what headset to buy

[[email protected]]

Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.

I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
"it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
indication of what I should consider.

I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
headset that I'll want to replace before long.

What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
recommendations?

Thanks, I appreciate it,

Tom

[Jon Kraus]

Why don't ya buy Kobra's David Clark 13.4's. They would fit your
mission perfectly.

Jon Kraus


wrote:
> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
> I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
> "it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
> indication of what I should consider.
>
> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>
> What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
> for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
> recommendations?
>
> Thanks, I appreciate it,
>
> Tom
>

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN[_1_]]

wrote:
> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.


My first set was a fairly crappy Telex that I loaned out some years ago never to
be seen again. My second headset (purchased before the loan of the crappy Telex
set) was a high dollar David Clark 10-80 (I think) that's no longer made. I
still use them as my primary headset.

I had a need for a second headset for a friend to use when he flew with me and
so while I didn't want to spend a lot, I didn't want crap either. I ended up
with some Marv Golden's that have worked out really well. I had occasion to use
them on a flight myself when my David Clarks turned up missing a ear seal just
before a flight; I was very favorably impressed. These are headsets that you
can enjoy for years and then relegate them to one of your passengers if you
choose to move up to ANR at some point in the future. Unlike the David Clark
10-40 that they copied, the Marv Golden MG-40s are comfortable, even on my fat
head.

As for ANR, I've never felt the need. I hear just fine with the well sealed
Marv Golden and David Clark headsets.

http://www.marvgolden.com/headsets/mg40.htm

$89.95 shipped.




--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[[email protected]]

Hello Tom,

I know price is somewhat of a concern to you. I agree with other
people saying that you should try the headsets. I was in OSH last
year and they've got these booths where they simulate the sound of your
plane and you can try on a dozen different headsets. I didn't do any
research when i go there and have been flying with ****ty old Dave
Clarks (something I imagine cost $99 at one time).

Anyhow... i closed my eyes and had my girlfriend hand me headset after
headset. This way I wouldn't be swayed by name brand. At the end of
the day it came down to Bose for me. They were light, comfortable and
super quiet. They were also 400$ more than my second choice.

I hummed and hawwed a while and walked around. The thought of
spending that much money wasn't great. But i couldn't do the 9 hour
flight back home with the headsets I had. I talked to one of the main
techy guys at the Bose booth and he really reassured me of their
product. If there were problems he said that theyd' take care of me.
Very trusting guy. I didn't as warm a feeling and welcome from the
other manufacturers. Keep in mind, I was dressed like I drove to OSH
in a 87 Pinto and couldn't afford a $5 hamburger no less a $100 one.
So for them to put the time in with me where other hadn't meant a great
deal.

In the end I bought the Bose. I've got, hopefully, lots of years left
in aviation and if your prorate it over a number of years, the
difference of $400 between headsets doesn't add up to too much over say
5 or 10 years.

This is by far the best investment in aviation I've made.

So bottom line... try a bunch... don't be swayed by the brand.... and
buy the ones you like best. If you can't afford them now, I'd wait and
save some more $ and then buy them. Otherwise you'll always be saying,
"these are good... but not as good as the ones I should have bought".

Just my 2 cents.

Let us know what you decide.

-dr

wrote:
> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
> I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
> "it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
> indication of what I should consider.
>
> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>
> What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
> for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
> recommendations?
>
> Thanks, I appreciate it,
>
> Tom

[Thomas Borchert]

> What do you recommend?

Get ANR, if you can at all afford it.

> What are the main features I should be looking for?

ANR and comfort. The latter can only be tried on your head. Make use of
money-back policies or a well-equipped pilot shop in your area.

> Which manufacturers have the best reputations?

Bose is top and top dollar. Lightspeed offers excellent value. David
Clark tends to be overpriced when comparing the features you get. IMHO.

> Any specific model
> recommendations?

Lightspeed's 20XLc is a good "middle groudn" headset.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[KevinBlack]

I started with the DC H20-10, enjoyed them muchly, but DCs prices for ANR
were over the top at the time I wanted to upgrade (and DC had no upgrade
path). I bought the LS 25XL and upgraded to the 30-3G and like them a lot,
but not cheap.

For a US made, DCH13.4 look alike, ANR - try the DRE-6000 available from
Avionics West for $279. I have no personal experience with these (they
might have been a contender if I knew they existed when I bought the first
LS). I've read a number of good reports, but that's nothing like wearing a
pair. I do not know what the Avionics West return policy is, they may let
you try etc etc

Cheers,
Kevin

"Thomas Borchert" > wrote in message
...
>> What do you recommend?
>
> Get ANR, if you can at all afford it.
>
>> What are the main features I should be looking for?
>
> ANR and comfort. The latter can only be tried on your head. Make use of
> money-back policies or a well-equipped pilot shop in your area.
>
>> Which manufacturers have the best reputations?
>
> Bose is top and top dollar. Lightspeed offers excellent value. David
> Clark tends to be overpriced when comparing the features you get. IMHO.
>
>> Any specific model
>> recommendations?
>
> Lightspeed's 20XLc is a good "middle groudn" headset.
>
> --
> Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
>

[Morgans[_3_]]

"Thomas Borchert" > wrote in message
...
> > What do you recommend?
>
> Get ANR, if you can at all afford it.
>
I have to believe that is the best advise.

Some things, once you screw them up, never recover. Hearing is a big one.

I now have a rather profound hearing loss, and might have to get hearing
aids, just to pass the commercial driver's license "whisper test." Tat test
is a joke, if you don't know that.

I also hear a multi-pitched high frequency ringing in my head, at all times.
It drowns out everything that is soft. I hear it so loud that it is
difficult to go to sleep, sometimes.

Protect your hearing. You don't get a second chance. A couple hundred
bucks more for headsets is a very good bargain, for that.
--
Jim in NC

[Dice]

You're at your checkride and you're just NOW thinking about headsets??? And
you're *new* here???? Where are you training?...
Try out a few sets and get whatever makes atc understandable to you and
takes the marbles out of their mouths.
My acid test was NY approach. I understood them better with the Bose, Telex
and Lightspeed. If your hearing is off (as it might be if this is your
first headset), the Lightspeeds have a tone control to boost > 2K Hz speech
frequencies.



> wrote in message
ups.com...
> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
> I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
> "it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
> indication of what I should consider.
>
> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>
> What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
> for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
> recommendations?
>
> Thanks, I appreciate it,
>
> Tom
>

[Maule Driver]

Well, top dollar will get you a top performer - the Bose. They are good
or perhaps the best if AMUs aren't a concern.

Realistically, as a new PPL, non-owner, the sightseeing and short cross
countries do not require the best. There are a lot of very good units
that work very well in terms of noise performance and comfort. The
advice about trying a few and buying what seems to work well for you is
great advice. It's hard to go wrong if you do that.

If you own an aircraft, especially a slow one, do long cross countries,
listen to music when not IFR, and otherwise live a flying lifestyle,
spending more AMUs for the Bose may make sense.

Sincerely,
Owner of 6 headsets from 3 manufacturers for our 2+ all-the-
shoes-she-needs Maule

wrote:
> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
> I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
> "it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
> indication of what I should consider.
>
> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>
> What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
> for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
> recommendations?
>
> Thanks, I appreciate it,
>
> Tom
>

[Grumman-581[_1_]]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 07:56:48 -0400, "Morgans"
> wrote:
> I also hear a multi-pitched high frequency ringing in my head, at all times.
> It drowns out everything that is soft. I hear it so loud that it is
> difficult to go to sleep, sometimes.

It's called marriage...

[Grumman-581[_1_]]

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:10:25 -0400, "Morgans"
> wrote:
> I _WISH_ that it were that easy to get rid of! <g>

The most expensive hobby is collecting ex-wives...

[Morgans[_3_]]

> > I also hear a multi-pitched high frequency ringing in my head, at all
times.
> > It drowns out everything that is soft. I hear it so loud that it is
> > difficult to go to sleep, sometimes.
>
> It's called marriage...

I _WISH_ that it were that easy to get rid of! <g>
--
Jim in NC

[Morgans[_3_]]

"Dice" > wrote in message
.com...
> You're at your checkride and you're just NOW thinking about headsets???
And
> you're *new* here???? Where are you training?...
> Try out a few sets and get whatever makes atc understandable to you and
> takes the marbles out of their mouths.
> My acid test was NY approach. I understood them better with the Bose,
Telex
> and Lightspeed. If your hearing is off (as it might be if this is your
> first headset), the Lightspeeds have a tone control to boost > 2K Hz
speech
> frequencies.

I hand NEVER heard that feature before. I think that will make my mind up!

Do all of the models have that?
--
Jim in NC

[Chris G.]

I second the others' opinions that you should try many of them on.
Also, go find a copy of the current edition of Aviation Consumer. It
just arrived in my mailbox yesterday and has a review of several
"lightweight" headsets. My next headset will be one of those style
based on personal experiences of some local pilots.

A couple other things to try are:

1) Try the headset while you have your favorite flying hat on!
2) Try the headset (for a longer time, if possible) while you wear your
sunglasses. Sunglasses interfere with many of the seals on conventional
headsets. The "lightweight" headsets don't have that problem.

