Faro headsets - anyone tried them?

[rallyjeff]

I'm a brand new flight student trying to decide which headset to get.

I've been looking around online and I noticed that for a given set of features, Faro tends to be quite a bit cheaper than other brands. The ads for them say "compare to David Clark...", but since I'd have to mail-order them in (I can't find any dealers for them in the Toronto area), I can't try a set out before I buy to see for myself.

I've also had a real problem finding any reviews for them online, though the few that I did find tended to be positive.

Has anyone had experience with them? Are they okay? Are they garbage?

BTW - in case it makes a difference, whatever brand I go with, I'd most likely get a passive headset just because of cost.

[200hr Wonder]

First off rallyjeff, there are numerious posts on headsets, just search them.

I will say this, are you planning on being a CPL and flying for a living? If you yes, buy the BEST head set you can afford . You will be spending from 500-1000 hours a year in an loud environment once you are flying the line. For that reason you want the BEST most COMFORTABLE headset money can buy. You only have one set of ears so protect them.

When I started flying even though from the outset I planned on going commercial I bought a cheap headset and it was a waste of money that now gather dust. I love my Telex Stratus 50D but there is dozens of threads here about head sets.

Protect the one set of ears you got.

[RenegadeAV8R]

Faro tends to be quite a bit cheaper than other brands. Are they okay? Are they garbage?

You only have one set of ears so protect them.

Protect the one set of ears you got.

From the Faro website pictures, it seems that Faro headsets are identical to ASA and Avcomm headsets; all are made in china. Their prices are proportional to their quality.

If you like the "classic" look, you should be looking for a David Clark headset (ASA, Avcomm and Faro are all cheap and inferior copies of the David Clark).

If you prefer the contemporary look (futuristic looking plastic) there are several brands to choose from. But in all cases, buy the best headset you can afford.

[rallyjeff]

First off rallyjeff, there are numerious posts on headsets, just search them.

I did. My search here for "Faro" only gave me results for the city in Portugal.

I will say this, are you planning on being a CPL and flying for a living? If you yes, buy the BEST head set you can afford . You will be spending from 500-1000 hours a year in an loud environment once you are flying the line. For that reason you want the BEST most COMFORTABLE headset money can buy. You only have one set of ears so protect them.

Yes, that's the plan. However, me looking at spec sheets online only gives me a vague idea of what's "best" and no idea at all of what's comfortable.

I recognize that a headset is important, but right now, I'm faced with a bit of a crap shoot. I'm not counting on finding the perfect headset on the first try; instead, I was planning on using my limited initial experience (with the rental David Clark headsets available through my school, plus with whatever headset I end up getting) to help me figure out which features and styles work for me and which ones don't.

I'm not keen to shell out $1000 for something when I don't really know what I'm buying.

[Benwa]

I just bought a clarity aloft headset ( http://clarityaloft.com ) and had custom molded ear plugs made to fit the headset. ( http://l2ktech.com ) I gotta say, it's amazing !! (I fly twin Garretts... so I know what a noisy cockpit is...)

Faro looks like a cheap copy of David Clamps.

[rallyjeff]

From the Faro website pictures, it seems that Faro headsets are identical to ASA and Avcomm headsets; all are made in china. Their prices are proportional to their quality.

If you like the "classic" look, you should be looking for a David Clark headset (ASA, Avcomm and Faro are all cheap and inferior copies of the David Clark).

"Cheap and inferior" how? In that they're not durable? Or in that they don't provide as good protection as comparable models in the David Clark line?

If you prefer the contemporary look (futuristic looking plastic) there are several brands to choose from. But in all cases, buy the best headset you can afford.

I don't care at all about look except to the extent that it affects comfort. And I agree with the idea of buying quality, but at this point, it's hard for me to figure out how much of the price of an expensive headset is for actual quality and how much is for the brand logo.

I care about my ears; I don't care about having a flashy headset. If my headset dollar can go farther with one of the non-"premium" brands, then I'm all for that. OTOH, I do recognize that there's some truth in the expression "you get what you pay for"... hence why I wondered about what this brand is actually like in service.

I just bought a clarity aloft headset ( http://clarityaloft.com ) and had custom molded ear plugs made to fit the headset. ( http://l2ktech.com ) I gotta say, it's amazing !! (I fly twin Garretts... so I know what a noisy cockpit is...)

Interesting. It's good to know that this is out there as an option, but I know from my non-aviation experience (I'm also a race marshal) that I find earplugs to be uncomfortable when I wear them for long periods of time. At least at the track, I prefer earmuffs.

[Benwa]

http://www.pilot-usa.com/pa1779t.htm

I've had those for more than 10 years. Other than changing ear seals and the cord once, no problems and the battery still lasts for about 40hrs of air time.

Now I do prefer hearplugs... so they're my backup headset

[rallyjeff]

http://www.pilot-usa.com/pa1779t.htm

I've had those for more than 10 years. Other than changing ear seals and the cord once, no problems and the battery still lasts for about 40hrs of air time.

And you were happy with their performance?

