David Clarke Reviews

[Paul]

Hi

I am a student pilot hoping to take my checkride within the next month
(PPL/A).

I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
Does anyone know of a good website that has independent reviews on all the
Dave Clarke models, the only reviews I can find are either on the David
Clarke website or on pilot supply websites but none of these seem to be
independent or detailed enough to make my decision.

I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.

Thanks

[Roy Smith]

"Paul" > wrote:
> I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
> [...]
> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.

I can't compare the various models, but I can tell you that I've had my
13.4's for 10 years and almost 900 hours. Between flights they get
stuffed into my flight bag with no special treatment. I find them
comfortable and they still look almost brand new.

[Cockpit Colin]

My advise would be, above all else, get an ANR / ENC model. Makes comms
roughly twice as clear, and is far less tiring on long flights. Personally,
I've had a bad run with DC ENC models, but I guess that's what warranties
are for, and you certainly can't fault their customer service.


"Paul" > wrote in message
...
> Hi
>
> I am a student pilot hoping to take my checkride within the next month
> (PPL/A).
>
> I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
> Does anyone know of a good website that has independent reviews on all the
> Dave Clarke models, the only reviews I can find are either on the David
> Clarke website or on pilot supply websites but none of these seem to be
> independent or detailed enough to make my decision.
>
> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.
>
> Thanks
>
>

[Dale]

In article >,
"Paul" > wrote:


> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.


I've been using DC headsets since '73...in fact I still have the first
one I bought in '73.

My current headset is a 10-56HX. ANR with the deeper "Helicopter" ear
cups. My normal work day has me wearing them for 8-12 hours...minimal
complaint about comfort....wearing anything for that long will be
noticable...even nice silk underwear. <G>

The noise attenuation is good. The headsets are rugged and the one time
I've needed work done from the factory (the original ANR had some
squeal) it was done quickly at no charge.

I recommend them and wouldn't think of buying any other headset. (I
have used Bose, Flightcom and Sigtronic headsets)

--
Dale L. Falk

There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing around with airplanes.

http://home.gci.net/~sncdfalk/flying.html

[tony roberts]

> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.

Never a problem with mine.
I plug them in - they work.
They are comfortable and I like them.
They are reliable.
I don't look beyond that

--

Tony Roberts
PP-ASEL
VFR OTT
Night
Almost Instrument :)
Cessna 172H C-GICE

[Thomas Borchert]

Paul,

> I am after a David Clarke Headset
>

Well, my primary question would be: Why DC? There are many other brands
which probably (IMHO definitely) offer a much better value. With DC,
you pay a premium just for the brand name.

You should consider two things, IMHO:

1. Comfort is a very personal thing - you definitely need to try before
you buy, either at the local pilot shop or through a money-back
guarantee.

2. Do not buy something without ANR (active Noise Reduction).
Passive-only headsets are a thing of the past.

I happen to like the Lightspeed headsets very much. They offer
excellent comfort and very good ANR at relatively low prices.

If you want independent reviews (on pretty much anything), Aviation
Consumer is the place to go. The magazine's website offers all back
issues electronically at www.aviationconsumer.com. They have reviewed
headsets repeatedly.




--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Cockpit Colin]

> I happen to like the Lightspeed headsets very much. They offer
> excellent comfort and very good ANR at relatively low prices.

And you just can't beat their customer service - I've read of people who've
sent them back a dozen times or more, and everytime they fix them up again
and send em back with a smile :)

[Thomas Borchert]

Cockpit,

> I've read of people who've
> sent them back a dozen times or more
>

Well, I'd wager you've read about exactly ONE person who's done that.
And he's gotten one for free now.

You also find one person here who hates his (ex-)Cirrus. This is
Usenet...

