Bose

FlyChicaga · June 5th, 2005, 22:59

So I did it: I got the Bose headset. I was tired of the background noise I was getting from my old headset, and was scared thinking about hearing loss and what not. So I got it under the purchase plan for 12 months, and tried it on my past four day trip in the ERJ.

My person opinion? Not really worth a grand that it costs.

It still didn't block out all the wind noise, at least not any more than my custom earmolds did before. It was more comfortable than the DCs and the FlightCom Denali; however, it still gave me a "bothersome" feeling after a couple hours today on the last day. Today was the longest day of use, and I was anxious to get it off by the end.

I also noticed two irritable problems: One, it picked up background noise with the mic. I hoped for $1000 it wouldn't do that. Two, in some airplanes there was interference with the battery indicator light (some way more than others) where I'd hear this "pulsing" in the headset. Very annoying.

One last issue that made me worried: Lightning. We landed in Savannah, GA after dodging quite a few storms, and sitting at the gate running a checklist there was a flash of lightning nearby, and there was a loud crackle in the headset. Bothered me a bit, since I've never had that problem before when flying in the summer storm season.

Anyways, just my take on it. It really didn't seem up the job like I hoped. Maybe I just had too high expectations or something. Or maybe I'm just a cheap ass and can't see spending $1000 for something that Jesus Christ Himself wouldn't be proud to wear in our jumpseat.

Off to continue the "perfect" headset search.........

MQAAord · June 5th, 2005, 23:15

I guess finding the perfect headset is like finding the perfect stroller. You buy a few, you try a few, and finally you find 'The One'. Bill's been happy with his earpiece. I forgot what brand it is, but it cost a bundle. He had DCs before he got that.

I've loved my DCs. My dad has a gray pair (I think they're SoftComs?) that are his spare's that I've had to wear a few times. Those SOBs HURT!!! I can't stand to wear them, I'd rather go without. Screw the hearing loss, I'm already half deaf from the ATRs anyway. (Don't walk around a ramp full of ATRs & Saabs for 6 years without earplugs! You WILL lose some hearing!)

blee256 · June 5th, 2005, 23:47

excellent post chicaga. Thanks for the input. There really needs to be more posts like that.

Is it pretty noisy in the ERJ? I just bought a telex 750 for the CRJ. the current pilots flying the line say it works fine. But after your post I am kinda worried. Are CRJs much quieter than the ERJ?

FlyChicaga · June 5th, 2005, 23:53

CRJs are much quieter than the ERJs. I'm talking with PeanuckleCRJ right now, who is a captain on the CRJ-200, and he says the Telex 750s work just fine. Another friend at SkyWest just got them as well.

I know a lot of people at ExpressJet use the 750 with earplugs, so I'm looking into that.

ASpilot2be · June 6th, 2005, 01:49

Wow, I always thought that airliners came with built in headsets. So each pilot has his own pair of headsets?
Alec

blee256 · June 6th, 2005, 02:55

Some airlines have company headsets in each plane. I've heard XJT and TSA does. I dont know of any others.

FlyChicaga · June 6th, 2005, 02:57

At ExpressJet, they provide three old David Clark's in each aircraft. Some are in better condition than others. I know other companies do the same. At the major airline level, at least two airlines (ATA and Continental) if I remember correctly from jumpseating have headsets on board. They are the small "jet type", without an ear piece. Most pilots bring their own custom ear mold reciever and put it on the company supplied headset at those companies from what I've seen.

ASpilot2be · June 6th, 2005, 03:28

[ QUOTE ]
At ExpressJet, they provide three old David Clark's in each aircraft. Some are in better condition than others. I know other companies do the same. At the major airline level, at least two airlines (ATA and Continental) if I remember correctly from jumpseating have headsets on board. They are the small "jet type", without an ear piece. Most pilots bring their own custom ear mold reciever and put it on the company supplied headset at those companies from what I've seen.