I looked at the web page. That headset looks interesting, but am I right that the battery's built into the headset? IOW, you can't swap out a replacement battery when it dies in flight?

[Benwa]

Performance wise, they did better than the Bose X I had at one point.

Yes the battery is in one of the earcup. So if you do run out of battery power in flight, you lose the ANR. But you still have good passive noise reduction. (25db) So you realize that you lost the ANR because you hear more lower frequencies noise, but it's not like with the Bose where if you lose the ANR, you won't hear anything.

Bu usually I recharged the headset after 3-4 days. (or about 25hrs)

One of my copilots bought the one with a 9v battery on the cord, you can swap batteries, but he was changing them quite often (he had Energizer Rechargeables I think) I think they lasted about 15hrs... I'd have to ask him.

that's the one... http://www.pilot-usa.com/pa1771.htm

[rallyjeff]

Performance wise, they did better than the Bose X I had at one point.

Yes the battery is in one of the earcup. So if you do run out of battery power in flight, you lose the ANR. But you still have good passive noise reduction. (25db) So you realize that you lost the ANR because you hear more lower frequencies noise, but it's not like with the Bose where if you lose the ANR, you won't hear anything.

Bu usually I recharged the headset after 3-4 days. (or about 25hrs)

Yeah... that works in theory, but my experience with FRS radios and cell phones has taught me that I'm awful for remembering to plug things in to recharge.

One of my copilots bought the one with a 9v battery on the cord, you can swap batteries, but he was changing them quite often (he had Energizer Rechargeables I think) I think they lasted about 15hrs... I'd have to ask him.

that's the one... http://www.pilot-usa.com/pa1771.htm

Actually... that headset looks very interesting. Your co-pilot likes it?

From the photo, it looks like the headband and adjusters are all plastic - how has he found it for durability?

[Benwa]

It's exactly the same as mine (except for the battery), and after 11 years... still works as new.

He liked them a lot last time I flew with him (more than a year ago, he's now captain...)

[fish4life]

if you are doing flying for a living then look at the cost of a license $50 000-60 000 so consider the $700-1000 for a headset one of the cheapest parts of your career. Seem like the ZULU is getting pretty great reviews, Bose X sounds like it is great although can be a bit pricey, D&C is never a bad choice. Although if you are looking ANR try to find something that uses AA batteries as they are cheap and tend to last longer than the 9V ones.

[Vx.]

Don't buy some junk headset, you will not be happy with it! If you don't believe all of us, wait to buy one until you've done a few hours of training. It's likely that the flying school has shitty headsets like ASA, Avcom or old DC's, Try them out, you will soon see that they suck. If an instructor or someone you know has a headset that they like try it out it if they will let you and see what you think.

There is a reason that most of us flying for a living have a Bose or a Lightspeed zulu. I thought that I liked the non ANR DC that I got when I started. Then I got a job flying a radial engine and bought a Bose the second week to make the ringing stop at night.

All the other points about the AA batteries and the like are good too.

Good luck, don't let me down, don't buy a cheep one.

[ZBBYLW]

I too have a Clarity Aloft headset and am flying Garrett's as well (-11s though so they are a bit quieter than most - but still loud)... In my opinion it's the best headset out there. It's super light, very quiet and very clear. My only complaint came about 2 days ago as my mic just went on it - I have had it for over a year right now... I will update this once I figure out how good their warentee is on it.

It may not be traditional and you have to buy replacment ear plugs (I use the standard but am quiet interested in the custom made ones now that I know they are out there)... If you have ANR you have to replace the batteries so it's all the same.

Cheers and good luck!

[dirk82]

Listen to what these guys are saying. Don't cheap out. When I started I bought a 400 headset thinking it would be fine, flew 40 hours with it before I tried a Bose and a Zulu, went and dropped 850 bucks the next day an another set. Now I've got a 400 dust collector that gets used when I take buddy's up. Sucks to part with a cool grand when that's money that could go for your training but life's so much nicer up there when it's quiet.

[KevinWalton]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Kevin Walton. I work for Faro Aviation. This link was emailed to us.

Just wanted to point out a couple of facts

- FARO Aviation - Subsidiary of UNorth was established in 1999. While we are relatively new to direct consumer market, we have been making headsets for a while.'

- Consumers receive the headsets at same price and with same warranty program as our larger customers.

- FARO headsets are not made in China. Engineering, Assembly, and Quality Assurance is done here in the U.S. Some parts do come from other countries but they do not currently include China.

- As far as Guarantees, there are a lot of reviews about the headset posted online, the overwhelming majority of these reviews are favorable. These can be found on our website, and other places.

- Our headsets come with a 3-Year-Replacement Warranty directly from manufacturer. And a 30-Day Full Money back guarantee.

I wanted to make sure that FARO is not given a review from people who haven't actually used one, and while I will try check back here, the best way to get any questions answered is by contacting us directly via website or 1-855-359-3276.

