headsets - which one???????

[Circuit Basher]

MLS12D - Honest, I won't turn this into an issue(!), but the only difference noticeable between the DC H10-40 set and the £74.86 set is the fact that the jack plugs are chrome, not gold, plated. If I were to do a blind test of the 2 (comfort and performance), that is the only difference I'd notice (if I opened my eyes!). On several occasions (in an older PA28 with avionics to match ), when talking to ATC on my DCs I've had reports of poor readability; changed to the cheap set and got much improved signal reports.

Vikki - you may have gathered by now that headsets are a very personal thing. Make decisions according to what suits your proposed aviating profile. Like a lot of the posts on this thread, I would recommend DCs on basis of performance / comfort, but if budget is a worry, there are perfectly acceptable alternatives which will see you through your first few years of aviating. My personal preference was to buy my DCs when I was in Canada as they were a lot cheaper there, but if I'd have been UK based, then I'd have gone for the cheaper options first. The logic behind using cheaper sets for pax is partly the fact that they get less use, are a bit more prone to getting dropped / lost / trapped in sliding canopies, etc, due to inexperienced handling.

[Monocock]

And I wonder if everyone would have been as helpful if VIKKI had been called RICHARD instead.............?!

I doubt it.

Anyway, my DC's don't seem to be compatible with any other make, I used to own some Flightcom sets which were great. More comfy, more compatible and.............I stupidly threw them into a deal I did when I once sold an a/c.

[MLS-12D]

Message for Circuit Basher

Hello CB - If you have found a lower cost headset that essentially duplicates DC, then by all means go for it. I like my DC 13.4s, but I am not blindly loyal and have no special allegiance to the brand. All I was saying is that it is generally a false economy to purchase a 'starter' headset with the idea of upgrading later. And I still think that pilots should be willing to shell out for decent passengers sets; they may only be used infrequently, but if you use el cheapos then your passengers won't enjoy themselves, and then for sure the spare headset(s) will be used even less frequently! It's a vicious circle.

I agree that headsets are very personal. Some people swear by DC/Peltor/Lightspeed/Flightcom/Brand X, and some swear at them. There is no one brand or model that is right for everyone.

P.S. to Monocock: sorry, I don't buy it. Personally I try to be helpful to anyone who poses a question I think I might know the answer to, and I believe everyone else does the same. Gender makes absolutely no difference (I don't know who "Vikki" is, and even if I did, she's on the other side of the Atlantic).

[michael penny]

Hi all ,I got into this one abit late also, I have a soft comm headset that has been around 25 years, granted it is not the most comfortable but it works perfectly. I"m over in Florida at the moment and treated myself to an Avcomm set at $100 very comfortable with a 5 year garentee. If you happen to have 300 pounds to spend on a headset you will get your moneys worth, D C"s are very popular. I know a few pilots who favour Peltor. Shop around, spend time in pilot shops try before you buy. Best of luck.MP

[Flyin'Dutch']

UKhomerj

I thought about buying them stateside but stopped short of doing this as the price difference then (4/02) was very small.

If Customs think they are a bit to shiney to have been brought from home you have already lost your initial gain.

Same for any warranty work.

FD

[Monocock]

Steady on MLS12D, don't spin your swede over a tongue in cheek comment!

[NineEighteen]

Avcomm AC-747 PNR

I'm also looking to buy a headset soon. Does anyone have experience with the Avcomm AC-747 PNR? It's £60 cheaper than the DC H10-13.4.

I will certainly be "test wearing" both sets before buying but would appreciate an operational opinion.

Thanks in advance
9:18

[aidanf]

Don't know if it's of any help but I got a pair of DC H20-10 here locally in Southern Ireland for about the equivalent of £290 - I know the guys do international stuff over the web so if you want the contacts send me a PM

....just had a quick check on their web-site and allowing for the euro-sterling conversion they're offering the DC H10-13.4 at £260 and the H20-10 at £280...

[Canadian Luscombe]

Okay Monocock, no worries.

[BroomstickPilot]

Vikki,

Over time, a good deal has been written about headsets on this website. I strongly suggest you use the 'search' function and you will get a wealth of information, not only from the 'Private Flying' gang but from the various professional groupings also.

Best regards,

BroomstickPilot

[VIKKI]

Thanks for all your advice guys

i think i will do what a few of you have suggested and shop around a bit and try a few differnt types before i make a decision

cheers vikki