[/ QUOTE ]
I see

Thanks, Alec

aloft · June 6th, 2005, 04:24

[ QUOTE ]
excellent post chicaga. Thanks for the input. There really needs to be more posts like that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Huh? I've been saying that the Bose is overrated on here for years!

cime_sp · June 6th, 2005, 11:36

I use a set of Sennheiser HMEC25-KAS in the CRJ, and wouldn't trade 'em for the world. A lot of pilots here wear the Telex 750's and use earplugs, but for me the discomfort of wearing earplugs all day negates the comfort of the ultra-lightweight headset. The Senn's still only weigh 5.9 oz. and although they still squeeze a little, they are much more comfortable than a typical headset. They sit on the outside of your ear instead of around your ear, and they don't put any pressure on your jaw. They are also QUIET! 31 dbs of noise reduction. You can even wear them in a GA airplane. Battery life isn't that bad either. I just started to time t to figure out and I have about 40 hours on the current set and they are still going strong. I got my set off Ebay for about $350.

Sprint100 · June 6th, 2005, 14:26

Great post, FlyChicaga. I was about to treat myself to a pair for getting my PPL, but luckily I didn't. Looks like I'm still going to try and get my hands on a pair of Denali headsets. If you're happening to sell yours, PM me.

Alchemy · June 6th, 2005, 15:01

Not to rain on anybody's parade, but everything Bose makes is overpriced and gimmicky. Yes, I have used their headsets, I didn't find them to be much better than david clarks.

The same goes for their home and automotive audio equipment. Bose -- Better sound through marketing.

Looking4Lower · June 6th, 2005, 20:26

Bose-bashing, huh? I learned to love the Bose X's since I used them extensively at my last job. Granted, I didn't pay for them but that's beside the point. My experience was very positive - they performed very well in LOUD airplanes, very comfy and lightweight (I get headaches easily from headsets), etc. Keep in mind, I was flying a LOT with these things in our busy flying season (often 8-10 hours each day doing 4-5 hour legs, and/or flying every day for weeks on end thru the late spring thru fall).

I have well over 1000 hours of flying time while wearing these things and I feel they served me very well in some relentless flying conditions.

ricecakecm · June 6th, 2005, 21:18

We have Bose headsets in our Pilatus'. They are the panel mounted variety and they work really well in the PC-12. I was wearing DC 10-13X when I was instructing and the Bose are much more comfortable.

Chris

mrivc211 · June 7th, 2005, 01:34

Those things are going to save my hearing when I turn 40! It was the best $1072.49 I ever spent! Of course I wish they were cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

stuckingfk · June 7th, 2005, 01:47

[ QUOTE ]
Those things are going to save my hearing when I turn 40! It was the best $1072.49 I ever spent! Of course I wish they were cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you get another pair?

aloft · June 8th, 2005, 02:19

Just say "yes", Omar...it'll be easier on everyone that way!

SIUav8er · June 9th, 2005, 21:20

Anybody try the Lightspeed 20-3G? A little bulky, but extremely comfy and very quiet.

pscraig · June 11th, 2005, 22:55

Nice post Matt, tired of the Plantronics? Overall I like my Bose headset but it has a few problems in the ERJ, all design-induced. There is no mic gain adjustment, and at .79 or higher there is a pronounced whistle in the mic and I can't do anything about it. Bose suggested a leather mic muff. Yea right.

Some of our aircraft now have new windshields with a larger heated area. These cause a *lot* of static in the Bose.

The headset itself is the epitome of comfort, I just wish it had a gain adjustment and the electronics were shielded better. I do wear the David Clarks provided by the company sometimes, and think a pair of DCs with leather earseals might be just the thing. I can't stand the gel earseals.

pscraig · June 11th, 2005, 22:57

[ QUOTE ]
Anybody try the Lightspeed 20-3G? A little bulky, but extremely comfy and very quiet.

[/ QUOTE ]

I had a pair of these for nearly two years. Very quiet and comfortable but somewhat fragile. I replaced the stirrups holding the earcups three times and the headband once. Great service each time, but the overall durability gets a C-.

cime_sp · June 11th, 2005, 23:17

My vote is still for the Sennheisers. Every captain or FO that I've swapped with for a leg was amazed at how quiet they were. Very high quality product...Yes they can be expensive, but keep an eye on Ebay.

stuckingfk · June 11th, 2005, 23:30

[ QUOTE ]
My vote is still for the Sennheisers. Every captain or FO that I've swapped with for a leg was amazed at how quiet they were. Very high quality product...Yes they can be expensive, but keep an eye on Ebay.

