David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL

Joe · November 27th, 2004, 11:09

I've been doing some research on headsets, and I was just curious as to what the difference between the David Clark H10-13X and the H10-13XL is; besides the extra $100 bucks or so for the -XL. And are those differences worth that extra $100 bucks?

And as a second, related question: Should I get a flight bag with a compartment for the headset, or just get a headset bag and keep it in my el cheapo Jepp bag?

Thanks in advance...

SteveC · November 27th, 2004, 11:22

I think (could be wrong) that the XL option is only useful if you're going to be flying a plane with a hard-wired module built into the panel. The only time I could foresee that being useful is if you are going to own a plane, pre-wire it for the D-C headsets, and also want to use your headsets in other planes that are not pre-wired. Look at the -P to see the panel-mount set-up. The -XL allows you to use a heaset like a -P or like a -X. Not really a useful option unless you own (or frequently fly) a plane that has the panel mount D-C unit.

The -X headset really should be the best bet for any other scenario. I have the -X and love 'em. Built tough, work great, and great customer service.

RPM · November 27th, 2004, 12:37

yeah, the XP is for a panel mount with an optional battery pack....just go with the X. You don't need to buy a headset bag because it comes with one.

aloft · November 27th, 2004, 15:34

I have the XL, the detachable battery pack isn't worth the extra $100. Go with the X.

Joe · November 27th, 2004, 16:17

Guess I'll go with the -X then; thanks for your help guys!

kellwolf · November 27th, 2004, 16:19

Another X user here. MUCH more comfortable than the headclamp AvComm I had, and the customer service rocks. The one I bought had a cord for a helicopter instead of an airplane in it. I sent them the cord, and they FedExed me the right cord two days later.

Cheechako · November 27th, 2004, 16:21

Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!!

SteveC · November 27th, 2004, 17:00

[ QUOTE ]
Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I had that done to my set about 6 months ago. It wasn't a warranty covered modification, but it was worth the money to me. The 9V module includes an auto-off option that saves the battery whenever it detects that the headset is no longer connected to a live plug.

One beef that I had with the old AA brick (I think mine held 4, not 6) was that the cord from the headset to the *brick* was too short. I often had to put the brick in my shirt pocket or clip it to myself so it didn't dangle from the headset. The new setup fixes that problem, plus some. The cord from the headset to the battery is plenty long enough now, and the cord from the battery module to the panel is just as long. I plug into the panel jacks, the battery pack usually just lays on the floor somewhere, and I have full range of head motion without dragging a brick around. The cords are so long that I think I could set in the back row of the plane and still be plugged in up front!

I don't remember the exact cost of the upgrade, but somewhere around $100 rings a bell. Than may sound like a lot, but the extended usuable time of the 9V battery, reduced battery replacement costs, auto-shut-off feature, and longer cord made it worth it to me. Since I originally bought the headset used, I still don't have the total cost of a new one tied up in this unit.

Typical D-C service: when I sent the headset in for rework, they replaced the mic muff and added a cord clip (at no additional cost), and had the unit back in my hands in just over one week door-to-door.

aloft · November 27th, 2004, 18:02

[ QUOTE ]
Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, there's the rub; with the XL, switching those out is a user-upgradable option, albeit a slightly pricey one. Not so with the X, which would entail a round trip to the DC service center for such a modification (if they'll do it at all).

You still use your DCs, Chris? Aren't those Sennheisers on your melon in the RJ vid?

[ QUOTE ]
One beef that I had with the old AA brick (I think mine held 4, not 6) was that the cord from the headset to the *brick* was too short. I often had to put the brick in my shirt pocket or clip it to myself so it didn't dangle from the headset.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mine certainly doesn't have that problem! In fact, the connector almost touches the floor if I wear the headset standing up, and I'm 6'2"! I took the side clip off the battery pack as I usually just leave it on the floor as the top/bottom inline plug arrangement doesn't go gracefully into the sidewall pocket in most airplanes--which I think may have been the driving consideration in the 9V battery pack, from which both cords sprout out the top.

JC1188 · November 27th, 2004, 18:12

while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..

montanapilot · November 27th, 2004, 18:16

ANR without a doubt. Dont go cheap your hearing isnt replaceable.

RPM · November 27th, 2004, 18:18

[ QUOTE ]
while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..

[/ QUOTE ]

DC 13X

buy a good one now and it will last you forever....stay away from the el cheapos.

