Headset recommendation

[Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim]

I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
about either of these two headsets? Thanks.

Martha

[Dan Luke[_2_]]

"Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim" wrote:

> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.

My Bose X beats the pants off the Telex and Lightspeed sets I also own, no
contest.

--
Dan
T-182T at BFM

[tony roberts]

> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.

David Clark X-11
Great headset.
Bulletproof Warranty.
Best History and reputation.
No need to offer gimmicks to sell their product.
No contest - I have flown both.

David Clark X-11

Tony
C-GICE

--

Tony Roberts
PP-ASEL
VFR OTT
Night
Cessna 172H C-GICE

[Morgans[_2_]]

"tony roberts" <> wrote

> No contest - I have flown both.
>
> David Clark X-11

I'm curious. You seem to be going against the stream, by not picking the
Bose.

What are the qualities that make you choose this way?
--
Jim in NC

[Hilton]

Also take a look at this one: http://www.zuluseries.com

[Thomas Borchert]

Russ,

> and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets?
>

I don't think the DC comes anywhere near the Bose - both in design and ANR.
OTOH, Bose does not offer music input.

Also, right now, I'd definitely wait until September to also try the new
Lightspeed Zulu, which clearly aims to be a "Bose killer".

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Jay Honeck]

> Also take a look at this one:http://www.zuluseries.com

Interesting that I didn't see these at OSH. They look fantastic.

Bluetooth cell phone interface? Pretty nifty, but I sure wish they
would take the next step, and connect the headset to the plane via
Bluetooth. THAT would be cool.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Thomas Borchert]

Jay,

They are way cool. LS had them on the booth for testing.

> but I sure wish they
> would take the next step, and connect the headset to the plane via
> Bluetooth. THAT would be cool.
>

IMHO, the jury is still very much out on whether that would be a step
forward. I'm anything but old-fashioned, but I think that is one of the
few cases where I would want a cable connection.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim wrote:
> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.


I forget I'm wearing my Bose.

[Jay Honeck]

> They are way cool. LS had them on the booth for testing.

Dang. I can't believe I missed them -- but we've been so happy with
our 3Gs that I never even looked at headsets this year. (I didn't
even do my usual "Walk-into-Bose-tent-let-them-schmooze-me-try-them-on-
marvel-at-the-price-and-leave" routine this year...)

WRT to the new Zulu model, I just hope Lightspeed learned from their
quality control issues. They learned a hard lesson with their early
models, and pilots aren't going to have any patience with an $850
headset if it isn't durable.

[Paul kgyy]

On Aug 8, 6:32 pm, "Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim"
> wrote:
> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.
>
> Martha

Order one of each from somebody that will permit 30-day returns
without a restocking fee.

Fly 2 hours out with brand A, back with B.
Then fly 2 hours our with B, return with A.

My favorite right now is the non-ANR Clarity Aloft in-ear set.
Feather light, no head pressure, motor noise just a light hum. Much
more comfortable than my LS 3Gs and, in my perception, quieter. Also,
ANR sets are really poor when the batteries die. Replacement isn't a
big deal but sometimes in IMC things get really busy.

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

Paul kgyy wrote:

> Order one of each from somebody that will permit 30-day returns
> without a restocking fee.
>
> Fly 2 hours out with brand A, back with B.
> Then fly 2 hours our with B, return with A.

Excellent suggestion.

> Replacement isn't a
> big deal but sometimes in IMC things get really busy.

Of course, some headsets provide quite a warning that the batteries are
in need of replacement. maybe as long as 10 hours.

[RST Engineering]

>
> Order one of each from somebody that will permit 30-day returns
> without a restocking fee.

And you wonder why everybody is going to restocking or no refund freight?
Crap like this. Keep it up, fellers, and we'll ALL be going to restocking
fees.



> My favorite right now is the non-ANR Clarity Aloft in-ear set.


We gave them the "best of the new stuff at Oshkosh" award at our forum this
year. Very impressive. I did a quick google and didn't come up with any
other in-ears, although I saw another one at the show that didn't have quite
the attenuation numbers of the Clarity.

Jim

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

RST Engineering wrote:
>> Order one of each from somebody that will permit 30-day returns
>> without a restocking fee.
>
> And you wonder why everybody is going to restocking or no refund freight?
> Crap like this. Keep it up, fellers, and we'll ALL be going to restocking
> fees.

