good inexpensive headset or a waste of money

I bought a $100 pair of Sigtronic just for the occasional passenger I take. They no longer work after 4 flights. With headsets, you get what you pay for.
 
I don't know who the manufacturer is of the ASA headsets but they do tend to give good service. After you wear them a few times replace the original foam ear pads/seals with gel pads. Then come back and thank me. :wink2:

They are heavy and they do make my ears sweat so I only use them when the Lightspeeds are on the fritz (which means that I can't reach any spare batteries).
 
Troy, I'll give you that advice my pilot mentor ( whose, wife was an audiologist) gave me. "Buy the best headset you can afford" Headsets are not the item to go cheap with. I have no comment on the pair you posted but I'd recommend an ANR ( Active Noise Reduction) pair. You can get some very affordable and cool looking ANR head sets at The Squawk Shoppe www.squawkshoppe.com

Hearing is precious and its worth the investment to protect it. Comfort is also a huge issue. different brands have different clamping pressure on the head. Keep in mind that inadequate noise protection can also make one tired just from dealing with the noise. I can also tell you that once you get your PPL ( if you don't already have it) you will most certainly want the best pair you can afford. (actually) you will want the best pair regardless of whether you can afford them LOL Thats aviation! While one may buy a starter airplane I'm not a believer in starter headsets.

Let us know what you decide.

P.S. The one place I found a PNR ( Passive Nose Reduction) headset to be superior to an ANR pair is when flying Big old loud with poor insulation such as a T-34 or T-6. I think its just a difference in noise frequency but not sure.
 
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Walk into a physical shop and try one on.

$100 on a headset you can't wear is a waste. And there is a lot of personal preference there.
 
I was just going to recommend the QFR Solos, but then I noticed that they are no longer in production.

That is what I started with as a student pilot. Really good low budget headset. 28 db passive protection and only around $150.

Does anyone know if Lightspeed has replaced them with a similar entry level model?
 
We bought two of these ASA headsets for the occasional guest. I also wore them on a few occasions and thought they are great for the price.

They have more than 100 reviews on mypilotstore, you might want to review them: http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/6371

I think they make a great first / guest headset, on the longer run I would however prefer something with gel earcups and possibly ANR.
 
Waste of money, get these.
 
German guy said:
We bought two of these ASA headsets for the occasional guest. I also wore them on a few occasions and thought they are great for the price.

They have more than 100 reviews on mypilotstore, you might want to review them: http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/6371

I think they make a great first / guest headset, on the longer run I would however prefer something with gel earcups and possibly ANR.
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I have a pair of ASA that I keep in the back for the occasional passenger or as a backup. It's okay but I definitely prefer the Bose. The lifetime warranty is nice. I had a set that the rubber insulation was flaking off in chunks. They sent me a refurb'd set, no problems whatsoever.

As others have said, try to invest in a GOOD set of hearing protection. My first CFI who was fairly old was almost deaf.
 
korben88 said:
http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/av...ccessories/asa-airclassics-hs-1a-headset.html


I'm looking at picking up a pair of these so I don't have to wear the rental ones. I'm trying to not spend much money because it will come out of my flying budget and I'd prefer to spend it on actually flying.

Anyone have any input on them I would appreciate it.
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If I wanted the least expensive headset that I would want to use, I would buy the QT Halos. Non ANR ear cup headsets are all head vises. Spend a couple hundred more and get a set of ear buds. ANR level noise attenuation, great sound, don't have any interference issues with glasses, and super comfortable as long as you don't mind ear plugs.
 
I bought one of these to start my training...20 years ago. I still use it as a passenger headset and have a nice DC noise cancelling one now. The $100 ones are uncomfortable, and I would recommend upgrading now if you can. I was in highschool when I started so needed to do everything on a budget.

But hey, they worked for me then and still serve a purpose now.
 
I bought a pair of used non-ANR David Clarks off Ebay for my training. They truly are a head vice and while I do not necessarily recommend them, the price was right and they are practically indestructible. After receiving my PPL I bought the QT Halo and I am glad I did.

The choice is yours. There are advantages to both, really. If you get a cheap set now, it keeps cost down and then when you inevitably upgrade you'll have a set for passengers. On the other hand, don't discount the comfort factor -- both physical and aural. I found that my DCs were giving me headaches because of the squeeze factor, and that can really wear on you, especially in the high-workload, noisy environment of the training cockpit.

Beyond that, the advice given above has been good. Squawk Shoppe, ANR Bose/Lightspeed/etc., QT Halo - these are big names in pilot circles that will do you well for your flying career.
 
I cannot wear DCs for more than 15 minutes without incurring pain.
 
Henning said:
I cannot wear DCs for more than 15 minutes without incurring pain.
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Like MAKG1 said, headsets are very much a personal preference thing.

You really need to try different ones on and see what works for you. Lot of people complain above DCs being like a head clamp, but I love mine and that is what I use flying the Baron coast to coast. I've worn them occasionally over 10 hrs in a flying day and have no complaints.
 
