View Poll Results: What type of headset do you use in GA?
David Clark 13.4
574
40.39%
other David Clark
305
21.46%
Altronics
77
5.42%
all others
433
30.47%
Bose Aviation X
32
2.25%
Voters: 1421. This poll is closed
Headset types in GA
Join Date: Feb 2008
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There was a question a while ago how the clamping force of the Sennheiser HMEC 460 is. Any comments on that? Also any other input regarding ANR of that headset?
I've been using DC 13.4 but seriously looking to replace/upgrade it with a ANR model. The HMEC 460 seems to be cheaper than the Bose or Zulu but has similar technical details.
Cheers!
I've been using DC 13.4 but seriously looking to replace/upgrade it with a ANR model. The HMEC 460 seems to be cheaper than the Bose or Zulu but has similar technical details.
Cheers!
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Australia
Age: 39
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Why not upgrade your 10-13.4's with an ANR kit
169 USD for the kit
+ 10 bucks for the auto power off box
+ 19 bucks for the AMP Cable (audio, mic, power)
Not a bad little bargain, and better than some of the more higher priced items imho. Got them in my 10-13.4's and i've listened to lightspeed zulu's. Still go with my trusty 10-13.4's
169 USD for the kit
+ 10 bucks for the auto power off box
+ 19 bucks for the AMP Cable (audio, mic, power)
Not a bad little bargain, and better than some of the more higher priced items imho. Got them in my 10-13.4's and i've listened to lightspeed zulu's. Still go with my trusty 10-13.4's
Join Date: Sep 1998
Location: Queensland
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My David Clarkes are H3330's and about 25 yrs old, never serviced that I can remember, still with original cables (albeit with a few bits of the outer stuff missing), used on everything from mail runs in 210's and Aztecs to the air conditioned turbine environment at some stage, nearly always in the Tropics and based near the sea. Often dropped, walked on or kicked, accidently of course. Occasionally tangled around a foot as I've gone headfirst down the isle getting out of my seat with said cable restraining my cursing exit.
They may not be as quiet as some of the newer ones but I'm not deaf yet...I don't think!! The only mods are gel seals and cloth pads/muffs.
Would I buy David Clarkes again? I might but I don't need to yet.
They may not be as quiet as some of the newer ones but I'm not deaf yet...I don't think!! The only mods are gel seals and cloth pads/muffs.
Would I buy David Clarkes again? I might but I don't need to yet.
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Ive got 2 of these and very good, old robust DC headset with new cancelling tech inside. Panel power board is simple too, no more batteries.
www.headsetsinc.com
Theres a magazine comparo somewhere saying they were similar performance to much more $$ ANR setups
I know a guy who will likely trade his (near new) X11 for new 13.4's, thats how impressed he is.
www.headsetsinc.com
Theres a magazine comparo somewhere saying they were similar performance to much more $$ ANR setups
I know a guy who will likely trade his (near new) X11 for new 13.4's, thats how impressed he is.
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Bose Headset X Vs. David Clark X11
As a Flight instructor and having been flying for 24 years and read a few forums, I want to put in my two bobs worth in relation to the Bose Aviation Headset-X verses the David Clark X-11 debate.
The thing that keeps Bose ahead of the field is the service and quality of product. Support service is second to none.
When looking to buy a new headset, I reviewed the net and spoke to people regarding which headset was the best. I want to state here and now that I had an old set of the David Clark's that I purchased over 20 years ago. They are still in great condition and working today.
The best aviation headset is the Bose Avaiation Headset X without doubt.
David Clark products historically are excellent. Following on from the DC Product performance I thought I would purchase the new X-11, particularly with a number of promises that it would out do the tried and proven Bose Headset X. What was appealing with the DC's was the mobile phone and ipod connector. My problem was that I could not hear the tower in Cessna 152's or 150's. The DC's were not cutting out the noise you would expect for a set at that price.
I was lucky enough to return my DC head set to the place where I had purchased the headset (and earlier H/S 20 years prior) and the DC's were replaced with a new Head Set X.
The thing that keeps Bose ahead of the field is the service and quality of product. Support service is second to none.
When looking to buy a new headset, I reviewed the net and spoke to people regarding which headset was the best. I want to state here and now that I had an old set of the David Clark's that I purchased over 20 years ago. They are still in great condition and working today.
The best aviation headset is the Bose Avaiation Headset X without doubt.