BS. "Crap" is when someone does this with no intention of keeping the
item, such as "renting" an expensive item for free. For example, fully
intending to use an expensive electronic calculator for a single test,
then returning it for a full refund, is just plain wrong

Headsets are expensive and subject to personal and very subjective
judgement. They need to be tried in actual conditions on the actual
user's head. Any seller of headsets needs to recognize this, provide
demo rentals, or not sell headsets. If a certain model keeps coming
back, the retailer needs to take that up with the manufacturer, and
possibly not carry that model.

Bose feels comfortable with it's own product enough to do it from the
factory. There's is absolutely no way I would have bought a Bose X
without a 30 return policy. I fact, I did return a set of QC3's to them
based on price to perceived value.

[Dan Luke[_2_]]

"Thomas Borchert" wrote:

> Also, right now, I'd definitely wait until September to also try the new
> Lightspeed Zulu, which clearly aims to be a "Bose killer".

I tried one at OSH and strongly disliked it - way too trebly with occasional
high freq. feedback sounds.

I was sitting in LS's little demonstrator booth and complaining to the rep.
about the sound. I must have been speaking loudly, because he began to look
quite uncomfortable and quickly retrieved the headset from me.

It's hard to believe Lightspeed would release something like that. Perhaps
that one was defective; I didn't stick around to try another one.

--
Dan
T-182T at BFM

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, "RST Engineering" > said:
>We gave them the "best of the new stuff at Oshkosh" award at our forum this
>year. Very impressive. I did a quick google and didn't come up with any
>other in-ears, although I saw another one at the show that didn't have quite
>the attenuation numbers of the Clarity.

There are three in-ears that I know of:
Clarity Aloft
Lightspeed Mach 1
Quiet Technologies HALO

I have the HALO, which are about $100 cheaper than the others, and while I
wear it in preference to my Dave Clarks with the Headsets Inc ANR kit
because they're quieter and more comfortable, it has a few annoyances:
- The microphone isn't very good. I frequently have to made sure it's
pointing EXACTLY the right way or ATC complains they can't hear me at
all.
- The web site doesn't give you any way to order replacement ear plugs.
Fortunately, the plugs are from audiologist equipment (E.A.R. Link), and
I managed to order a huge supply of them off eBay from "audimetrics
califormia" for $25.
If I had to do it again, I'd probably buy one of the other brands.

--
Paul Tomblin > http://blog.xcski.com/
Contracting is a good, even honourable, way to earn a living, as long as
one hides the secret that it's possible to pave one's patio with
gold bars. -- Dave, ex-BA

[Gig 601XL Builder]

B A R R Y wrote:
> RST Engineering wrote:
>>> Order one of each from somebody that will permit 30-day returns
>>> without a restocking fee.
>>
>> And you wonder why everybody is going to restocking or no refund
>> freight? Crap like this. Keep it up, fellers, and we'll ALL be
>> going to restocking fees.
>
> BS. "Crap" is when someone does this with no intention of keeping the
> item, such as "renting" an expensive item for free.

But that is exactly what you are doing with one of the sets. I know I don't
want to get the set you sent back. Who knows where you've been?

[RST Engineering]

"B A R R Y" > wrote in message
t...

> RST Engineering wrote:
>>> Order one of each from somebody that will permit 30-day returns
>>> without a restocking fee.
>>
>> And you wonder why everybody is going to restocking or no refund freight?
>> Crap like this. Keep it up, fellers, and we'll ALL be going to
>> restocking fees.
>
> BS. "Crap" is when someone does this with no intention of keeping the
> item, such as "renting" an expensive item for free. For example, fully
> intending to use an expensive electronic calculator for a single test,
> then returning it for a full refund, is just plain wrong

I'm not going to get into a ****ing match with you over this. In my opinion
it is like calling half a dozen motels in a town, making a reservation at
each, and then cancelling all but one at nearly the last minute when you get
there and look them all over. Ever have that happen to you, Jay??? Does it
make you increase your overall prices to make up for the reservation you
turned down for lack of space and then have an empty room for the night?

Remember, the OP said ORDER, not go down to the local shop and BORROW for a
day. This implies that you are going to have them sent to you and you will
send back one or both if you don't like them. Having run a mail order
business for the last 35 years, I can tell you to the penny how much extra
we charge everybody as overhead for ... crap ... like this.

