Best bang for the buck? (Headsets)

RABIRZA69

RABIRZA69

Penalty vectorer
So it's that time of the year where everyone is asking what i want for the holidays. so i convinced my parents to get together and both chip in for a new headset. problem is my father and mother know as much about headsets as i do about basket weaving. i summon my jetcareers peoples to tell me what they think my best bet would be for under 400 smakeroos.


---Rabbi
 
David Clark H10-13.4, hands down. It's under $400, indestructable, fairly light weight, comfortable (for the first 3 hours anyways), and you won't find one any quieter that isn't ANR.
 
A slightly used DC 13X (ANR) would come in around $400....check e-bay
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or just go with a DC 13.4
 
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David Clark H10-13.4, hands down. It's under $400, indestructable, fairly light weight, comfortable (for the first 3 hours anyways), and you won't find one any quieter that isn't ANR.

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If you can get your folks to spring for ANR, then go for it.

Otherwise the DC10-13.4s are definatly the way to go.
 
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A slightly used DC 13X (ANR) would come in around $400....check e-bay
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or just go with a DC 13.4

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Yeah, what everyone else said.

The DC ANR's are awesome. Indestructible and very comfortable.

If anyone here wants a pair of Lightspeeds, I have 2 for sale. 20XL's and the Twenty 3G's. pm if interested
 
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I got my David Clark H10 13.4 as a birthday present about 5 years ago.

It rocks.

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It seems everyone likes these. im going to have to check them out.


thanks for the responses.

-Rabbi
 
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David Clark H10-13.4, hands down. It's under $400, indestructable, fairly light weight, comfortable (for the first 3 hours anyways), and you won't find one any quieter that isn't ANR.

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I second that. The HD10-13.4s are the absolute minimum/least expensive headset I'd consider purchasing. do not skimp on hearing protection man, trust me.
 
Best bang for the buck?:

A DC headset is not it. Unless you are going to bang something using it as a hammer. They are built like a likely armored vehicle (not quite a tank
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I mean they are heavy, but not that heavy) and feel like it on your head.

For a much lower price, you can get an entry level ANR model. For a little more than $400 you can get a very good ANR model. For $64 more, find a CFI who will do the deal with you, and you can get basically the best out there, via a couple of rebates now through the end of the year (see the link I posted a few days back).

The same manufacturer of the Lightspeed QFR series has done some OME deals with that basic ANR set. These can be found in the $232-269 price range. For ANR. Quiet and cheap. They run around $299 if you want the same exact headset with a lightspeed sticker on the side of it.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/skycomIIANR.php
http://www.spinnerspilotshop.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/scstore/p-crosscountry2c.html?L+scstore+bhbf4174ff5ad95a+1103112903
http://www.avshop.com/catalog/product.html?productid=5931&categoryid=24

I'd say the $232 is the best bang for the buck, in the lower priced stuff right now. I've pointed a few of my students that way recently.
 
I initially started my flying career with a pair of Softcomm headsets. One of the original models. Moved to DC H-10-20s from there, then to H-10-80s. Still have all three, and am pleased with all three.

My dad owns the whole Bose setup with 2 headsets and intercom system.......nice, but a little overpriced, IMO.
 
I have a cheap AVCOM loaner set, 2 Dave Clark 13.4's and a Lightspeed 30G ANR. The Dave Clarks are my favorite. I had to have one repaired after more than a thousand hours and Clark did it for free AND replaced the headpad and ear seals. I loved my Lightspeeds at first, but they quickly, and literally, fell apart with daily use. I have zip ties and tape on my Lightspeeds now and I only use them as a last resort.
 
Nah, Matt. It was just a best bang for the buck question, not "what does everyone else have".

And green is not my favorite color
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I've not tried many different sets, so I can't say they're the best deal, but I think my DC 20-10XLs were worth it. The noise cancelling is nice--but it's not a necessity. I've turned mine off a few times just to see what the difference is, and the noise level was louder, but still definitely tolerable--actually there were a few times when I was flying 150s that I had to turn it off on the ground because it was making strange noises trying to cancel out the engine sounds. As far as comfort goes, well, this last week I've flown every day (a few 7 hour days) and haven't had a problem.
 
Yesterday I tried my buddies Flitghtcom CHEAPIES that he retrofitted a ANR kit on. I must say I was very impressed. Im not sure what he paid for them, but I am sure it was cheaper then I paid for my lightspeeds. BTW he said it took 2 hours to install
 
If I had to base my recommendation on my personal experience, I'd caution against the 10-13.4XL. My folks bought it for me as a gift before my checkride. It's got the fancy ENC feature, but here's the problem. I sent it in once because the cord got loose somehow and separated from the ENC unit, which means I couldn't plug it into an airplane. I got it back, but when I use the ENC feature, I hear little noises that sound like...well it's hard to explain. It sounds sort of like a quick, low tap, and it interferes with the sound cancelling for that split second. It just makes the whole ENC feel very uncomfortable and irritating on the ears. So I don't use the ENC feature. Not until I find the time to send the sets in. I would definitely recommend getting a David Clark. Their service and warranties are unmatched. I just think you should save the cash and get a regular 10-13.4. It's all ya need.

Good Luck,
Adam
 
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