New Pilot Looking for a Headset

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whooonk

Filing Flight Plan
Joined
May 4, 2024
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Daniel
Hey there, I'm a new pilot currently starting my associates in Avionic Science with a goal of commercial career. As I am working and paying for it myself I need a budget headset that is quality enough to get me through the next couple years through my training. There are so many and such a huge range of cost. I need it to be quality because I will be in the plane a lot but cost is definitely an issue. Your suggestions and help would be very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Daniel
 
Do you want to still have hearing when you get further in your career?

You don't need top of the line, but you do need something that provides good attenuation. Your best bet is to go somewhere (Oshkosh works well) where you can try several on your head.
 
There are so many on the market,you need to try some out personally for fit,comfort. You just missed sun n fun but Osh is right around the corner.
 
www.pilotsofamerica.com

Headset Evaluation

I am a student pilot planning to buy my first headset. I've been through several steps in my thought process. The latest is do I need ANR. To me the answer is YES. I tried on a Lightspeed Zulu 2 set and what a difference with ANR on and then off. Second, which brand is better for me. I'm not...
www.pilotsofamerica.com www.pilotsofamerica.com

Personally I use and recommend Clarity Aloft with the aftermarket triple flange inserts ...
 
www.headsetsinc.com

Military & General Aviation ANR Headsets - Active Headsets Inc

Active Headsets Inc. offers the highest performing headsets under $600 with Active Noice Reduction technology and bluetooth capability. 806-358-6336
www.headsetsinc.com www.headsetsinc.com

I bought a set back in 2002. They have worked from -40f to 120f. Old fashioned service, dependable and first rate.

Or save money and make a passive headset into an ANR yourself.

But whatever you do, don't cheap out and get a passive headset or you WILL pay for it later. Just ask some of the old codgers on this site.
 
Zeldman said:
But whatever you do, don't cheap out and get a passive headset or you WILL pay for it later. Just ask some of the old codgers on this site.
Click to expand...

My passive headset, an ASA, worked just fine and is still working. They're a bargain, have been around a long time, and come with a lifetime warranty. I went over to an ANR a while back, but the ASA still does duty for passengers. Perfectly acceptable for someone who is on a really tight budget. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/asaheadsetclassics.php

For a bit more money, a budget ANR headset is also a good choice. This one
marvgolden.com

MG ANR Headset

Enhance your flying experience with the Marv Golden Aviation Headset. This ANR headset is feature-rich & lightweight. Order today & receive a 3-year warranty.
marvgolden.com marvgolden.com
is marketed under a variety of brand names. Mine is a GCA, but is basically the same headset. Works quite well.

With a budget headset, it's well worth buying a set of cloth earcup covers. Makes a world of difference in comfort. https://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/7371
 
Zeldman said:
www.headsetsinc.com

Military & General Aviation ANR Headsets - Active Headsets Inc

Active Headsets Inc. offers the highest performing headsets under $600 with Active Noice Reduction technology and bluetooth capability. 806-358-6336
www.headsetsinc.com www.headsetsinc.com

I bought a set back in 2002. They have worked from -40f to 120f. Old fashioned service, dependable and first rate.

Or save money and make a passive headset into an ANR yourself.

But whatever you do, don't cheap out and get a passive headset or you WILL pay for it later. Just ask some of the old codgers on this site.
Click to expand...
There’s NO data to suggest that ANR is superior to passive when it comes to actual hearing protection. Hearing loss happens at high frequencies, where ANR does almost nothing and passive headsets provide significant protection.
 
OneCharlieTango said:
There’s NO data to suggest that ANR is superior to passive when it comes to actual hearing protection. Hearing loss happens at high frequencies, where ANR does almost nothing and passive headsets provide significant protection.
Click to expand...

So? Both passive and active headsets provide adequate protection, but ANR has better intelligibility.
 
Right. But “you WILL pay for it later” and “ask the codgers” sounds like he’s pushing ANR as a hearing preservation thing, and that’s far from clear.
 
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Half Fast said:
So? Both passive and active headsets provide adequate protection, but ANR has better intelligibility.
Click to expand...
That depends. I can agree about many/most of the dome PNRs but the good in-ear PNRs have incredible noise reduction and intelligibility. I originally looked into in-ear as a summer alternative for flying Diamonds which are basically a sauna. Unlike domes, they let me wear wide prim hats which help a lot. But they have gone full-time because of their noise attenuation and audio quality.
 
midlifeflyer said:
That depends. I can agree about many/most of the dome PNRs but the good in-ear PNRs have incredible noise reduction and intelligibility. I originally looked into in-ear as a summer alternative for flying Diamonds which are basically a sauna. Unlike domes, they let me wear wide prim hats which help a lot. But they have gone full-time because of their noise attenuation and audio quality.
Click to expand...

I haven’t tried in-ears. I’ll take your word for it.
 
