Pilot's Headset

[NuSnake]

I'm looking at getting a headset since I'm flying often now. Any thoughts on a good one to get from any of you CFI's out there. Thanks.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens."
- Jimi Hendrix

 

[dhafeman]

I prefer David Clarks but they are a little pricy. ($200-300) If you know you are going to fly a lot then I would go ahead and spend the money though; they are really nice. If you're going to just fly once in awhile something like a "Pilot" headset will do. If you do get a cheaper brand make sure you try it on first because I've worn some (FlightCom's I think) that compress your head like crazy and cause you to have a headache. That's what I tell my students anyways.

 

[EA-6B1]

I'm looking to get my PPL, and I've heard David Clark makes a great headset. Anyone know what comes in the Jeppesen package you can buy for PPL? Thanks.

Semper FI

 

[SG]

If you can afford it ($995.00) and if you plan to continue flying GA aircraft, I'd go for Bose Aviation Headset X.

http://www.bose.com/anrheadset

 

[grouch]

I had a pair of the David Clark ENCs and I returned them. The ENC hurt my ears after a long flight. I wouldn't be able to clear my ears which gave me severe headaches. I returned them to Marv Golden's and used my backup pair of 13.4s and never looked back. They are a great set. One tip is to not skimp. A good set will be much more comfortable to wear over a long period. Get a set with gel ear seals and a nice pillow on top.

 

[webmaster]

One of the NAVs in my squadron bought a pair of the Bose, and didn't work in the plane (P3), impedence wasnt right, he was pretty disappointed. A couple of guys have the regular (399 or whatever) stereo Bose headphones for flying, and WOW those things are awesome, the noise cancelation in them is amazing....

 

[EA-6B1]

I'm looking at getting either the David Clark H10-13.4 headset or the DC H-10 ENC headset. I want to save money, so I'm looking to buy them online somewhere. I've found a few of the 13.4's on ebay that I like. I would like some feedback on which headset is preferable (the pros and cons of each) and if there is a better place to buy a good set for a low price besides ebay. Thanks.

Semper FI

 

[SG]

I have an older David Clark H20-10 set. The composite type. They're OK but it was my first and last DC experience. The mic boom fell off during an ILS right about the time I was clear for the approach. I sent them back (5 years old) and DC repaired them no questions asked. Enough can't be said about a quality headset, especially in a training environment. It's bad enough trying to fly the numbers. Add a crappy headset and the workload goes up just trying to listen to the controllers or instructors.

 

[EA-6B1]

OK. So David Clark is certainly the headset I want. What about the comparison of the H-10 13.4 and the ENC? I like the 13.4's right now, unless there is something out there that turns me away. What about getting the headset over the internet? I'm looking at ebay right now. Thanks

Semper FI

 

[grouch]

I bought mine from Marc Golden and can't speak high enough of them. They were fast and very helpful plus they had the best deal around. Having owed a pair of H10-13X ENCs and a pair of 13.4s, I have an insight to your question. The pros about going ENC are that they are very quiet. It is cool to put them on while you are talking with someone then turn them on. They will hum for a second then everything goes really quiet. The cons with them are as Michael Webb said, they are a pain to keep putting batteries in and they have like 13 miles of wire on them. Another con is that they hurt my ears. I spoke with someone a David Clark and they said it wasn't a common problem but it has happened to other people. As far as the 13.4s go, they are considerably cheaper, a lot easier to take in and out of a plane and they work great. I will never get rid of that set. No cons with them at all. If you do get the 13.4s, go spend the extra $7 or so on the stereo version. I wished I did.
http://www.marvgolden.com/default1.htm

 

[Gatordev]

I second the praise for Marv Golden. I dealt with them when I was stationed in San Dog, and their prices are great, especially if you live outside of CA and don't have to pay the 52.4% sales tax.

 

[EA-6B1]

Question. What does the stereo version have that the original 13.4's dont? Just curious cause I'm seriously looking into buying some. Thanks.

Semper FI

 

[Gatordev]

Yeah, from my experience, Michael is correct. Stereo headsets when in "stereo" mode will play audio sources in both headphones. Otherwise, a normal headset will still play it, but it will only be in one headphone. From what I've seen, the music cutting out when someone talks on the radio is a function of the black box in the plane, not the headset itself.

Of course on the military side of things, you just get yourself a good AT, and he hooks up a THP 3 (LAMPS weenie term) for you to pass the hours.

 

[grouch]

That is true but sure the stereo version has volume knobs on both sides not just one like the monos do. For that reason alone I would get the stereos. A man could always use more knobs to twist.

 

[Gatordev]

That's right, we have those in the sims in San Diego. I forgot about that.