And remember, an ethical mail order dealer cannot sell as "new" something
that had been placed in service for a month, not to mention having to worry
about (as you say) something as personal as a headset that is in close
contact with your body. Ever try and sell slightly used underwear?


>
> Headsets are expensive and subject to personal and very subjective
> judgement. They need to be tried in actual conditions on the actual
> user's head. Any seller of headsets needs to recognize this, provide demo
> rentals, or not sell headsets. If a certain model keeps coming back, the
> retailer needs to take that up with the manufacturer, and possibly not
> carry that model.

Please do not dictate other people's business practices. You can say that
if YOU were a seller of headsets that this is how you would do it, but don't
say "Any seller" needs to do this. You are not the judge and jury of how
headsets are sold.

I do agree that the manufacturer, if they are interested in the "sample"
market, might dedicate half a dozen of a particular model and agree to
support their dealers in the field with a "try it" headset program. That
beats the hell out of having every dealer in the world being a sample
merchandise source.

>
> Bose feels comfortable with it's own product enough to do it from the
> factory. There's is absolutely no way I would have bought a Bose X
> without a 30 return policy. I fact, I did return a set of QC3's to them
> based on price to perceived value.

Do you suspect that is why Bose is the most expensive line of headsets on
the market? We all buy parts from the same source(s); it is the overhead
that kills you in something like this.

Jim

[Margy Natalie]

Paul kgyy wrote:
> On Aug 8, 6:32 pm, "Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim"
> > wrote:
>
>...
> My favorite right now is the non-ANR Clarity Aloft in-ear set.
> Feather light, no head pressure, motor noise just a light hum. Much
> more comfortable than my LS 3Gs and, in my perception, quieter. Also,
> ANR sets are really poor when the batteries die. Replacement isn't a
> big deal but sometimes in IMC things get really busy.
>

You too?! I bought one after Jim's forum and I really like it. I was
really ****ed at Beyer when I tried their headset with a rather round
earpiece and said "can't wear earring with this one" and he rolled his
eyes at me. NOT a good way to attract business! The Clarity Aloft is
not only light, but you can easily wear it with earrings :-}. The only
downside is the in the ear part which means you really need some other
headset type for visitors, etc. We bought one Clarity Aloft, but when
they figured out we both fly and needed different size ear pieces they
threw in 5 sets of the small ones for me and left the original 6 sets
for Ron. I like it!

Margy

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Margy Natalie" > wrote

> We bought one Clarity Aloft, but when they figured out we both fly and
> needed different size ear pieces they threw in 5 sets of the small ones
> for me and left the original 6 sets for Ron. I like it!

You just bought the Bose X, what, in '04 and now you have already moved on?

You can send me you unused Bose to me, and I will give them a good home!
<;-))
--
Jim in NC

[Margy Natalie]

Morgans wrote:
> "Margy Natalie" > wrote
>
>
>>We bought one Clarity Aloft, but when they figured out we both fly and
>>needed different size ear pieces they threw in 5 sets of the small ones
>>for me and left the original 6 sets for Ron. I like it!
>
>
> You just bought the Bose X, what, in '04 and now you have already moved on?
>
> You can send me you unused Bose to me, and I will give them a good home!
> <;-))
Never bought a Bose, sorry. We do have a pair of Lightspeeds, one of
which is now in the back seat.

Margy

[Morgans[_2_]]

"Margy Natalie" <> wrote

> Never bought a Bose, sorry. We do have a pair of Lightspeeds, one of
> which is now in the back seat.

Ahh, there I go again, relying on my memory, or lack there of. It was the
Lightspeeds that I remember you, or I guess Ron coming back with, while you
were showing me and a couple of other people your newly finished redone
Navion. Nice.

Everything still doing well on the plane? Any new toys or additions?
--
Jim in NC

[Dave[_1_]]

Just went through this...

Got a DC X11 and a Bose, compared them "side by each"........

Best TRANSMIT audio, DC

Most comfortable, with glasses..Bose

Most comfortable without glasses, DC

Best ANR, dead heat

Best receive audio, Bose

DC had a problem with the ANR failing if ANY leakage through the Ear
seals while wearing glasses, the Bose less so...

The cell input on the DC, HUGE plus...

Partner kept the DCs, I kept the Bose

My Bose had a COMPLETE microphone failure at about 8 hrs of
operation.. :(
- repalcement parts shipped overnight by Bose...

After 8 months, partner LOVES the DC's

I have some (albeit small) regrets with the Bose.

