It's that time again! What's the best value headset?

[Rotortramp]

I'll preface this post by admitting that I am poor.

 

I currently have an ANR Lightspeed (fixed wing) thats about 6 years old. It still works well, but as you would imagine needs an adapter for helicopter use and a little TLC.

 

What would you recommend as a good affordable helicopter headset?

 

Ready, go!

[Fred0311]

I wouldn't call it affordable but my lightspeed Zulus are definitely worth the price. Very comfortable and really cut down on the fatigue compared to David Clarks.

[Trans Lift]

Bose bose bose, yeah its expensive but you pay for what you get. Best hands down IMO. I've had one since 2007 and it has never let me down. The new ones are even better.

[turbotay]

A buddy of mine is moving on from Instruction and will be selling their David Clark for $150, PM me if you're interested

[eagle5]

Just buy the adapter, its like 40 bucks! That's what we po folk would do,...my CFI included!

[brettjeepski]

Get the new lightspeed zulu2. great headset and great price. I think they have a trade-in program where you can send in old headsets and they will give you money towards a new pair.

[brettjeepski]

Get the new lightspeed zulu2. great headset and great price. I think they have a trade-in program where you can send in old headsets and they will give you money towards a new pair.

 

HA I knew I remembered there was a trade up program.

 

ENJOY! $500 Free bucks towards new Zulu!

 

http://www.lightspeedaviation.com/content/lightspeedaviation/CustomPages/tradeupprogram.htm

[Captdmk]

Anyone have an opinion or experience with the Sennheiser S1 Digital? Same price as the Bose but more features and better bluetooth.

[helonorth]

He did say affordable which rules out the Bose and Lightspeed. Did anyone read the original post? I have a David Clark H10-60 which I bought in 1997. I replace the ear cups and mic muff every few years but have not had any problems with it in nearly 5,000 hours. Had my hearing checked when I started my last job and it was very good. Can be hot in the summer, but it is a headset. If you want quality and affordability: David Clark. I am also skeptical of the science behind the Bose. You don't need to drop a grand on a headset.

[Unknown Rider]

David Clark with CEP. The CEP kit is about $95, and the company will install it for you for no extra cost if you want.

 

If you aren't familiar with CEP, it is basically a set of earplugs/earphones that you put in your ear that go under the headset. Unlike earplugs, these have speakers in them so you can still hear the radios.

 

So buy, that cheap headset and get CEP installed on it. Double hearing protection, no need for batteries, and from what I've heard, it's just as good as any ANR headset.

 

http://www.cep-usa.com

[Rotortramp]

I wouldn't call it affordable but my lightspeed Zulus are definitely worth the price. Very comfortable and really cut down on the fatigue compared to David Clarks.

 

Even though its not that popular my Lightspeed XL has done pretty well. I imagine the Zulus are even better.

 

Bose bose bose, yeah its expensive but you pay for what you get. Best hands down IMO. I've had one since 2007 and it has never let me down. The new ones are even better.

 

I've heard nothing but good things about Bose. I'm starting to fade into the "buy once buy right" camp, but I wasn't kidding when I said I was poor ha!

 

A buddy of mine is moving on from Instruction and will be selling their David Clark for $150, PM me if you're interested

 

I'll consider this. I kind of want to shy away from a used headset as I know my current one is good, but is definitely showing its age. I'd like to buy new and hold it for awhile.

 

Just buy the adapter, its like 40 bucks! That's what we po folk would do,...my CFI included!

 

I've been borrowing headsets in the meantime, but how well would an adapter work long term? My lightspeed as I mentioned doesn't have the curly wires and is fitted for fixed wing. I kind of feel like this will prove to be very cumbersome in the cockpit with multiple connections and wires hanging everywhere. Definitely the cheapest though!

 

HA I knew I remembered there was a trade up program.

 

ENJOY! $500 Free bucks towards new Zulu!

 

http://www.lightspee...deupprogram.htm

 

This is pretty interesting. Thanks for looking that up. Unfortunately I only qualify for the $250 (having a XL version), but heck that isn't that far off from what I originally paid. The sierra is more in my price range (with the discount), but I haven't seen any substantial reviews on it.

 

I am kind of toying with the idea of holding on to my old headset as a backup for when friends and family come along. Usually headsets are available where I fly out of so it might not be worth it if the sierra really is amazing in some way.

 

He did say affordable which rules out the Bose and Lightspeed. Did anyone read the original post? I have a David Clark H10-60 which I bought in 1997. I replace the ear cups and mic muff every few years but have not had any problems with it in nearly 5,000 hours. Had my hearing checked when I started my last job and it was very good. Can be hot in the summer, but it is a headset. If you want quality and affordability: David Clark. I am also skeptical of the science behind the Bose. You don't need to drop a grand on a headset.

 

Haha thank you for respecting my goal of finding a cheap headset. It would be nice to find an "ole reliable" type headset, but I start to get spoiled when using ANR and having something pretty light on my head. Beggers can't be choosers though. Any specific models you have in mind?

 

David Clark with CEP. The CEP kit is about $95, and the company will install it for you for no extra cost if you want.

 

If you aren't familiar with CEP, it is basically a set of earplugs/earphones that you put in your ear that go under the headset. Unlike earplugs, these have speakers in them so you can still hear the radios.

 

So buy, that cheap headset and get CEP installed on it. Double hearing protection, no need for batteries, and from what I've heard, it's just as good as any ANR headset.

 

http://www.cep-usa.com

 

This is pretty interesting. Although somewhat akin to using adapters and what not, it seems like it might be a mess of wires and possibly uncomfortable. I know using earbuds at the gym tend to get in the way and slightly annoying after an hour or so, but I'm sure this is probably much different than that. Any first hand experience?

[Fred0311]

If your old set is still good get the adapter. I started my helicopter flying with a fixed wing asa set with an adapter and never had any issues with it in a r44. Might be different in your ship but I tucked the cord under my left arm and it never got in the way. The headset felt lile a vice, the ear cups fell off, and the noise was abusive... but the cord and adapter worked fine.

[Lindsey]

Have you considered buying a Bose on eBay? I got mine for $500 a couple years ago. Not a bad deal.

[Rotortramp]

If your old set is still good get the adapter. I started my helicopter flying with a fixed wing asa set with an adapter and never had any issues with it in a r44. Might be different in your ship but I tucked the cord under my left arm and it never got in the way. The headset felt lile a vice, the ear cups fell off, and the noise was abusive... but the cord and adapter worked fine.

 

Yea that's something I'll have to mess with. My current headset looks like I'm wearing two cantaloupes on the side of my head, and I get very jealous of the sleek looking Boses. I'm looking for something long term, and felt like the straight chord + adapter is somewhat of a temporary fix, but it sounds like its working out for you well. I know their is a subtle curly vs straight chord debate, and I'm not sure which one I'm part of just yet.

[Fred0311]

Well I moved on to the lightspeed Zulus because of the other issues I mentioned. They were a collective gift from a very supportive family though as I wouldn't have been able to afford them. But the cord and adapter werent the issue like I said although I did spring for the 80 dollar bose one.

Edited January 19, 2013 by Fred0311

[avbug]

I bought a Bose X on ebay years ago and took it to the desert. It suffered all kinds of abuse, and finally started making a little occasional hiss and pop. When I was back in the States, I stopped by a Bose booth at Sun n Fun, and they told me it was the ear seals...they'd gotten a little ragged against my five o clock shadow. The guy at the booth tossed a pair to me with his complements, and they've worked great ever since.

 

I've used a regular music Bose QC-15 with the Uflymic for the last few years, when I'm wearing a headset, and it's worked well. It's not really a helicopter headset, however, though it's really handy if you need to commute, as it doubles for listening to music when not being used to aviate.

 

Bose has a payment program so it won't break the bank. It's a very good investment. It's not just about hearing protection. A headset is about clearer communications. I've used all kinds of headsets, but nothing compares to ANR, and none of the other ANR headsets compare to Bose.

 

Buying a headset is an investment; you might as well get the best one you can. David Clark are okay, but they get tiresome after a little while in the air. They don't match a Bose for clarity, quiet, or comfort, either. When you're just making small payments, they can become affordable.

