Headsets?

Chesterspal

Chesterspal

Pre-Flight
Joined
Apr 26, 2019
Messages
94
Display Name
Display name:
Chesterspal
What headsets are good for beginning pilots to purchase?
 
How much are you willing to spend? I personally like the in ear type (qt halo's and the CQ1) as I don't have that squeeze on my head. Otherwise I'd say a bose or a lightspeed from @pigpenracing . I also personally stay away from DC's as we use them at work and I'm having to fix a few everyday...granted they are heavily used. I bought a really cheap ANR to learn to fly in and they sucked and broke so I'd say stay away from really cheap. But that's me.
 
I'd stay with a cheap passive headset to get started and spend the $500-1000 on your training instead.

Personally I've owned two David Clark passives in the past and have never had to do anything to them other than update the ear seals in one due to age.
 
When I took lessons years ago we never used them.

Are they mandatory for training now? I'd much prefer not to use them unless the CFI forces the issue, which he may not, if we can both each each other.
 
There are a lot of old time pilots that never used headsets that don't hear so good anymore.

I have a couple of Kore passive headsets that I bought off of Amazon for $160 apiece. They're good quality and comfortable for a good price. I really like them and everyone I know that uses them does as well.
 
Chesterspal said:
When I took lessons years ago we never used them.

Are they mandatory for training now? I'd much prefer not to use them unless the CFI forces the issue, which he may not, if we can both each each other.
Click to expand...

No, but most aircraft no longer have a handheld mic or speakers so expect to buy or rent a headset--you'll be doing your ears a favor. Having done it both ways back in the day, today there's no way I'd not use a headset even if a plane with a mic/speaker was available.
 
I have a set of noise cancelling Bluetooth Sennheiser which are excellent and then got a set of Clarity Aloft with Bluetooth Have not touched the Sennheiser since
 
Well, it was never a problem back in 1986 when I started taking lessons. The C150 I'm looking at purchasing still has the original stick mic but might be equipped with headphone jacks for two people. I know there were two jacks on the far left side but those may be just for the pilot.

Suppose I can ask my CFI it he has his own... then I only need to buy one set for me.
 
Last edited:
Looked at the Kore for $170 on Amazon. Very good reviews. Will see about getting some of those when the time comes.

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated, as always.
 
Chesterspal said:
Well, it was never a problem back in 1986 when I started taking lessons. The C150 I'm looking at purchasing still has the original stick mic but might be equipped with headphone jacks for two people. I know there were two jacks on the far left side but those may be just for the pilot.

Suppose I can ask my CFI it he has his own... then I only need to buy one set for me.
Click to expand...

Well a lot has changed since 1986 (got my PP that year flying a C-152). You can bet your CFI has his own headset -- these days headset usage is probably near 100%. I don't understand your reluctance. If it's cost then you're into the wrong hobby. Just wait until you're an aircraft owner -- the cost of a good ANR headset will be trivial in comparison.
 
Training is expensive. This is the last place to skimp. Go buy a set of Zulu 3's or BOSE A20's. While learning to fly, you'll appreciate the quiet while learning all the jargon and fast talking controllers. These headset are much more comfortable, especially if hearing glasses due to reduced clamping pressure.

Next 3 posts are guys who trained with the cabin speaker and handheld mic; or became fighter pilots with cheap headsets.
 
DC One x is a great headset. Doesn’t clamp your head like the older stuff.

Bose is nice also

It’s all preference. Get a good headset if you take more than a couple lessons and have intentions of truly becoming a pilot. You will use the equipment every time you fly. It’s a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things.
 
Let's be honest. Most people quit pilot training so statistically the odds are you also will be one of them. Skimp on the headphones, then pour $ into a good pair later if it turns out you have the flying pathogen like most of the other infected here;)
 
Wondering why folks don't talk about Avcom head sets. I still have my original passive set from 1995. My wife uses it and does not complain about it. I can't remember doing anything to it but ear seals, mic cover and cloth covers over the ear seals. I think they a good bang for buck.

edit; my old Avcom has a push to talk built into the ear muff. It's a good back up for your PPT switch
 
Last edited:
Any instructor will bring their own headset so just buy for yourself.

If you can afford active noise reduction (ANR) I would suggest buying a set from @pigpenracing. If you end up not finishing lessons you can probably sell them within $100 of what you paid. If you complete your lessons you've just bought your last headset first. If you can't afford the $525 up front then pick up a old used set of David Clarks' and spend about $16 on the new really cushy ear cushions.

My vote is buy the Lightspeed Zulu 3's from @pigpenracing...they are quite nice and love the cord and controller too.
 
ircphoenix said:
I love my QT Halos. I've borrowed ANRs before and I didn't feel like they did a whole lot more than the QTs for the price delta.
Click to expand...
Yep I have a pair of bose X and lightspeed Sierra and I feel the CQ1, which I like better than my halo's , are just as quiet and more comfy to wear than the bose and lightspeeds. My wife uses the halo's and I use the CQ1's and pax get relegated to the bose and lightspeeds. Hahaha all are great headsets though don't get me wrong
 
CMongoose said:
I'd stay with a cheap passive headset to get started and spend the $500-1000 on your training instead.