BOTH work very well...., if DC could fix the (momentary ) ANR failure
when I shake/move my head, I would probably sell the Bose and get the
X11's, but as I wear glasses ALL the time, it was annoying....

YMMV!

Dave







On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 18:32:40 -0500, "Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim"
> wrote:

>I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
>to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
>about either of these two headsets? Thanks.
>
>Martha
>

[Tom L.]

On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:10:50 -0300, Dave
> wrote:

....
>
>DC had a problem with the ANR failing if ANY leakage through the Ear
>seals while wearing glasses, the Bose less so...
>
.....
>
>Dave
>
>

Dave,
Have you tried DC's "Stop Gap, Eyeglass Temple Cushion",
Model Number: 12500G-02
According to DC: "Helps to seal openings that may result from temple
pieces on glasses."

You can find it here:
http://www.davidclark.com/HeadsetPgs/accessry.htm

I'm curious if that helps. I've been thinking about X11s and also wear
glasses. Although, after recent postings, I might decide to try
Clarity Aloft instead.

- Tom

[Marc CYBW[_2_]]

The Bose has been great!

Marc


"Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim" > wrote in message
...
> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.
>
> Martha
>
>

[Thomas Borchert]

Dave,

> Got a DC X11 and a Bose, compared them "side by each"........
>

Color. You forgot that...

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

Gig 601XL Builder wrote:
>
> But that is exactly what you are doing with one of the sets. I know I don't
> want to get the set you sent back. Who knows where you've been?
>


What would you suggest?

[B A R R Y[_2_]]

RST Engineering wrote:
>
> I'm not going to get into a ****ing match with you over this.

I'm not looking for one, either, so I deleted the hotel reference.

> Remember, the OP said ORDER, not go down to the local shop and
BORROW for a
> day. This implies that you are going to have them sent to you and you will
> send back one or both if you don't like them. Having run a mail order
> business for the last 35 years, I can tell you to the penny how much extra
> we charge everybody as overhead for ... crap ... like this.

I know what he wrote. I'm also involved in a retail operation (a large,
industry "Top 100" bicycle shop) and I'll add this:

I think the buyer should pay the return shipping and possibly a small
restock fee. If the competition can do it without a restock fee, you
need to figure out how to do it too, or stop selling that product.
Returned by buyer goods should go back to the manufacturer or distributor.

My favorite online tool vendors, outdoor clothing, etc... all offer
100% satisfaction guarantees. Do you know what it costs to ship a 600
pound table saw or to accept a $500 hand plane as a return ? The large
machinery dealer does a 10% restock fee, the high-end hand tool vendor
does not.

Our bicycle shop has had customers swap $3000 bicycles that no longer
can be sold as new, for another $3000 bicycle, because you can't tell
how it will work for you until you really ride it. How do we deal with
this? By working very diligently to make sure the customer has the
right product to start with. We drop products, and sometimes entire
lines, that get returned often.


> Please do not dictate other people's business practices.

I don't wish to. The market does that without me.

>
> I do agree that the manufacturer, if they are interested in the "sample"
> market, might dedicate half a dozen of a particular model and agree to
> support their dealers in the field with a "try it" headset program. That
> beats the hell out of having every dealer in the world being a sample
> merchandise source.

It certainly does!


> Do you suspect that is why Bose is the most expensive line of headsets on
> the market? We all buy parts from the same source(s); it is the overhead
> that kills you in something like this.

I clearly understand that, and never believed for a moment that my 30
day trial wasn't built into the price. I also understand that an
expensive product that doesn't cover overhead is not worth selling.

For instance, we don't exactly make a killing on a $4 water bottle, but
people who come in for a bottle usually buy other items or services. If
we lose money on an expensive item, it's gone in a heartbeat. We can't
make up losses in volume. <G>

[Gig 601XL Builder]

B A R R Y wrote:
> Gig 601XL Builder wrote:
>>
>> But that is exactly what you are doing with one of the sets. I know
>> I don't want to get the set you sent back. Who knows where you've
>> been?
>
>
> What would you suggest?

You go someplace that sells the headsets and they will probably have sample
pairs they will let you borrow. If that doesn't work you might ask around at
your airport.