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
"Paul" > wrote:
> I am a student pilot hoping to take my checkride within the next month
> (PPL/A).
>
> I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
> Does anyone know of a good website that has independent reviews on all the
> Dave Clarke models, the only reviews I can find are either on the David
> Clarke website or on pilot supply websites but none of these seem to be
> independent or detailed enough to make my decision.
>
> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.


David Clark's aren't the most comfortable, but they are probably the
most durable and are backed by a company with a legendary reputation for
customer service. I have a relatively old model, the H10-20, and prefer
it to the newer H10-13.4 (I think that's it) model.

Bose is definitely the way to go if you have the money and want active
noise cancellation. My Cherokee just isn't loud enough to warrant any
type of ANR... I've tried many of them, and the extra quiet wasn't worth
the price paid to get it. However, airplanes with larger engines or
less cabin insulation would probably cause me to re-evaluate.

I've tried the LightSpeed sets and they are an excellent value for
active noise cancellation. They are comfortable and work well, and
although the noise cancellation and audio quality isn't quite as good as
the Bose, they're also about $700 less expensive. However, they are
pretty much an all-plastic headset and -- the deal-killer for me -- they
are just too darn big for my airplane. It was easy enough to lower the
seat and work around scraping the top of the cabin, but my lateral space
is at a premium as well, and the large cups with the thick foam made the
headset just too bulky for my airplane.



JKG

[Brien K. Meehan]

Dale > wrote in message >...

> My current headset is a 10-56HX. ANR with the deeper "Helicopter" ear
> cups. My normal work day has me wearing them for 8-12 hours...minimal
> complaint about comfort....wearing anything for that long will be
> noticable...even nice silk underwear. <G>

Consider your passengers too. Mine seem to be just fine when I wear a
pair of DC's on my head, but they look worried when I wear a pair of
nice silk underwear on my head.

[Pete Brown]

Paul:

I bought a pair of DC's 30 years ago...still have them, they
work great. 20 years ago, a young friend of mine barfed into
the mike. I sent it back, years after the warranty had
expired, and asked for a quote to refurbish. They sent it
back quickly, completely refurbished, new cords, etc, no
charge. The company is that good.

With regard to ANC, don't even think about not getting it. I
know that it seems like an expensive option now when you are
starting out but if you continue to fly, you will find that
the upfront cost is nothing compared to the cost of hearing
aids that you will eventually need.

Pete
Anchorage
--

Peter D. Brown
http://home.gci.net/~pdb/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/akmtnsoaring/

[Thomas Borchert]

Jonathan,

> they are
> pretty much an all-plastic headset
>

No, they are not. The metal is covered by plastic, that's all.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[James Robinson]

Pete Brown wrote:
>
> With regard to ANC, don't even think about not getting it. I
> know that it seems like an expensive option now when you are
> starting out but if you continue to fly, you will find that
> the upfront cost is nothing compared to the cost of hearing
> aids that you will eventually need.

There is some question of the value of ENR (Electronic Noise Reduction)
in avoiding future hearing loss. Our company investigated supplying ENR
headsets in a high noise area, but decided not to, since there was no
demonstrated value. In short, ENR only works on lower frequencies, and
those frequencies typically don't affect hearing as much as higher
frequencies.

There were a couple of areas where there might have been some benefit,
but they were unquantifyable, so the company couldn't put a dollar value
on the systems. The use of the systems might have led in a possible
reduction in fatigue, resulting in improved alertness, and there might
have been improved clarity in conversations, reducing communication
error.

[Stu Gotts]

That's why you should never rely on bean counters when it comes to
safety, security or comfort.

