FLY2HMO From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (3 years 2 months 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 4695 times:
I'm thinking about upgrading my trusty DC H10-13.4S for something new. Thing is, while I can deal with them fine for one or two hours, I hate the clamped feeling of normal over-the-ear headsets, not to mention it's hard to hit on an FBO hottie when you're hair is a mess after having them on for hours on a hot summer day . Also, I wear glasses so they don't seal too well where the frame goes through the ear cups and that also increases the pressure against my skull. . And lastly, they're not too quiet.
I've tried on the Bose headsets and quite frankly, I was disappointed. They're not all that comfortable to me, they felt poorly made, and the ANR was far from spectacular. I wouldn't pay more than $500 for them and yet they cost $1000, outrageous IMO.
I've been looking into in-ear headsets, but the problem with that is my ear canals are quite narrow and they don't fit well at all, but now this company is out that makes custom fit in-ear headsets: http://www.jhaudio.com/ I found out about them on AOPA Magazine and their review and all the others I've seen about JHAudio rave about them. They have 3 models, the only difference between them is that they have differing speaker quality, but they all have the same frequency response and quite frankly I'm not going to be listening to music (they have the capability though) so as long as I hear ATC fine that's all I want. Apparently it feels like you're wearing nothing too, which is something I definitely want to benefit from, and they seal your ear perfectly. Their cheapest model, the Aerous VX1 starts at $700. Still a lot of money, but they seem much more promising than the Bose.
The other ones I'm considering are the Telex Stratus 50 ( http://www.telex.com/aircraft/Produc...ketID=2&CategoryID=14&ProductID=10 ). They are still over the head and they are a few ounces heavier than my DCs and they look to be much larger, but they have an impressive 50DB noise reduction. While I haven't used Telex's GA headsets, I've used their commercial ones and I was quite pleased with them, not to mention they are a very respected name in aviation headsets. They also cost about the same as the Aerous VX1.
I'd be interested to hear if any of you have any experience with any of these two. I will say though, right now, the Aerous in-ear headset sounds very appealing given my circumstances.
Pilotpip From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 3015 posts, RR: 13 Reply 1, posted (3 years 2 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 4675 times:
Still using my trusty, and now 9 year old 13.4s. Maybe I'm strange but I can wear them for four hours with no problems. I actually find them more comfortable than Bose, which like most of their audio products are way overpriced for what you get. No highs, no lows, must be Bose.
If you're worried about picking up chicks, stop saying you're a pilot. They usually run as soon as you say this.
While ANR is great for fatigue, it does NOTHING for hearing protection. Most of the telex noise reduction is not passive, it's through the ANR circuitry. Most noise you get while flying comes through your skull.
I might replace mine with the Telex 750 or 850 some day, but the DC's are going to have to die before that happens.
FLY2HMO From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (3 years 2 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 4671 times:
Quoting Pilotpip (Reply 1): If you're worried about picking up chicks, stop saying you're a pilot. They usually run as soon as you say this.
Oh I know, but that's kinda hard to do when you're carrying your flight bag overflowing with charts and a headset in front of an FBO counter staffed by cuties
Njxc500 From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 185 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (3 years 2 months 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 4667 times:
I am extremely happy with my Lightspeeds. I've flown 200 hours in my 20's and they work pretty well with sunglasses because of the soft poofy earpads. I have flown with a low end set of telex, and dc 13.4s, these are way more comfortable. Go to an FBO and try them on. I flew 10.5 hours in one day in my 182 and they were flawless. Weight should be a consideration and the Lightspeeds are super light. Both of us on that flight were wearing lightspeeds, he left his david clarks at home. Good shopping.
2H4 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 8937 posts, RR: 65 Reply 4, posted (3 years 2 months 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 4650 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD DATABASE EDITOR
I really love my Peltor headset. DCs are very good, but I find that the Peltors spread the pressure out over a larger area around your ears, increasing comfort. Also, I like the sensitivity of the microphone. When I was using several various DC headsets, it seemed as though they wouldn't kick on until after I had spoken my first syllable. In other words, the lack of sensitivity of the DCs seemed to cut off my first syllable, even when I adjusted the squelch. The Peltors seem to be more sensitive.