Cheechako · November 27th, 2004, 19:48

My XL has the battery pack that can be unplugged. I wonder if they'll take a trade-in... although why spend money on the venerable DCs when I'm thinking about the Bose....

montanapilot · November 27th, 2004, 20:33

you gotta keep in mind though that bose's passive qualities are about as useful as a sharp stick in the eye. When you run out of batterys they are worthless. With a DC you still have about 23 db of passive reduction.

kellwolf · November 28th, 2004, 22:42

[ QUOTE ]
while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..

[/ QUOTE ]

What is your ultimate aviation goal? If you want an aviation career ala airlines/corporate, I'd go with a TSO's ANR headset (Dave Clarks). Otherwise, you can save yourself some cash with Lightspeeds. I'd HIGHLY recommend an ANR since the prices have come down a LOT. Try them on before you buy them. Some people have weird ear things happen, or they wind up having headaches after a while. Also make sure your headset fits YOUR head.

Dave_Hall · November 28th, 2004, 23:03

I've got an H10-60, and I love it. Nothing really I'd change about it. Well, maybe change that awful green! I started on my ppl about a year ago(damn age rules!), and I figured it'd be better to spend a little more for the name and quality, than to buy a $100 el cheapo and it not hold up, and end up costing me more in the end.

Doug Taylor · November 28th, 2004, 23:51

The El Cheapo's price will quickly be overshadowed by thousands of dollars in audiologist bills as you develop hearing loss!

mtsu_av8er · November 29th, 2004, 00:06

[ QUOTE ]
The El Cheapo's price will quickly be overshadowed by thousands of dollars in audiologist bills as you develop hearing loss!

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't had any problem with my. . .

Huh?

What??

I'll BRB...I hear something....or maybe I don't...

My audiologist works for the VA, so it's free!!

"mr. Williams, your eharing is fine. Just turn the volume up..."

November 27th, 2004, 11:09	#1
Joe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Warwick, RI Posts: 523	David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL I've been doing some research on headsets, and I was just curious as to what the difference between the David Clark H10-13X and the H10-13XL is; besides the extra $100 bucks or so for the -XL. And are those differences worth that extra $100 bucks? And as a second, related question: Should I get a flight bag with a compartment for the headset, or just get a headset bag and keep it in my el cheapo Jepp bag? Thanks in advance...

November 27th, 2004, 11:22	#2
SteveC Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,413	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL I think (could be wrong) that the XL option is only useful if you're going to be flying a plane with a hard-wired module built into the panel. The only time I could foresee that being useful is if you are going to own a plane, pre-wire it for the D-C headsets, and also want to use your headsets in other planes that are not pre-wired. Look at the -P to see the panel-mount set-up. The -XL allows you to use a heaset like a -P or like a -X. Not really a useful option unless you own (or frequently fly) a plane that has the panel mount D-C unit. The -X headset really should be the best bet for any other scenario. I have the -X and love 'em. Built tough, work great, and great customer service.

November 27th, 2004, 12:37	#3
RPM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: LAX Posts: 658	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL yeah, the XP is for a panel mount with an optional battery pack....just go with the X. You don't need to buy a headset bag because it comes with one.

November 27th, 2004, 15:34	#4
aloft Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Inside your OODA loop Posts: 6,737	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL I have the XL, the detachable battery pack isn't worth the extra $100. Go with the X.

November 27th, 2004, 16:17	#5
Joe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Warwick, RI Posts: 523	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL Guess I'll go with the -X then; thanks for your help guys!

November 27th, 2004, 16:19	#6
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,368	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL Another X user here. MUCH more comfortable than the headclamp AvComm I had, and the customer service rocks. The one I bought had a cord for a helicopter instead of an airplane in it. I sent them the cord, and they FedExed me the right cord two days later.

November 27th, 2004, 16:21	#7
Cheechako Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Wasilla, AK Posts: 966	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!!

