Headset recommendations

[Lucky01]

Hi guys,

 

Just looking at headsets at the moment, price vs performance - are the david clark headsets that much worse then the bose? I don't think I need blue tooth. Or batteries. 

 

I'm open to other recommendations, just hesitant to throw 3k at 2 sets of bose straight up. Unless they are that much more mind blowing... 

 

Cheers

 

P.s I've only flown with a20's so far. But I didn't have to buy them 😄

[Blueadventures]

Happy with Zulu 3 sets.

[kgwilson]

Unless you want active noise reduction the Rec Flying PNR headsets which are an improved copy of a David Clark H10-13.1 available from this site are an excellent buy. I have had 2 pairs for 7 years & have never had an issue. Solid construction, Gold plated plugs, Stereo/mono and very comfortable gel filled ear seals and head band. I paid $125.00 but they will be more expensive now.

[skippydiesel]

For all the tight wads out her - build your own!

 

Its not hard (even for an electronics novice like me) - Just purchase a a set of 3m/Peltor ear muffs (about $40) from your local PPE store. You now have the basis for a terrific head set -  I  used an army surplus tank head set as the source for  the mike boom, all the rest (speaker/mike & connecter) from various electronics suppliers.

[FlyBoy1960]

PLEASE.  anything military will be a dynamic microphone and you need an electret microphone

[APenNameAndThatA]

I think active noise reduction headsets provide much better situational awareness and are more pleasant. Also, it *might* help if both headsets in the aircraft are the same. ANR headsets are less than twice the price of traditional ones, so better value IMHO. 

[rgmwa]

I’ve got a pair of Lightspeed Sierras that are less expensive than the Bose or top shelf Lightspeeds. Still not cheap but I think they’re very good. Ive also had a couple of cheap passive headsets and an ANR conversion in the past. All did the job but you generally get what you pay for. I don’t think you need to spend a fortune to get a decent pair, but ANR are quieter. If you’re used to A20’s you’ve probably set yourself a high bar.

Edited October 29, 2021 by rgmwa

[Thruster88]

I have lightspeed Sierra as well, good value. It is nice to be able to make a phone call if necessary for awis etc. I have listened to messages left on the home phone and the voice clarity from the very noisy Musketeer is amazing.  

Edited October 29, 2021 by Thruster88

[Yenn]

If you have something the same as the David Clark headset, you can buy a noise cancelling modification for a reasonable price and end up with a good set. I haven't looked at pricing lately. It is also possible to buy or even build your own in ear set. Not noise cancelling, but the noise is stopped from entering your ear by the ear buds. These are lighter than a normal headset and have no clamping pressure.

[Keenaviator]

I have had Lightspeed Zulu 1 for a long time.  The control unit went all sticky and the noise cancelling was playing up.  I sent them to the Lightspeed repairer here in Australia and they came back like new. $300 well spent. 

 

Aside from that I fell victim to a mongrel from NT who advertised a late model Bose set that appeared in perfect condition but as it turns out has a dickie mic plug (the end pin feels loose) and they don't seem to work.  The noise cancellng is fine but no audio send from the mic. 

 

Can anyone advise an authorized BOSE headset repairer in Australia?

 

Laurie

[IBob]

Plus one for the Lightspeed Zulus here. I've always struggled to hear over noise, I find them very good. And surprisingly good even if you don't turn on the ANR (don't ask.........).

[biggles]

Both my Lightspeed control units have experienced that “ stickiness” . A rag with methylated spirits will remove it.....Bob 

[Keenaviator]

That control unit was replaced with a new one at the service.  Your tip re methylated spirits could help with my paragliding instruments because they have gone sticky too.  Laurie

[kgwilson]

Bose is pretty expensive but according to most Audiophiles is not considered best quality by any means and is a litigious company constantly suing rivals who they think have stolen their technology. Won some, lost some. There have been plenty of complaints about Bose quality not being what it should be.

[Ironpot]

I've always used the DC H10 - 13.4 (bulletproof) and never had a problem.  I now use the DC One-X - Christmas present - which are noise cancelling. I've switched back and forth to see if they do make any difference and I wasn't imagining it  ... I would say that in any flight over an hour (or so) the noise cancelling set does make a difference to your comfort levels.

 

I have used the Bose and I liked them too. 

 

[Flightrite]

I’ve tried them all, Bose for me, no comparison, bought two in recent times S/H, lots come on the market as OS students finish up flying and head home, they dispose of everything they bought here. $1050 & 1100 I paid fir mine, like new👍
hearing is important, treat yr ears the way you do yr flying, seriosly

,👍

Edited October 29, 2021 by Flightrite

[spacesailor]

skippy

Were do you obtain the curlycord, ( plug to headset ).

The outer sheath disintegrated on my Unused set.

spacesailor

[Geoff_H]

Bose.  They fixed them for free when I have had an problems with the 2 I have over 10 years

[skippydiesel]

9 hours ago, FlyBoy1960 said:

PLEASE.  anything military will be a dynamic microphone and you need an electret microphone

Maaaate! read what I said - used the mic BOOM from tank head set - purchased the mic/speakers from an electronic store. Headset works perfectly and as I already had the ear muffs cost me very little (mic, speakers, aviation plugs, some wire & additional sponge/foam to hold the speakers in place

 

[skippydiesel]

50 minutes ago, spacesailor said:

skippy

Were do you obtain the curlycord, ( plug to headset ).

The outer sheath disintegrated on my Unused set.

spacesailor

I dont have a "curlycord" (the springy stuff)- just straight "figure eight" shielded cable.  Cant remember for sure might have got it from JayCar or one of the electronics stores specialising in radio stuff.

[skippydiesel]

9 hours ago, APenNameAndThatA said:

I think active noise reduction headsets provide much better situational awareness and are more pleasant. Also, it *might* help if both headsets in the aircraft are the same. ANR headsets are less than twice the price of traditional ones, so better value IMHO. 

Interesting - I have a David Clark ANR headset. Uses a 9V battery (expensive). Only occasionally use the ANR feature when on a long trip - works well BUT on landing I have about 30 minutes of tinnitus. I dont experience this with the DC in passive mode or with any of my other passive headsets.

 

For "around the patch" flying I always use a passive noise attenuation head set - the David Clark (ANR off), 3M/ Peltor 800 series (very good) or  home made unit (doesnt have independent volume control so not with a passenger).