[/ QUOTE ]

How would you compare these to the David Clarks with the ANR? I'm trying to sell two pairs of my lightspeeds and getting another set to keep along with my DC's.

Anyone know how I can make/buy a strap that goes under my chin to keep my headset on?

ananoman · June 12th, 2005, 00:09

I have had good luck with the Pilot 17-79. They run a little over $400 and are pretty quiet. They are also nice because they have a built in rechargable battery, so you don't have a big battery box flopping around on the cord. The battery needs to be recharged about every 35-40 hours, but unlike the Bose, the headset still provides reasonable noise protection without ANR, as Pilot sells essentially the same headset without ANR. I also like the fact that they have a plastic headband instead of a metal band like most of the DC's, which really put the hurt on my melon head. If you want you can also unplug the cord and walk around with the headset on if the ramp is very noisy.

FlyingNole · June 12th, 2005, 00:11

I gotta plug the DC H20-10XL's.....I've tried a bunch of different headsets, and for comfort and noise reduction, I love 'em.

They are about $750, but worth every penny.

SteveC · June 12th, 2005, 09:09

[ QUOTE ]

Anyone know how I can make/buy a strap that goes under my chin to keep my headset on?

[/ QUOTE ]

June 5th, 2005, 22:59	#1
FlyChicaga Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 4,833	Bose So I did it: I got the Bose headset. I was tired of the background noise I was getting from my old headset, and was scared thinking about hearing loss and what not. So I got it under the purchase plan for 12 months, and tried it on my past four day trip in the ERJ. My person opinion? Not really worth a grand that it costs. It still didn't block out all the wind noise, at least not any more than my custom earmolds did before. It was more comfortable than the DCs and the FlightCom Denali; however, it still gave me a "bothersome" feeling after a couple hours today on the last day. Today was the longest day of use, and I was anxious to get it off by the end. I also noticed two irritable problems: One, it picked up background noise with the mic. I hoped for $1000 it wouldn't do that. Two, in some airplanes there was interference with the battery indicator light (some way more than others) where I'd hear this "pulsing" in the headset. Very annoying. One last issue that made me worried: Lightning. We landed in Savannah, GA after dodging quite a few storms, and sitting at the gate running a checklist there was a flash of lightning nearby, and there was a loud crackle in the headset. Bothered me a bit, since I've never had that problem before when flying in the summer storm season. Anyways, just my take on it. It really didn't seem up the job like I hoped. Maybe I just had too high expectations or something. Or maybe I'm just a cheap ass and can't see spending $1000 for something that Jesus Christ Himself wouldn't be proud to wear in our jumpseat. Off to continue the "perfect" headset search.........

June 5th, 2005, 23:15	#2
MQAAord Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Looney Bin Posts: 9,412	Re: Bose I guess finding the perfect headset is like finding the perfect stroller. You buy a few, you try a few, and finally you find 'The One'. Bill's been happy with his earpiece. I forgot what brand it is, but it cost a bundle. He had DCs before he got that. I've loved my DCs. My dad has a gray pair (I think they're SoftComs?) that are his spare's that I've had to wear a few times. Those SOBs HURT!!! I can't stand to wear them, I'd rather go without. Screw the hearing loss, I'm already half deaf from the ATRs anyway. (Don't walk around a ramp full of ATRs & Saabs for 6 years without earplugs! You WILL lose some hearing!)

June 5th, 2005, 23:47	#3
blee256 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lower canada Posts: 1,649	Re: Bose excellent post chicaga. Thanks for the input. There really needs to be more posts like that. Is it pretty noisy in the ERJ? I just bought a telex 750 for the CRJ. the current pilots flying the line say it works fine. But after your post I am kinda worried. Are CRJs much quieter than the ERJ?

