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: Jan 2007
Location: New Zealand
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I flew for 10 years with a trusty DC H10-13.4 and it served me well, until I started driving a 402 on long legs and going to bed with ringing in my ears.
ANR is the only way to go, after extensive research I settled on the Telex 50 D and love it! A mate I fly with got the DC X11 and after trying my headset is trying so send his back and get a telex.
Hope this helps
ANR is the only way to go, after extensive research I settled on the Telex 50 D and love it! A mate I fly with got the DC X11 and after trying my headset is trying so send his back and get a telex.
Hope this helps
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Darwin, Australia
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Telex are hard to get hold of in Aus - and expensive compared to importing direct from overseas. One of the companies the Australian distributor referred me to never returned my call with a price, the other tried to talk me into the Bose. 
All were talking about 4 - 5 weeks lead time, and the best price I was offered was $1199 + GST + delivery.
I ended up purchasing my D50's from Aircraft Spruce in the US. I think I paid $671US about a month ago (wish I'd waited another few weeks) for the headset and the freight was about $60US (FedEx economy) which took just over a week to get to me.
Yes, the Telex Stratus D50's have the patented comfort cam - as I fly radials regularly I leave them on full tension, yet they are still very comfortable to wear. I have only ever worn DC's (including the X11's) and some of the cheapies, and none of them even comes close in terms of noise attenuation of the Telex. Even with the ANR off they perform very well - better than some of the DC's.
The D50 also has a cell phone and a separate MP3 player interface. Unlike the X11's their is no automatic mute when radio tx are received (there is a manual switch).
W
PS If you order a set from Aircraft Spruce, make sure the delivery address you use is the physical address notified to your credit card supplier. They will only deliver to that address.
All were talking about 4 - 5 weeks lead time, and the best price I was offered was $1199 + GST + delivery.I ended up purchasing my D50's from Aircraft Spruce in the US. I think I paid $671US about a month ago (wish I'd waited another few weeks) for the headset and the freight was about $60US (FedEx economy) which took just over a week to get to me.
Yes, the Telex Stratus D50's have the patented comfort cam - as I fly radials regularly I leave them on full tension, yet they are still very comfortable to wear. I have only ever worn DC's (including the X11's) and some of the cheapies, and none of them even comes close in terms of noise attenuation of the Telex. Even with the ANR off they perform very well - better than some of the DC's.
The D50 also has a cell phone and a separate MP3 player interface.
Unlike the X11's their is no automatic mute when radio tx are received (there is a manual switch).W
PS If you order a set from Aircraft Spruce, make sure the delivery address you use is the physical address notified to your credit card supplier. They will only deliver to that address.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Victoria
Age: 56
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Werbil,
I'm interested in your radial flying...I'm in a similar situation and find that although the BOSE are good in a cabin-class aircraft, they simply lack the passive capacity to offer much benefit in a radial. I have a Campbell Aero Classics setup but find it a bit confining.
Are the Telex really a lot better in our situation?, b/c I sure need something better than the BOSE. The new Lightspeed ZULU looks promising too.
PHTR
I'm interested in your radial flying...I'm in a similar situation and find that although the BOSE are good in a cabin-class aircraft, they simply lack the passive capacity to offer much benefit in a radial. I have a Campbell Aero Classics setup but find it a bit confining.
Are the Telex really a lot better in our situation?, b/c I sure need something better than the BOSE. The new Lightspeed ZULU looks promising too.
PHTR
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Telex
It looks like the Down under pilot shop has the Telex Stratus 50 Digital ANR Headset for $1155 on their website. Id like to have a go with a demo one if anyone knows who has them.
X
X
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Darwin, Australia
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PHTR,
Unfortunately I've never used the Bose so I can't compare.
I can compare with the DC X11's - I was about to buy a set, borrowed a mates and used them in a Beaver - I was very disappointed and when I swapped in flight between them (even with the ANR on) and some passive DC's (10-20's I think) and I honestly couldn't say if they were any quieter. The Telex are a different story, in the DHC-2 they take out most of the engine noise including the supercharger howl leaving mainly high frequency wind noise.
After a day in the Beaver now my hearing appears to be unaffected, unlike when using passive headsets when I can definintely notice some effects. I was a bit apprehensive when I ordered the D50's without trying them on or speaking to people who had used them (they were recomended by a number of pilots on the DHC-2 forum), but I would definitely buy another set again. Some of the other guys at work have tried them and they were very impressed too.
W
Unfortunately I've never used the Bose so I can't compare.
I can compare with the DC X11's - I was about to buy a set, borrowed a mates and used them in a Beaver - I was very disappointed and when I swapped in flight between them (even with the ANR on) and some passive DC's (10-20's I think) and I honestly couldn't say if they were any quieter. The Telex are a different story, in the DHC-2 they take out most of the engine noise including the supercharger howl leaving mainly high frequency wind noise.
After a day in the Beaver now my hearing appears to be unaffected, unlike when using passive headsets when I can definintely notice some effects. I was a bit apprehensive when I ordered the D50's without trying them on or speaking to people who had used them (they were recomended by a number of pilots on the DHC-2 forum), but I would definitely buy another set again. Some of the other guys at work have tried them and they were very impressed too.
