BoeingBoy747
New Member
As far as I know most schools require you to have your own headset. What are your recommendations as far as they go, and in this case is cheaper better?
Headsets
- Thread starter BoeingBoy747
- Start date
gomntwins
Well-Known Member
Good question. A headset is a longterm investment for most people... and I'd highly recommend going to a pilot shop and looking at a few first. You'll probably want to shy away from the $100.00 headsets.... although they work (most of the time)... they're usually horribly uncomfortable. So, you'll probably want to make a minimum investment of around $300.00 on a good headset. The standard for around $300 would be the David Clark H10-13.4. It's become a standard headset with a lot of people, and it's the headset I've used for all of my training. It works well, and they hold their value extremely well also (check Ebay for used D.C.'s and they often go for $250). If you've got money to spend, think about going with the ANR (Active Noise Reduction) on any number of headsets. This usually takes you up around $500.00... and up to $1,000 if you want to Bose. They're extremely nice... but not necessary. If you've got the money though, they are worth it. If, like me, you don't have a whole lot of excess cash sitting around, it's not by any means a necessity. Best idea would be, go to a pilot shop and try a few on... find a few you like... come back to JC, and ask for a few opinions. Most people on here will be happy to share their headset experiences /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
rv7
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
come back to JC, and ask for a few opinions. Most people on here will be happy to share their headset experiences
[/ QUOTE ]
Or....do a search and read the countless threads that have covered this topic before. I hate to be the "search nazi" and normally don't like it when someone says, "do a search," but c'mon headsets? This has been covered a million times.
Hey, at least I'm a nice search nazi and did some of the work for you.... here is a link to the most recent headset thread. You should be able to answer most all of you questions here. Enjoy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
come back to JC, and ask for a few opinions. Most people on here will be happy to share their headset experiences
[/ QUOTE ]
Or....do a search and read the countless threads that have covered this topic before. I hate to be the "search nazi" and normally don't like it when someone says, "do a search," but c'mon headsets? This has been covered a million times.
Hey, at least I'm a nice search nazi and did some of the work for you.... here is a link to the most recent headset thread. You should be able to answer most all of you questions here. Enjoy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
montanapilot
Well-Known Member
Go ANR. If your gonna drop thousands towards training what good is saving a few hundred bucks at the expense of your hearing later in life.
I like Peltor ANR the best, but you cant go wrong with most ANR systems.
I like Peltor ANR the best, but you cant go wrong with most ANR systems.
Ralgha
Well-Known Member
Whatever you do, do NOT buy a DC headset just because someone tells you to. If you want to know how your head will feel after a day of flying with a DC, just ask someone to hit you in the side of the head with a boat paddle. That will save you a lot of time.
Try on as many different headsets as you can before buying one. Many manufacturers have some sort of trial setup, call some and ask.
Try on as many different headsets as you can before buying one. Many manufacturers have some sort of trial setup, call some and ask.
aloft
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Whatever you do, do NOT buy a DC headset just because someone tells you to. If you want to know how your head will feel after a day of flying with a DC, just ask someone to hit you in the side of the head with a boat paddle. That will save you a lot of time.
[/ QUOTE ]
Not exactly the most accurate advice you'll ever see on here--at least, the second and third sentences.
The truth is that there appears to be a correlation between head size and comfort level with DC headsets, with smaller noggins enjoying a great deal less comfort than larger ones. My melon is about a 7 1/2 and my DC H10-13XLs are quite comfortable. I did notice a difference in pressure when I switched from the stock pillowsoft headpad to a sheepskin one. My subsequent analysis is what led me to the head size theory; switching to a lower-profile headpad necessitated readjusting the locking size adjustment nuts in the same manner as if I were fitting the headset to a smaller head--and the pressure increased. It's fairly simple, really: set for a larger head, there is a greater leverage effect, easing the headband force, than with a smaller head. In support of this finding, I have noticed women and men of slighter stature seem to be the ones who complain about DCs the most. None of the bigger dudes I've known to own them have complained, to my knowledge. YMMV.
Whatever you do, do NOT buy a DC headset just because someone tells you to. If you want to know how your head will feel after a day of flying with a DC, just ask someone to hit you in the side of the head with a boat paddle. That will save you a lot of time.
[/ QUOTE ]
Not exactly the most accurate advice you'll ever see on here--at least, the second and third sentences.
The truth is that there appears to be a correlation between head size and comfort level with DC headsets, with smaller noggins enjoying a great deal less comfort than larger ones. My melon is about a 7 1/2 and my DC H10-13XLs are quite comfortable. I did notice a difference in pressure when I switched from the stock pillowsoft headpad to a sheepskin one. My subsequent analysis is what led me to the head size theory; switching to a lower-profile headpad necessitated readjusting the locking size adjustment nuts in the same manner as if I were fitting the headset to a smaller head--and the pressure increased. It's fairly simple, really: set for a larger head, there is a greater leverage effect, easing the headband force, than with a smaller head. In support of this finding, I have noticed women and men of slighter stature seem to be the ones who complain about DCs the most. None of the bigger dudes I've known to own them have complained, to my knowledge. YMMV.
Acadia
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
If you want to know how your head will feel after a day of flying with a DC, just ask someone to hit you in the side of the head with a boat paddle. That will save you a lot of time.
[/ QUOTE ]
Someone seems to have some mental imbalance that shows up if someone even mentions DC. We get it. BTW I have been wearing all kinds of headsets for years and DC's are no less comfortable than just about any set I have used. Perhaps if your head is shaped like a doughnut you might have a problem.
I second the above mention of doing a search here... This has been covered a bunch of times. (Including Ralgua telling us over and over and over about how he is not a fan of DC) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
If you want to know how your head will feel after a day of flying with a DC, just ask someone to hit you in the side of the head with a boat paddle. That will save you a lot of time.
[/ QUOTE ]
Someone seems to have some mental imbalance that shows up if someone even mentions DC. We get it. BTW I have been wearing all kinds of headsets for years and DC's are no less comfortable than just about any set I have used. Perhaps if your head is shaped like a doughnut you might have a problem.
I second the above mention of doing a search here... This has been covered a bunch of times. (Including Ralgua telling us over and over and over about how he is not a fan of DC) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Luftpost
Well-Known Member
Headsets can be highly customized with after market accessories.
My DC were uncomfortable due to my big ears, so I picked up some "undercut gel ear seals" and that solved the problem.
DC has customer service that goes way beyond their 5 year warranty. You can't go wrong with DC!
I picked up a set of DC10-30's 3.5 years ago (used & cheap), added ANR to them (Headsets Inc.), and they still work great!
My DC were uncomfortable due to my big ears, so I picked up some "undercut gel ear seals" and that solved the problem.
DC has customer service that goes way beyond their 5 year warranty. You can't go wrong with DC!
I picked up a set of DC10-30's 3.5 years ago (used & cheap), added ANR to them (Headsets Inc.), and they still work great!
C150J
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Go ANR. If your gonna drop thousands towards training what good is saving a few hundred bucks at the expense of your hearing later in life.
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There's actually research out there (I'm looking) that shows that ANR is not as protective as passive reduction.
J.
Go ANR. If your gonna drop thousands towards training what good is saving a few hundred bucks at the expense of your hearing later in life.
[/ QUOTE ]
There's actually research out there (I'm looking) that shows that ANR is not as protective as passive reduction.
J.
[ QUOTE ]
As far as I know most schools require you to have your own headset. What are your recommendations as far as they go, and in this case is cheaper better?
[/ QUOTE ]
NOOOO!
Trust me, once your hearing goes, it's gone. And you'll spend a lot more going to audiologists than you'd ever have spent buying good quality headsets.
As far as I know most schools require you to have your own headset. What are your recommendations as far as they go, and in this case is cheaper better?
[/ QUOTE ]
NOOOO!
Trust me, once your hearing goes, it's gone. And you'll spend a lot more going to audiologists than you'd ever have spent buying good quality headsets.
gomntwins
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
As far as I know most schools require you to have your own headset. What are your recommendations as far as they go, and in this case is cheaper better?
