Budget Headsets???
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: South England
Budget Headsets UPDATED
I am in the market for a budget headset to see me through my PPL course. Ultimately I would like to get some David Clarke H10 13.4's but at the moment funds just do not run to it unfortunately.
I have been lookin on the internet at various ones all at or under £150 (Pilot P51, Avcomm, ASA etc) and just wondered what budget ones anyone is using and how you have found them for comfort, compatability with David Clarkes and general quality. I fully accept that I aam not going to get DC quality at a budget price but I would at least have my own headset.
Any advice or information greatly received
Many thanks
I have been lookin on the internet at various ones all at or under £150 (Pilot P51, Avcomm, ASA etc) and just wondered what budget ones anyone is using and how you have found them for comfort, compatability with David Clarkes and general quality. I fully accept that I aam not going to get DC quality at a budget price but I would at least have my own headset.
Any advice or information greatly received
Many thanks
Last edited by airgirl; 11th April 2009 at 20:59.
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: East Anglia
Look on ebay for a David Clarke. They last very well so a second hand set is a good buy. There are 9 auctions for DCs running now and three 13.4s with the price around £130. Use the money you save to get some cotton earpiece covers to make them comfortable in warm weather.
ZA
ZA
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: London
Zulu Alpha is absolutely right.
When I first started learning to fly, I bought a cheap, nasty headset. They didn't last very long and seemed to have compatibility issues with David Clark sets.
Buy a good second hand set on the internet. I bought a set of used DC's 10 years ago, I fly for a living now and I STILL use them
If you REALLY want new, these are about as cheap as you can get . . .
--|HD-1000A|AVIATION HEADSETS, H/PHONES HD | CPC
. . . but a second hand DC set will probably last longer.
When I first started learning to fly, I bought a cheap, nasty headset. They didn't last very long and seemed to have compatibility issues with David Clark sets.
Buy a good second hand set on the internet. I bought a set of used DC's 10 years ago, I fly for a living now and I STILL use them
If you REALLY want new, these are about as cheap as you can get . . .
--|HD-1000A|AVIATION HEADSETS, H/PHONES HD | CPC
. . . but a second hand DC set will probably last longer.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: West London
David Clarkes
Airgirl,
I've got a couple of pairs of DCs. knocking around at home. I'm at work at the moment so I can't confirm the model.
One has a retro-fit noise cancelling box and I think both have gel earseals and I think I may have some cotton covers still.
I will stick them on Ebay at some point but I'm sure I can give you a very good deal if you'd like one or the other or both sets now. You can even have some Telex headset bags to carry them in.
I live in west London, W4. Send me a pm if you're interested.
Lom
I've got a couple of pairs of DCs. knocking around at home. I'm at work at the moment so I can't confirm the model.
One has a retro-fit noise cancelling box and I think both have gel earseals and I think I may have some cotton covers still.
I will stick them on Ebay at some point but I'm sure I can give you a very good deal if you'd like one or the other or both sets now. You can even have some Telex headset bags to carry them in.
I live in west London, W4. Send me a pm if you're interested.
Lom
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 0
From: UK
I've got a David Clarke which cost me £200 4 years ago, and i've never had any problems.
The only experience I've had with budget headsets is borrowing one from the school, and they've always been in awful condition. Even the ones in good condition didn't offer much comfort, or quality of sound.
I would say a second hand David Clarke, or similar, on ebay would be better than a budget one new.
The only experience I've had with budget headsets is borrowing one from the school, and they've always been in awful condition. Even the ones in good condition didn't offer much comfort, or quality of sound.
I would say a second hand David Clarke, or similar, on ebay would be better than a budget one new.
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: East Anglia
A little story about David Clarke
I have a pair of old DC H10-80s, I purchased them approx 18-19 years ago. After about 5 or 6 years of using them a couple of times a week the microphone used to droop a little as the friction device got a bit tired. Not helped by the fact that I used a headset bag and folded the microphone away each time. On the 10-80 you cannot tighten the microphone like you can on the other models.It wasn't a big problem so I just lived with it.
Anyway one year I was at Sun and Fun and was passing the DC stand and got talking to their man. I mentioned that I had some 6 yr old 10-80s and that the microphone was a little loose. He immediately asked whether I had them with me. They were at my hotel so I took them to show him the next day, thinking that he might know some cunning way to tighten them slightly. When I went back to the stand he took one look and exchanged them for a new set from their display case and gave me some spare gel ear seals and microphone foam covers. He said how sorry he was that I'd had problems with the microphone and that he hoped that the seals and microphone cover would compensate.
