Headsets, any buying advice?

[IAV8]

I've been using a pair of David Clarke passive H10-20 for almost 12 years now and I bought them used from my boss at the time that was getting out of flying.  In fact I bought two pair of David Clarke's from him the second pair was a lesser model (not sure of the model number) but I used them as a backup / passenger set.  I've been happy with DC and their customer service, when I sent one of the sets in to be refurbished (came back working great).

Now with all the ANR options out there I'm ready to set up and buy a new set.  I've almost pulled the trigger on the DC Pro-X ($637) but wanted to get some feedback now that they've been out for a few months.  I have friends with Bose ($1095) and Lightspeed Zulu ($850).  They seem to be happy with the units but when you spend that kind of money you don't want to tell you friends you made a bad choice.

I fly a Piper Colt (my plane) and CAP C172, C182, C206 around the Pacific NW.  I have to communicate with multiple controlled and uncontrolled airspace/airports.   Last year (2013) I logged about 100 hours.  This year I'm sure I'll double that because I'm heading up the orientation rides for my squadron and nearby squadrons that don't have a plane.

To the point, I'm looking for fellow pilots advice.  What do you use?  Do you like them?  Did the cost justify the quality?  Would you recommend buying them?

[BHartman007]

I'm going to get the Bose A20. My flight instructor has two sets, and let me try out one of his. A-ma-zing. The upgrade will be worth it for the reduced clamping pressure alone. Not to mention being able to hear the radio over the engine and leaky door seals in 2GH. The Zulu is supposed to be very good as well, but I think they look bulky.

[Eclipse]

I don't own one, but I've borrowed them a couple of times. 

ANR in an aircraft is pretty awesome, moreso ten even on a commercial jet watching a movie or something
as a 172/182 is so much louder inside.

[scooter]

I have a Flightcom V90ANR. Been using it about a year and very satisfied. Less than $500 new. The only complaint I have is the head pad is thick (but comfy) and if you are tall it may end up rubbing the headliner. If you want a new ANR and don't want to spend the big bucks, check it out.

[PHall]

Personally, I don't like ANR headsets in light aircraft. I like being able to hear the engine.
The way an engine "sounds" is almost as important as the gauges because you'll usually hear something happening with the engine before you see it on the gauges.
But that's just my preference. Yours may be different.

[BHartman007]

Personally, I don't like ANR headsets in light aircraft. I like being able to hear the engine.
The way an engine "sounds" is almost as important as the gauges because you'll usually hear something happening with the engine before you see it on the gauges.
But that's just my preference. Yours may be different.

I have no problem hearing the engine with the A20. It's just not the loudest thing in my ear.

[bosshawk]

As I have mentioned in a previous thread on this subject, I have owned a BoseX for something like six or seven years and wouldn't get into an airplane without it.  As for hearing the engine, no problem, I hear it just fine but without the roar.

I'm an old phyart and hearing is valuable: more valuable than money.

[vento]

This may not be totally relevant but it was the criteria in my purchase of headsets. For me it is hot in Southern California and I sweat quite a bit when the temp goes above 100 degrees. The David Clark fabric ear cushion cover is a necessity for me. http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/11701

Since none of the active noise canceling headphones can be used with the fabric ear cushion cover, I had no real choice but to stay with a Passive unit. David Clark even has a statement saying that the fabric cover should not be used with the active units.

I should also mention that I have and always use Active noise canceling headsets from Bose or Sony whenever I travel commercial, I don't sweat in a air conditioned commercial airplane, but flying 4 hours in a C182 at 1000 ft AGL at temp over 100 degrees is a totally different story.  :angel:

[Eclipse]

I've started paying a lot more attention to ear protection in my shop as well.
My ears are in pretty bad shape (Thanks Bon Jovi!), but I've found it's a lot more enjoyable to
be working out there with the tools and compressor running with "eared up".

As bosshawk says - I can actually hear the TV / radio better with the earmuffs on then without them,
which it I'm sure related to the frequencies being suppressed.

Wish I could afford the Bose QC15 for business travel, those rock!

[IAV8]

Okay, I pulled the trigger and bought the DC Pro-X from our local FBO.  I just picked them up last night so I havent had time to use them in the plane yet.

Fist thing you notice is that they are small and light.  I popped in the batteries (two AA) and put them on.  Before I turned on the power things went quite and when I turned on the power the noise of people talking around me dropped again.  I pulled out my Iphone and within a minute had it paired up to the headset.  clicked on Pandora and the sound was amazing.  This next part is were I'm a geek and glad that I have tinted windows on my truck.  On the way home I put them on and called my wife (dialed in the parking lot and drove hands free).  During the conversation my wife could not hear any road or vehicle noise on her end of the line and she was coming in very clear telling me what a geek I am!

This is not a bash on any other headset i.e. Bose, Lightspeed  I've used them both and liked them.  I went with DC because of the following
1 - I owned a pair of older DC's and when they needed work done to them, the customer support was second to none
2 - The price.  At $637 that's almost half of the Bose and $300 less then Lightspeed.

I'm going to try and get up flying this weekend and I'll give you all an update.

[planenut767]

I've started paying a lot more attention to ear protection in my shop as well.
My ears are in pretty bad shape (Thanks Bon Jovi!), but I've found it's a lot more enjoyable to
be working out there with the tools and compressor running with "eared up".

As bosshawk says - I can actually hear the TV / radio better with the earmuffs on then without them,
which it I'm sure related to the frequencies being suppressed.

Wish I could afford the Bose QC15 for business travel, those rock!

Well if you ever do afford the Bose QC15 you may want to check this out as an option for it. uflymike.com. I recently purchased a QC15 and one of these UflyMike adapters. Can't wait to try them out and see how well they work.

[Eclipse]

Wow - that's cool.  No price, though.

I'd be a little concerned about the connector holding up to the rigors of a GA cockpit, but it's a neat idea.

[planenut767]

Wow - that's cool.  No price, though.

I'd be a little concerned about the connector holding up to the rigors of a GA cockpit, but it's a neat idea.

It's about $225 for the two-plug option, they have about 4 or 5 different connector options. They also offer one for amateur radio, but I don't know what the difference is between that and the aviation ones. I agree, I don't know how well it will hold up in a GA cockpit, that's why I bought the used headsets with a 30 day return option. I know a few airline pilots that have them, but their cockpit is a different environment.