Headsets

[MattWSU]

Upon searching, I found closed threads where this has been asked before (2-3 three year old threads). I'm looking to purchase a headset for use with PPL and would like some opinions on a decent one. Three or four of you recommended the David Clark 13.4 headset as well as the Bose Aviation X headset. The Bose is out of my price range but I'm thinking about purchasing the 13.4. I want to be sure that nothing better has come out in the last few years for the same price. I didn't see any mention of Lightspeed headsets, does anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[RHPF]

Upon searching, I found closed threads where this has been asked before (2-3 three year old threads). I'm looking to purchase a headset for use with PPL and would like some opinions on a decent one. Three or four of you recommended the David Clark 13.4 headset as well as the Bose Aviation X headset. The Bose is out of my price range but I'm thinking about purchasing the 13.4. I want to be sure that nothing better has come out in the last few years for the same price. I didn't see any mention of Lightspeed headsets, does anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks,
Matt

I have used mostly David Clarks. For quite a while I had 13.4s that I borrowed from my cousin that I thought were awesome. If I were to buy my own headset I think I might try to get one with ANR, but since I have yet to use ANR I dont really know how useful it is. My instructor has the ANR David Clarks and swears by them. If its good enough for a former Marine Fighter pilot I'm sure its more than good enough for me.

 

[zippy]

We use David Clarks in T-44/TC-12 advanced... what model, I have no clue-but I had no complaints with them.

 

[FelixTheGreat]

David Clark's are probably the toughest headsets you can get, they live forever. I have been using the David Clark 13XL ANR headsets for a while now and I love them. It's worth it to pony up the money for an ANR headset because YOU WILL eventually want an ANR and better to spend the money now instead of buying a couple of $350 headsets and then deciding you want to upgrade. My buddy has a Bose X and honestly the DC 13XLs' cut out a little more noise that the Bose, in the high freq range especially.

Lightspeed makes good ANR headsets and so does Telex. Find a pilot shop and try on as many different brands as you can. Once you get into the ANR realm, the real distinguiser becomes comfort and passive noise reduction (of which the Bose has none, so good luck if the battery dies). You can't go wrong with a David Clark though, I've seen some that are 15 years old and still kickin'. DC also just released, Aug.1, their latest and greatest ANR headset that is pretty slick, it is a direct shot at the bose and about $300 less.

 

[MattWSU]

How's the comfort on the 13XL? A huge reason for me buying a headset is because four out of five times im stuck with an ancient rental set that gives me a killer headache and almost ruins the experience.

 

[FelixTheGreat]

How's the comfort on the 13XL? A huge reason for me buying a headset is because four out of five times im stuck with an ancient rental set that gives me a killer headache and almost ruins the experience.

The 13XLs' are great. I have taken them on a couple of long cross country flights and they feel fine the whole way through (4-5 hour legs). The gel earseals and the cushy headpad offer a lot of comfort. I really think that it is the absolute winner as far as price and value are concerned.

 

[Cobra Commander]

If you get a head set make sure you get the cloth ear cup covers. They soak up all the sweat, and they just feel nice. Plus they're only $1

 

[JD81]

If you get a head set make sure you get the cloth ear cup covers. They soak up all the sweat, and they just feel nice. Plus they're only $1

Roger that, go with the 13.4's and get the comfort covers. I've been using my set for about 7 years now, I don't have a bad thing to say about them.

vr/
Josh

 

[fighterpfeif]

I have put alot of time on my Telex 20XL and think they work great. They are ANR, come with a adapter to hook up an MP3 player for those long X-C, and a cell phone jack. The ANR really helps to quite the outside noises you don't realize can be dampened. It really helps with talking to ATC, since it seems to increase the quality of sound, like listening to a AM/FM radio and getting rid of the static.

 

[MattWSU]

I just placed a bid on a pair of 13.4's on ebay. Hoping to get them for around $200.00. Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[MattWSU]

Received the 13.4 today. Paid $210.00 for next day shipped. This thing has some awesome comfort.

 

[ChuckMK23]

Roger that, go with the 13.4's and get the comfort covers. I've been using my set for about 7 years now, I don't have a bad thing to say about them.

vr/
Josh

I woud echo the same on the 13.4's - used mine in everything from Helos to Multi engine fixed wing - I have a big head and they are still comfy yet they provide excellent sound attenuation. The noise cancelling mic is incredible too.

Add all that to DC's excellent lifetime warranty and cutomer service and how could you go wrong?

Kandy seems to agree

 

[RHPF]

After reading the info/stats on the X11 (DCs version of the Bose X) it sounds pretty awesome. Has anyone tried one?

 

[mts4602]

I'm thinking about getting some DCs for use with a PPL just like the first person said.

What's ANR? Does it mean "noise-attenuating" or is that something else. I have no clue about headsets but my instructor uses DC and they seem to be really great from what I read.

Also I was wondering if it really matters what I get between the 13XL with ENC or the 13.4 with "noise-attenuating". Whats the difference? Would it be better to get the 13XL since it's got ENC and thats the newest thing out there?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Gatordev]

ENC=ANR, just a different company's name for it. "Active Noise Reduction."