The new units still work perfectly today. So I have always recommended DC headsets, many others have also had great service from them.
So, get a pair of second hand DCs from ebay, you will probably keep them forever, but if you do decide to sell you'll get your money back....and if they ever get damaged ( I doubt they will fail) you can easily get all the bits to repair them as they are all listed on the DC website.
ZA
I have a pair of old DC H10-80s, I purchased them approx 18-19 years ago. After about 5 or 6 years of using them a couple of times a week the microphone used to droop a little as the friction device got a bit tired. Not helped by the fact that I used a headset bag and folded the microphone away each time. On the 10-80 you cannot tighten the microphone like you can on the other models.It wasn't a big problem so I just lived with it.
Anyway one year I was at Sun and Fun and was passing the DC stand and got talking to their man. I mentioned that I had some 6 yr old 10-80s and that the microphone was a little loose. He immediately asked whether I had them with me. They were at my hotel so I took them to show him the next day, thinking that he might know some cunning way to tighten them slightly. When I went back to the stand he took one look and exchanged them for a new set from their display case and gave me some spare gel ear seals and microphone foam covers. He said how sorry he was that I'd had problems with the microphone and that he hoped that the seals and microphone cover would compensate.
The new units still work perfectly today. So I have always recommended DC headsets, many others have also had great service from them.
So, get a pair of second hand DCs from ebay, you will probably keep them forever, but if you do decide to sell you'll get your money back....and if they ever get damaged ( I doubt they will fail) you can easily get all the bits to repair them as they are all listed on the DC website.
ZA
Fleet Manager
Joined: Aug 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 7,089
Likes: 2,952
From: Ontario, Canada
I completely agree with the foregoing posts, buy the DC's, spend the extra if you have to, take the "used" risk, you won't regret it. One of my sets is 26 years old from brand new, and still just fine. I have also had above and beyond the call of duty from DC staff.
You get what you pay for, and with DC you truly do!
Pilot DAR
You get what you pay for, and with DC you truly do!
Pilot DAR
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 178
From: UK
I've flown 6.5 hours this week with a pair of budget Harry Mendelsons which cost me I think £80 about 6 years ago. I'm not sure quite how many hundreds of hours I've flown with them but I'm only just starting to think about replacing them. (Although to be frank, that's only 'cos I'm getting fussier, they still work very well, are extremely robust, and the only thing I've ever had to do with them was replace the foam mic-sock a couple of times.)
And I may well think about their own-brand sets again.
DCs are of-course excellent in isolation, but can be a little tight for long trips, and also sometime suffer compatability problems with other headsets. I'm not the greatest fan of them.
G
And I may well think about their own-brand sets again.
DCs are of-course excellent in isolation, but can be a little tight for long trips, and also sometime suffer compatability problems with other headsets. I'm not the greatest fan of them.
G
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: East Anglia
As discussed elsewhere, the problem of incompatibility is most likely caused by the aircraft. If the aircraft has a quality intercom then each of the headsets has its own amplifier and they all work OK.
To save money, some installations don't have an intercom or have a cheap one where all the headsets share an input amplifier. All the headsets are wired in together and if their impedances are different (ie different manufacturers) there will be times when they don't match correctly. Thus using two different headsets will cause a problem. Very difficult to predict which ones will work together. In almost all cases two of the same make will work together.
Having a popular brand such as DC will help as they are very common and many instructors use them. XYZ cheapos are probably more likely to be incompatible.
ZA
To save money, some installations don't have an intercom or have a cheap one where all the headsets share an input amplifier. All the headsets are wired in together and if their impedances are different (ie different manufacturers) there will be times when they don't match correctly. Thus using two different headsets will cause a problem. Very difficult to predict which ones will work together. In almost all cases two of the same make will work together.
Having a popular brand such as DC will help as they are very common and many instructors use them. XYZ cheapos are probably more likely to be incompatible.
ZA
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Xxxx
Hi Airgirl,
When I started my PPL in 2007 I wanted a pair of DC but finances were tight and second hand ones pricey on eBay. I bought a budget pair from David Knight on eBay for around the £70.00 mark (new with free case) with a view to replacing them with DCs at a later date. After 2 years I have no complaints and will carry on with them until they give trouble and then I will treat myself to the DCs.
