Headsets

[Guest rotorflyr84]

I have been doing some research on what type of headset I want to purchase. I have a Telex that is about 6 years-old and works great. It's fitted for fixed-wing at the moment. I was thinking of just purchasing an adapter for that so it can be compatible for helicopters, but I would like to get another headset that I will use for myself primarilly throughout my training and potential careers. Thus, just using the Telex for a back-up, or when the time comes to give a ride here and there.

 

So, what are you using, and how do you like it? Words can only help so much, but actual testimonies from those using them, goes a much longer way. Thanks for your replies.

 

[mechanic]

I use an Avcomm AC-747. It has a quick change cord system and comes with a fixed wing straight cord w/dual plugs and a coiled heli cord. It is a passive headset with foam earseals, NRR of 24db, and flex boom mic. I like it better than the free use David Clarks my school offered, lighter too.

 

I was flying with a CFI that used a David Clark ANR headset. They always wanted the volume way down low on the intercom. I have some hearing loss and is why I bought the Avcomm set. They offer a speaker upgrade to help with slight hearing loss, its user installed, pretty easy to do. It only costs 25 bucks... I think Goldy has a set too.

 

Almost forgot, If you put a cord adapt on your telex fixed winger cord? You are gonna have to deal with a bunch of excess cord. The R22 connector is overhead in the middle roof portion of the aircraft. A long cord might be a problem. I am not sure where the 269 connector is located. Usually the helicopter headsets have better noise canceling mics.

[Pogue]

Old Dave Clark H10-46 with CEP's

[Gomer Pylot]

Auricomm HALO. Quiet, light, comfortable, no headset hair, no problem with the ball on top of the cap, any sunglasses are fine.

[kodoz]

David Clark H10-56X (i think...). It's their noise canceling headset for helis. Doors off it's useless, doors on, the hum from the NC is annoying and adds little sound reduction. If I had to do it again, I'd look around more...the downside of the Bose is that when the batteries go, you don't get much protection (from what I'm told anyway).

 

I think Sporty's has a 30-day unconditional guarantee...I'd order a bunch, try them all, pick the one u like, and send the rest back.

[Wally]

I've owned a Dave Clark 10-13(?) for years, but don't use it much since my employer gave us individual helmets.

I like what I've seen of the Peltor headsets.

[helonorth]

David Clark H10-60. 10 years trouble free.

[Goldy]

I use an Avcomm AC-747. It has a quick change cord system and comes with a fixed wing straight cord w/dual plugs and a coiled heli cord. It is a passive headset with foam earseals, NRR of 24db, and flex boom mic. I like it better than the free use David Clarks my school offered, lighter too.

 

 

Ditto- I love having the three different cords available..public safety (u listening Roger?), airplane and helo. In fact a buddy of mine, long time David Clark user, and I swapped headsets in the middle of a flight in his TBM at about 6500 feet, he couldnt believe the difference in noise level, and how much quieter the mic was, ATC even asked him what he did 'cause he sounded so much better. The next day he bought a set of his own, and now the DC's sit in the back seat as a spare. Nothing like a one on one real world comparison.

 

Goldy

[IFLY]

I have 2 Dave Clarks, one for airplanes and one for helicopters, and a Bose for Helis. The DC's are my spares now, I couldn't understand tower very well in either of them and with the Bose I have no trouble anymore...unless the batteries die...I carry spares with me always. With the NC off they are noiser than the DC's but not any harder to understand tower. I have adapters for using them in whatever I happen to be flying that day and it only adds about 6 inchs of cord. I haven't tried any other NC headsets yet to compare.

 

Jerry

[Witch]

I have DC H10-30 that I bought back in 85 whilst flying the airplane. An adapter worked well for a while, but I changed the cord anyway.

 

Then came the helmet. It was a bit noisier, so I got a CEP. What a difference that made. As a result, I got another adapter for the CEP and put that on the David Clarks too.

 

Therefor, I have DC H10-30's with CEP, and an SPH-4 with CEP.

 

LOVE THEM BOTH !!!!!

 

Later

[BOATFIXERGUY]

When you do 100+ landings a day with the doors off and your head on the same side as the turbo in an enstrom....its BOSE Gen X that win every time. Flew with the DC 10-13.4 for years, and after being on the ride circuit, found I was deaf at the end of the day. Best $1000 I ever spent!

[Guest rotorflyr84]

I've got my list down to three headsets that I like.

 

1) David Clark H10-13H --> Specs http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?DI...21&CATID=94

 

2) Avcomm 747 --> Specs http://www.avcomm.com/aviation_ac747pnr.htm

 

3) Bose Aviation Headset X --> Specs http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?DI...78&CATID=94

 

 

I'm currently leaning towards the David Clark headset right now. I never knew about the Avcomm until now. I checked out their website and I liked what I read. How much did those set you back? There wasn't a price listed on their website.

 

I appreciate all your testimonies on headsets. Please don't stop. I enjoy reading and learning about what you are using and how you like your headset. Thank-you for your responses.

 

[PA Pilot]

Bose. From the day they announced the Aviation X. I have two -- one runs off of ship's power, the older one batteries. I wouldn't fly with anything else. And yes, contrary to myth, you can hear RPM changes when wearing Bose!

[mechanic]

Hey,

I paid $75 bucks including shipping on Ebay, NEW! They are normally listed for $247.99.

