Sigtronics vs. DC

[FlyWhiteSox]

I am currently searching for an entry level headset to purchase. A friend has a pair of DC's (H20-10) that are great, but highly expensive. I was pretty set on purchasing a pair of H10-13's or H10-20's until I came across Sigtronics. They are far cheaper and appear to have similar passive noise reduction capabilities. Would it be worth it to spend the extra on the David Clark's?

Also, I was looking at the Sigtronics S-40, does anyone have a review of them?

Thanks alot for any possible help.

[AA]

I have the DC 13s and they are great. The quality of sound is what impresses me the most. The 13s seem to be very tight on my head however and hear that the 20s are more comfortable.

[Derek_S]

When I first started I used the S-40 for a couple months. It gets the job done for the price you pay. However, I have a set of the S-58's and really like them, very comfy and quiet. I have also tried the DC-10-13's and those are great! If you have the money to spend there is nothing like a good DC headset.

[kellwolf]

I had a set of Avcomms (still do, actually), and I thought they were good....until I put on the DCs. Not sure if it's the ENC or just how the DCs are made, but I can hear ATC and intercom stuff MUCH better, and the mic is better, too. Keep in mind DCs are NOT for everyone. It depends on how your head is shaped. I'm one of the lucky ones that thinks they DON'T fit like vise grips.

[WindyCityPilot]

Hey FlyWhiteSox,

I currently have the DC H10.13X ANR headset and love them! It’s mostly personal preference from what I have gathered. Some people I spoke with said the DC’s feel like clamps on your head…..I have never had that problem. Certain headsets fit better than others. I’ve tried some Lightspeed’s before and found them not nearly as comfortable as my DC’s.

I see you’re at 1C5 in Bolingbrook. How do you like it down there? Do you have your license or are you still training? I’m thinking of continuing my training down there…they seem to have some pretty decent prices for rental. If you could let me know how you like it down there I would appreciate it!

L8R!

[FlyWhiteSox]

Thanks for the info on the DC's.

I actually just started my training down there over my spring break. I plan on getting my PPL over the summer. They run a pretty tight ship over there at A & M Aviation, and they have brand new Cessna's because they are an authorized dealer or something like that. The one thing is that the runway is pretty short and I guess alot of people misjudge it. My instructor was a nice guy and knows his stuff, PM me if you would like his name. Maybe I'll see you there this summer!

[CapnJim]

I had the same decision between the DC's and the Sigtronics. I went with the Sigtronics, and don't regret it. They're lighter, cheaper, and have the same level of noise attenuation. If you get them though, get rid of those foam seals and get some gel ones pronto. Comfort level goes wayyy up.

I used my Sigtronics all throughout my training, and all through out CFIing, and now that I'm in ERJs I'm giving serious though to using them there too. They have DC's in the cockpit, but they just don't seem as comfortable.

One downside to the Sigtronics: they don't seem to hold up as well as the DCs. Well, you get what you pay for. Mine look like Frankenheadset with saftey wire, zipties, and shrinkwrap holding various bits in thier proper relationship.

[WindyCityPilot]

I tried sending you a PM but you are not accepting them. I was down at 1C5 on Monday and spoke with a CFI named Tim...seemed like a nice guy who knew his stuff.

Did you take you intro flight in a 172? I'm looking at finishing up my license in either their Katana or 152. I'm past the point of wanting to fly the new planes with all the fancy GPS stuff. I'll save that for when I have my license and am flying with my wife or friends somewhere. Just give me a simple, basic, cheap plane to finish up my license. Can't beat the price they are asking for the 152 and Katana!

Let me know which instructor you went up with.

Thanks!

[FlyWhiteSox]

Wow, it truly is a small world! My instructor is Tim M. and he is a really nice guy. I also was hoping on training in the 152 this summer. Man, thats crazy I was there a day before you talking to the same guy.

[WindyCityPilot]

Ha ha...that's pretty cool! Crazy how small of a world it is. I spoke with Tim for about half an hour and was pretty impressed with him….he seemed like he really liked instructing and would make himself available to fly pretty much whenever I wanted to. That's a big plus in my book.

I still haven’t decided on the 152 or the Katana……I really like flying the Diamond’s so I think I may go with that then once I get my license get checked out in the Eclipse. Plus there is a little more room in the Katana than the 152. How did you like the 152? Was your ride during the day or night?

Well hopefully we’ll see each other sometime. When did you say you’re going to start your training?

[FlyWhiteSox]

I plan on starting straight after my semester ends, sometime in mid-may. I haven't yet flown in the 152, but the cost is significantly lower than the 172's. I only have a few months to get my license so money is an issue. DSo you have any experience with the katana? I would prefer the 152 because of it's similarity to the 172 that I would most likely continue training on in the future. Plus that whole control stick thing seems weird to me, but i'm sure its fun.

[WindyCityPilot]

I’ve flown the Diamond Eclipse before and found that to be really fun to fly. The center stick takes a bit to get used to but I like it. The instrument panel seems so open and clear since there is no yoke to obstruct your view. The visibility from the cockpit in the Eclipse is really awesome since it has a tip up canopy.

I’ve flown the 152 before and I think it’s a fun little plane to fly around in. It’s definitely not something you would want to fly to far in unless you are a smaller person.

We’ll see…the el cheapo side of me may win out and I might be competing for time with you in the 152.

Hopefully we’ll see ya around sometime!!

[Josh]

[ QUOTE ]
Would it be worth it to spend the extra on the David Clark's?

[/ QUOTE ]

No.

[SteveC]

[ QUOTE ]
Would it be worth it to spend the extra on the David Clark's?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes.

[Derek_S]

Well those last two post are proof that everyone has their own opinion. So, I suggest that you go to a pilot shop that sells headsets and try them out. Before you go, pick a few headsets that you are interested in, bring a magazine to the shop to read while you wear each set for at least 15 minutes and that will give you a good idea on which one is more comfortable to you.

[jtrain609]

Tell ya what. My David Clarks were rock solid, fine pieces of equipment. They also felt like a vice on my head. If they don't fit you and you hate wearing them then it dosen't matter how well they hold up. On the other hand I love my Lightspeed Twenty 3G's. Maybe they'll fall apart down the road, I've heard mixed reviews about that. I'll find out. Either way things are real quiet in the cockpit for me, and I don't want to throw my headset out the window on cross country's.

[Josh]

I think what John said is typical of all the single metal clamp style headsets. I can think of DC, Avcomm, Sigtronics, and a few others that seem to trend towards that style of clamp.

If you want something you can actually stand to wear (and is actually designed to fit well, so often blocks out sound much better than the metal clamp designs) then look for a headset that actually lets you adjust the clamping force. There are a number of options out there. But, here's a hint, David Clark isn't one of them