David Clark H20-10XL/H20-10XP

[dodos9]

Hi guys. I struggled to find a lot of of info about these headsets. they don't seem to be popular and it worries me a bit. So, has anyone got any info about them from perhaps their own experience (are they good, worth the money, reliable etc.)?
Also, I cannot seem to identify the difference between DC H20-10XL and H20-10XP headsets. They both cost, look and are described the same on flightstore's website. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Any help appreciated\

dodos9

[jez d]

The XP version has a panel-mount power module, so unless you're an exceptionally well-off 16-year-old with your own aircraft, the XL will be the version for you.

Can't say they appeal to me however. For that sort of money I'd opt for the more modern Lighspeed Zulu.

Not that I ever had that sort of money to splash out on a headset when I was 16... that must be some paper round you're on.

[dodos9]

Thanks for your reply. And no, unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to have my own aircraft at this age and I wouldn't spend that amount on money on a headset anyway . The only reason why I am considering buying these is because I have a chance of getting them used around half-price. Otherwise, all the time since now I was considering the David Clark H10-13.4 which seems a good value for money and very well recommended by many people (not just on pprune). So, would you perhaps suggest buying the DC H10-13.4 in first place for the PPL or go for that H20-10XL if there's an opportunity to get it at a good price?

P.S. The 'paper-round' I do is 40 hours a week (UK's legal maximum for under 18s unfortunately :/) of plates washing in restaurant's kitchen haha. No daddy-sponsoring here, but ultimately no holidays this year and much more work to do part-time in college to make the PPL next summer financially possible

[scrambled]

DC headsets

Dodos9

Ring Harry Mendelssohn and ask his advice based on the flying you are intending to do. He sold me a pair of H10-30's for open cockpit etc about 20 year's ago and they are still going strong. So strong that I bought a second pair about 6 years ago, having used Peltors for pax in the meantime.

Sure, he has a business to run, but his advice was straightforward and to the point.

[dublinpilot]

I use the DC 20-10XL.

I got them about 11 years ago, and they are still going well.

They were the best DC's you could buy at the time, and had a price tag to match, but spread over 11 years it's not bad value.

Apart from replacing a microphone sock (about $4) that had become worn out, I've had no problems whatsoever, and they still look the same as they did when I opened the box. For wear and tear, I absolutely couldn't fault them.

Having said that, they are 11 year old technology, and I'm sure the ANR technology has moved on since then. If I was buying a new set today, I'd buy the Bose or LightSpeed Zulu. But since you're looking a buying something a few years old anyway, they are a good choice.

The clamping force is a lot lighter than most DC sets, which makes them a lot more comfortable.

dp

[dodos9]

@scrambled Thanks for your reply. I found his website gps.co.uk and will try to perhaps give him a ring tomorrow. Thanks

@dublinpilot I'm glad to hear there is a person who actually uses this particular headset. To be honest I didn't realise it has been in production for so long. Would you say they are still a good piece of hardware? As in, are they still doing relatively good job compared to those modern ANR headsets you also mentioned? Basically, do you think there is a point of me getting them or do you think that the technology has proceeded and will proceed so significantly that they are much worse compared to the new Lightspeed and Bose headsets or the DC X-11 for example?

If so, then I will probably just buy cheaper not-ANR headset for now and then in a couple of years time buy one of the new (at that time) ANR headsets.

Thanks

[dublinpilot]

It's bit of an impossible question to answer really. I suppose it comes down to how much you'd have to pay for a second hand set.

ANR was relative new tech back then. Having said that I've occasionally had use of a Bose X and couldn't say that I noticed the sound being any better. (But didn't have use of them side by side to compare at the same time.)

The Bose X though was lighter and smaller in form factor. Having said that I imagine a second hand set of the DC has probably stood better to wear and tear so might butter suit a second hand set.

They certainly are a long long way better than a passive set, and I very much doubt you'll be disappoint with them.

But if you were going to be paying anything like 50% of the cost of a new set, then I'd continue to use the clubs headset until you can afford a brand new set of the bose or light speed. (There isn't much difference in cost between the three.) No point in paying 50% now, and 100% later. A brand new high quality headset should last you a very very long time, and will hopefully be spread across many hours of flying (assuming you continue flying which unfortunately most don't).

As for the DC X-11, I think they were a step backwards on the 20-10XL. I think a lot of people were unhappy with them.

dp

[dodos9]

You are doing a great job helping me out on this Thanks
So, I'll see what the final price comes to and I'll take your advice on not buying them if they're 50% cost of the new ones. And I'm happy to hear that they are durable (11 years you had them, so it seems good) and still remain good quality when compared to more modern headsets. I could actually buy new Lightspeed Zulu or similar, but I'd rather use this money towards the actual flying or other necessary equipment as I have limited funds overall to get the PPL done.

Thanks for your help with this issue and now I can say that I am confident that if I get the DC H20-10XL I will not be disappointed, but at the same time I will not pay more than they are now worth.

Once again, thanks for your help

dodos9