AAR90 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 3342 posts, RR: 51 Reply 5, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 4577 times:
First and foremost is to figure out WHY you want the headset you buy.... to provide good quality communications while protecting your hearing. Girls' opinions should have no place in such decisions; however, if the headset is not comfortable you will not use it as you should and it will not provide the protection you desire. So the overall decision should be one of comfort and performance.
The best in-ear system I have ever encountered is: Panther Electronic's CAT. Exceptional noise reduction, fantastic comfort and above average transmit/receive quality. Unfortunately for me (airline pilot) the noise reduction was so good I had trouble hearing my co-pilots --we do not have active intercom in airliners-- so I was constantly removing one earpiece. Not a good thing when that earpiece was the microphone.
A number of my co-pilots use: Mach 1 headset. Very light weight and it apparently does a nice job of noise reduction. The basic foam earplugs are not comfortable to me and the custom molded ones I've seen looked to be a bit on the hard side --I got spoiled with the CAT earpieces. My FO's regularly have to remove one earpiece to hear internal cockpit communciations so....
A few years ago I settled upon: UFLYMIKE. If you like the Bose QuietComfort II headset (surprisingly more comfortable than BOSE-X, Telex-850 and Sennheiser HMEC) then this adapter may be just the ticket. With used QC-II's on sale on the internet for around $120-130, the overall cost is the lowest and IMHO the quality is the best for an on/over ear headset.
Whatever you decide, make the decision that is best for your hearing (you can't get it back once it is lost).
Good Luck,
AAR90
CA B738 AA SNA
*NO CARRIER* -- A Naval Aviator's worst nightmare!
Alias1024 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 2502 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 4553 times:
Quoting AAR90 (Reply 5): A few years ago I settled upon: UFLYMIKE. If you like the Bose QuietComfort II headset (surprisingly more comfortable than BOSE-X, Telex-850 and Sennheiser HMEC) then this adapter may be just the ticket. With used QC-II's on sale on the internet for around $120-130, the overall cost is the lowest and IMHO the quality is the best for an on/over ear headset.
Would a QC2 provide enough hearing protection for someone spending 6 hours a day in piston engine cessnas and pipers? It's a great headset for turbine engine aircraft like a Boeing, but I think several hundred hours of dual given might be in Mr. FLY2HMOs future given the state of the industry.
Very good points that the primary focus should be on comfort and hearing protection.
One point I'll make about Lightspeed. They have the best customer support of any company I've ever dealt with in ANY industry. I sent in an out of warranty headset for a short in a wire, and explained that I needed it back ASAP for work. They not only fixed the short, but replaced the headband and ear seals, and sent it back to me across the country using overnight delivery. All for free. This isn't an uncommon story with Lightspeed owners (even the part about the short in the wire, though they seem to have gotten a handle on that problem). Needless to say, I bought my next headset from them.
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems with just potatoes.
Gkyip From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2006, 163 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 4527 times:
Do airliners normally have their own headsets built into the aircraft or do the pilots normally bring their own? If they are built in, would there be an option for a pilot to use his own headset?
Gary
The strength of the turbulence is directly proportional to the temperature of your coffee
N6238P From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 444 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 4513 times:
I fly with Stratus 30's and even though I've had minor issues with the ANR, they're really comfortable and I picked it up brand new for $400. I can only imagine that the 50's are an improvement on an already great product.
However I've tried a friends Bose X's and have tried David Clark X-11's and Lightspeed 30 3G's and I've found that the best deal would be with the Lightspeeds. Amazing comfort and noise reduction for almost half the price of the Bose.
To actively root against anybody is just low, and I hope karma comes back at you with a vengeance
AAR90 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 3342 posts, RR: 51 Reply 9, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 4483 times:
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 6): Would a QC2 provide enough hearing protection for someone spending 6 hours a day in piston engine cessnas and pipers?
I honestly don't know. I haven't rented a small plane in a large number of years. I think one might be able to find a QC2 to borrow and find out without spending the $$$.
Quoting Gkyip (Reply 7): Do airliners normally have their own headsets built into the aircraft or do the pilots normally bring their own? If they are built in, would there be an option for a pilot to use his own headset?
All airliners I am aware of are certified using hand mic & speaker(s), but come with receiver plugs for headset use. Not sure if Airbus provides the standard plugs now or remains using a proprietary plug.
*NO CARRIER* -- A Naval Aviator's worst nightmare!
