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.

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. :ok:

All assuming that you actually survive without your cheap headset causing massive electrical malfunction within your aircraft, or a crushing fracture to your skull :rolleyes:

Don't mess with your hearing - once it's gone, it's gone. Forever. You can NOT get it back. Buy the best headset you can get, and that's a Bose-X.

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!

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.

David Clark X11 active noise reduction:

http://www.sportys.com/terryc/images/5528l.jpg

Or the Bose X :

http://www.sportys.com/terryc/images/7087l.jpg


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.....:ok: