Author Topic: Pilots: Recommended Headsets (Read 978 times)

muckmaw · « **on:** June 14, 2004, 09:43:26 AM »

After my first hour yesterday, I am hooked like a crack addict.

Not that I would know anything about smoking crack...ah...anyway...

my CFI said I should buy my own headsets but being on a budget, I;m looking to save some bucks here.

I'm going to try and get a set off E-bay and need to know whats a good name or model to buy.

It does not have to be the best. Just good enough for a new pilot.

Dux · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2004, 10:11:31 AM »

Can't go wrong with anything David Clark.

Dnil · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2004, 10:29:13 AM »

honestly, find a set that feels good when you wear it. I cant really tell a difference on the sound. Some are heavier and after a few hours your ears will start to hurt which could lead to headaches.

Jester · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2004, 11:26:22 AM »

David Clark's are the best.

Toad · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2004, 11:45:50 AM »

DC's are high quality and priced accordingly.

Look at these if you are on a budget:

FlightCom 4DX Headset

My brother and I have had six of these in three different two-seater Warbirds. The oldest set was 12 years old and still working fine.

It's a pretty quiet and light headset for @$100 each.

MarkVZ · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2004, 12:15:09 PM »

I have the Flightcomm 5DX. I like the way it sounds and the sensitivity of the mic. At first, the headset fit too tightly on my head, causing headaches on any flights over a few hours. However, with more use, they've been "broken in" and loosened up a bit, and now they fit nicely without any discomfort. For the price, I would recommend the Flightcomms. I honestly can't tell any significant advantage in the DC in sound or comfort. Many pilots pay more just for the DC name.

Also, I would stay away from ANR (active noise reduction) headsets for general aviation use. They are expensive, and they may cause you to not notice a degredation of engine performance at a critical moment.

_Schadenfreude_ · « **Reply #6 on:** June 14, 2004, 12:22:55 PM »

Plantronics USB is hassle free.

SFRT - Frenchy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2004, 12:38:34 PM »

I have a good old David Clark with a good old gelly thing for comfort. DCs have a life time warranty or something like that.

Don't sweat it for your headset, there will always be an another "new student" you can sell your headset to when you can afford a fancy one.

jigsaw · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2004, 01:24:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dux
Can't go wrong with anything David Clark.

DC are easily the best headset out there.
Most popular model is the 13.4 .

I still have the first set I bought when I was a student. Later got a noise canceling set that I currently use. DC also has incredible support for their products. A year or so ago I was having a problem with ATC hearing me. I called their support and mentioned that I thought they were out of warranty. They told me to send them in anyway. Came back with a new mic, and ear element. Only charge I had to pay was shipping to them.

A while back I bought a set of Sennheisers that are nice, but the battery pack is a bit clumsy and the plugs of one of the planes at work doesn't fit right. Been thinking about ebaying them.

jigsaw · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2004, 01:33:22 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by MarkVZ

Also, I would stay away from ANR (active noise reduction) headsets for general aviation use. They are expensive, and they may cause you to not notice a degredation of engine performance at a critical moment.

Have to disagree with you Mark. I've never not been able to tell when there was a change with something engine related. I'll go along with avoiding them for budget reasons though, as long as you're flying a well maintained aircraft where the noise level is not an issue.

Steve · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2004, 01:51:26 PM »

Quote

Plantronics USB is hassle free.

LOL, what a goober.

crowMAW · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2004, 07:40:25 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Toad
DC's are high quality and priced accordingly.

Look at these if you are on a budget:

FlightCom 4DX Headset

My brother and I have had six of these in three different two-seater Warbirds. The oldest set was 12 years old and still working fine.

It's a pretty quiet and light headset for @$100 each.

I agree with Toad...good headset for a low price.

Muck...I might have a set in a closet someplace that I'd be willing to part with to a squadmate. Lemme look and I'll let you know.

Drifter1234 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 14, 2004, 08:08:46 PM »

DC are sturdy and reliable.

My favs have been Bose headphones. little pricey but very comfortable.

muckmaw · « **Reply #13 on:** June 14, 2004, 08:23:17 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by crowMAW
I agree with Toad...good headset for a low price.

Muck...I might have a set in a closet someplace that I'd be willing to part with to a squadmate. Lemme look and I'll let you know.

I'd appreciate that, Crow, but I'd have to pay for them or trade you something.

Dago · « **Reply #14 on:** June 14, 2004, 11:08:20 PM »

David Clarks are good headsets, but I don't think they are that comfortable and priced a little high.

I have been using a Pilot brand DNC 17-79 ANR style headset and like it very very much. Good ANR, battery built inside is very convienient, good mic and comfortable. Wouldn't trade mine for David Clarks. Tried both, like my Pilot set better.

dago