David clark models compared 10-60, 10-30, 10-13.4, etc
 

Yes, I did use the advanced search features, and I found a lot of generic "what headset should I buy" results and none offering direct contrast between any of these headsets. This is not intended to be a what should I buy thread.

I am specifically interested in experiences comparing the passive attenuation David Clark headsets or any advice on the target purpose of each model, especially 10-60, 10-13.4, and 10-30.
The flight school has a couple of 10-20 as loners and the flexible booms get floppy over time, so positioning the mic and keeping it in place are difficult.(when new they are convenient) Other than the boom issue, overall the 10-20 is adequate but I would like some input on these other three models.
The 10-30 boom seems robust and the price is nice, I have no info on the "M7/dc Electret" mic quality. Attenuation seems to be the highest of the model range by one or two dBl.
The 10-60 is 22ounces, the 10-13.4 only 16.5 ounces, both used the "M7/A" mic. 13.4 has a flex boom but it looks in the pictures to be larger diameter than the 10-20 flex boom. Overall attenuation is similar but the curves differ a small bit. My current set is 20 ounces and causes no noticeable fatigue, but I am accustomed to the weight of motorcycle helmets.

(IB: Yes I have tried several ANR they are interesting equipment, but not suited to my particular current needs. I like the DC OneX better than zulu3.)

The H10-30 will do you very well. It has the wire mic arm, which is very robust. The H10-20 has the flexible mic arm, which works, but is less robust, I prefer the arm of the H10-30. Similarly, the H10-60 has a partial flexible arm, same comment. Either mic works fine, and they are very easily replaced with a new one if needed. I've replaced a few over the years, no problem. Buy genuine David Clark mics though, there are aftermarket mics which fit, and I was not as happy with them. Stick with the H10-30, and you won't be unhappy.

Any noticeable differences in the other parts; ear covers, speakers, or head strap?(I think the 10-20 and 10-30 are the same unit with different mic arms, but the 13.4 and 60 appear to have different head parts)
DC's marketing efforts are ...basic, no clear explanation of the purpose of each product.

You might want to check the compatibility of the H10-30 with the radio fit in your aircraft. I've just fitted a trig and find the mike impedance in my 10-30s doesn't suit the trig at all. A 10-40 is fine. I'm sure someone who knows more about radios than I do will be able to explain why. The cost of changing the mike is non negligible.

I bought a DC 13.4 after doing much of the same research as you.

The lighter weight is a benefit, and yes the head cushion is a newer design (allegedly more comfortable and stays cooler than the earlier design). The price difference between these models is not huge, I preferred the newer design.

Longevity was the main reason I bought DC, they seem to hold up well over time.

If you're after lighter weight and more comfort why on earth consider David Clarke? Antedelluvian overweight head-clamps - the most uncomfortable headsets out there.
Try a Peltor and wonder how DC manage to stay in business.

As he says, but a Bose every time!!

I bought 13.4, and they've been O.K for over 20 years. I have no problems, but did have with other makes in rented aircraft before buying them.
Best to try flying with the type before buying - human heads vary in shape, and ear fit is crucial. What feels fine in the shop may hurt after two hours.

Mic on the DC10-30 is poor, it's a false economy. You can get electret mic conversions but not cheap. The airline I work for supplied 10-30s but sent out conversion kits after a while, now supplies 13.4s.
Best bet is a DC13.4, (robust, good quality) then send it to anrman.co.uk for a noise cancelling upgrade (around £200). Advantage is you get good passive noise cancelling and additional active - very effective in GA aircraft. Bose etc. all very well but passive noise cancelling is poor so high frequencies (wind noise etc) not really addressed. Even without the conversion the 13.4s are good, but very good with. Peltors OK but not as robust, and no ANR option as far as I know.

Wrong on both counts.

Peltors are almost indestructible. Dont mistake their flexiblility for weakness, it isn't - it's their strength. Unlike DCs that are hard and rigid and bend or break if sat on or nuts and bolts come loose and they just fall apart.

I had a peltor that took all the knockabout in charter helicopters for five years, living in my canvas flight bag, never broke. The company's DCs? Endless trouble, until they were replaced with - well, you guess.

The noise attenuation of peltor is also vastly better than DC partly due to their fitting so much better so ANR is hardly necessary but I do believe they do an option.