AdamZ said:
Troy, I'll give you that advice my pilot mentor ( whose, wife was an audiologist) gave me. "Buy the best headset you can afford" Headsets are not the item to go cheap with. I have no comment on the pair you posted but I'd recommend an ANR ( Active Noise Reduction) pair. You can get some very affordable and cool looking ANR head sets at The Squawk Shoppe www.squawkshoppe.com

Hearing is precious and its worth the investment to protect it. Comfort is also a huge issue. different brands have different clamping pressure on the head. Keep in mind that inadequate noise protection can also make one tired just from dealing with the noise. I can also tell you that once you get your PPL ( if you don't already have it) you will most certainly want the best pair you can afford. (actually) you will want the best pair regardless of whether you can afford them LOL Thats aviation! While one may buy a starter airplane I'm not a believer in starter headsets.

Let us know what you decide.

P.S. The one place I found a PNR ( Passive Nose Reduction) headset to be superior to an ANR pair is when flying Big old loud with poor insulation such as a T-34 or T-6. I think its just a difference in noise frequency but not sure.
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I would like to second this advice.

A $700 set of nice ANR headsets now will save you thousands of dollars in hearing-related care down the road in the future. Hearing aids currently aren't covered by insurance...
 
Henning said:
I cannot wear DCs for more than 15 minutes without incurring pain.
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Your head must be as big as mine :rofl:

I have the same issue....though I still keep my David Clamps 13.4 handy as a backup/passenger headset.
 
korben88 said:
http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/av...ccessories/asa-airclassics-hs-1a-headset.html


I'm looking at picking up a pair of these so I don't have to wear the rental ones. I'm trying to not spend much money because it will come out of my flying budget and I'd prefer to spend it on actually flying.

Anyone have any input on them I would appreciate it.
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They're a standard $100 headset. They'll get you by, but you'll look to upgrade very soon. So just start calculating that into your flying budget and it will make it easier to get what you really need for your head. That's the key word that everyone has echoed here.
Try as many as you can and get a pair that work for YOU, have all the things that you want and none that you don't.

(P.S. thanks for the plug Adam!)
 
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I'd get a used David Clarks. The superior passive hearing protection on a good non-ANR DC headset is a great start. Over time you can upgrade the head pad and ear seals. Then, when you decide you want ANR, just add the Headsets Inc. ANR kit and you've got a custom ANR headset that will outperform those fancy headsets that cost twice the price.
 
I got a set of used David Clarks (passive) off Ebay for somewhere about that price. I'm happy with them. Just make sure they have the right kind of plugs.

You can see them in the picture to the left.
 
Ya big wusses. When I learned to fly we didn't use headsets just a speaker and a handheld mike. No intercom so you spoke loudly to each other. Damn Center just called and the mike fell between the seats and what was that you said? Speak up I can't hear you. Don
 
I bought couple cheap sets several years ago. I use lightspeed Zulu mostly now but tried on the old ones for a short flight recently. Was so loud I told my wife might as well throw these away. I wouldn't want to make anyone have to wear them.
 
Get some old David Clarks or the like off of Ebay. Not flashy but will do fine with passengers
 
I initially used a pair of DCs and then bought a cheapo ASA headset for passengers... Then I got my QT Halos and keep the DCs in my bag as a backup. The pax still get the ASAs because I don't want them sweating on mine :)
 
Fearless Tower said:
I was just going to recommend the QFR Solos, but then I noticed that they are no longer in production.

That is what I started with as a student pilot. Really good low budget headset. 28 db passive protection and only around $150.

Does anyone know if Lightspeed has replaced them with a similar entry level model?
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I had a pair as my first and really like them - esp the good passive protection and non-clampy-ness.

They're still in duty after 10 years as pax headset. (I long ago switched to in-ear.)

The Solos were also sold re-branded as Marv Golden - for less than Light speed charged.
I see that Marv is now using another manufacturer's headset as their store-brand ANR w 23dB passive - $240 IIRC.
 
Well I found a pair of the ASAs for $69 on ebay shipping included. I figure at that price it's worth giving them a shot, if they suck that bad I'll upgrade when I can and use them as backups or for passengers.

I understand the save your hearing and vice clamp headsets suck arguments. But I spent 6 years in the field artillery and 10 years as a machinist. plus 5 years as a firearms instructor and range officer mixed in. So I am quite used to wearing clampy things over my ears .

I'm real interested in the squawkshop brand. Is there anyone in Utah that would have a pair I could check out?

Also what is "pax"?
 
korben88 said:
Well I found a pair of the ASAs for $69 on ebay shipping included. I figure at that price it's worth giving them a shot, if they suck that bad I'll upgrade when I can and use them as backups or for passengers.

I understand the save your hearing and vice clamp headsets suck arguments. But I spent 6 years in the field artillery and 10 years as a machinist. plus 5 years as a firearms instructor and range officer mixed in. So I am quite used to wearing clampy things over my ears .

I'm real interested in the squawkshop brand. Is there anyone in Utah that would have a pair I could check out?