November 27th, 2004, 17:00	#8
SteveC Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,413	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL [ QUOTE ] Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!! [/ QUOTE ] I had that done to my set about 6 months ago. It wasn't a warranty covered modification, but it was worth the money to me. The 9V module includes an auto-off option that saves the battery whenever it detects that the headset is no longer connected to a live plug. One beef that I had with the old AA brick (I think mine held 4, not 6) was that the cord from the headset to the brick was too short. I often had to put the brick in my shirt pocket or clip it to myself so it didn't dangle from the headset. The new setup fixes that problem, plus some. The cord from the headset to the battery is plenty long enough now, and the cord from the battery module to the panel is just as long. I plug into the panel jacks, the battery pack usually just lays on the floor somewhere, and I have full range of head motion without dragging a brick around. The cords are so long that I think I could set in the back row of the plane and still be plugged in up front! I don't remember the exact cost of the upgrade, but somewhere around $100 rings a bell. Than may sound like a lot, but the extended usuable time of the 9V battery, reduced battery replacement costs, auto-shut-off feature, and longer cord made it worth it to me. Since I originally bought the headset used, I still don't have the total cost of a new one tied up in this unit. Typical D-C service: when I sent the headset in for rework, they replaced the mic muff and added a cord clip (at no additional cost), and had the unit back in my hands in just over one week door-to-door.

November 27th, 2004, 18:02	#9
aloft Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Inside your OODA loop Posts: 6,737	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL [ QUOTE ] Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!! [/ QUOTE ] Well, there's the rub; with the XL, switching those out is a user-upgradable option, albeit a slightly pricey one. Not so with the X, which would entail a round trip to the DC service center for such a modification (if they'll do it at all). You still use your DCs, Chris? Aren't those Sennheisers on your melon in the RJ vid? [ QUOTE ] One beef that I had with the old AA brick (I think mine held 4, not 6) was that the cord from the headset to the brick was too short. I often had to put the brick in my shirt pocket or clip it to myself so it didn't dangle from the headset. [/ QUOTE ] Mine certainly doesn't have that problem! In fact, the connector almost touches the floor if I wear the headset standing up, and I'm 6'2"! I took the side clip off the battery pack as I usually just leave it on the floor as the top/bottom inline plug arrangement doesn't go gracefully into the sidewall pocket in most airplanes--which I think may have been the driving consideration in the 9V battery pack, from which both cords sprout out the top.

November 27th, 2004, 18:12	#10
JC1188 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 303	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..

November 27th, 2004, 18:16	#11
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,638	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL ANR without a doubt. Dont go cheap your hearing isnt replaceable.

November 27th, 2004, 18:18	#12
RPM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: LAX Posts: 658	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL [ QUOTE ] while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon.. [/ QUOTE ] DC 13X buy a good one now and it will last you forever....stay away from the el cheapos.

November 27th, 2004, 19:48	#13
Cheechako Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Wasilla, AK Posts: 966	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL My XL has the battery pack that can be unplugged. I wonder if they'll take a trade-in... although why spend money on the venerable DCs when I'm thinking about the Bose....

November 27th, 2004, 20:33	#14
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,638	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL you gotta keep in mind though that bose's passive qualities are about as useful as a sharp stick in the eye. When you run out of batterys they are worthless. With a DC you still have about 23 db of passive reduction.

November 28th, 2004, 22:42	#15
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,368	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL [ QUOTE ] while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon.. [/ QUOTE ] What is your ultimate aviation goal? If you want an aviation career ala airlines/corporate, I'd go with a TSO's ANR headset (Dave Clarks). Otherwise, you can save yourself some cash with Lightspeeds. I'd HIGHLY recommend an ANR since the prices have come down a LOT. Try them on before you buy them. Some people have weird ear things happen, or they wind up having headaches after a while. Also make sure your headset fits YOUR head.

November 28th, 2004, 23:03	#16
Dave_Hall Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 55	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL I've got an H10-60, and I love it. Nothing really I'd change about it. Well, maybe change that awful green! I started on my ppl about a year ago(damn age rules!), and I figured it'd be better to spend a little more for the name and quality, than to buy a $100 el cheapo and it not hold up, and end up costing me more in the end.

November 28th, 2004, 23:51	#17
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 39,931 Blog Entries: 1	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL The El Cheapo's price will quickly be overshadowed by thousands of dollars in audiologist bills as you develop hearing loss!

November 29th, 2004, 00:06	#18
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,426	Re: David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL [ QUOTE ] The El Cheapo's price will quickly be overshadowed by thousands of dollars in audiologist bills as you develop hearing loss! [/ QUOTE ] I haven't had any problem with my. . . Huh? What?? I'll BRB...I hear something....or maybe I don't... My audiologist works for the VA, so it's free!! "mr. Williams, your eharing is fine. Just turn the volume up..."

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