 

If you're bound and determined to go cheap, then any of the basic headclamp type headsets will work. A basic Flightcom will work just fine. If you're going to go that route, then invest in the Oregon Aero products; the hush kit makes the headset quieter with better foam insulation. The earseals really make it more comfortable, as does the wide headpad. It runs a hundred bucks or so to do the Oregon Aero treatment (which you can do yourself very quickly; just buy them from a pilot supply place or Spruce, and put it in). I use the Oregon Aero in my helmet, too, and it's strictly passive (no ANR).

[Unknown Rider]

This is pretty interesting. Although somewhat akin to using adapters and what not, it seems like it might be a mess of wires and possibly uncomfortable. I know using earbuds at the gym tend to get in the way and slightly annoying after an hour or so, but I'm sure this is probably much different than that. Any first hand experience?

 

I have ordered my kit, but it hasn't come yet. Should be here within a couple of days and then I can let you know first hand.

 

A couple of thoughts: Making your own custom ear buds (with the headphones that come with CEP) http://gizmodo.com/5623920/make-your-own-custom-earbuds-for-cheap

http://www.howtogeek.com/57481/how-to-make-custom-silicone-ear-molds-for-your-in-ear-monitors/

 

I think if I were to use that putty stuff, I would put a piece of clear tape over the speaker of the earbuds to protect them. Just a thought. You can also find places to professionally make a custom fit, and I would imagine it would be slightly higher quality (at a higher cost!).

 

Also, some opinions: http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/364122-cep-communication-ear-protection.html

 

Also, you can't order them online, you'll have to call the company and give your credit card number or send in a money order.

[Nearly Retired]

Headsets are such a person thing. What works well for one pilot may or may not suit you. People do rave about the Bose - but! A friend loaned me a Bose to use last season in the S-55, a rather noisy helicopter as you can imagine. Here's what I found: That sucker EATS batteries. The higher the noise level, the harder the headset has to work, the shorter the battery life. Sometimes they didn't last the whole day (4 hours of flying or so). Sometimes wouldn't even last a whole bag of gas (1.5 hours). So I'm not a big fan of these noise-cancelling headsets that rely on batteries and are not hooked into the ship's power.

 

I've used a standard David Clark all my life. I guess they fit my big ol' melon head right or something because I love them and haven't had any of the complaints that other girly pilots have about the "head in a vice" thing. Hey, grow a set. Plus, I'm not at all sure that cancelling noise by making an opposite noise is absolutely beneficial to your hearing.

 

But consider this- we're not doing transcontinental, 8-hour flights in our helicopters. Most of the time our flights are three hours or less (usually less). So we're not wearing our headsets "all day." We get to take them off and take a break. Even if it's just a refueling stop it's enough for me. Got a headache? Take an aspirin.

 

So...experiment with headsets and find the one that *you* are most comfortable with. If you've just gotta have a Bose or Lightspeed Zulu, go for it. If it's a "standard" D/C type you like, then get that and add the noise-cancelling electronics if you're that concerned with having the quietest environment possible.

 

No pun intended, but it sounds like aesthetics are important to you, since you mentioned the "cantaloupes" you're wearing now (D/C's presumably). So if you're just interested in looking good for those cockpit self-pics you'll be posting on Facebook I'd probably go with the Bose, as they certainly are the best-looking headsets on the market (IMHO of course). Your FB friends will be impressed...even more so when you tell them how much your headset cost! Daaaaaamn dude, u must hafta rich 2b a pilot!!

[Fred0311]

 

I've used a standard David Clark all my life. I guess they fit my big ol' melon head right or something because I love them and haven't had any of the complaints that other girly pilots have about the "head in a vice" thing. Hey, grow a set. Plus, I'm not at all sure that cancelling noise by making an opposite noise is absolutely beneficial to your hearing.

 

[/i]

 

Hold on.... Ok set grown.

[avbug]

I've found that batteries last about 50+ hours in the Bose, even in high noise environments.

[Rotortramp]

I have ordered my kit, but it hasn't come yet. Should be here within a couple of days and then I can let you know first hand.

 

A couple of thoughts: Making your own custom ear buds (with the headphones that come with CEP) http://gizmodo.com/5...rbuds-for-cheap

http://www.howtogeek...n-ear-monitors/

 

I think if I were to use that putty stuff, I would put a piece of clear tape over the speaker of the earbuds to protect them. Just a thought. You can also find places to professionally make a custom fit, and I would imagine it would be slightly higher quality (at a higher cost!).