When I started my PPL in 2007 I wanted a pair of DC but finances were tight and second hand ones pricey on eBay. I bought a budget pair from David Knight on eBay for around the £70.00 mark (new with free case) with a view to replacing them with DCs at a later date. After 2 years I have no complaints and will carry on with them until they give trouble and then I will treat myself to the DCs.
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Derby
2nd hand
So were mine.
DC 13.4 and they are very good. If I am correct, you get a warranty and such for 3 years? not that I need one ! These have served very well for about 5 years and are still brilliant.
Having said that I would get any pair of headset as long as it's not a mechanical boom (looks too off and always needs tightening!) and has a good feel to it (over the head).
Oh not forgetting a warranty or return policy.
(Hence DC's seem brill)
DC 13.4 and they are very good. If I am correct, you get a warranty and such for 3 years? not that I need one ! These have served very well for about 5 years and are still brilliant.
Having said that I would get any pair of headset as long as it's not a mechanical boom (looks too off and always needs tightening!) and has a good feel to it (over the head).
Oh not forgetting a warranty or return policy.
(Hence DC's seem brill)
Upto The Buffers
Joined: Apr 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: Leeds/Bradford
As mentioned above, the SkyLite/KnightTech headsets sold by David Knight on eBay are actually pretty good. I bought a couple of pairs to stick in the back for pax, and they're better than the DCs I bought during my PPL for a fraction of the price. I really don't understand why people buy them - they're horrible things. All the instructors at my local FTO moan like hell about them causing interference with other sets.
I have a Bose set these days, but given the choice there are plenty of alternatives I'd put above DCs. Don't buy a set just because all the sheep at your club have them. Go somewhere where you can make some comparisons, then make an educated choice.
I have a Bose set these days, but given the choice there are plenty of alternatives I'd put above DCs. Don't buy a set just because all the sheep at your club have them. Go somewhere where you can make some comparisons, then make an educated choice.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,626
Likes: 12
From: UK
I am in the market for a budget headset to see me through my PPL course.
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 2
From: north of barlu
Buy cheap .... buy twice!
If you buy a cheap headset you will have to buy a quality headset very soon but just one leason repeated due to not fully hearing your instructor will cost you as much as the DC that you did not buy!!
Go for the quality option.
Go for the quality option.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: CZ
get David Clark
looks a bit strange that no one recommends you to get a cheap headset,but I agree as well - get yourself quality.
couple of years ago I was ferry flying within Europe two times a month and flying even for 2 hours with FlightCom headset was a nasty experience and can not be compared with David Clark.
couple of years ago I was ferry flying within Europe two times a month and flying even for 2 hours with FlightCom headset was a nasty experience and can not be compared with David Clark.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 90
Likes: 3
From: Edinburgh
I've have the CPC offering, (see Julian Storey) On first try very poor mike performance.Checked on 'scope discovered 'phones shipped with wrong side of mike facing mouth!
Twisted it round,worked perfectly.
Of course this was after dismantling it down to mike insert,checking soldering etc etc.
No way of seeing this as mike has foam sock covering.
Now has custom white stripe on active side jic.
Been using it a few months now and at least as good as 'club' pool sets.
Sorry fisbangwallop,now you know why I was readability 3.
atceng
Twisted it round,worked perfectly.
Of course this was after dismantling it down to mike insert,checking soldering etc etc.
No way of seeing this as mike has foam sock covering.
Now has custom white stripe on active side jic.
Been using it a few months now and at least as good as 'club' pool sets.
Sorry fisbangwallop,now you know why I was readability 3.
atceng
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: South England
Thank you for all the hints and comments. As I said, unfortunatley there is no way that at the moment I can afford a new DC. I have got a couple of irons in the fire with secondhand DC's otherwise for the time being it will have to be a budget one to keep me going for now and then ultimately I will buy a set of DC's and keep the budget one for passenger use.
Keep any thoughts or comments coming though please
Keep any thoughts or comments coming though please
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Olney, Bucks
I have flown 400 hours with an Avcomm headset (+ one for passengers) from Transair since 1996 in perfect comfort with no problems. Compatibility with instructors etc using DCs in AA5', PA28s, DA40s no issue.