Headsets

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:10 pm

Could use a little guidance on this topic, if I may ask.

Gotta buy my first headset. Don't want to break the bank, as most of my $$ should go to actual flight training.

One thing my instructor's recommended is getting one that's got a single-piece flexible mike arm, as opposed to one with hinges. Other than that, I'm ignorant about how inexpensive I can go without buying crap, regretting it and having to cough up more, sooner than later for something better.

There's this one at aviationworld.net http://www.aviationworld.net/product.as ... 893&cID=76
for $249 that my flying club's pilot shop sells for the same price. It's a comfortable price for me.

This sort of thing looks flimsy to me: http://www.aviationworld.net/product.as ... 344&cID=76

and this has got the kind of mike arm my instructor recommended against.
http://www.aviationworld.net/product.as ... 95&cID=541

Any help would surely be appreciated. I'm quite lost on this stuff.

PS: I did check out the Calgary supplier advertised on this site. Prices are about the same, except I'd have to pay shipping to here in Toronto.

pika · Post by **pika** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:20 pm

Whatever you buy get the best you can now to avoid paying for it again in two years.

A. Thompson · Post by **A. Thompson** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:22 pm

....and no Provincial sales tax (in Alberta).

Just an aside, I bought the best ones I could afford with ANR after suffering with really bad "Club" 'phones. Hard enough hearing ATC when starting out, without the added pain in the butt of lousy 'phones - just an opinion

Corkscrew · Post by **Corkscrew** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:34 pm

There are a lot of headsets to choose from. How much money you spend depends on how serious you are about becoming a pilot.

Consider that getting a CPL requires about 200 hrs. If you had to rent a headset for $2/hr that would cost you about $400 anyways. So consider your options. Realistically expect to spend closer to $400 - $500 after taxes.

My advice:
1) Determine how much money you can spend
2) Try out the headset, make sure its comfortable for you
3) Gel Ear Seals, not foam

Also check out this store, it's in Calgary btw, so no PST

http://www.cyberpilotshop.com/cat17_1.htm

David Clarke headsets are the most popular, they have been around forever, and are reliable and sturdy... but you will have to pay more for them.

Personally I have been using a Flightcom Denali headset, its lightweight and cheaper than DC. I haven't had any problems. The guy who sold it told me it floats too, but I've never tried that out... You don't have to spend a fortune, just make sure it fits your head comfortably. You'll be wearing it a lot hopefully.

Hope this helps.

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:45 pm

Should have clarified...I'm just going for my RPP, with PPL next year.

Corkscrew · Post by **Corkscrew** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:03 pm

In that case may I suggest a used headset.

There are always guys selling their old DC's for less about $150-200 for a decent pair. Maybe 3-5 yrs old, but originally $400-500. Just ask around your flight school, instructors especially love to sell things for money, or post here.

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:09 pm

If there are any particular brands to stay away from, -- or to go for, apart from Dave Clarkes -- that sort of info would be really helpful.

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:13 pm

i agree....get a used David Clarke. I have had my DC since 1994, and have been a working pilot since 1998. I haven't had 1 single problem with it in over 3500 hrs of flight time. I have added a few things over the years(better head pad, gel seals), but back in 1994 I spent about $400. I think the same unit now is $450 new. totally worth it. you should be able to find it used in the $200 range. I think the model is an H10-20.

V1 · Post by V1 » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:31 pm

I agree as well. Get a used David Clark. They last forever as well. I have never had a problem.

HuD 91gt · Post by **HuD 91gt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 6:10 pm

A used David Clark headset is an excellent idea. Lightspeed also sells used headsets right from there website (I believe they are remanned). I own a lightspeed and it is fantastic (Even though it is massive with the large foam earseals, probably the most comfortable headset ive ever tried on, although ive never tried a Bose:p ). Although if you want longevity david clarke is tried and true. When I was searching for a headset, I came across a company that basically copied David Clark exactly and they were quite a bit cheaper. I will try a little search a come up with a name.

HuD 91gt · Post by **HuD 91gt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 6:15 pm

A used David Clark headset is an excellent idea. Lightspeed also sells used headsets right from there website (I believe they are remanned). I own a lightspeed and it is fantastic (Even though it is massive with the large foam earseals, probably the most comfortable headset ive ever tried on, although ive never tried a Bose:p ). Although if you want longevity david clarke is tried and true. When I was searching for a headset, I came across a company that basically copied David Clark exactly and they were quite a bit cheaper. I will try a little search a come up with a name.

