Headsets - Advice Please
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere
Spend a bit extra and buy something more upmarket.
Good and cheap when it comes to headsets just does not work.
It is an investment- a good headset will last YEARS without any sort of problem; and more to the point give you the best protection for your hearing which is basically priceless. [Only problem I've had was a busted wire during a self-install of an ANR kit, nothing to do with the headsets original hardware].
I have 2 sets of DC H10-13.4's; one is straight passive and one has an ANR kit on it. For a straight passive headset, I personally think that this one is the best. The ANR just adds on a little bit extra candy, it makes flying a bit less nosiy.
Also have a cheapo Altronics which just goes to the Pax when im taking friends and family for a bit of a burn.
The passive reduction on 'dedicated' sort ANR headsets (Bose, Lightspeed Zulu etc) is terrible; but the ANR of those models is the best I've ever come across. Very lightweight and comfortable but if you forget a spare set of batteries and they run flat, ouchies!
My suggestion is get something a little bit more expensive than you thought you could afford- in the long run the benefits far outweigh the cost saving on the initial purchase price.
Good and cheap when it comes to headsets just does not work.
It is an investment- a good headset will last YEARS without any sort of problem; and more to the point give you the best protection for your hearing which is basically priceless. [Only problem I've had was a busted wire during a self-install of an ANR kit, nothing to do with the headsets original hardware].
I have 2 sets of DC H10-13.4's; one is straight passive and one has an ANR kit on it. For a straight passive headset, I personally think that this one is the best. The ANR just adds on a little bit extra candy, it makes flying a bit less nosiy.
Also have a cheapo Altronics which just goes to the Pax when im taking friends and family for a bit of a burn.
The passive reduction on 'dedicated' sort ANR headsets (Bose, Lightspeed Zulu etc) is terrible; but the ANR of those models is the best I've ever come across. Very lightweight and comfortable but if you forget a spare set of batteries and they run flat, ouchies!
My suggestion is get something a little bit more expensive than you thought you could afford- in the long run the benefits far outweigh the cost saving on the initial purchase price.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: UK
On the other hand: If you go with the cheaper model for now, the ANR headsets will come down in price and you can upgrade. 
All assuming that you actually survive without your cheap headset causing massive electrical malfunction within your aircraft, or a crushing fracture to your skull
All assuming that you actually survive without your cheap headset causing massive electrical malfunction within your aircraft, or a crushing fracture to your skull
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
172 driver
Can't disagree but I think the poster was looking to buy cheap.
I fly commercially with Bose and they are fantastic!
However from my past, I have lightspeeds which are a fraction of the price and in many ways as good if not a little short on the looks side!!
They are much more sturdy for the sort of abuse they will get with GA flying.
But, as has been said....don't buy cheap!
Can't disagree but I think the poster was looking to buy cheap.
I fly commercially with Bose and they are fantastic!
However from my past, I have lightspeeds which are a fraction of the price and in many ways as good if not a little short on the looks side!!
They are much more sturdy for the sort of abuse they will get with GA flying.
But, as has been said....don't buy cheap!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
clear prop!!!
True - what I was / am trying to say is that skimping on the headsets is false economy. It WILL come back to haunt you - and that's not a question of if, but a question of when. Don't mess with your health, especially in a profession where you need to pass a medical to carry on.
True - what I was / am trying to say is that skimping on the headsets is false economy. It WILL come back to haunt you - and that's not a question of if, but a question of when. Don't mess with your health, especially in a profession where you need to pass a medical to carry on.
Joined: Dec 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 424
From: GA, USA
David Clark X11 active noise reduction:
Or the Bose X :
Don't be stingy on a headset purchase, you'll regret it.
Get several people introduced so they can get you a birthday gift together.....
Or the Bose X :
Don't be stingy on a headset purchase, you'll regret it.
Get several people introduced so they can get you a birthday gift together.....