On Sun, 18 Apr 2004 18:56:10 GMT, James Robinson >
wrote:

>Pete Brown wrote:
>>
>> With regard to ANC, don't even think about not getting it. I
>> know that it seems like an expensive option now when you are
>> starting out but if you continue to fly, you will find that
>> the upfront cost is nothing compared to the cost of hearing
>> aids that you will eventually need.
>
>There is some question of the value of ENR (Electronic Noise Reduction)
>in avoiding future hearing loss. Our company investigated supplying ENR
>headsets in a high noise area, but decided not to, since there was no
>demonstrated value. In short, ENR only works on lower frequencies, and
>those frequencies typically don't affect hearing as much as higher
>frequencies.
>
>There were a couple of areas where there might have been some benefit,
>but they were unquantifyable, so the company couldn't put a dollar value
>on the systems. The use of the systems might have led in a possible
>reduction in fatigue, resulting in improved alertness, and there might
>have been improved clarity in conversations, reducing communication
>error.

[Cockpit Colin]

All joking aside, the single thread that seems to consistently bind all
models of lightspeed is their unreliability.

From what I've read (from people who have allegedly owned them) I wouldn't
touch them with a 10 foot pole.


"Thomas Borchert" > wrote in message
...
> Cockpit,
>
> > I've read of people who've
> > sent them back a dozen times or more
> >
>
> Well, I'd wager you've read about exactly ONE person who's done that.
> And he's gotten one for free now.
>
> You also find one person here who hates his (ex-)Cirrus. This is
> Usenet...
>
> --
> Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
>

[H. Adam Stevens]

"Paul" > wrote in message
...
> Hi
>
> I am a student pilot hoping to take my checkride within the next month
> (PPL/A).
>
> I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
> Does anyone know of a good website that has independent reviews on all the
> Dave Clarke models, the only reviews I can find are either on the David
> Clarke website or on pilot supply websites but none of these seem to be
> independent or detailed enough to make my decision.
>
> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.
>
> Thanks
>
>
Wore a pair to Vermont and back from Austin, Texas once; "David Clamps" is
apropo.
OTOH a solid, well engineered product suitable for military use.
Blue skies
H.
CP AS&MEL IA
ex N2196B, N739CD, N502TB

[Cockpit Colin]

> There is some question of the value of ENR (Electronic Noise Reduction)
> in avoiding future hearing loss. Our company investigated supplying ENR
> headsets in a high noise area, but decided not to, since there was no
> demonstrated value. In short, ENR only works on lower frequencies, and
> those frequencies typically don't affect hearing as much as higher
> frequencies.

With DCs the passive attenuation is on par with other (non ANR) headsets.
The ANR is ADDITIONAL attenuation, with main benefits being increased
clarity of speech and less fatigue. They're really designed for aircraft
type noise levels (which in the big picture of things aren't really that
noisy inside) - they wouldn't be sufficient for such things as daily
chainsaw useage. If you need high frequency protection from relatively high
noise environments then an aviation type headset isn't the right tool for
the job.

[Paul]

Which David Clarke models offer ANR?

Thanks

[K]

On Sun, 18 Apr 2004 14:43:40 +0100, Steve Firth wrote:

> Jonathan Goodish > wrote:
>
>> Bose is definitely the way to go if you have the money and want active
>> noise cancellation.
>
> A recent review that I read (cant recall where, sorry) gave the Bose a
> low mark for noise reduction and suggested Sennheisser as the best
> performing.

I'm a bit of an audiophile and I can tell you that nothing beats
Sennheiser's headphones. Bose's don't even come close. Never tried their
aviation headsets but if they are anything like as good as their hi-fi
stuff they would be well worth getting.

K

[James Robinson]

Stu Gotts wrote:
>
> That's why you should never rely on bean counters when it comes to
> safety, security or comfort.

It was actually the medical department that killed the program, not the
bean counters. The financial people would have been delighted if there
was any benefit, since payouts for occupational hearing loss are quite
high.

[MRQB]

If they are easier to damage then there is no sence in buying them but
somthing built with quality.


"Peter" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Paul" > wrote
>
> >I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
>
> Get a Bose X :) They are better than any D-C model. Not so good for a
> club environment though (easier to damage)
>
>
> Peter.
> --
> Return address is invalid to help stop junk mail.
> E-mail replies to but remove the X and the Y.
> Please do NOT copy usenet posts to email - it is NOT necessary.