Also what is "pax"?
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Passengers. I've used ASA once.... It was hard to understand what the ATC was saying.
 
korben88 said:
Well I found a pair of the ASAs for $69 on ebay shipping included. I figure at that price it's worth giving them a shot, if they suck that bad I'll upgrade when I can and use them as backups or for passengers.

I understand the save your hearing and vice clamp headsets suck arguments. But I spent 6 years in the field artillery and 10 years as a machinist. plus 5 years as a firearms instructor and range officer mixed in. So I am quite used to wearing clampy things over my ears .

I'm real interested in the squawkshop brand. Is there anyone in Utah that would have a pair I could check out?

Also what is "pax"?
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Shane (Squawkshoppe) is on the board here and I think he offers money back return guarantee so you could try them that way... (Shane! Paging Shane!)

John
 
I use my old h10-30's for pax, I have used them since I started flying in the 90's and never had a problem, I sent them back and DC reconditioned them for like $30 when the mic plug broke.

the wife got me a squawk shop ANR set for xmas and I don't think they're any quieter than the old DC to be honest.

my third set is an old flightcom I got used for like $50, now THOSE are horrible. I never have TWO pax anyway.
 
I bought two of those, for the kids and when I have more than one passenger. I will tell you they are functional but they suck.

There is a constant droning noise that drives you nuts. When speaking to other planes the pilots say there is a loud squeeling noise that drowns out much of what you are saying. The microphone picks up EVERYTHING.

I have two David Clarks up front that work great and leave the two in the back(the ASA's) unplugged and it is a joy compared to when even one is plugged into the system.

David Clarks can be had new for around $300 so I would say save up and get a set of them or find a set of used ones on EBAY.
 
I bought a Sigtronics S-20 headset when I started training a couple of years ago. It still works fine.

I also bought a nicer Lightspeed ANR headset from a coworker who gave up on flying lessons.

The lightspeed headset is nicer and ANR is nice ...but.... for quick local flights I just use the S-20 because I carry it in the flight bag vs. a separate padded case.

So perhaps my advice is you can go cheap but not too cheap. :)
 
I've got three paris of AvComs. Two 60s and a pair of stereo (90?). I bought the first pair of 60s new when I was training. They still work very nicely (replaced the ear seals with gel seals, so pretty comfy for me). My wife bought me a pair of 90s for Christmas one year. They have a cloth cover over the ear cups (between your head and the ear cup). I think they'd be really comfortable with the gel seals too. I bought the third pair off eBay for about $60. All the AvComms are now "passenger" headsets. I bought 2 pairs of old Telex ANR headsets off eBay for $90 (for both pairs). They work quite well so far. I haven't gotten the chance to try any current ANR headsets, though I'd like to . I just won't spend $300-$2000 to try them out.

John
 
I'm a low time student pilot, picked up AvComm ac-200 new for $75(went back to get another and they'd increased to $120).

They work fine for me, good seal, its VERY noisy in the 172 when i take them off to put on foggles, so they must be doing some decent PNR.

You can bend the brackets to adjust the 'clamp' effect, just bend them in the right place, they come with instructions.

edit:
oh yea, and if/when you upgrade you've got a passenger set.
 
korben88 said:
Well I found a pair of the ASAs for $69 on ebay shipping included. I figure at that price it's worth giving them a shot, if they suck that bad I'll upgrade when I can and use them as backups or for passengers.

I understand the save your hearing and vice clamp headsets suck arguments. But I spent 6 years in the field artillery and 10 years as a machinist. plus 5 years as a firearms instructor and range officer mixed in. So I am quite used to wearing clampy things over my ears .

I'm real interested in the squawkshop brand. Is there anyone in Utah that would have a pair I could check out?

Also what is "pax"?
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I'm not in utah so no help there. As for the squawk shoppe though I have the anr model and they are great. They aren't bose a20's but they're pretty damn close and half the cost. And their customer service is nothing short of fantastic. I sent mine in to be fixed a few months ago and not only did Shane fix them him self, he rebuilt the entire headset and fixed the chipped finish. Nothing but good things to say about then. Besides the wait time from them being busy but all good things come with a price.
 
Another vote for the squawk shoppe. I have a pair of the ANR models, awesome. Love the clarity and they clamping force it not excessive. For half the price of Bose, you can't go wrong with them.

-Brian
 
korben88 said:
Well I found a pair of the ASAs for $69 on ebay shipping included. I figure at that price it's worth giving them a shot, if they suck that bad I'll upgrade when I can and use them as backups or for passengers.

I understand the save your hearing and vice clamp headsets suck arguments. But I spent 6 years in the field artillery and 10 years as a machinist. plus 5 years as a firearms instructor and range officer mixed in. So I am quite used to wearing clampy things over my ears .

I'm real interested in the squawkshop brand. Is there anyone in Utah that would have a pair I could check out?

Also what is "pax"?
Click to expand...

Gel ear cup seals help a lot with comfort on passive sets, they're cheap.
 
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