[Hawkeye[_2_]]

Let me give you my advice...headsets are like shoes, if they aren't
comfortable you probably won't wear them for long. Get a pair that fit
your head and your budget. Every persons head is different as are
headsets. Go for function rather than fashion, it's your hearing on
the line and if you miss a critical radio transmission, it could mean
your life. Headsets only work if you wear them, not tucked into the
pocket behind the seatback or inside a flight bag. Fly safe!

[Dave[_3_]]

Well

......now that you mention it..

The light green DCs stay much cooler if (by mistake) left in the
sun...

Dave


On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 09:15:45 +0200, Thomas Borchert
> wrote:

>Dave,
>
>> Got a DC X11 and a Bose, compared them "side by each"........
>>
>
>Color. You forgot that...

[Dave[_3_]]

Hmmm.. good idea...
Dave


On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:31:34 GMT, Tom L. >
wrote:

>On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:10:50 -0300, Dave
> wrote:
>
>...
>>
>>DC had a problem with the ANR failing if ANY leakage through the Ear
>>seals while wearing glasses, the Bose less so...
>>
>....
>>
>>Dave
>>
>>
>
>Dave,
>Have you tried DC's "Stop Gap, Eyeglass Temple Cushion",
>Model Number: 12500G-02
>According to DC: "Helps to seal openings that may result from temple
>pieces on glasses."
>
>You can find it here:
>http://www.davidclark.com/HeadsetPgs/accessry.htm
>
>I'm curious if that helps. I've been thinking about X11s and also wear
>glasses. Although, after recent postings, I might decide to try
>Clarity Aloft instead.
>
>- Tom

[Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim]

Thanks to everyone for your recommendations and advice. I decided to go
with the Bose X, and ordered a set today.

Martha

"Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim" > wrote in message
...
> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.
>
> Martha
>
>

[Thomas Borchert]

Dave,

> The light green DCs stay much cooler if (by mistake) left in the
> sun...
>

And if the passengers vomit on it, it barely shows on the green <gd&r>

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Margy Natalie]

Morgans wrote:
> "Margy Natalie" <> wrote
>
>
>>Never bought a Bose, sorry. We do have a pair of Lightspeeds, one of
>>which is now in the back seat.
>
>
> Ahh, there I go again, relying on my memory, or lack there of. It was the
> Lightspeeds that I remember you, or I guess Ron coming back with, while you
> were showing me and a couple of other people your newly finished redone
> Navion. Nice.
>
> Everything still doing well on the plane? Any new toys or additions?
Thank goodness the only new addition is the headset. We did have to fly
to Lancaster, PA today to pick up the plane after leaving her there last
Sunday on our way back from the Boston area. The plane was flying
great, but the weather was less than desirable (T-storms) so, a week
long rental car and we are whole again. One of the GREAT things about
my job is my boss sort of understood when I said I might bug out of work
at any moment to get my plane (didn't happen as Saturday turned out to
be the best time) and didn't mind. Of course his boss (a former
Harrier, F-4, etc. pilot) when he found out I had left the plane said
"take whatever time you need to go get it". It is sort of wonderful
knowing you have a job that you really could call in on Monday morning
and say "I hit bad weather" and they would say "well, good thing you
stopped".

Margy

[Jon Kraus]

I have the Bose X and DC H20-10XL(model before the X11). no question
the Bose is better. but ya pay more for it too.. You'd be happy with
either choice... Good luck...




Russ and/or Martha Oppenheim wrote:
> I've decided to upgrade my old Telex headset, and have narrowed my choices
> to the Bose X or the David Clark X11. Any comments, positive or negative,
> about either of these two headsets? Thanks.
>
> Martha
>
>

[tony roberts]

Hi Jim

I found the DC's to be more comfortable - they stayed put - the Bose
kept slipping and I had to keep sliding them back into position.

The D C's clarity was superior when listening to transmissions,

The DC's appeared to be much more robust - I had the impression that
they would stand up better,

And after winning all of those areas - they were almost $300.00 less.

Tony
C-GICE





--

Tony Roberts
PP-ASEL
VFR OTT
Night
Cessna 172H C-GICE

> I'm curious. You seem to be going against the stream, by not picking the
> Bose.
>
> What are the qualities that make you choose this way?

[Dave[_1_]]

Hmmmmm..

Can't fault your logic Tom!

:)

Dave


On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:36:53 +0200, Thomas Borchert
> wrote:

>Dave,
>
>> The light green DCs stay much cooler if (by mistake) left in the
>> sun...
>>
>
>And if the passengers vomit on it, it barely shows on the green <gd&r>