[Stu Gotts]

You're right, there is no sense in buying them for a club environment,
but for someone that can appreciate a 1000 headset, they're the cat's
meow.

Remember there are those who have and those who want. Too many times
those that want will satisfy themselves by saying the BOSE are not
that good, not worth the money, their Lightspeeds, et al, are better
but they know the truth. If you can afford them, great. If you can't
there are wonderful alternatives out there.

On Sun, 18 Apr 2004 15:09:30 -0700, "MRQB" > wrote:

>If they are easier to damage then there is no sence in buying them but
>somthing built with quality.
>
>
>"Peter" > wrote in message
...
>>
>> "Paul" > wrote
>>
>> >I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
>>
>> Get a Bose X :) They are better than any D-C model. Not so good for a
>> club environment though (easier to damage)
>>
>>
>> Peter.
>> --
>> Return address is invalid to help stop junk mail.
>> E-mail replies to but remove the X and the Y.
>> Please do NOT copy usenet posts to email - it is NOT necessary.
>

[Steve DeMoss]

I've owned my 15XLs for close to three years now, and haven't had a single
problem. I'll qualify that statement by saying that I *carefully* unplug
them and replace them in their carrying bag after each use, and I usually
don't leave them in the airplane in the winter, even though it is in a
hangar. Also have a pair of the QFR Solos for pax, and have no complaints
about them either.

Steve DeMoss
N16071
KHVC

"Cockpit Colin" > wrote in message
...
> All joking aside, the single thread that seems to consistently bind all
> models of lightspeed is their unreliability.
>
> From what I've read (from people who have allegedly owned them) I wouldn't
> touch them with a 10 foot pole.
>
>
> "Thomas Borchert" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Cockpit,
> >
> > > I've read of people who've
> > > sent them back a dozen times or more
> > >
> >
> > Well, I'd wager you've read about exactly ONE person who's done that.
> > And he's gotten one for free now.
> >
> > You also find one person here who hates his (ex-)Cirrus. This is
> > Usenet...
> >
> > --
> > Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
> >
>
>

[G.R. Patterson III]

Paul wrote:
>
> Which David Clarke models offer ANR?

http://www.avionicswest.com/davidenr.html

George Patterson
This marriage is off to a shaky start. The groom just asked the band to
play "Your cheatin' heart", and the bride just requested "Don't come home
a'drinkin' with lovin' on your mind".

[G.R. Patterson III]

Steve Firth wrote:
>
> A recent review that I read (cant recall where, sorry) gave the Bose a
> low mark for noise reduction and suggested Sennheisser as the best
> performing.

I have both. Prefer (and wear) the Bose.

George Patterson
This marriage is off to a shaky start. The groom just asked the band to
play "Your cheatin' heart", and the bride just requested "Don't come home
a'drinkin' with lovin' on your mind".

[G.R. Patterson III]

James Robinson wrote:
>
> Our company investigated supplying ENR
> headsets in a high noise area, but decided not to, since there was no
> demonstrated value. In short, ENR only works on lower frequencies, and
> those frequencies typically don't affect hearing as much as higher
> frequencies.

ANR can be designed to work on any frequency. I suggest your company might want to
check out the Bose ANR headphones (nonaviation). They seem to block out all
frequencies. Great hearing protectors in a noisy environment.

George Patterson
This marriage is off to a shaky start. The groom just asked the band to
play "Your cheatin' heart", and the bride just requested "Don't come home
a'drinkin' with lovin' on your mind".

[James Robinson]

"G.R. Patterson III" wrote:
>
> ANR can be designed to work on any frequency. I suggest your company might want to
> check out the Bose ANR headphones (nonaviation). They seem to block out all
> frequencies. Great hearing protectors in a noisy environment.

We were told by the manufacturer that they wouldn't make them for higher
frequencies, since there was risk of increasing noise levels at certain
frequencies. As the wavelengths get shorter, there are problems with
resonances within the earcups.

As far as headsets for noisy environments, the earcups themselves
attenuate higher frequency noises. The idea of ENR is to provide
attenuation at the low frequencies the passive earcups won't handle.

[Mike O'Malley]

"Steve DeMoss" > wrote in message
. net...
> I've owned my 15XLs for close to three years now, and haven't had a single
> problem. I'll qualify that statement by saying that I *carefully* unplug
> them and replace them in their carrying bag after each use, and I usually
> don't leave them in the airplane in the winter, even though it is in a
> hangar. Also have a pair of the QFR Solos for pax, and have no complaints
> about them either.

Conversely, my DC's that I've had for six years have been dropped, banged
around, shoved in my flight bag, left in the car in 105F summers and -15F
winters. They've been bashed around on the floor of a banner plane for two
seasons, scuffed, scratched and all in all abused in just about every way.
They've been snowed on, rained on, had avgas spilled on, dropped in the mud
and on concrete.

I've wrapped the cord around the headset, and pulled out the plugs by the
cord. Not all the time, but more than once. They still work like the day I
got them. The only problem I've had was losing my mic muff two years ago.

--
Mike

[skyliner]

Man, you find all kinds of people on this thread... ;)

I've had a DC 13.4 for lessee, about nine years now. Still works, no
problems, comfortable for the most part, even on long five to six hour legs.
I don't smash it up as much as Mike does, but do stuff it in my flight bag,
wrap the cords around it, and- one of my ways of keeping entertained while
instructing- play "yoke toss" with it once in a while. While my student is
preflighting, they often leave the door open on the Pipers we fly. I'll
stroll over to the right side, and standing just behind the trailing edge,
toss my headset through the open door, with the intention of hooking it on
the right yoke. Most of the time it misses and either lands on the seat or
(more often) crashes to the floor. But you should see the reactions when I
do get it on the yoke. "Woah!" Just like at a carnival... <g>

I have seen plenty of students with DC H10-30s, which are a little cheaper.
Some have had problems with these. Minor annoyances are the screws on the
boom mike loosening, causing the mike to swing freely downward. Can be
easily tightened with a small screwdriver, but how often do you have one of
these at the start of a flight? Also, I've found I like the mike on the
H10-13.4's better, it provides noticibly clearer transmissions.

In regards to the ANR issue...Well, an ANR headset is on my list of "get
eventually" things, but not a big priority yet. I've had a chance to try a
number of ANR's out there, but I'll admit I haven't studied them that
closely. Main reason I've waited was that about two years ago I met a Peltor
headset technician in the exhibitor area at Oshkosh. I was in the market for
an ANR, and she actually discouraged me from getting one. Her explanation
was that ANR's work best for people with generally quiet aircraft that have
a dull low noise level that causes fatigue. She indicated that ANR headsets
attenuate low frequency noise well, which is what causes that fatigue over
time; but for the types of noisy general aviation aircraft that I teach in,
it would be a better value to have a good passive headset, which works
better on the high frequency noise that causes hearing damage. Just having
an ANR that "sounds really quiet" wasn't necessarily an indication of good
overall hearing protection.

Hey Mike, I don't suppose you dunked your headset in the inter-coastal
waterway too, huh?

-Eric



"Mike O'Malley" > wrote in message
...
>
> Conversely, my DC's that I've had for six years have been dropped, banged
> around, shoved in my flight bag, left in the car in 105F summers and -15F
> winters. They've been bashed around on the floor of a banner plane for
two
> seasons, scuffed, scratched and all in all abused in just about every way.
> They've been snowed on, rained on, had avgas spilled on, dropped in the
mud
> and on concrete.
>
> I've wrapped the cord around the headset, and pulled out the plugs by the
> cord. Not all the time, but more than once. They still work like the day
I
> got them. The only problem I've had was losing my mic muff two years ago.

