Headsets, F/W and Heli models

[ThomasD]

Hello all,

 

I currently fly both GA Fixed Wing and Heli's, and use a pair of David Clark H10-60's (this particular model allows for an easy swicth between a GA dual plug, and a Heli U-174/U coiled plug at the base of the headset).

 

I'd prefer to have just one headset, however are there better options out there regarding a dual use headset? This model is not an ANR model and I would like to switch to one.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions on your favorites/prefences, or would you reccomend two seperate headsets?

 

Thanks in advance.

[apiaguy]

just buy the ANR of your choice with your cord preference (coil or straight) and buy the $40 adapter to convert GA to heli or whichever you need.

[ThomasD]

Do/have you used one? Are they reliable? I'll assume I can pick one up from Sporty's or someplace similar.

 

Thanks,

 

[rotornut67]

Yes the adapters are reliable...as far as the headsets I have both the Zulu 2 and Bose A20. I like them both but the bluetooth feature on the Bose is a bit better. The Zulu 2 is around $300 cheaper than the Bose..

[ThomasD]

Thanks for the direction! I think the price point of the Zulu 2 is leaning me in that direction right now.

[Rich1]

I have 800 hours on my Zulu 2...FW and Rotorwing....simply an exceptional product...high quality, good features very reliable

[rotornut67]

I think Light Speed is offering an upgrade credit towards the purchase of a new headset. The amount of credit depends on what brand you are trading in of course. Another pilot was telling me about it a few weeks ago. I'm not sure how long it lasts but it sounds like it would be worth checking on.

[ThomasD]

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

 

I don't see an expiration date, but they have free shipping through 5/31/14. With a trade in of a standard pair of David Clark's you can get the zulu 2 for $650.00.

 

That's the right price, thanks for the headsup!

[A-aron]

I have the Zulu 2 heli and love it. Haven't used the Bluetooth so I can't offer any input on that. The hard case is nice but I'm looking into getting a different case that has room for like my log book and also the camera I attach to the headset.

[nikon858]

Flew with somebody recently, he had the Bose A20 powered panel model then bought both adapter cords. This way he can fly powered panel not using his batteries or stick batteries in and fly heli/ga.

 

The zulu 2 powered panel has no place for batteries as far as I know, so you can't use them with an adapter cord if you still want ANR. If it were me I'd consider the bose just for this. I have the zulu 1 and love it but being able to run powered panel is a very nice option.

[aeroscout]

If you are going to ever fly in primitive conditions conditions you might want to think about non anr headsets and helmets.

[ThomasD]

Primitive conditions? As in no spare batteries to be bought nearby? Wouldn't the ANR's become PNR's when batteries die?

[silver-eagle]

Primitive conditions? As in no spare batteries to be bought nearby? Wouldn't the ANR's become PNR's when batteries die?

This is true. The issue though is how good is the passive noise reduction. I was on final when my ANR gave out on me. The passive mode was awful. I could not hear the guy next to me nor the tower. (Schweitzer 300CBi with the doors off).

The same thing happened to me in a Piper Warrior. Passive works better there.

[280fxColorado]

Telex makes an ANR helicopter headset which has the best passive noise reduction of any available headset (and decibel reduction figures to prove it.) I've used Bose AHX and A20, Lightspeed, various David Clark's, Clarity Aloft. The Telex is now my go-to headset. You can often find huge discounts on them. I bought mine on sale for $325 new a couple years ago. It also has adjustable clamping force which is really nice.

[tradford]

Check out these guys - http://www.thesquawkshoppe.com/collections/arcus-anr/products/arcus-headset-crisdelara-nurse

 

[cburg]

Several years ago I tried a wide range of ANRs in my open cockpit tractor config, and none of them worked worth a hoot. Some would chirp and some would squeal. The manufacturers were sympathetic and freely offered a full refund (note I told them the challenge to begin with).

 

Since then, I use the biggest badest ear muffs money can buy (way better than any passive aviation set) and have the earbud plugs underneath. It’s old school but is quitter than most other headsets I’ve flown with ANR/non-ANR.

 

Basically every manufacturer said they work well for droning sounds but not for the highly random buffeting with my tractor and short windshield.

 

Now that I’ve gotten rid of all but one open cockpit aircraft, I’m thinking about diving into another ANR.

[plane4]

I have a new Bose A20 for sale with U174 plug if anyone is interested. It's battery powered non Bluetooth. I also have a new converter to GA 2 plugs. This setup is used by a local instructor so i just bought what he had hoping i could fly both. Now i have to move so I'm going to sell stuff before I get started.