Chris

wrote:
> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
> I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
> "it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
> indication of what I should consider.
>
> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>
> What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
> for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
> recommendations?
>
> Thanks, I appreciate it,
>
> Tom
>

[Vaughn Simon]

"Thomas Borchert" > wrote in message
...
>
> Lightspeed's 20XLc is a good "middle groudn" headset.

It is a very personal thing and there is a range of right answers, but I
sure do like my Lightspeed 20XL. It is amazing how much more I understand
compared to my old cheapie set. The ANR works so good that I don't turn it on
until after runup, because I want to hear everything the engine is doing. The
acustic works so good, I forget to turn on the ANR half the time.

Vaughn

[[email protected]]

List the properties of a headset:

weight
comfort
durability
guarantee (will company stand behind them and repair them?)
style
headroom
clarity
noise reduction
cost
etc.

Then compare features that are most important to you.
For me, clarity and nose reduction was most important, so I chose ANR
Lightspeed.

[Jon Kraus]

I totally agree with you. At .082 AMU's a month for 11 months (after an
initial .102 AMU payment)the Bose are probably the cheapest thing going.
;-) At least that is how I am looking at it. I am no expert at
headsets but I have owned top-of-the-line David Clarks 20-10XL's and
Pilot Aviaonics 1776 ANR. The Bose are by far the most comfortable, best
operating headset I have owned.

Jon Kraus
'79 Mooney 201
4443H @ UMP

Maule Driver wrote:
> Well, top dollar will get you a top performer - the Bose. They are good
> or perhaps the best if AMUs aren't a concern.
>
> Realistically, as a new PPL, non-owner, the sightseeing and short cross
> countries do not require the best. There are a lot of very good units
> that work very well in terms of noise performance and comfort. The
> advice about trying a few and buying what seems to work well for you is
> great advice. It's hard to go wrong if you do that.
>
> If you own an aircraft, especially a slow one, do long cross countries,
> listen to music when not IFR, and otherwise live a flying lifestyle,
> spending more AMUs for the Bose may make sense.
>
> Sincerely,
> Owner of 6 headsets from 3 manufacturers for our 2+ all-the-
> shoes-she-needs Maule
>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
>> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
>> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>>
>> I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
>> "it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
>> indication of what I should consider.
>>
>> I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
>> get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
>> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>>
>> What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
>> for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
>> recommendations?
>>
>> Thanks, I appreciate it,
>>
>> Tom
>>

[B A R R Y[_1_]]

wrote:
> Good grief, did I say *nose* reduction. Well, that would be a nice
> feature for my Jimmy Durante nose, but I doubt if it comes in any
> headset.


That feature is included with the $8000 Dr. Jellyfinger set.

[[email protected]]

On 26 Jul 2006 13:59:19 -0700, wrote:

>Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
>of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
>sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
>I'd love some advice on what headset to buy. Everybody always says
>"it's a personal thing" but that obviously doesn't really give me much
>indication of what I should consider.
>
>I'm not looking to pay top dollar but I'm willing to spend the money to
>get something good and comfortable - I don't just want an entry-level
>headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>
>What do you recommend? What are the main features I should be looking
>for? Which manufacturers have the best reputations? Any specific model
>recommendations?
>
>Thanks, I appreciate it,
>
>Tom

I asked a similar question about a month ago.
fter looking for a good passive headset I discovered there are
inexpensive active headsets. Following advice in this group I have
opted for the following, but yet to purchase:

MG Golden Eagle. It's clean...in other words there aren't many knobs
and nuts that you can lose and make the headset unusable. In a
perfect world you should be able to get 38 db of noise reduction in
the ANR mode and it is very light weight. It operates on 2 AA
batteries and has cell phone/music interface...all for $239.95. It is
made by Lightspeed and has Marv Golden logo on it.

David

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN[_1_]]

wrote:
> I asked a similar question about a month ago.
> fter looking for a good passive headset I discovered there are
> inexpensive active headsets. Following advice in this group I have
> opted for the following, but yet to purchase:
>
> MG Golden Eagle. It's clean...in other words there aren't many knobs
> and nuts that you can lose and make the headset unusable. In a
> perfect world you should be able to get 38 db of noise reduction in
> the ANR mode and it is very light weight. It operates on 2 AA
> batteries and has cell phone/music interface...all for $239.95. It is
> made by Lightspeed and has Marv Golden logo on it.



As I've probably made clear in the past, I'm a fan of Marv Golden. They seem to
be quite competitive on price and yet service is first rate. When I order stuff
from them it always seems to show up before i really expected it.

And no, I don't have any connection to the company. I wipe butts for a living.
:-(

More truthfully, I assign others to do the butt wiping for me.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[Dave S]

wrote:
- I don't just want an entry-level
> headset that I'll want to replace before long.
>

You WONT replace it.. it will become your PASSENGER headset and the
upgrade will be your PILOT headset.