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 6:26 pm

Thanks for the word about Lightspeed. After snooping around various shops on the 'net, I am in fact leaning towards their QFR Solo/C
http://www.anrheadsets.com/productsqfrs.asp
which I can pick up in person at aviationworld for $199.
Same price as on internet shopping, but nice thing about personal shopping of course is actually being able to try them on.

You're right, Lightspeed does sell reconditioned from its site, but best offer right now is another type for $200 USD.

DCs are out of my price range at the moment.

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 6:26 pm

Thanks for the word about Lightspeed. After snooping around various shops on the 'net, I am in fact leaning towards their QFR Solo/C
http://www.anrheadsets.com/productsqfrs.asp
which I can pick up in person at aviationworld for $199.
Same price as on internet shopping, but nice thing about personal shopping of course is actually being able to try them on.

You're right, Lightspeed does sell reconditioned from its site, but best offer right now is another type for $200 USD.

DCs are out of my price range at the moment.

HuD 91gt · Post by **HuD 91gt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 7:02 pm

A word of advice, make sure you try on the headset before you buy. I did not have that chance, but I read many reviews on the internet and they all said it was very comfortable. The headset you posted at the top is not the most comfortable, in fact I would almost call it rockhard.

Another cheaper headset, is one made by ASA, I believe it is around $150 Canadian. I used one for a while (It was a friends spare), and it worked quite well. Although it was not the most comfortable and had the hinged microphone I was impressed for the price.

I have all these things that keep popping into my mind, so sorry about the random advice.

I have tried a few older David clark headset that have astrange microphone, they do not look like the new ones. Anyways they are absolute junk, and I heard there is something inside that breaks down and they are horrid. So if you look into a used one, make sure it has the new style mic.

ski_bum · Post by **ski_bum** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:43 pm

I just picked up a new DC H10-13.4. I love it, I look forward to putting it on every day. It will set you back $350 from vippilot.com but it is worth every penny. I highly recommend that headset and VIP. Think about it this way, you will own it for 10, 20 maybe even the rest of your flying days. Spend the bucks, you won't regret it.

Jude · Post by **Jude** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:15 am

I got the QFR Solo and it is one of the most comfotable fit i have tried....and its a good price...199. I think its perfect for you...it has a cell phone adapter..stereo etc..and its the quietest headset in this price range. ANd it comes with a headset bag too.so that saves you like 30 bucks right there....The reliability is not bad i heard..but i found it to be more comfotable the the DC.....I wouldn't recommend a used Dc...why spend 150 on a used DC when u can buy sumthing new...theres no garentees on used items...

complexintentions · Post by **complexintentions** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 6:11 am

I saved about 200 bucks on a brand new Sennheiser on eBay...

http://search.ebay.ca/search/search.dll ... =&saprchi=

And then just get the one you want with this:

http://www.auctionsniper.com

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:09 am

I much prefer shopping in person for things where fit, comfort and look are involved. Even if it costs more. Lots of people are buying clothing and other items online, and I could see myself some day ordering books or whatever. But I just can't get over the concern about the hassle of returning it if I don't like it or it doesn't fit well or comfortably.

Northern Skies · Post by **Northern Skies** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:32 pm

It may be a good idea to keep an eye on eBay. I found my H10-13.4 on there for $190USD, brand new and still sealed in the box.

lowlevel · Post by **lowlevel** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:29 pm

If I was you I would definately look at an anr headset!
I know they are expensive, but after using a few sets now for over a year, the 10-13.4 don't even compare and I wouldn't even consider a regular pair anymore!
It is night and day!
So If you are serious about getiing into aviation as a career I would definately buy a set of anr's. In the long run an extra $300-$400 is peanuts when compare to the $30,000 you'll have paid when your finished spending!
ANR's - david clark anr is shitty but a comfortable headset, telex's anr is awesome, but a bulky headset, bose is the way to go!
Happy Flying!

HuD 91gt · Post by **HuD 91gt** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:25 pm

A thing to consider when buying an ANR headset is how well it will work without the ANR active. My Lightspeed 30 3G is fantastic when the batteries are working, but the noise reduction drops drastically (Probably due to the foam earseals, but man are they comfy) when the battery dies. Not much fun when it happens on flight tests etc when you are already stressed :p

Headsets

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