W
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Hong Kong
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The Telex seem to be a very reputable headset. Made in the US and Telex seem to have a $50USD rebate going (not sure if its available for Oz customers though - I might shoot them an email).
There is also a 30XT version of the Stratus series (has the features of the 50-D except for the Electronic Noise Reduction) for $200 cheaper however it does not appear to be available in Oz (there is is 30 non XT however it does not have the features available on the 50-D as I think its an older model).
Some interesting comparisons between the ANR headsets that i've come across (worth a read if your looking at buying):
- http://www.audacitymodels.com/whitepapers/headsets.pdf (detailed comparison)
- http://forums.jetcareers.com/general...-headsets.html (in particular a v.good post half way down page)
- http://www.matronics.com/archive/arc....digest.vol-pf (you will need to CTRL-F to find the term "telex" as posts seems to be all over the place, however it offers some more comparisons)
Looks like there will be some interesting headset features coming out in the next few years. Wireless headsets using Bluetooth to remove the wires being one.
Cheers
Tim
There is also a 30XT version of the Stratus series (has the features of the 50-D except for the Electronic Noise Reduction) for $200 cheaper however it does not appear to be available in Oz (there is is 30 non XT however it does not have the features available on the 50-D as I think its an older model).
Some interesting comparisons between the ANR headsets that i've come across (worth a read if your looking at buying):
- http://www.audacitymodels.com/whitepapers/headsets.pdf (detailed comparison)
- http://forums.jetcareers.com/general...-headsets.html (in particular a v.good post half way down page)
- http://www.matronics.com/archive/arc....digest.vol-pf (you will need to CTRL-F to find the term "telex" as posts seems to be all over the place, however it offers some more comparisons)
Looks like there will be some interesting headset features coming out in the next few years. Wireless headsets using Bluetooth to remove the wires being one.
Cheers
Tim
I have just trialled a pair of DC X11's, our work got some down for a trial for us. (Flew the GA8 with them).
Overall the ENR wasn't all that impressive, I think if you were able to clamp them a little tighter to your head, they would be better. BUT the clairty you get from the headphones, and the mic clarity on the PA is amazing.
We also got a set of H10-13X ENRs down as well, but the speaker/mic combination isn't as good as the X11s..
I would love to try the Bose soon.
Overall the ENR wasn't all that impressive, I think if you were able to clamp them a little tighter to your head, they would be better. BUT the clairty you get from the headphones, and the mic clarity on the PA is amazing.
We also got a set of H10-13X ENRs down as well, but the speaker/mic combination isn't as good as the X11s..
I would love to try the Bose soon.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Bose
The bose are quite nice. They have a few demo sets where im training at the mo, I took one on a 3.3hr xcountry the other day and my head felt alot better afterwards than with a standard DC headset. I havent tried the X11 yet but from what im hearing here im not missing much. Im pretty keen on the Telex set which I am waiting to arrive at my local pilot shop, they are ment to reduce noise by about 50db which would be amazing !
X
X
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Telex D50's
Gotta agree with Werbil; had my D50's now for just on 6 months. Many of the other lads have the Bose, which certainly are a great headset, but perform way below the D50's. Just the other day, I swapped for a Bose and was glad to have mine back at the end of the sector. Also like the fact an Ipod/phone can be plugged straight in (unfortunately doesnt have the RX cutout like Werbil mentioned)
On top of that, for the last 4 years, I have noticed many guys having to send their Bose headsets back to get repaired (cracks appear in the frame).
At the end of the day, Telex IMHO offer a superior product at a cheaper price
On top of that, for the last 4 years, I have noticed many guys having to send their Bose headsets back to get repaired (cracks appear in the frame).
At the end of the day, Telex IMHO offer a superior product at a cheaper price
Join Date: Nov 2005
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I was in the market for new headsets and decided to go for the BOSE X and I think they are amazing I feel no regret for spending the money. They sit beautifully and after 4 hours of flying you forget that your wearing them. No difference with sunglasses on and they will not reck your hairstyle either
. I trialled the X11 and they don’t compare at all with the BOSE X. apart from the fact that the x11's have mobile phone and auxiliary music input. That didn’t tickle my fancy at all, why would you want to be listening to music or chatting to your girlfriend on the phone when you should be concentrating on flying the aeroplane...??
. I trialled the X11 and they don’t compare at all with the BOSE X. apart from the fact that the x11's have mobile phone and auxiliary music input. That didn’t tickle my fancy at all, why would you want to be listening to music or chatting to your girlfriend on the phone when you should be concentrating on flying the aeroplane...??
Last edited by archangel7; 17th Nov 2007 at 06:14.
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Stratus d50
Oriented to buy an ANR, my hesitation is beetween Stratus 50D, Bose X and X11
My main care is for the Active & passive reduction while wearing sunglasses. I fly in mountain region, so have a pair of very envelopping Vuarnet ones,that have a high protection index, but also wide branches.