Try some on..
If the FBO rents em, rent one for a flight or two..
See whats comfortable.
Use what works

I recommend gel seals (an option on many, or at least an upgrade you can
do yourself on many)... and ANR.. if you cant afford it right off the
bat, then get a headset that is compatible with aftermarket ANR upgrades
and either do it yourself or have it done.. truth is.. end the end the
cost is the same as if you had bought it with ANR..

Comfortable.
Gel Seals
ANR..

And stick with a major name brand.. doesn't have to be the most
expensive.. but still..

Just my 2 cents.
Dave

[B A R R Y[_1_]]

Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
>
> More truthfully, I assign others to do the butt wiping for me.
>


Seniority's got to count for something!

[Thomas Borchert]

Dave,

> Gel Seals
>

Why? As a wearer of glasses, I vastly prefer foam, specifically the
temperature-sensitive ConforFoam. It conforms around the frame much
better. I've used the foam both with retrofit seals from Oregon Aero
and with Lightspeeds.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Grumman-581[_1_]]

On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 21:39:41 +0200, Thomas Borchert
> wrote:
> Why? As a wearer of glasses, I vastly prefer foam, specifically the
> temperature-sensitive ConforFoam. It conforms around the frame much
> better. I've used the foam both with retrofit seals from Oregon Aero
> and with Lightspeeds.

I've had the gel seals leak... Basically they get hot in the aircraft
and turn to liquid... I tend to prefer the foam ones these days...
Yeah, I also wear glasses, but the frames are thin enough that it
doesn't seem to make a difference what type of ear seals that I use...

[Morgans[_3_]]

> wrote

> MG Golden Eagle. It's clean...in other words there aren't many knobs
> and nuts that you can lose and make the headset unusable. In a
> perfect world you should be able to get 38 db of noise reduction in
> the ANR mode and it is very light weight. It operates on 2 AA
> batteries and has cell phone/music interface...all for $239.95. It is
> made by Lightspeed and has Marv Golden logo on it.

Which Lightspeed model is it comparable to?
--
Jim in NC

[[email protected]]

On Sat, 29 Jul 2006 01:34:48 -0400, "Morgans"
> wrote:

>
> wrote
>
>> MG Golden Eagle. It's clean...in other words there aren't many knobs
>> and nuts that you can lose and make the headset unusable. In a
>> perfect world you should be able to get 38 db of noise reduction in
>> the ANR mode and it is very light weight. It operates on 2 AA
>> batteries and has cell phone/music interface...all for $239.95. It is
>> made by Lightspeed and has Marv Golden logo on it.
>
>Which Lightspeed model is it comparable to?

QFRXCC as far as I know

[Ron Natalie]

wrote:
> Hi folks - I'm new to the group - I have my ppl checkride in a couple
> of weeks, and when I have it done I'll probably do mostly short
> sightseeing and medium cross-country flights.
>
I like the lightspeeds, but that's just me.

Your best bet is to go to Oshkosh or a WELL EQUIPPED pilot shop
and try several of these on. Fit and comfort is a big factor.

[john smith]

In article >,
Grumman-581 > wrote:

> I've had the gel seals leak... Basically they get hot in the aircraft
> and turn to liquid... I tend to prefer the foam ones these days...

What brand? I have six pairs of DC's with gel seals. Two sets have had
gel seals since they were first introduced (20 years ago?).
To get the comfort from gel seals, purchase the cloth covers and wash
them periodically. The old DC cloth covers would come off if you weren't
careful. The new design stays put.

[Grumman-581[_1_]]

On Thu, 03 Aug 2006 23:05:19 GMT, john smith > wrote:
> What brand? I have six pairs of DC's with gel seals. Two sets have had
> gel seals since they were first introduced (20 years ago?).

Softcomm, I believe... I bought them quite a few years ago and not
having them in front of me at the time, I'm having an Alzheimer's
Moment... <grin>

At the time, they had the best noise rating (29 dB) that I could find
and they were stereo... Even with 29 dB, there was this one gyrocopter
that I flew while wearing them that required me to also wear 31 dB ear
plugs with them to make it even bearable...

I leave my headset in my plane and have had to park it not in a hangar
for extended periods of time... The heat of the Gulf Coast is probably
a bit more than you experience up in Ohio...

> To get the comfort from gel seals, purchase the cloth covers and wash
> them periodically. The old DC cloth covers would come off if you weren't
> careful. The new design stays put.

Yeah, the cloth covers are great... The hot plastic gel cells just
kind of stick to your head... What might be nice is if they replaced
the gel with one of the phase change polymers like they use in the
cooling vests...

On the other hand, a small engine powered (APU-like) air-conditioner
that could be put in the baggage compartment would be even better...