[John Godwin]

"skyliner" > wrote in
news:fKIgc.162440$w54.1106922@attbi_s01:

> I've had a DC 13.4 for lessee, about nine years now. Still works,
> no problems, comfortable for the most part, even on long five to
> six hour legs. I don't smash it up as much as Mike does, but do
> stuff it in my flight bag, wrap the cords around it, and- one of
> my ways of keeping entertained while instructing- play "yoke toss"
> with it once in a while.

I've had about the same experience with DC. I bought a set of H10-80
several years ago when I was looking for two things.
(1) A bulletproof headset that could take a lickin' and keep on
tickin'.
(2) The best passive noise reduction that was available at the time.

Since then, I've had an aftermarket ANR Kit installed and I haven't
found another headset with better noise reduction.





--
John Godwin
Silicon Rallye Inc.

(remove SPAMNOT from email address)

[Thomas Borchert]

Cockpit,

> the single thread that seems to consistently bind all
> models of lightspeed is their unreliability.
>

I disagree. Don't base such statistics on usenet posts. They are in NO
way representative of what's really happening. Can't be, by design.

I have had my 20K since 1997 - no troubles.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Mrqb,

> If they are easier to damage then there is no sence in buying them but
> somthing built with quality.
>

There are MANY other and possibly more important factors in headset
design. One is - tadah! - noise dampening capability. Another is
comfort. Few people consider David Clamps comfortable. (Yes, I know
you're out there...)

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[CVBreard]

>Minor annoyances are the screws on the
>boom mike loosening, causing the mike to swing freely downward. Can be
>easily tightened with a small screwdriver, but how often do you have one of
>these at the start of a flight?>>

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ALWAYS - each and every flight.

In my flight bag I have a Leatherman gizmo and a 4 in 1 real screwdriver.

[Newps]

"skyliner" > wrote in message
news:fKIgc.162440$w54.1106922@attbi_s01...


> In regards to the ANR issue...Well, an ANR headset is on my list of "get
> eventually" things, but not a big priority yet. I've had a chance to try a
> number of ANR's out there, but I'll admit I haven't studied them that
> closely. Main reason I've waited was that about two years ago I met a
Peltor
> headset technician in the exhibitor area at Oshkosh. I was in the market
for
> an ANR, and she actually discouraged me from getting one. Her explanation
> was that ANR's work best for people with generally quiet aircraft that
have
> a dull low noise level that causes fatigue. She indicated that ANR
headsets
> attenuate low frequency noise well, which is what causes that fatigue over
> time; but for the types of noisy general aviation aircraft that I teach
in,
> it would be a better value to have a good passive headset, which works
> better on the high frequency noise that causes hearing damage. Just having
> an ANR that "sounds really quiet" wasn't necessarily an indication of good
> overall hearing protection.

About what you'd expect from a salesman who's company who is getting their
ass kicked in the market. To put on an ANR headset in pretty much any spam
can and then to say, apparently with a straight face, that just because it
sounds quieter it really isn't is just assinine. I too have a pair of DC
13.4's. Absolutely no comparison. These pieces of crap will no doubt last
my lifetime, because they never get used. Saying not to get ANR is like
saying stick with Loran, GPS doesn't offer you much more.

[Cecil Chapman]

I don't know,,,, my CFII has a pair (and it recently had gotten some kind of
refit/repair to correct a problem with the unit) and it was giving him lots
of trouble (cutting out entirely) just out of the repair shop. I say if you
are going to spend that kind of money,,,, they should be sturdy and
dependable.

Myself, I have been pleased with the Lightspeed products. I started,
originally with the QFR Solo and fairly recently moved to an ANR headset,
the 20XL and the the 3g series (I use the 20 XL for a passenger headset).

--
--
=-----
Good Flights!