[/ QUOTE ]
NOOOO!
Trust me, once your hearing goes, it's gone. And you'll spend a lot more going to audiologists than you'd ever have spent buying good quality headsets.
[/ QUOTE ]
That's a very good call. It's amazing how loud a little Piper Warrior or Cessna 172 is without a headset! I hadn't really thought of a headset as hearing protection before... it it most definitely is.
[ QUOTE ]
As far as I know most schools require you to have your own headset. What are your recommendations as far as they go, and in this case is cheaper better?
[/ QUOTE ]
NOOOO!
Trust me, once your hearing goes, it's gone. And you'll spend a lot more going to audiologists than you'd ever have spent buying good quality headsets.
[/ QUOTE ]
That's a very good call. It's amazing how loud a little Piper Warrior or Cessna 172 is without a headset! I hadn't really thought of a headset as hearing protection before... it it most definitely is.
aloft
New Member
Headsets were the exception rather than the rule when I soloed back in '86, but I think it's all the years of listening to my Walkman cranked that took their toll on my hearing. I've taken to wearing earplugs when I go to bars now because I can't hear a word anyone says to me otherwise!
Here too. I remember when we all got together at Arriba's in Scottsdale and I kind of sat there doing the old "nod 'n smile' because I couldn't understand what was being said in the cacophony!
Get some high quality headsets because when your hearing starts to go, it really sucks.
Get some high quality headsets because when your hearing starts to go, it really sucks.
Not sure that it totally has to do with head size.
What I think the issue with DC headsets is, is they have a limited amount of adjustment areas.
I've always been a fan of Telex for the size and tension adjustments they have. Never heard of anyone who said they didn't fit right, or wear well after a long flight.
I like the Peltor ANR design as well. Battery in the headset, cord can be unplugged and replaced, Not extra box. And they are fairly comfortable.
I have a set of DCs that were given to me. Nice headset, but I can't wear it for more than an hour without discomfort. My head is about 7 1/2 as well, so not sure it is just a head size thing. Think it also has to do with the angle of the ear seals, and how the DC doesn't allow you to adjust the tension. Maybe undercut earseals are a solution, but I'd rather have a headset fit me the first time.
BTW, a great source for headsets is ebay, so start shopping now. I picked up a couple of Telex 3100s, their basic model, which goes around $200 new. Both of them, shipped to me, was like $41 I think.
For ANR stuff, see if there are any deals out there for instructors to buy them, and have your CFI get the discounted price for ya.
What I think the issue with DC headsets is, is they have a limited amount of adjustment areas.
I've always been a fan of Telex for the size and tension adjustments they have. Never heard of anyone who said they didn't fit right, or wear well after a long flight.
I like the Peltor ANR design as well. Battery in the headset, cord can be unplugged and replaced, Not extra box. And they are fairly comfortable.
I have a set of DCs that were given to me. Nice headset, but I can't wear it for more than an hour without discomfort. My head is about 7 1/2 as well, so not sure it is just a head size thing. Think it also has to do with the angle of the ear seals, and how the DC doesn't allow you to adjust the tension. Maybe undercut earseals are a solution, but I'd rather have a headset fit me the first time.
BTW, a great source for headsets is ebay, so start shopping now. I picked up a couple of Telex 3100s, their basic model, which goes around $200 new. Both of them, shipped to me, was like $41 I think.
For ANR stuff, see if there are any deals out there for instructors to buy them, and have your CFI get the discounted price for ya.
[ QUOTE ]
...Get some high quality headsets because when your hearing starts to go, it really sucks.
[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto on buy quality. You'll either buy a quality headset to begin with, or you'll buy one in a couple of years.
I hear that hearing batteries are expensive, too.
I love my D-C's.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
...Get some high quality headsets because when your hearing starts to go, it really sucks.
[/ QUOTE ]
Ditto on buy quality. You'll either buy a quality headset to begin with, or you'll buy one in a couple of years.
I hear that hearing batteries are expensive, too.
I love my D-C's.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif