Buying a headset/mic

[Guest Pop-top]

Apologies straight off, I realise that this is probably asked on a relatively frequent basis.

 

If it has been recently; could someone please point to the relevant thread?

 

I'm looking to buy a first Headset, however I'm also hoping that I can afford one good enough that it will last me through to a CPL etc. I'm fairly quiet on the radios (so I've been told) so something with a good mic.

 

Does anyone have some very simple specs that I should look out for? or perhaps particular brands to avoid?

 

While we are on the topic of first time purchases; does anyone also know of somewhere (other than ebay) I could purchase some second hand (ie cheaper) Bob tait books?

 

Do you ever have threads that are similar to a very manual form of ebay where we could post add's for things we have finished with and could sell to students? then they just PM to arrange payment and exchange? or would you not encourage this?

 

Cheers

 

 

[Guest Mad Dave]

I reckon buy a good set that fits well. Some of the "cheapies" can be a real pain after a few hours. Better to go and try some on somewhere, rather than buy over the net

 

 

[Guest Pop-top]

AOPA Online: How To Buy a Headset

 

I just found this and finally found some related articles on these forums, anyone still willing to give me some advice? it would be much appreciated

 

especially about specific cheaper stores or weather I should go a cheapy $200 or invest in $1000+

 

 

[slartibartfast]

Hi Jodie.

 

Ian sells the Recreational Flying headsets through ClearProp - the shop which helps pay for this site.

 

By all accounts, they are an excellent buy, and very cheap.

 

Check them out here.

 

There's also a review somewhere, but I can't find the reviews section right now :raise_eyebrow:

 

 

[Thx1137]

G'day Jodie,

 

I have been using the Pilot PA18-50 ANR headset for the last 14 hours or so. It was pretty much the cheapest ANR headset I could find that didn't have a suspect reputation. On the whole it is not bad. It has good passive attenuation so if the ANR dies or the battery goes flat it is still alright. I paid around $400 for it. If you are interested, let me know when you are flying next and I will see if I can leave it at the field so you can check/try it out.

 

As far as how much to spend. I know of some pilots who have the > $1,500 headsets and only think they are 'ok' but way overpriced but I have read on forums that some guys love em. I dunno myself as I haven't used them. That said. I think it is important to get something decent to start off with, once gone the hearing doesn't come back!

 

Steven.

 

 

[Thx1137]

Ian sells the Recreational Flying headsets through ClearProp - the shop which helps pay for this site.

Wow, they do look like an excellent buy. I might grab a pair as a spare/ for passenger!

 

Steven.

 

 

[Admin]

Wow, they do look like an excellent buy. I might grab a pair as a spare/ for passenger!Steven.

I could go on about the Recreational Flying Headsets but you can raed the review on them here:

http://www.recreationalflying.com/forum/equipment-reviews/30817-recreational-flying-250-headset.html

 

and, many of the charter pilots at Essendon are using them and they have them on for many hours every day so that also says a lot about them.

 

 

[Guest pelorus32]

G'day Jodie,

 

a couple of choices and some principles. In the reviews section you will find a review of the DC H10-56 HXL headset. That explains noise attenuation and some of the issues that you should take into account when you are thinking about headsets.

 

I'm happy to answer further questions after you have had a look at that.

 

I reviewed both the Rec Flying headset and the DCs. For my money they are two great but different choices. The DCs are expensive - it will cost you around $1000 - though I picked up a set for my daughter on fleebay much cheaper than that. They provide absolutely stunning noise atenuation - both passive and active. They are a little heavy but again my daughter wears hers all the time and she is a little lightweight. She says the weight is not an issue.

 

The Rec Flying headset is a great passive headset. I'ts very similar to the DC H10-13.4 except that it has better sound attenuation.

 

From my point of view I wouldn't be buying a Bose or any of the other "fancy" active headsets - including the DC X11. None of them have enough passive attenuation.

 

IIWY I would be thinking about:

 

1. Your hearing: noise damage is cumulative over time. If you are embarking on a career then the noise will have plenty of time to do its damage so get the best protection you can;
    
    
   
2. Longevity: Yes yu can replace a headset every couple of years, but nothing is that cheap. I reckon pay a little more and keep it for 10-15 years - at that rate it's cheap;
    
    
   
3. Get the best passive protection you can and make sure the active is up to scratch;
    
    
   
4. Don't worry too much about the mike - most of the headsets that you would choose have good mikes.
    
    
   

 

 

If I had to choose again I'd go with the DC H10 56 HXL - they are great and live up to every expectation. What they aren't is flashy, slim, pretty or anything like that.

 

If you do decide to go that way make sure you read the review so you understand the extra adaptor you need.

 

Regards

 

Mike

 

 

[Guest Pop-top]

Thank you guys,

 

All great advice. I'll keep looking and reading for now but I'll let you know what I eventually buy

 

 

[Guest mike_perth]

Well Ive got the Altronics ANR headset and for the money Im pretty happy with them they have a flexible mic boom and gel ear cushions and are very confortable to wear even for long periods - the flying scholl Im with have the Pelator's and when my instructor tried out mine he went out and bought a set.

 

They are fairly cheap for ANR but even without the ANR their PNR is good

 

 

[Guest Pop-top]

Well Ive got the Altronics ANR headset and for the money Im pretty happy with them they have a flexible mic boom and gel ear cushions and are very confortable to wear even for long periods - the flying scholl Im with have the Pelator's and when my instructor tried out mine he went out and bought a set.They are fairly cheap for ANR but even without the ANR their PNR is good

Hi Mike,

 

There seem to be a few different models, do you know which one yours is? and if you wouldn't mind telling me how much you paid for them it would be very helpful :)

 

 

[Guest mike_perth]

This is the one I have - PM me if your keen and I can get them for you (I have an account with them)

 

Altronics - Your One Stop Audio Visual & Electronics Supplier

 

 

[Ultralights]

i have had a pair of David Clarks for 17 yrs now! and still used regularly. i have just upgraded to Lightspeed Zulu, though a little on the pricey side at $1450 but bluetooth phone calls, Ipod music and very light weight, i can hardly feel them on my head.....( i fly about 10 hrs a week though), but if they last as long as my DC's then its a small price to pay.

 

i think my david Clarks were about $400 17 yrs ago, and the price is still round the $500 mark today.

 

and i can also vouch for the headsets sold here, i have purchased a pair for students o use in the Jabiru, and they have never caused a problem and are reliable. they are a little heavier than im used to, but still ok and very good value for money.

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Jodie Hi, I also used David Clarks for years, and you come to love them for the comfort and clarity. They are good value if you've got the money to spend. I have recently been using a pair of 'cheapies' that I purchased for some stupid low price from Xcom some time back now. They appear to be the same as the ones Ian sells, and they are most likley the same. I would recommend you buy them from Ian for sure.

 

In comparison to my previous DCs they are pretty damn good for the money. Comfortable on the ears with good cushions, and the sound quality for send and recieve is close, or equal, to the DCs. Personally I haven't gone out of my way to chase ANR headsets, but they may be good if you are in a particulary noisy cockpit. Hope this is helpfull. Cheers Ross