June 5th, 2005, 23:53	#4
FlyChicaga Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 4,833	Re: Bose CRJs are much quieter than the ERJs. I'm talking with PeanuckleCRJ right now, who is a captain on the CRJ-200, and he says the Telex 750s work just fine. Another friend at SkyWest just got them as well. I know a lot of people at ExpressJet use the 750 with earplugs, so I'm looking into that.

June 6th, 2005, 01:49	#5
ASpilot2be Old Skool Join Date: May 2005 Location: Paradise:) Posts: 4,624	Re: Bose Wow, I always thought that airliners came with built in headsets. So each pilot has his own pair of headsets? Alec

June 6th, 2005, 02:55	#6
blee256 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lower canada Posts: 1,649	Re: Bose Some airlines have company headsets in each plane. I've heard XJT and TSA does. I dont know of any others.

June 6th, 2005, 02:57	#7
FlyChicaga Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 4,833	Re: Bose At ExpressJet, they provide three old David Clark's in each aircraft. Some are in better condition than others. I know other companies do the same. At the major airline level, at least two airlines (ATA and Continental) if I remember correctly from jumpseating have headsets on board. They are the small "jet type", without an ear piece. Most pilots bring their own custom ear mold reciever and put it on the company supplied headset at those companies from what I've seen.

June 6th, 2005, 03:28	#8
ASpilot2be Old Skool Join Date: May 2005 Location: Paradise:) Posts: 4,624	Re: Bose [ QUOTE ] At ExpressJet, they provide three old David Clark's in each aircraft. Some are in better condition than others. I know other companies do the same. At the major airline level, at least two airlines (ATA and Continental) if I remember correctly from jumpseating have headsets on board. They are the small "jet type", without an ear piece. Most pilots bring their own custom ear mold reciever and put it on the company supplied headset at those companies from what I've seen. [/ QUOTE ] I see Thanks, Alec

June 6th, 2005, 04:24	#9
aloft Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Inside your OODA loop Posts: 7,029	Re: Bose [ QUOTE ] excellent post chicaga. Thanks for the input. There really needs to be more posts like that. [/ QUOTE ] Huh? I've been saying that the Bose is overrated on here for years!

June 6th, 2005, 11:36	#10
cime_sp Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: ATL Posts: 782	Re: Bose I use a set of Sennheiser HMEC25-KAS in the CRJ, and wouldn't trade 'em for the world. A lot of pilots here wear the Telex 750's and use earplugs, but for me the discomfort of wearing earplugs all day negates the comfort of the ultra-lightweight headset. The Senn's still only weigh 5.9 oz. and although they still squeeze a little, they are much more comfortable than a typical headset. They sit on the outside of your ear instead of around your ear, and they don't put any pressure on your jaw. They are also QUIET! 31 dbs of noise reduction. You can even wear them in a GA airplane. Battery life isn't that bad either. I just started to time t to figure out and I have about 40 hours on the current set and they are still going strong. I got my set off Ebay for about $350.

June 6th, 2005, 14:26	#11
Sprint100 Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 6,153	Re: Bose Great post, FlyChicaga. I was about to treat myself to a pair for getting my PPL, but luckily I didn't. Looks like I'm still going to try and get my hands on a pair of Denali headsets. If you're happening to sell yours, PM me.

June 6th, 2005, 15:01	#12
Alchemy Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 1,810	Re: Bose Not to rain on anybody's parade, but everything Bose makes is overpriced and gimmicky. Yes, I have used their headsets, I didn't find them to be much better than david clarks. The same goes for their home and automotive audio equipment. Bose -- Better sound through marketing.

June 6th, 2005, 20:26	#13
Looking4Lower Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On your TCAS Posts: 539	Re: Bose Bose-bashing, huh? I learned to love the Bose X's since I used them extensively at my last job. Granted, I didn't pay for them but that's beside the point. My experience was very positive - they performed very well in LOUD airplanes, very comfy and lightweight (I get headaches easily from headsets), etc. Keep in mind, I was flying a LOT with these things in our busy flying season (often 8-10 hours each day doing 4-5 hour legs, and/or flying every day for weeks on end thru the late spring thru fall). I have well over 1000 hours of flying time while wearing these things and I feel they served me very well in some relentless flying conditions.