Thanks and best regards,
Kevin Walton

[Sunseeker]

I just bought a clarity aloft headset ( http://clarityaloft.com ) and had custom molded ear plugs made to fit the headset. ( http://l2ktech.com ) I gotta say, it's amazing !! (I fly twin Garretts... so I know what a noisy cockpit is...)

Faro looks like a cheap copy of David Clamps.

Benwa, can you post the link for the Clarity Aloft earmolds? That one doesn't seem to work (maybe it is my iPad thingy).

Just toss my hat in the ring here, I think I have every headset on the market, Bose, Clarity, Telex, DC. My favorite is the Bose. Comfortable for us bald guys along with great noise attenuation. Batteries are a problem. I carry a pack of spares. I bought mine in 1998 when flying the F28 "Whisper Liner". The slide toward fatigue was much more gradual!

[rallyjeff]

Thanks, all.

As it turns out, I've bought a David Clark X-11. It was a bit of a fluke: I put a minimum bid in for an eBay auction not expecting to win, lucked out and got it. Looks good so far - I'll be trying it out in the plane tomorrow if the weather cooperates.

[Benwa]

I just bought a clarity aloft headset ( http://clarityaloft.com ) and had custom molded ear plugs made to fit the headset. ( http://l2ktech.com ) I gotta say, it's amazing !! (I fly twin Garretts... so I know what a noisy cockpit is...)

Faro looks like a cheap copy of David Clamps.

Benwa, can you post the link for the Clarity Aloft earmolds? That one doesn't seem to work (maybe it is my iPad thingy).

Just toss my hat in the ring here, I think I have every headset on the market, Bose, Clarity, Telex, DC. My favorite is the Bose. Comfortable for us bald guys along with great noise attenuation. Batteries are a problem. I carry a pack of spares. I bought mine in 1998 when flying the F28 "Whisper Liner". The slide toward fatigue was much more gradual!

mmm Maybe I was their last customer !!

Try http://averysound.com/as.aviation_earpiece.html they also make molded earpiece for the Clarity Aloft

[olivierw]

Hey sorry to dig up an old post but faro did something pretty amazing I needed share.

So I've had the faro G2 ANR. I bought it for 400$ with shipping. I also got the gel earseals instead of the foam. And really that headset has been great. Much better than a David Clark in terms of noise reduction and comfort. I fly commercially and can go 7 hours no problem.

Recently I lost my windscreen foam piece that goes on the mic. I tried to order it on their website for 3$ but shipping got up to 35$. So I emailed them and they responded in like 3 hours asking my address saying they'd look into a cheaper way. 45 minutes later they email me a tracking number saying they shipped 25 of those to my address, and they said it was on them.

I've had my Faro for almost 2 years. It's the first time I had to contact customer service. And damn am I ever impressed.

[Kejidog]

I started with a pair of h10 30's bought used off kijiji. 100 bucks. Worked well. One thing I did was remove the thin cheap foam from the earn cups ad replaced it with thick dense memory foam I had Kicking around the house. It made them noticibly quieter. I also replaced the headband foam as well. They were comfy. Recently to celebrate my PPL, I purchased a pair of light speed Anr's they are much better. But 10x the cost of my used DC's. look on the Marketplace here. Buy used and get the best you can afford.

[ehbuddy]

I bought a FARO G2 ANR and the best part i liked about them was the gel seals are quite thick so I never had any issues with ear rub inside. During the winter I would put a pair of those David Clark cloth covers on and eventually just never took them off as those cloth covers are nice.

But lets get down to the issues.

The on/off switch is horrible. If your headset shuffles a bit in your flight bag the switch will easily come on and your battery dies.

The individual volume controls on each side of the headset are are to adjust properly.

The cord from the control box to the jack ends is way too short.

The control box is square and clumsy.

The biggest problem is battery life. A fully charged set of nicads would only last me a day and a half and thats only if I was really rationing the on/off function. I would turn the ANR on just before takeoff and right after landing. By the end of 8 legs the light would be red.

My advice to you would be to stay clear of this brand. If you order the pair out of the US and by the time you pay the cost of the item, exchange, postage and duty you will be further ahead just buying a really good set in Canada.

[olivierw]

I agree battery life could be better in average I last 20hours of air time on two AA batteries. Less in the cold of winter.

Agreed the switch comes on too easily.

But really I don't understand why you don't love the box. It's super small, especially conpared to lightspeed. The length of the cord to me seems just right. More than that would be too much. I've flown floatplanes and you have to be able to jump out of the plane quickly. I like having a shorter cord that doesn't get tangled when you exit the plane.

If you compare it to a david clark of the same price, you've got the same quality of headset with a better noise reduction. I bought my Faro G2 for less than 400$ CAD after taxes shipping and customs clearing fees. That was a couple years ago.

Yeah the g2 doesn't win against the lightspeeds and boses. But it's also a between half and a third of the price.

It's a great compromise in my opinion
-ANR box small, compared to a sierra pfx for example.
-comfortable compared to an asa
-rugged (I've dropped it in the stairs, on concrete, and even once in the water).
-great noise cancellation, compared to Asa or DC.

That's just my opinion.