Flight training VS headsets

[4074]

Hi everyone,

I am new around here and starting my flight training next week through the OFC at YOW.

I would like to purchase an entry level headset, not looking to spend 700 bucks either. The more I read about this topic everywhere, the more confusing it gets.

So opinion wise, what should I be looking to buy? (model/manufaturer).

Any help appreciated. Hopefully I posted this topic in the right forum.

Marty

[mattedfred]

i would say that it depends on what you plan to do after you complete your PPL

i bought the least expensive DC's when i started. i still have them but haven't used them in years as my employer supplies headsets

i'm an airline captain with over 11000 hours

[4074]

i would say that it depends on what you plan to do after you complete your PPL

i bought the least expensive DC's when i started. i still have them but haven't used them in years as my employer supplies headsets

i'm an airline captain with over 11000 hours

U got me by 10999 hours! LOL

I plan on keeping it at the PPL level for starters, in the long run i'll go for my CPL buts thats a more distant objective

[mattedfred]

is money an issue?

[Big Pistons Forever]

Look for a used 10-30 David Clarke with the electret microphone (The little oval shaped one not the big round black carbon mic). They are virtually indestructable and easy to resell if your plans change.

[4074]

is money an issue?

for now yes it is, considering its going to cost 11k for the PPL. If it was not an issue I would buy a Bose X or something of the likes

[4074]

Look for a used 10-30 David Clarke with the electret microphone (The little oval shaped one not the big round black carbon mic). They are virtually indestructable and easy to resell if your plans change.

Good a starting point for my search! thanks BPF!

[modi13]

Stay away from Avcomms. They're cheap, but mine broke down within two years. I sprung for a set of DCs as a replacement, and they're not bad, but I find they apply a lot of pressure around my ears and become uncomfortable after an hour or so. I took the fabric covers off the Avcomm ear pieces and put them on the DCs so the pressure is distributed over my entire ear, and it significantly improved the comfort level, although the noise cancelling is a bit reduced. It's really hard to tell what type of headset you'll like the most until you've actually used them for a while, so if your school has rental sets available try as many different kinds as you can before you make a choice.

[200hr Wonder]

You only get one set of ears so IMHO buy the best head set you can afford.

[slam525i]

I got a pair of cheap Lightspeed Solo and they're pretty good for the price. As good as the David Clark's that I rent for my pax out of the FTU. Not too sure where you can buy them since they're out of production (been out of production for a few months), but you may be able to find a pair available new in "bricks & mortar" places.

[jump154]

EBay is your friend.... I got a pair of DC's for abotu 1/2 list price, and loved them. Much better than constantly borrowing the school ones. Just picked up a pair of ANC DC's, again for 1/2 price, so me and the wife now have decent headsets. Patience is the key, waiting for the right deal and price but you can save yourself many $. In fact, I got most of my flight training gear on EBay for far less than retail. Paid for a few more hours training.

[Big Pistons Forever]

You only get one set of ears so IMHO buy the best head set you can afford.

A big +1.

I am in my late 40's and allready have aviation induced hearing loss. Also don't forget ramp noise, I think a portion of my hearing loss was being on the ramp in the presence of running turbine engines and no hearing protection, I especially hate those TPE 731's..........

[Shiny Side Up]

+2

I don't know why some many people screw around when it comes to purchasing a good headset. Protect your hearing. While the school may have ones for rent or to lend, you'll save a lot of your own effort if you get one that fits well and is sized for you. Contrary to popular belief, headsets aren't one size fits all. Most have interchangeable ear seals to customize for yourself to increase their passive noise reduction and comfort. Some head-pads will also work for you and some won't.

Personally I reccomend the DCs which are king when it comes to durability and their passive sound reduction capabilities. Both of my sets have lasted for almost twenty years without fail.

[gaamin]

+3

Only one set of ears.

Plus, anytime you lose 20 secs due a not-so-good headset that doesn't make communication so clear, you lose 1$ (in a cessna). Ask someone (instructor, ATC) to repeat or miss a communication 3 times in a flight, 3$. Do 50 such flights, 150$, and it keeps growing as you fly more.

This one looks pretty good for less than $700 (and probably less on ebay) : http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/7348

[4074]

thanks to all of you for chiming in, I am for sure now pointing in the right direction.

[g_goo_goo]

is money an issue?

for now yes it is, considering its going to cost 11k for the PPL. If it was not an issue I would buy a Bose X or something of the likes

I think you should get the Bose X or Lightspeed Zulu. Even though they come close to $1000, they are well worth it if you plan to do a lot of recreational flying. On the other hand, if you plan to get a job like the 11000 hr cap, you'll most likely be supplied with a nice ANR headset and hence don't need to go so high.

[akoch]

If you ever going to spend this much for a Bose, I could add that the new A20 is substantially better. As much as I was not 100% happy with the X, the A20 is simply amazing.

[4074]

Wow someone revived the thread. I bought a DC H10-13X (noise reduction) from member JacksonGuitar, the thing is awesome! I am quite happy with my purchase!