David Clark H10-13X vs. H10-13XL

Joe

Joe

Well-Known Member
I've been doing some research on headsets, and I was just curious as to what the difference between the David Clark H10-13X and the H10-13XL is; besides the extra $100 bucks or so for the -XL. And are those differences worth that extra $100 bucks?

And as a second, related question: Should I get a flight bag with a compartment for the headset, or just get a headset bag and keep it in my el cheapo Jepp bag?

Thanks in advance...
 
I think (could be wrong) that the XL option is only useful if you're going to be flying a plane with a hard-wired module built into the panel. The only time I could foresee that being useful is if you are going to own a plane, pre-wire it for the D-C headsets, and also want to use your headsets in other planes that are not pre-wired. Look at the -P to see the panel-mount set-up. The -XL allows you to use a heaset like a -P or like a -X. Not really a useful option unless you own (or frequently fly) a plane that has the panel mount D-C unit.

The -X headset really should be the best bet for any other scenario. I have the -X and love 'em. Built tough, work great, and great customer service.
 
yeah, the XP is for a panel mount with an optional battery pack....just go with the X. You don't need to buy a headset bag because it comes with one.
 
Guess I'll go with the -X then; thanks for your help guys!
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Another X user here. MUCH more comfortable than the headclamp AvComm I had, and the customer service rocks. The one I bought had a cord for a helicopter instead of an airplane in it. I sent them the cord, and they FedExed me the right cord two days later.
 
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Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!!

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I had that done to my set about 6 months ago. It wasn't a warranty covered modification, but it was worth the money to me. The 9V module includes an auto-off option that saves the battery whenever it detects that the headset is no longer connected to a live plug.

One beef that I had with the old AA brick (I think mine held 4, not 6) was that the cord from the headset to the *brick* was too short. I often had to put the brick in my shirt pocket or clip it to myself so it didn't dangle from the headset. The new setup fixes that problem, plus some. The cord from the headset to the battery is plenty long enough now, and the cord from the battery module to the panel is just as long. I plug into the panel jacks, the battery pack usually just lays on the floor somewhere, and I have full range of head motion without dragging a brick around. The cords are so long that I think I could set in the back row of the plane and still be plugged in up front!

I don't remember the exact cost of the upgrade, but somewhere around $100 rings a bell. Than may sound like a lot, but the extended usuable time of the 9V battery, reduced battery replacement costs, auto-shut-off feature, and longer cord made it worth it to me. Since I originally bought the headset used, I still don't have the total cost of a new one tied up in this unit.

Typical D-C service: when I sent the headset in for rework, they replaced the mic muff and added a cord clip (at no additional cost), and had the unit back in my hands in just over one week door-to-door.
 
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Sheesh, sure wish I could trade in my 6 AA 'brick' for that nice 9v module!!

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Well, there's the rub; with the XL, switching those out is a user-upgradable option, albeit a slightly pricey one. Not so with the X, which would entail a round trip to the DC service center for such a modification (if they'll do it at all).

You still use your DCs, Chris? Aren't those Sennheisers on your melon in the RJ vid?

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One beef that I had with the old AA brick (I think mine held 4, not 6) was that the cord from the headset to the *brick* was too short. I often had to put the brick in my shirt pocket or clip it to myself so it didn't dangle from the headset.

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Mine certainly doesn't have that problem! In fact, the connector almost touches the floor if I wear the headset standing up, and I'm 6'2"! I took the side clip off the battery pack as I usually just leave it on the floor as the top/bottom inline plug arrangement doesn't go gracefully into the sidewall pocket in most airplanes--which I think may have been the driving consideration in the 9V battery pack, from which both cords sprout out the top.
 
while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..
 
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while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..

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DC 13X

buy a good one now and it will last you forever....stay away from the el cheapos.
 
My XL has the battery pack that can be unplugged. I wonder if they'll take a trade-in... although why spend money on the venerable DCs when I'm thinking about the Bose....
 
you gotta keep in mind though that bose's passive qualities are about as useful as a sharp stick in the eye. When you run out of batterys they are worthless. With a DC you still have about 23 db of passive reduction.
 
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while on the topic of headsets, what is a good headset for a first time buyer? i'm in a 152, working on ppl and looking to purchase one sometime soon..

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What is your ultimate aviation goal? If you want an aviation career ala airlines/corporate, I'd go with a TSO's ANR headset (Dave Clarks). Otherwise, you can save yourself some cash with Lightspeeds. I'd HIGHLY recommend an ANR since the prices have come down a LOT. Try them on before you buy them. Some people have weird ear things happen, or they wind up having headaches after a while. Also make sure your headset fits YOUR head.
 
I've got an H10-60, and I love it. Nothing really I'd change about it. Well, maybe change that awful green! I started on my ppl about a year ago(damn age rules!), and I figured it'd be better to spend a little more for the name and quality, than to buy a $100 el cheapo and it not hold up, and end up costing me more in the end.
 
The El Cheapo's price will quickly be overshadowed by thousands of dollars in audiologist bills as you develop hearing loss!
 
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The El Cheapo's price will quickly be overshadowed by thousands of dollars in audiologist bills as you develop hearing loss!

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I haven't had any problem with my. . .

Huh?

What??

I'll BRB...I hear something....or maybe I don't...
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My audiologist works for the VA, so it's free!!
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"mr. Williams, your eharing is fine. Just turn the volume up..."

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