 

Also, some opinions: http://www.pprune.or...protection.html

 

Also, you can't order them online, you'll have to call the company and give your credit card number or send in a money order.

 

Thanks for passing along the reviews on PPRUNE. Seems like it's really effective and better than standalone ANR. I'll definitely do some more looking into it.

 

And that would be great if you could PM me or just bump this thread when you get it installed and a few flights in with it!

 

Headsets are such a person thing. What works well for one pilot may or may not suit you. People do rave about the Bose - but! A friend loaned me a Bose to use last season in the S-55, a rather noisy helicopter as you can imagine. Here's what I found: That sucker EATS batteries. The higher the noise level, the harder the headset has to work, the shorter the battery life. Sometimes they didn't last the whole day (4 hours of flying or so). Sometimes wouldn't even last a whole bag of gas (1.5 hours). So I'm not a big fan of these noise-cancelling headsets that rely on batteries and are not hooked into the ship's power.

 

I've used a standard David Clark all my life. I guess they fit my big ol' melon head right or something because I love them and haven't had any of the complaints that other girly pilots have about the "head in a vice" thing. Hey, grow a set. Plus, I'm not at all sure that cancelling noise by making an opposite noise is absolutely beneficial to your hearing.

 

But consider this- we're not doing transcontinental, 8-hour flights in our helicopters. Most of the time our flights are three hours or less (usually less). So we're not wearing our headsets "all day." We get to take them off and take a break. Even if it's just a refueling stop it's enough for me. Got a headache? Take an aspirin.

 

So...experiment with headsets and find the one that *you* are most comfortable with. If you've just gotta have a Bose or Lightspeed Zulu, go for it. If it's a "standard" D/C type you like, then get that and add the noise-cancelling electronics if you're that concerned with having the quietest environment possible.

 

No pun intended, but it sounds like aesthetics are important to you, since you mentioned the "cantaloupes" you're wearing now (D/C's presumably). So if you're just interested in looking good for those cockpit self-pics you'll be posting on Facebook I'd probably go with the Bose, as they certainly are the best-looking headsets on the market (IMHO of course). Your FB friends will be impressed...even more so when you tell them how much your headset cost! Daaaaaamn dude, u must hafta rich 2b a pilot!!

 

Hahaha Jesus man! That's some strong projection! You caught me though.

 

But really I'll say aesthetics is probably number 27 on my list of priorities. I do have...ear cup envy, but its relatively minimal. My headset is even bigger than an older DC I used to use if that puts it into perspective.

 

Back to your original post, I think a bear bones DC may work pretty good if I feel the need to change over to the curly wires. Maybe couple it with the CEP as posted above. Any model recommendation? I consider myself to have a strong head, but if I can get something lighter and more comfortable for maybe $50 more I think its worth it.

[Unknown Rider]

I have the David Clark H10-13 H. I'll be glad to let you know what I think of CEP.

[eagle5]

I've been borrowing headsets in the meantime, but how well would an adapter work long term? My lightspeed as I mentioned doesn't have the curly wires and is fitted for fixed wing. I kind of feel like this will prove to be very cumbersome in the cockpit with multiple connections and wires hanging everywhere. Definitely the cheapest though!

 

That's what my CFI had, a straight cord with an adapter (only I think it was Bose, not Lightspeed). The two of us in an R22 didn't feel cumbersome at all! Although, if you feel the wires are too long, just bundle them up a bit, and use a twistie!

 

...again, this is what we po folk do!

[Trans Lift]

I've never had batteries run out that quick in my Bose, in any environment I've ever used them in.

[superstallion6113]

I like my David Clark H10-76 military headset. I bought a conversion kit for it that came with new speakers and a new mic, to correct the impedance for GA helicopter use. I think I have a whole $200 wrapped up in it.

 

With that said, I did just order a new Bose A20 Bluetooth headset since I'm here in the 'Stan making enough money to actually buy one. I borrowed a friends' set on my last flight before coming out here and I loved it.

Edited January 20, 2013 by superstallion6113