David Clark products historically are excellent. Following on from the DC Product performance I thought I would purchase the new X-11, particularly with a number of promises that it would out do the tried and proven Bose Headset X. What was appealing with the DC's was the mobile phone and ipod connector. My problem was that I could not hear the tower in Cessna 152's or 150's. The DC's were not cutting out the noise you would expect for a set at that price.
I was lucky enough to return my DC head set to the place where I had purchased the headset (and earlier H/S 20 years prior) and the DC's were replaced with a new Head Set X.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Australia
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j3pipercub Surprisingly not a lot. That's the joys of the auto power off kit. When not in use, they shut down the ANR. And I can still use the headset passively. 
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Lightspeed Zulu for me. Picked up a barely-used pair for about $690 to replace a pair of clunky Peltors. So far I have absolutely no complaints, my experience is that the Zulus are in fact a lot more durable than they look and feel at first glance. Audio quality is second to none that I know of.
FL170, the only Bose leather helmet I know of, the guy that has it had it specially made. If you're really keen to go this way pm me and I'll find out who did it. I believe the whole process cost around $3000 - just informed Campbell Aero in NZ do it.
Last edited by romeocharlie; 7th Apr 2010 at 09:58.
Join Date: Mar 2008
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My vote goes for the Sennheiser HMEC 250 all day long, I have been using them for about 12 months and they are outstanding, the most comfortable headset I have worn.
The ANR is the best I have used, perfectly balanced. Personally I found the Bose took out too much of the low end frequencies and sound very tinny, I like to be able to hear a bit of what the engine is up to, the batteries in the Sennheiser's last forever as well.
I have tried the Zulu's and Bose and they are good but how on earth you can justify the price of them over the Sennheiser's I will never know. Just make sure you don't buy a set from overseas as the warranty won't be valid for Australia, I believe they are cheaper here anyway once you factor in expensive shipping and the exchange rate.
The ANR is the best I have used, perfectly balanced. Personally I found the Bose took out too much of the low end frequencies and sound very tinny, I like to be able to hear a bit of what the engine is up to, the batteries in the Sennheiser's last forever as well.
I have tried the Zulu's and Bose and they are good but how on earth you can justify the price of them over the Sennheiser's I will never know. Just make sure you don't buy a set from overseas as the warranty won't be valid for Australia, I believe they are cheaper here anyway once you factor in expensive shipping and the exchange rate.
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Perth
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I've been using DC10-20s for years as a private pilot and they've been brilliant. Now at 38 I've decided to fly for a living and have my first job flying C402/404 and loving it but my 20 year old DC10-20s are slowly dying. I want to buy the best headset money can buy. I obviously want a noise cancelling set but whether to go DC or Bose is still unclear even after reading these posts and talking to many pilots. Will DC or Bose bring out a new model in the near future because the Bose x has been around for years hasn't it? Hmm decisions decisions.
Join Date: Nov 2008
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David Clark H10-13.4 or Bose Aviation X - suggestions?
I am getting back to to flying after a few years off and intend to go on and complete my GFPT PPL and CPL.
I have the choice of purchasing a David Clark H10-13.4 headset for around $350, or an 'as new' Bose Aviation X for about $670.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on whether the Bose would be worth the extra $300 odd dollars over the David Clark? I wouldn't consider paying full price for the Bose but at $670 it is more tempting.
I am guessing that in a smaller engined aircraft the noise cancelling difference between the two may not be that great, but am still wondering whether I'd be better to spend the extra now?
Thanks!!
I have the choice of purchasing a David Clark H10-13.4 headset for around $350, or an 'as new' Bose Aviation X for about $670.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on whether the Bose would be worth the extra $300 odd dollars over the David Clark? I wouldn't consider paying full price for the Bose but at $670 it is more tempting.
I am guessing that in a smaller engined aircraft the noise cancelling difference between the two may not be that great, but am still wondering whether I'd be better to spend the extra now?
Thanks!!
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Done most of my flying with H10 13.4's, bloody good solid headset.
Considering you're deaf for a long time I decided to go ANR & took the Bose route, all good IMHO & at the price you're talking if they aren't you move them on, you aren't going to lose on the deal
Considering you're deaf for a long time I decided to go ANR & took the Bose route, all good IMHO & at the price you're talking if they aren't you move them on, you aren't going to lose on the deal
Join Date: Jun 2009
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the Bose heatsets are excellent! Ive used one for two years now. Well worth the money. Once you have one you wont go back!