Aviation headsets

drupilot54

drupilot54

Well-Known Member
Happy new year everyone. Now that i have started my flight training at Cape Air, i really need new headsets. I have these old Pilot USA headsets that i used when i first started flying 5 years ago and it is time to upgrade.

I am currently flying a Cessna 402 and need headsets that are TSO approved (not sure if they actually police that here). I want headsets that can stay comfortable for many hours at a time with noise cancelling capabilities. It would be really helpful if you all can give me your top three choices. I am looking to spend around $300-600, which doesn't mean i will not look into Bose headsets or other ones that fits my needs.
 
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Bose.

Works good, lasts long time.

I've had my old Aviation X headsets for almost 10 years. Still working great. Comfortable, lightweight, great all around headset. Plus, since the introduction of the A20, the price has come WAY down.
 
+1 for Clarity Aloft. Especially over 8 hours, even a Bose gets heavy. I can easily do 10 hours of survey with a CA and no neck pain.
 
In ear headphones such as the clarity aloft do not attenuate the low freq noise of a twin that an active noise headset does. I used to wear foam earplugs under my DC's and the total noise in the Baron was quite a bit more than my Lightspeed 25xl's.

OP, a used Bose X would make a good option just be aware there is no more factory support for it. I wouldn't purchase one personally as it could become an expensive paperweight. I'm going to sell mine, with a new down cord even, because of this.

Anyone know if Lightspeed still supports the Zulu? They were the alternative to the X back when it came out.
 
Just switched to Bose a few months ago. Haven't regretted it once.

I know they're out of the price range but the way I took it is that this is my career now and I'm not gonna work everyday in discomfort. That is if there is some way you set aside and save a little for them.

I've flown 7-8 hour days and really haven't been heavy on my head or anything.
 
Personally I'm a big fan of the Gosport Tube. However it is not TSO'd so I've been wearing Bose for the last few years. A20 & X. Great in props, turboprops, and the jjjjjjjeeeeettttt.


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I had the Lightspeed 30-3g which I really liked, comfortable, light. I also had the Clarity Aloft but didn't care for them, not the style, fit, function I was looking for.
 
Another one for Clarity Aloft. I doubt I will ever go back to an over the ear headset.

Disclaimer: They are not for everyone, you really have to try a set for yourself and decide.
 
Bose A20 with the addition of an Oregon Aero headband cushion is what I rock, and it makes 8-10 hours of survey a breeze. Poke around on forums like this and you might find a used pair for $7-800. I know it's a chunk of money, but they're worth it in a prop.
 
Bose A20 are definitely something i have looked at and have heard nothing but good things about them. I am definitely considering buying those, but i am also trying to see if I can satisfy the ears with other kind of sets like the David Clarks.or something very comparable to Bose A20.
 
I used a Bose X headset for my 3 years at Cape (and several before, and several after) and was very happy with it. Just carry a spare set of batteries- when they die the overhead speaker and hand mic are better than a dead Bose. Throwing some foam earplugs in underneath isn't a bad idea either, the 402 isn't known for being quiet.

I have A20's in my current plane and frankly don't think they're a ton better than the X. As a new 9K pilot I'd buy a used X and overhaul it before I bought a new A20, assuming the price was right.
 
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drupilot54 said:
Happy new year everyone. Now that i have started my flight training at Cape Air, i really need new headsets. I have these old Pilot USA headsets that i used when i first started flying 5 years ago and it is time to upgrade.

I am currently flying a Cessna 402 and need headsets that are TSO approved (not sure if they actually police that here). I want headsets that can stay comfortable for many hours at a time with noise cancelling capabilities. It would be really helpful if you all can give me your top three choices. I am looking to spend around $300-600, which doesn't mean i will not look into Bose headsets or other ones that fits my needs.
Click to expand...

To the best of my knowledge Pilot USA is the only headset company that will take you old headset and upgrade it to a later model and they do this for a very reasonable price. Just to be clear this isn't a trade in, they remove the guts and replace them with newer parts. Example would be passive to ANR.

Pilot USA is a good company and has been in the business longer than most of the other headset manufactures. I suggest you call them and ask what they can do, how much and how quickly.
 
You must of missed the post where 95% of JC bought a pair of DC pro-x. I like them, but after 6 hours they do start clamping a bit and I find myself readjusting them quite often.
 
fholbert said:
To the best of my knowledge Pilot USA is the only headset company that will take you old headset and upgrade it to a later model and they do this for a very reasonable price. Just to be clear this isn't a trade in, they remove the guts and replace them with newer parts. Example would be passive to ANR.

Pilot USA is a good company and has been in the business longer than most of the other headset manufactures. I suggest you call them and ask what they can do, how much and how quickly.
Click to expand...

Seriously consider what Pilot-USA will do for you. I have a PA1779 that is my backup headset, and if I needed something TSO'd I'd use it. (I only fly GA, so I have a QT Halo that I use most days.)

The headsets are incredibly durable, and they stand behind them. Call them and you'll likely talk to the owner.
 
drupilot54 said:
Happy new year everyone. Now that i have started my flight training at Cape Air, i really need new headsets. I have these old Pilot USA headsets that i used when i first started flying 5 years ago and it is time to upgrade.

I am currently flying a Cessna 402 and need headsets that are TSO approved (not sure if they actually police that here). I want headsets that can stay comfortable for many hours at a time with noise cancelling capabilities. It would be really helpful if you all can give me your top three choices. I am looking to spend around $300-600, which doesn't mean i will not look into Bose headsets or other ones that fits my needs.
Click to expand...
1 Clarity Aloft, by like a Mile. I LOVE it!
2 Lightspeed Zulu. I like the noise cancelling, but I hate bulky headsets.
3 Everything else.

I started with an old fashioned David Clark, then my dad handed me a Telex (like the ones used on the Apollo program) he used back when he was ATC in the 70's, Single ear plug, regular foam plug on the other. About a year ago I decided to retire it and upgrade it with my Clarity Aloft. Best. Investment. Ever.

I've used Lightspeed on fellow's planes, and are surprisingly quiet, but I don't like bulky headsets. They eventually damage eyewear (I don't use glases, but I abandoned the Clarks after they broke a pair of Shades I owned). The Clarity Aloft are not noise cancelling as such, but the plugs reduce sound enough you can't hear a person talking w/o a mike, and I'd say engine noise (I fly a 414A) is reduced about 75%. Again, I LOVE my Clarity Alofts!

Take care
 
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