Buying a Headset

Superfly7XAF · April 24th, 2008, 21:22

Hey guys, well like the title says I'm in search of a good headset and a place to get it. Thus far I've been getting by on the generosity of others, but it's about time I got my own. I've heard that David Clark's are good and that Lightspeed headsets are also nice, although expensive.

Should I get a really nice headset or just a cheaper one until I really want to invest in one and then use the first as a spare? Also I've been looking for a good (reputable) place/online store where I can get one, along with a flight bag ? Any ideas?

USMCmech · April 24th, 2008, 21:32

Buy a good passive (non ANR) headset for your first stages of training. Comfort is key here, pilots think about headsets like construction workers do boots. You should be able to find something good for 150-250$.

I used a DC13.4 for 8 years, with no problems.

Then when you pass your PPL checkride, reward yourself with a nice noise canceling permium model, like a lightspeed.

I now use a lightspeed 20, and I have no complaints.

jettison IT · April 24th, 2008, 21:43

If you have alittle time to spare I saw some used DC 13.4 on e-bay they all looked in good condition and sold for about 150.00. My cousin just bought a new set of DC 13.4's for 267.00 on I believe the web site was called " pilot geek" ?

ladder360 · April 25th, 2008, 00:55

I've been going through the same dilemma over the past few days. Yesterday, I used DC 13.4 and there was nothing wrong with them. Everyone I know that uses them likes them a lot and they're very reliable. One advantage with DC is the lifetime warranty - and apparently, the customer service if anything does go wrong is outstanding.

Today, I demo'd some I was told about through local FBO . They're very inexpensive, but they fit my head really well and the mic was responsive. Very comfortable. I'm leaning toward these due to the price (3 year warranty) with the intention of upgrading as a reward (like USMCmech suggested) at some point - perhaps after my MEL.

The ones I demo'd today:

http://www.marvgolden.com/headsets/goldeneaglemain.htm

Good luck! Let us know what you decide on as I'll be curious to compare.

USMCmech · April 25th, 2008, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladder360

One advantage with DC is the lifetime warranty - and apparently, the customer service if anything does go wrong is outstanding.

When I was at FSA in florida, a CFI there backed over his flight bag with his truck. Needless to say his DCs were mangeled beyond belief. He sent them to DC and asked them to give him an estimate for what it would take to repair. He told them exactly what had happened, and did not expect this to be covered under warenty.. Two weeks later he recived his headset completely restored, no charge.

sixoneseven · April 25th, 2008, 09:55

I had DC13.4's They're alright for a little while. Then I bought the Bose headset and wouldn't fly without it.

grnclvrs · April 26th, 2008, 20:40

When I first started flying I used a Flightcom Blackhawk headset. Worked great for the amount of flying I was doing and only about $150. When I started flying more and instructing the noise became a problem and I swutched to a DC 10-13.4. Hands down the best headset for the money that you can buy. Oregon Aero also offers a hush kit for about $100 that makes it awesome. Only drawback to the 13.4 is it is a tight on the head when worn for a while. When I started wit Colgan on the 1900 I switched to a Bose X. ANR is an absolute necessity on this airplane. Now I'm in the MD80, I wear a Plantronics MS-50 earpiece. The type of flying that you intend to do should dictate the headset that you decide on. If you only want to fly 5-6 hours a month, the Bose would be over kill. I would recommend that you get a "gently used" set of DC 10-13.4 from eBay. It's a great headset for training and, if you decide to upgrade later, a great backup headset.

BuickCFI · April 26th, 2008, 20:48

Sigtronics S-68 worked great for me until i bought my Telex 50D's. Sigtronics were a very very good value. bought from www.lcflight.com

v1valarob · April 26th, 2008, 21:21

Bose X.

Im not going to go into a bunch of crap. I just love mine, and am def. glad I dropped the money on them... Even though I had to do the Bose payment plan

-Rob

SteveC · April 26th, 2008, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnclvrs

I would recommend that you get a "gently used" set of DC 10-13.4 from eBay. It's a great headset for training and, if you decide to upgrade later, a great backup headset.

Chief Captain · April 27th, 2008, 01:50

If you're sure you're in it for the long haul, go ahead and get yourself a good headset with ANR from day 1. Protect your hearing. The Bose seems to be the best around, but $1000 is a lot of money. I spent $300 on my Telex Echelon 150 and find that it's very good. Once I can afford it, I'll upgrade to the Bose. By that time, they'll probably have a new one out

CFII2008 · April 27th, 2008, 15:25

Bose 'WAS' the best-I have had two of them. I had a buzz in my last one and Cust Service has really gone down hill big-time. I had to pay for Bose to repair something that was the fault of the headset and that took over a month. I now have a Zulu and could not be happier; the B/T feature is excellent for getting an IFR clear at a non twrd airport and it is much clearer than the Bose.