Personally I've owned two David Clark passives in the past and have never had to do anything to them other than update the ear seals in one due to age.
Click to expand...
agree. find a good, used passive David Clark. put the $ saved towards your training.
 
Buy a great headset and take good care of it. If you don’t stick with flying, you’ll be able to it without taking too much of a loss. But more likely, you’ll complete training. If you buy a cheap headset, you’ll be upgrading quickly.

Buy once, cry once.

Oh, and not using a headset is foolish.
 
Nflightmic with Ebay QC25s. Purchased two for passengers and find myself wearing this set over the Bose A20s. Lighter weight and comfortable.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
 
No one can tell you definitively what headset to buy. Everything depends on your comfort and preference. Most of the major manufacturers and retailers offer a 30 day tryout period. Try out 2-3 of them, see which you like best, then buy that one. Don't go cheap. It's your hearing and health. Sitting in a noisy airplane for hours really is tiring and the impact of sound is part of it.
 
First, for those that expect me to quit...

1) Did that 33 years ago. Got to solo and dual-cross country and had to stop for business reasons. This time, at 65, I expect to complete what I started.

2) I am buying a small two-seater plane or at least I'm in the process of doing so.

BTW: I'm not reluctant to purchase a set but from these replies it's obvious there are many good ones to choose from.

Wish there was a store one could go to try all these out. Any aviation stores in NY like a B&H Photo-type place that sells this stuff?

As suggested, might be best to buy a used DC or similar to train with. As I meet other pilots I can see what they have and go from there.
 
Good luck on your PPL. Sounds like you are committed to complete a dream you started 33 years ago. I would get you medical before you get to far into the training. After that basic med works. Do you still have your old logbook? Some of that time may help in finishing your certificate.

I know a fellow with a C150. Lands on beaches and deer hunts here in SE AK, works for him.
 
Chesterspal said:
When I took lessons years ago we never used them.

Are they mandatory for training now? I'd much prefer not to use them unless the CFI forces the issue, which he may not, if we can both each each other.
Click to expand...

If you value your hearing, get a good pair of headsets. ANR headsets are boss. Bose and LIghtspeed both make popular, quality models. For passives, it's hard to beat the DC H10-13.4 for durability and service. But really, once you go ANR you will never go back.
 
I bought a Bose A20 for my first headset. Later I got a Lightspeed Zulu2 for my wife.... in hindsight I'd have just got the Zulu2 for myself as it's just as good of a product and cheaper than the A20. For long cross country flying the noise canceling models are the way to go.
 
Pick up some good David Clark’s for a few hundred dollars, then when you get your license upgrade to Bose or something nicer. Reason I say is, I have seen many new student pilots spend $1200 on a pair of Bose, and the. Stop flying for whatever reason. Also the money you save now on the David Clark, can be a few hours of flight time.
 
Chesterspal said:
First, for those that expect me to quit...

1) Did that 33 years ago. Got to solo and dual-cross country and had to stop for business reasons. This time, at 65, I expect to complete what I started.

2) I am buying a small two-seater plane or at least I'm in the process of doing so.

BTW: I'm not reluctant to purchase a set but from these replies it's obvious there are many good ones to choose from.

Wish there was a store one could go to try all these out. Any aviation stores in NY like a B&H Photo-type place that sells this stuff?

As suggested, might be best to buy a used DC or similar to train with. As I meet other pilots I can see what they have and go from there.
Click to expand...

The closest I’ve seen to the stores is going to a major fly in like Oshkosh or Sun n Fun. The vendors all bring stuff and you can at least try for a couple of minutes.

Let me add here: how a headset fits you is a critical factor. David Clark makes a wonderful passive headset but I can’t wear them for more than a 1/2 hour before it kills my head. There’s a ton of folks who’ve recommended various things. I use AVCOMM passives when I trained. I’ve got some old Telex ANRs that I bought off eBay and use now. But be prepared to try in the plane for extended flights before being sure.
 
Chesterspal said:
First, for those that expect me to quit...

1) Did that 33 years ago. Got to solo and dual-cross country and had to stop for business reasons. This time, at 65, I expect to complete what I started.

2) I am buying a small two-seater plane or at least I'm in the process of doing so.

BTW: I'm not reluctant to purchase a set but from these replies it's obvious there are many good ones to choose from.

Wish there was a store one could go to try all these out. Any aviation stores in NY like a B&H Photo-type place that sells this stuff?

As suggested, might be best to buy a used DC or similar to train with. As I meet other pilots I can see what they have and go from there.
Click to expand...

I wish there was a B&H in AK. Googlefoo has turned up https://www.readingair.com/Pilot_Shop which isn't NY, but looks close-ish. (Close for my AK comparisons, at least you can drive there from there) And this place: http://richmorflightschool.com/pilot-shop. Great thing about the expensive Boze and Litespeeds is that they can be quickly Ebay'd for somewhat the same as what you bought them for.

I'm very happy with my Uflymic QC15, ClarityAloft, DC Pro-x, and A20, and the 1991 model DC 13.10. They all have their applications, this airplane or that, her head or mine. I thought that I'd just get rid of one once I found another, but I guess it didn't work out that way. I wore out a few cheapies back in the FI days, and I still have them for some reason or another. Don't tell anyone that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top