Cecil
PP-ASEL
Student-IASEL

Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -

"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -
"Peter" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Paul" > wrote
>
> >I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
>
> Get a Bose X :) They are better than any D-C model. Not so good for a
> club environment though (easier to damage)
>
>
> Peter.
> --
> Return address is invalid to help stop junk mail.
> E-mail replies to but remove the X and the Y.
> Please do NOT copy usenet posts to email - it is NOT necessary.

[Newps]

"Cecil Chapman" > wrote in message
. com...
> Myself, I have been pleased with the Lightspeed products. I started,
> originally with the QFR Solo and fairly recently moved to an ANR headset,
> the 20XL and the the 3g series (I use the 20 XL for a passenger headset).

I went just the other way. Started out with the original 20K, then moved up
to the 25XL because they were offering a deal. The only thing I didn't like
about them was the earcups are too bulky. Now I have the QFR Cross Country.
I have two pairs of them now. And they are cheaper than the DC 13.4 non ANR
headset.

[gatt]

"Brien K. Meehan" > wrote in message

> Consider your passengers too. Mine seem to be just fine when I wear a
> pair of DC's on my head, but they look worried when I wear a pair of
> nice silk underwear on my head.

Victoria's Secret definately offers the best noise reduction and comfort for
the price, and silk is actually pretty durable, although you can get bigger
sets cheaper at K-mart with the deluxe cotton head cushion.

-gatt
PDX, OR

[Cockpit Colin]

> I disagree. Don't base such statistics on usenet posts. They are in NO
> way representative of what's really happening. Can't be, by design.

I take your point, and "Statistically Speaking" I wouldn't have a clue what
the "Margin of Error" is amongst usenet - however - If you have a bunch of
posts from Bose owners telling how their headsets are 99% reliable and
customer service is above question, and a bunch of posts from lightspeed
owners who (nearly) all say "Great customer service, just a pity I've needed
so much of it" then I stand by my assertation that it's a red flag.

Buying a unit from a company with a poor record for quality control doesn't
mean that everyone who does will get a dud - but it does increase the
chances dramatically. You're one of the 'trouble free' percentage, so well
done.

[SFM]

I use the 13XL which is an ANR model. I switched over the DC after several
failures of my Lightspeeds. I have owned the LS 20XL and then the 20-3G both
when they worked well. My wife's LS QFR also had broken, so I was unwilling
to deal with their low quality any longer. Yes LS has good customer service
but their product quality is poor.

As for the DC 13XL. I have the newer version with the smaller battery pack,
undercut ear seals and extra padded head piece. I have found these to be
more comfortable than the LS. I like the smaller size of the DC over the LSs
too. When I would wear the LS it felt like I had giant Mickey Mouse ears on.
Quality is excellent for this headset and DC is well known for good customer
service even though most people never use it.

--
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MI-150972
PP-ASEL-IA

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-------------------------------------
"Paul" > wrote in message
...
> Hi
>
> I am a student pilot hoping to take my checkride within the next month
> (PPL/A).
>
> I am after a David Clarke Headset but am not sure which one to buy.
> Does anyone know of a good website that has independent reviews on all the
> Dave Clarke models, the only reviews I can find are either on the David
> Clarke website or on pilot supply websites but none of these seem to be
> independent or detailed enough to make my decision.
>
> I am not really interested in the detailed specifications, I am after
> reviews from pilots who have used them (comfort, features, weight etc..)
> ideally comparing the pro's and con's between the different models.
>
> Thanks
>
>

[EDR]

Well, I have six pairs of DC's.
My first two were acquired in 1981, two pairs of H10-40's (electret
mic, wire bales).
Then, in 1995, I bought a pair of H10-13.4Y's for the kids.
In 1997, a buddy gave me a pair of H10-13.4's when he sold his airplane.
These headset are comfortable if you have a narrow head.
For wider heads, you will feel "clamped".
So DC came up with the H20-10 series.
The H20-10's have bigger earcups with an adjustment that has three
positions to adjust the width.

