Stephen,

What are the key things that make a good headset?


Well, these days, Active Noise Reduction (ANR) is the key thing. You'll
hear even less ;-), but that's entirely good. www.anrheadsets.com has a
good 1o1 tutorial on ANR, they also make nice headsets.

Wearing comfort is the other key element. The old David Clark design,
of which you headset is a knock-off, deserves the old moniker "David
Clamp". Ergonomics have improved and such clamping forces aren't
necessary anymore.

Stereo sound, music and cellphone inputs are niceties that are really
important only to some of us. Automatic battery shut-off for the ANR
(which uses 2 AAs for 20 to 50 hours of flying time) keeps you from
forgetting to switch off.

Did I mention ANR?

Have a look at the LightSPEED 20XLc and the more expensive models from
Lightspeed. Look at the DC X11, the Bose and the Sennheiser actives.
Your pilot shop will have them. Yes, we're talking 400 bucks or more,
but think how much you have saved over the years by not using a headset
;-)


--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)