Mir From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 17876 posts, RR: 59 Reply 10, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 4467 times:
Quoting Alias1024 (Reply 6): Would a QC2 provide enough hearing protection for someone spending 6 hours a day in piston engine cessnas and pipers? It's a great headset for turbine engine aircraft like a Boeing, but I think several hundred hours of dual given might be in Mr. FLY2HMOs future given the state of the industry.
An instructor of mine uses that setup, and says it works fine.
-Mir
7 billion, one nation, imagination...it's a beautiful day
FredT From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2002, 2180 posts, RR: 29 Reply 11, posted (3 years 2 months 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 4428 times:
Got a good number of hours wearing my Lightspeed Zulus, very satisfied. A lot more comfortable for me than the Bose X's which I've also flown with. I'm wearing glasses too. BTW, I've found that glasses with straight earpieses work a lot better under headsets, less tendency to create hot spots behind the ears. Poor passive damping is the only negative feedback I can offer on the Lightspeeds.
I thought I was doing good trying to avoid those airport hotels... and look at me now.
9VSIO From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 571 posts, RR: 2 Reply 12, posted (3 years 2 months 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 4350 times:
There's always Beyerdynamic. Tried a few of their products at AeroExpo last summer and liked it, but was priced out of their ANR kit. Haven't flown enough lately to rate their passive stuff.
Me: (Lining up on final) I shall now select an aiming point. || Instructor: Well, I hope it's the runway...
Dw747400 From United States of America, joined Aug 2001, 1238 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (3 years 2 months 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 4315 times:
Quoting N6238P (Reply 8): Lightspeed 30 3G's and I've found that the best deal would be with the Lightspeeds
Quoting FredT (Reply 11): Got a good number of hours wearing my Lightspeed Zulus, very satisfied.
Quoting Njxc500 (Reply 3): I am extremely happy with my Lightspeeds.
I agree with this trend... try a Lightspeed. A good half-dozen people I fly with regularly have gone out and bought a Lightspeed set (or two) after trying mine, including some very seasoned pilots who prefer them over DC's ANR and passive offerings.
I would advise trying on a pair first--especially if you want to go shell out the big bucks for a Zulu. About 80% of people I know think the Zulu is outstanding for comfort, the other 20% can't stand it. Sadly I fall into the later category, and after my experience with the 20-3Gs I really wanted to buy a Zulu!
Lightspeed also has about the best customer service of any company I have ever worked with. The mic boom on the original 20-3G was a bit flimsy, and if not treated carefully could snap off. My flight bag is a bit tight for such a big headset, so I put stress on the boom every time I pulled the set in and out. After about 2.5 years it snapped off, and I sent the headset back for repairs. Not only did they replace the boom with a sturdier, updated design, they replaced the ear seals, had band, and a few plastic parts that had shown some wear.
Most impressively, they replaced the entire ANR box with the newest version. All of this was done without me asking and without any charge. I may need to snap something else off in a few years for another free update.
Njxc500 From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 185 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (3 years 2 months 4 days ago) and read 4257 times:
I would definitely give the lightspeeds a try. Their customer service is absolutely fantastic. Mine had a crack in the shoe that holds the earpiece(technical terms??). They replaced the broken part with a new design, replaced the other side that wasn't broken, as if that wasn't enough, they sent me a spare of each!! Now I had to replace the pieces myself, since I offered, but that's customer service. I have since bought a 20 for my wife Plus a pair for my parents, and my neighbor bought a pair too....That's 6 sets sold off of trying mine! I like them that much, and mine aren't even top of the line. At the time, they had a refurbished unit program(maybe call and ask). I think we paid about 275 apiece under that program, and they are no different than a new unit.
Bottom line, I love mine, give them a try. Everyone has a preference, but at least do the research to see how they fit you and check out the weight.
FLY2HMO From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 15, posted (3 years 2 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 4166 times:
Well I had the opportunity to try on some Lightspeed Zulus today. Holy crap they were nice. Way better than the Bose. They seemed much more better built and while I didn't fly with them I did turn on the noise canceling feature and I could barely hear the guy I was talking to. I'd be curious to see what they perform like in the plane.
I'm gonna give the local pilot shop's owner a call and see if he offers test flights on headsets.