My original H10-40's were sent back to DC for overhaul two years ago. I
was getting stress-relief breaks in the cords at the plugs (pre-molded
relief design).

I have gel seals and "comfort covers" on all six pairs.

I have worn them for up to 14 hours with only slight discomfort at the
end of the flight.

I always use an intercom, but wish PM Engineering would modify one of
their existing portable units to accomodate six headsets.

[[email protected]]

In rec.aviation.misc Newps > wrote:
: About what you'd expect from a salesman who's company who is getting their
: ass kicked in the market. To put on an ANR headset in pretty much any spam
: can and then to say, apparently with a straight face, that just because it
: sounds quieter it really isn't is just assinine. I too have a pair of DC
: 13.4's. Absolutely no comparison. These pieces of crap will no doubt last
: my lifetime, because they never get used. Saying not to get ANR is like
: saying stick with Loran, GPS doesn't offer you much more.


Not necessarily B.S... The frequencies that are hearing-damaging are not
necessarily the same as those that are annoying. The Lightspeed K/XL/G series all
*depend* on ANR to reduce the perceived noise level. That's primarily the engine and
it's harmonics (low frequency from 70-250 Hz or so). These frequencies aren't as
hearing-damaging as the mid-frequencies. These headsets have extremely poor passive
performance, and thus very poor performance at approx 1kHz. Not only that, but an
unavoidable side-effect of ANR is spillover, which for the Lightspeeds is in about the
same range. I've seen independent reviews of them showing the K/XL/G headsets
*amplifying* noise in the 1khz frequency band.

For many planes with modest noise damping material, it's not a problem. My
Cherokee has no interior, so it has *lots* of mid-frequency rattle. I cannot use the
K/XL/G headsets because the mid-frequencies are painfully loud. (I'm also more
sensitive to these frequencies than most people). I did, however, purchase a
Lightspeed QFR XC2, since it's got very good passive, and mild active. I'm very
satisfied with it... doesn't cut out as much of the engine drone as the K/XL/G
versions, but the clamping is very low, and mid-frequency attenuation is much better.

In short, for most planes with some modest noise-proofing where the engine
is extra-loud, the Lightspeed K/XL/G headsets are great. Very comfortable and light.
They're plastic, so a bit fragile... especially in the cold. They have a very good
"wow-factor" at making the engine noise go away... that's how they sell a lot. For my
situation, however, they don't work at the sensitive mid-frequencies.

YMMV
-Cory

--
************************************************** ***********************
* The prime directive of Linux: *
* - learn what you don't know, *
* - teach what you do. *
* (Just my 20 USm$) *
************************************************** ***********************

[Thomas Borchert]

> These headsets have extremely poor passive
> performance, and thus very poor performance at approx 1kHz.
>

Says who? That's just not true. It's true for the Bose, though.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[[email protected]]

In rec.aviation.misc Thomas Borchert > wrote:
:> These headsets have extremely poor passive
:> performance, and thus very poor performance at approx 1kHz.
:>

: Says who? That's just not true. It's true for the Bose, though.

Lightspeed themselves on their review, IIRC. I know I saw it on a frequency
response chart somewhere. My personal experience bears it out as well... REALLY crap at
1Khz-3kHz or so. They also boost those frequencies (not coincidentally the part of the
spectrum required for intelligible speech) coming from the radio so it's louder, "clearer"
and "more intelligible." I can't take the "louder" part in my rattly airplane and make it
a no-go.

As always, YMMV, but the numbers don't lie. Like I said, I've discovered that I'm overly
sensitive to that frequency range compared to most.
-Cory

--
************************************************** ***********************
* The prime directive of Linux: *
* - learn what you don't know, *
* - teach what you do. *
* (Just my 20 USm$) *
************************************************** ***********************