 

AC-747.. Cheapest price I've found, $183.99 from a pilot supply store.

[spw1177]

I have flown with the Bose X for about 3.5 years. I have on many occasion flown 6-8 hrs a day with it and it still feels comfortable and light by the end of the day. I have no regrets in spending the $1000 asking price.

 

It is pretty loud when the batteries go, so I always carry an extra set of AAs in the cockpit. I also picked up 2 sets of rechargable NiMH that I use in it. They work just as well as alkalines, only take 15 mins to charge, I change them at the first indication that they are getting low, and I am not buying several sets of batteries every year.

[Goldy]

2) Avcomm 747 --> Specs http://www.avcomm.com/aviation_ac747pnr.htm

 

 

The AVComm is cheap compared to the rest. Its definitely the best value for your buck, but if you fly a lot, may not be the best headset for you. The BOSE are definitely nice, very light, I use them in the R44...I'm just too cheap to spend a thousand bucks..I would rather fly for 5 hours than have a fancy headset, but thats just me.

 

Good luck in your search,

 

Goldy

[Gomer Pylot]

Using the Bose and similar, you're almost certain to develop high-frequency hearing loss. The ANR technology simply can't keep up with high frequency noise, and relies on passive protection to suppress it. If the headset doesn't give good passive protection, it can't deal with high frequency noise, especially turbine and transmission noise. Read the NRR specs for the headset you're interested in, and make sure it has high numbers for high frequencies.

[EC120AV8R]

Using the Bose and similar, you're almost certain to develop high-frequency hearing loss. The ANR technology simply can't keep up with high frequency noise, and relies on passive protection to suppress it. If the headset doesn't give good passive protection, it can't deal with high frequency noise, especially turbine and transmission noise. Read the NRR specs for the headset you're interested in, and make sure it has high numbers for high frequencies.

 

Good point on the ANR and turbine/trans noise. We wear the Gallet helmets, and all of our crews use foam ear plugs with their helmets as well. It's probably the only way to try to save some hearing.

[ADRidge]

I use avcomm's and I like them for the most part. The only gripe I've ever heard was from my instructor, who complained that with his bose, the avcomm users were fairly quiet and almost hard to hear.

[500E]

We have Pilot PA17-79 DXL in the 500 I also bought a Mach 1 lightweight in ear set with custom made ear molds it is light and comfortable sounds slightly noisier than the Pilots but according to figures the high frequency noise reduction is better & this is the bit that gets your hearing.

I like both the test results are real difficult to get with a strait comparison, have not tried the Light Weights Gomer mentioned but I thing he rates the Auricom a a better head set don't know if this is due to stability, I found with standard ear tips the Mach 1 was always slipping

Not sugesting buy from either just for

Links

 

www.talkingheadsets.co.uk/

www.quiettechnologies.com/

www.anrheadsets.com/products-Mach1.asp

http://www.pilot-usa.com/pr/10.htm note it says 40 dB at low frequencies.

Tried Bose was OK but could not hear the $1000 improvement, + one of the lowest passive figures.

Hi GP still no luck with SmartSegs would appear never to return real downer

[Gomer Pylot]

I tried the Mach1 and the standard Auricomm, and they both slipped, although the Mach1 was worse about it than the Auricomm. The HALO works differently, having a band around the head which holds the mike, and the earplugs fit in the ears separately. There are pictures on the website I linked if you're interested. This is the same way the Clarity Aloft works. These are pretty comparable, but the Clarity Aloft has a cell phone/mp3 interface, and is about $100 more expensive. To me, the cell phone/mp3 interface isn't worth the extra money.

[LifeApresMil]

Happy Thanksgiving!

I 2nd Gomer Pylot, I primarily use my Auricomm HALO made by Quiet Technologies, about $360. It attenuates and sounds as good as my DC 10-13.4 with CEPs but without the head clamping. A big plus is that the HALO inside its provided case does not take up so much space in the flight bag or airline luggage as a full headset does. And no batteries required for CEPs. Be sure to tell the maker what aircraft you'll be using them in (R22/44 require added circuitry at no added cost he said).

 

The CEP kit for my DCs cost about $120 from www.cep-usa.com. Unless you have huge earholes, get the slimmer earplugs so as not to get that stuffed ear feeling that some complain about. I was missing tower calls before. Now with comm plugged right into my ears...clear as a bell. Oh, and my DCs have the MikeMuff and EarSeal kit from Oregon Aero installed for added clarity and comfort. The clamping can be overcome by bending the earcups apart, but still bothersome at times after a couple hours use.

 

With both, I can hear RPM changes. And no compatiblity issues from anybody else either. I hope this helps.

 

Paul Sindelar

[aquaman2000]

What do you think of lightspeed headsets. Never put one on but they look comfortable

[mechanic]

ADRidge,

The only gripe I've ever heard was from my instructor, who complained that with his bose, the avcomm users were fairly quiet and almost hard to hear.

 

I had the reverse, I could't get my CFI to turn the volume up high enough for me to to hear ATC good, so I bought the optional speakers so I could turn my headset volume up. My CFI had a David Clark set, I don't know which model of ANR it was?? Was back in 04'.

[ADRidge]

Well, these are the "Vortex" headsets. Joe said they were different from standard avcomm's, but I don't know either way as I've never tried the "other" avcomm's. But for 200 bucks, I figured I couldn't go wrong.