Lowrider From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 3220 posts, RR: 12 Reply 16, posted (3 years 2 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 4164 times:
What are you flying? Different aircraft have different noise characteristics. I am a fan of the telex products and have used both the 750 and the 850 in various jets, but I don't think they would be suitable for turboprops or most GA aircraft. I have also tried the Lightspeed Mach 1s and like them a lot, but have not tried them in a GA aircraft. In the past I have tried Sennheisers (comfortable, but not durable enough for commuter use), and Telex ANR 100's (old and heavy, but effective).
Pilotpip From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 3015 posts, RR: 13 Reply 18, posted (3 years 2 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 4138 times:
My lightspeeds held up great, until I started instructing. Broke a pair of 33gs twice. After the second time, they went on Ebay and I went back to my DCs. A friend of mine had the same issue with his.
You have a good headset already. You're going to drop $6-700 to get a significant upgrade over what you have. That's a pretty good cross country and meal right there.
Meister808 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 968 posts, RR: 2 Reply 19, posted (3 years 2 months 20 hours ago) and read 4069 times:
I've been working with a pair of Telex 50Ds for a year now, I'm quite well satisfied... they are durable as hell, and they're still the quietest headset out there. A big factor for me was the good passive rating, because those Boses are pretty terrible with the ANR turned off. My biggest gripe with the 50Ds is that they take 4 batteries, which is a lot, but that said I can keep them running pretty well for about 35 hours or a month (whichever comes first) on a change of batteries... and for whatever reason, they work the best on those cheap Rayovacs. Go figure. For reference, I've used the Telex in Senecas, twin Cessnas, Seminoles, and various piston singles, with a short time in a Lear 35 over that time period as well - good results in all types.
The Lightspeed Zulu is an outstanding headset as well, that was at the top of my list as well, but I couldn't justify paying $200 more for a headset that wasn't as quiet, even though they are prettier.
I think my next experiment is going to be the UFM/QC2 combo, I haven't heard much bad about that setup.
-Meister
Twin Cessna 812 Victor, Minneapolis Center, we observe your operation in the immediate vicinity of extreme precipitation
Check out the Lightspeed Mach 1 and spring for the molded ear pieces. I was pretty happy with that setup. Very light and good noise protection. You can find some of the older Boses ANRs on Ebay.
Alias1024 From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 2502 posts, RR: 2 Reply 21, posted (3 years 2 months 19 hours ago) and read 4055 times:
Quoting Njxc500 (Reply 14): Mine had a crack in the shoe that holds the earpiece(technical terms??)
Stirrup?
My 30 3G did the same. Since I was 20 minutes from their factory I drove it down there. 15 minutes later and the only things on the headset that were original were the earcups, speakers, and boom mic (though the tech tightened it up a bit since it was a little loose after 800 hours). New ear seals, new control box (with fresh AAs), new headband, and of course the new stirrups on both sides. All free of charge. It's been 1,000 trouble free hours since then.
It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems with just potatoes.
WESTERN737800 From United States of America, joined Feb 2008, 662 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (3 years 2 months 15 hours ago) and read 4018 times:
I'm more of a reconational flyer with about 1000 hours most of it in C-172s and PA28s. I started with a Peltor, didn't like it. I ended up with a DC passive 10-20, a great headset. If I was flying every day, I would go with the DC noise cancelling. I've tried on the Lightspeed and they feel very comfortable too. Good luck.
Ain't that the truth (coming from a current, albeit regretting being for choosing the school, Riddle student). I fly with a Flightcom Denali ANR. They seem to do well, and don't pinch very much, and have a comfortable seal. I'd second the previous statement on the Bose X headset. I've flown with them a few times, and really, I couldn't tell if the ANR was on or not, even when I was sure it was. However, with my Denali ANR's, I can tell.
However, YMMV
-DiamondFlyer
Rock Chalk Jayhawk
25 FLY2HMO: Oh shut it. Any straight guy would hit on a good looking FBO hottie. Unless of course you guys swing the other way... http://www.fbohotties.com/
26 FredT: King Airs aren't the quietest of the bunch, and I can vouch for them in those. In a C172, they make you realize why there's a propeller. You need it
27 GRZ-AIR: I have used the DC 13.4, the Bose X and our built in Sennheiser HMEC25 ANR in Turboprop planes and the Bose X was my choice so far. DC is a great, tou
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From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
. Also, I wear glasses so they don't seal too well where the frame goes through the ear cups and that also increases the pressure against my skull. 
. And lastly, they're not too quiet.
From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2006, 163 posts, 
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