temp of it is 510C.

Just don't throw your $1500 headset in water as it will produce hydrogen... then you got a problem .

[ksa5223]

I used a pair of david clarks 13.4's the other day for an hour after 7 months of Zulu'ing. Had a headache while I was driving home! (clamping forces not noise related)

ZULU FTW.

[holdmetight]

i'm using Bose now, very happy with them. expensive they may be, but definitely worth the investment if you spend a lot of time away from the ground!

[theflyinggeek]

I'm using the Lightspeed QFR Solo - pretty good headset for the starting pilot (and only $300 or so).