Wrestling with this stuff myself. I've got two DC H20-10 headsets, but no real experience with anything else other than some REAL cheap entry level Sigtronics (I think) when I first started flying years ago. The H20-10s are comfortable enough and work well, but there's a few things about them I don't like. The mic boom doesn't always stay where you put it and droops, and the volume adjustment knob is kind of stiff and continues to turn past the ends of its range if you're not careful, which makes me think the entire switch is turning internally and maybe stressing the wiring. I'm sure DC would take care of these things if I send'em in, but I haven't bothered yet. The other issue is I wear glasses, and then wear-over sunglasses on top of THEM. WIth just my wire frame glasses on, the headsets still work well, although they aren't quite as quiet as they are without glasses. If I wear the wear-over sunglasses, the headsets let in far too much noise. The gel seals are in excellent condition and comfortable.. just aren't quite up to the task of sealing around the bulky frames of wear-over glasses.
Another downside to the H20-10, if what I've read is correct, is that they can't be converted to ANR using the headsetsinc or other kits as easily as the H10-XX series; they need to be sent in for retrofit, at higher cost, than being able to use the owner-installed kits.
I'd like to get a good set of ANRs now that I'm flying more regularly; as a musician by trade, I'm concerned about the constant exposure in the cockpit. Also, as a musician (not a famous pop star or household name guy), audio aficianado, and part-time recording engineer, I can't stand Bose as a company for reasons that really aren't important to pilots in terms of aviation headsets, so I can't bring myself to support their company, nor do I have the budget to buy their headset. My CFI has a Telex set and loves'em, but they're pretty pricey too. Lightspeed is probably a great option, too... but still pricey. (
@pigpenracing 's posts re/ Lightspeed sales always intrigue me..) NOT saying any of those products aren't worth it... just wondering about other options before sucking it up and dropping those many semolians.
There are some very cheap ANR sets out there.. the GCA-ANR /PCA-ANR sets, the CrazedPilot set... all for less money than my DC sets were new fifteen years ago. Anyone have any first hand experience? Do they work well? Are they really 4/5 the performance of the high end sets for 1/4 to 1/3 the price?
The ClarityAloft or Halo sets are probably great choices for some folks, but I already wear earplugs more than I'd like to on gigs, and my ear canals are pretty small so even soft foam ones get uncomfortable after a few hours. Not sure I want to subject my canals to more intrusion, although I should probably try them... if there's a way to do that.
Interested in anything anyone has to say or recommend... or offer for sale in excellent used condition, or willing to let me try in the CNY area if you have something you really recommend.