June 6th, 2005, 21:18	#14
ricecakecm Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: MO Posts: 234	Re: Bose We have Bose headsets in our Pilatus'. They are the panel mounted variety and they work really well in the PC-12. I was wearing DC 10-13X when I was instructing and the Bose are much more comfortable. Chris

June 7th, 2005, 01:34	#15
mrivc211 Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 2,052	Re: Bose Those things are going to save my hearing when I turn 40! It was the best $1072.49 I ever spent! Of course I wish they were cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

June 7th, 2005, 01:47	#16
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,615	Re: Bose [ QUOTE ] Those things are going to save my hearing when I turn 40! It was the best $1072.49 I ever spent! Of course I wish they were cheaper, but you get what you pay for. [/ QUOTE ] Did you get another pair?

June 8th, 2005, 02:19	#17
aloft Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Inside your OODA loop Posts: 7,029	Re: Bose Just say "yes", Omar...it'll be easier on everyone that way!

June 9th, 2005, 21:20	#18
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: Bose Anybody try the Lightspeed 20-3G? A little bulky, but extremely comfy and very quiet.

June 11th, 2005, 22:55	#19
pscraig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,021	Re: Bose Nice post Matt, tired of the Plantronics? Overall I like my Bose headset but it has a few problems in the ERJ, all design-induced. There is no mic gain adjustment, and at .79 or higher there is a pronounced whistle in the mic and I can't do anything about it. Bose suggested a leather mic muff. Yea right. Some of our aircraft now have new windshields with a larger heated area. These cause a lot of static in the Bose. The headset itself is the epitome of comfort, I just wish it had a gain adjustment and the electronics were shielded better. I do wear the David Clarks provided by the company sometimes, and think a pair of DCs with leather earseals might be just the thing. I can't stand the gel earseals.

June 11th, 2005, 22:57	#20
pscraig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,021	Re: Bose [ QUOTE ] Anybody try the Lightspeed 20-3G? A little bulky, but extremely comfy and very quiet. [/ QUOTE ] I had a pair of these for nearly two years. Very quiet and comfortable but somewhat fragile. I replaced the stirrups holding the earcups three times and the headband once. Great service each time, but the overall durability gets a C-.

June 11th, 2005, 23:17	#21
cime_sp Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: ATL Posts: 782	Re: Bose My vote is still for the Sennheisers. Every captain or FO that I've swapped with for a leg was amazed at how quiet they were. Very high quality product...Yes they can be expensive, but keep an eye on Ebay.

June 11th, 2005, 23:30	#22
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,615	Re: Bose [ QUOTE ] My vote is still for the Sennheisers. Every captain or FO that I've swapped with for a leg was amazed at how quiet they were. Very high quality product...Yes they can be expensive, but keep an eye on Ebay. [/ QUOTE ] How would you compare these to the David Clarks with the ANR? I'm trying to sell two pairs of my lightspeeds and getting another set to keep along with my DC's. Anyone know how I can make/buy a strap that goes under my chin to keep my headset on?

June 12th, 2005, 00:09	#23
ananoman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 916	Re: Bose I have had good luck with the Pilot 17-79. They run a little over $400 and are pretty quiet. They are also nice because they have a built in rechargable battery, so you don't have a big battery box flopping around on the cord. The battery needs to be recharged about every 35-40 hours, but unlike the Bose, the headset still provides reasonable noise protection without ANR, as Pilot sells essentially the same headset without ANR. I also like the fact that they have a plastic headband instead of a metal band like most of the DC's, which really put the hurt on my melon head. If you want you can also unplug the cord and walk around with the headset on if the ramp is very noisy.

June 12th, 2005, 00:11	#24
FlyingNole Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Posts: 2,090	Re: Bose I gotta plug the DC H20-10XL's.....I've tried a bunch of different headsets, and for comfort and noise reduction, I love 'em. They are about $750, but worth every penny.

June 12th, 2005, 09:09	#25
SteveC Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,640	Re: Bose [ QUOTE ] Anyone know how I can make/buy a strap that goes under my chin to keep my headset on? [/ QUOTE ]

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