Heard the poor performances of the x11 with sunglasses, what about the D50 in that case ?
Less important, but still for safety, is it true that there is no automatical MP3/cell phone swtich off when radio transmission on the D50? I would appreciate to connect my Ipod during long flights, but I'm not sure you won't miss parts of communication if there's only a manual switch...
My main care is for the Active & passive reduction while wearing sunglasses. I fly in mountain region, so have a pair of very envelopping Vuarnet ones,that have a high protection index, but also wide branches.
Heard the poor performances of the x11 with sunglasses, what about the D50 in that case ?
Less important, but still for safety, is it true that there is no automatical MP3/cell phone swtich off when radio transmission on the D50? I would appreciate to connect my Ipod during long flights, but I'm not sure you won't miss parts of communication if there's only a manual switch...
Last edited by mr.cyclopede; 19th Nov 2007 at 12:01.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Darwin, Australia
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With the D50's I only notice a slight difference in high frequency wind noise with sunglasses and hat on compared with sunglasses and hat off - engine noise seems unaffected.
There is no automatic mute on the D50s - it has a manual switch where the cables join about 250mm from the plugs. I have not used it yet as I need to make an adapter for my phone (it has a non standard plugs).
W
There is no automatic mute on the D50s - it has a manual switch where the cables join about 250mm from the plugs. I have not used it yet as I need to make an adapter for my phone (it has a non standard plugs).
W
Join Date: Apr 2007
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50D
Hi W,
I picked up my 50D's yesterday but havent tried them in a plane yet. Does an i-pod only work with them if they are plugged in to an aircraft aswell ?
Cheers
X
I picked up my 50D's yesterday but havent tried them in a plane yet. Does an i-pod only work with them if they are plugged in to an aircraft aswell ?
Cheers
X
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Tried my new Telex 50-D's for the first time today - during a formation display with 2 other very noisy warbirds.........
........Wow!.........
Had used Bose X up until now - great ANR but next-to-useless PNR. The Bose were fine in a cabin twin/single but as the majority of my flying is in largish radials I was getting quite fatigued on longer trips using the Bose.
The 50-D's have solved the problem. Their PNR alone is better than the Bose WITH ANR, and with the Telex ANR enabled the thump of the engine is reduced to sound of a Diesel BMW X5 at idle! I swear I can hear the prop tips in the airflow. They are bulky but very comfortable and the sunglasses have no detriment on their efficacy.
In conclusion - whilst the Bose are comfy, light and effective in most aircraft - if you really value your hearing, go the Telex.
OH-and XFUELLY - yep - the aux inputs only work when the headsets are plugged into your IC circuit. Some folks have complained about the lack of an auto-mute. A fair point, but not one that bothers me. I prefer the radio chatter to music - amazing what little gems you can pick up from time to time
........Wow!.........
Had used Bose X up until now - great ANR but next-to-useless PNR. The Bose were fine in a cabin twin/single but as the majority of my flying is in largish radials I was getting quite fatigued on longer trips using the Bose.
The 50-D's have solved the problem. Their PNR alone is better than the Bose WITH ANR, and with the Telex ANR enabled the thump of the engine is reduced to sound of a Diesel BMW X5 at idle! I swear I can hear the prop tips in the airflow. They are bulky but very comfortable and the sunglasses have no detriment on their efficacy.
In conclusion - whilst the Bose are comfy, light and effective in most aircraft - if you really value your hearing, go the Telex.
OH-and XFUELLY - yep - the aux inputs only work when the headsets are plugged into your IC circuit. Some folks have complained about the lack of an auto-mute. A fair point, but not one that bothers me. I prefer the radio chatter to music - amazing what little gems you can pick up from time to time
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Finally someone has seen the light and gone for the D50's: PilotHTR, you will really enjoy using them. Gotta agree that they are a bit bulky, and that the auto mute isn't available, but overall, a better product. Congrats on your purchase.
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Well..Seems I'm heading also for the 50D.
I received yesterday an answer from Telex about why they did not put an auto switch for the Aux. They say it's because pilots volontary asked them to, beeing afraid to be diverted by such music or phone calls...
For sure I won't use this kind of gadget in a TMA or in a traffic pattern, if this one can be used it's in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately there are a lot of such places around the world.
I received yesterday an answer from Telex about why they did not put an auto switch for the Aux. They say it's because pilots volontary asked them to, beeing afraid to be diverted by such music or phone calls...
For sure I won't use this kind of gadget in a TMA or in a traffic pattern, if this one can be used it's in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately there are a lot of such places around the world.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Go the 50D's !!!
I tried out my new 50D's yesterday, and I can confirm that this is a great product. I fly Piper Warriors at the mo and although they arnt the loudest aircraft in the world I still noticed a real difference compaired to any other headset i have used in them before. As pointed out by someone above they are very bulky to look at but when you have them on they dont feel bulky, they are surprisingly light and very comfy. I havent tried the ipod jack yet, but might plug it in on a long X counrty someday. Highly recommend and for anyone interested, I got them for $1100 AUD in Australia.
Cheers X
Cheers X