What's the best headset?
 

I am in the market for a new headset as my handed down DC has just about had it. Do I go for another DC or are there better (cheaper) alternatives out there? I've never had a problem with my DC's but I am loathe to shelling out for an expensive replacement. Any suggestions.

Hi there. The general jist of things when this question crops up is, budget and comfort. Go and, if you can, try a few on that are in your price range and see how you get on. You already have a pair of DC's so you know how good they are but do have a 'shop-around' for alternatives.
There always will be for and against all makes of headset, as THIS THREAD reveals. Good luck. :)

You might find some of the comments in this thread useful too.

There's some place in Shoreham (I think) that repairs headsets, might be worth seeing if they can fix your current DCs before getting a new pair.... hopefully someone else can remember what they are called! :)

I know the place you mean Evo, but whats their name?? :confused: :confused:

I took my pair of DCs in there to be serviced, turned up on their doorstep in the morning unannounced and they gave both sets a full service, matched them as a pair and gave me a CofC for them too.

Bose-X must be having a lie-in. Four replies already and no mention of ANR ..... :p

The best headset? Mine! I bet that's what everyone else will say too (well, they'll say theirs is, not mine is. :confused: )

Not true Aerbabe :ooh:

I bought my DC H10-40 'phones about a week before the 13.4 was launched. Doh. I have to admit, I think the 13.4's are better, based on a 30 second test!

It's a shame DC headsets are so reliable. I'm probably stuck with them for life!

Evo

The place is called Headset Services 01273 234181.

Bose headsets are the best! Price is the only problem, equivalent to perhaps five hours' hire of something half reasonable :O Worth it? Of course it is - unless you fly five hours a year.

Bose have nice low earcup pressure (much lower than D-C) and as a result are very comfy long-term. They are not as touch as D-C so I would not use Bose for club use, nor in the average syndicate.

Yep, having a lie-in, very uncivilised all this getting up early and posting on PPrune!!

Anyone is welcome to come and try one of my collection of headsets in comparison, I seem to own more headsets than the flying shop!

However, there is only 1 answer to the question, BOSE-X!!!!!

But as IO540 points out you have to be doing a lot of flying to justify the cost, at current exchange rate they are just under £600. Worth every penny for the hours I fly. The new version that I have just changed to has a slimline battery box that takes 2xAA batteries rather than the old 9V box battery and the battery life is amazing. I have flown about 50 hours so far this year and am on the set of batteries that came with it. The noisier the aircraft the shorter the battery life will be as the ANR works harder but I think they claim 40-60hrs on the new controller in normal use.

If you own the plane it's worth fitting the dedicated aircraft-power socket; Aircraft Spruce sell them for about $30. Headset Services sell them for rather more I believe :O

Then you don't need batteries. The only drawback of that is that the headset can't be used in another plane, and won't plug directly into an Icom transceiver's headset adaptor. The latter reason is why I keep an extra headset (with the normal jacks) for use with the Icom.

I use a Peltor 7003 (which is no longer available, though later models are). The Peltors are slightly lighter than DC and have the advantage of folding up fully. In consequence, they take up less room in a flight bag. (Be warned though, not all models fold fully!)

The earcup of my pair is fitted with a slider switch to alter the mic impedence (goodbye, in theory at least, the incompatability problem with other headsets which is mentioned on one of the other linked threads).

The other plus with the Peltor is that its headband is thin. So if there is a clearance problem between the top of your head and the aircraft canopy/headlining, then the thinner Peltor may be the answer.

I wear spectacles and fly about 20 - 25 hours a year in a variety of types. I've had no problems with the Peltor (other than incompatability with DC's - who wants to keep taking a headset apart to reset the mic impedence?) and am on the market for a secondhand set as pax/spare set.

Howzat for a recommendation?

I reckon that DCs are trying a horrid experiment on changing the homo sapiens skull shape . I find then heavy and uncomfortable. Peltors are much more comfortable and better value. Most NS helicopter pilots use the Peltor and spend 800 hours a year in them.

However I now wear an Alpha helmet and I feel naked flying without it. Excellent noise attenuation, built in sun visor - no more messing around with sun glasses and added protection for those heavy landings!