Half Fast said:
I haven’t tried in-ears. I’ll take your word for it.
Click to expand...
Like the domes, there are good and bad. Plus there's also the fit/no fit issue. The first time I tried them several years ago, I loved the noise attenuation but didn't like the "stuffed up" feel. My summer in the Diamond led me to try again. My Lightspeed Zulu 3s have been gathering dust for the past 6 months.
 
Zeldman said:
www.headsetsinc.com

Military & General Aviation ANR Headsets - Active Headsets Inc

Active Headsets Inc. offers the highest performing headsets under $600 with Active Noice Reduction technology and bluetooth capability. 806-358-6336
www.headsetsinc.com www.headsetsinc.com
I bought a set back in 2002. They have worked from -40f to 120f. Old fashioned service, dependable and first rate....
Click to expand...
I don't see their ANR specifications listed on their website. Is that information in the User's manual?
I didn't find user manuals on their website and the one ANR module installation manual I downloaded didn't include the ANR specs.

Seems a very important specification to ignore.
 
StraightnLevel said:
Nobody has mentioned David Clark. I'll vouch for these as being a really solid option:

DC ONE-X

ANR Aviation Headset with electronic noise-cancelling technology
store.davidclark.com store.davidclark.com
I got a used set here on this site, and they have done VERY well for me so far. I've gotten 35 hours and counting on the first set of batteries; they have a 6-pin option if you can use it to power from the plane.

Side note: As a musician, I have spent countless hours wearing headphones all the way from Wal-Mart grade to very high-end models. While I wouldn't put the DCs up to a serious studio set in terms of sound quality, the intelligibility is very, very good, and the ANR is very effective. Comfort is fine, but I'm probably not the best reviewer since I am very tolerant of "cans".
Click to expand...
I have the $350 DC 13. Very comfortable for my head and ears. You can’t beet DC customer service. I mangled one of my jacks, and they fixed and upgraded it - no charge. This was not warranty, just stupidity on my part. Now, to be clear - I drove to the factory (50 minutes from home) and dealt with their superb staff on a personal level. I am planning on getting one-x very soon, then use the 13’s for pax.
 
I have many hours behind Lightspeeds of various generations. Bose in turbines, and now a Dave Clark One-X that came with my partnership share. I will be shopping again at Oshkosh to see what I like the best of the current generation. For me, an ANR is a must. Besides generally being able to hear ATC better, I find I'm much less fatigued after multiple hours in the cockpit with an ANR vs without. If you buy used, you can likely get most of your money back out if you upgrade later.
 
Domenick said:
I don't see their ANR specifications listed on their website. Is that information in the User's manual?
I didn't find user manuals on their website and the one ANR module installation manual I downloaded didn't include the ANR specs.

Seems a very important specification to ignore.
Click to expand...
Try giving them a call and ask.
 
David Clark H10-13.4 is a good one and is relatively inexpensive compared to some others. No ANR but it works well enough for me.
 
I’ve flown DCs since the 1990s, with the exception of a six month period I was flight testing the first gen Bose ANR headset.

In really loud environments I flew with foam ear plugs under the DCs and that does a great job at isolating noise from audio. For me.

That last sentence is most important. Good pilot shops/FBOs will have in store headsets to try on. The headset has to feel good and fit well. You can find those at all budget points, but dropping a grand on something you didn’t even get to try on is ludicrous.
 
I was in the same spot when I started training and didn’t want to overspend but still needed something that would actually last. I ended up going with the Kore Aviation KA-1 and honestly it’s been great for the price. Comfortable on long flights and solid clarity. If budget’s a concern, that one’s worth a look.
 
DC fan here. I started with a 10-30 in the 70s. Before most pilots used headsets in GA.

I still have several passive DCs for flying other aircraft, but have LEMO plugs and DC ONE-X in my Mooney.
 
If you are comfortable wearing ear plugs, Look at the in-ear headsets from Clarity Aloft and the QT Halo. They are very light, need no batteries, and have excellent hearing protection as you're wearing ear plugs.
 
I use a QT Halo most of the time, and a Bose A20 occasionally. The Bose is quieter, heavier, way more expensive. I appreciate the Halo’s lack of mass to smack into the canopy, and it lets me wear a hat that keeps the sun off my ears and neck - not really a factor if you don’t have a bubble canopy. Audio quality (xmit and receive) is fine with either one.

Before buying the QTs I also tried Clarity Aloft. They seemed fine but just didn’t fit my oversized melon very well.
 
Larry in TN said:
If you are comfortable wearing ear plugs, Look at the in-ear headsets from Clarity Aloft and the QT Halo. They are very light, need no batteries, and have excellent hearing protection as you're wearing ear plugs.
Click to expand...

... and I can wear my big brim hat. When I'm not hat wearing what little hair I have left doesn't get disturbed. :biggrin:
 
At work (in a hangar for an airline) there is a constant whine of APUs, GPUs, and engine runs.

I usually wear in ear ANR (Bose) and they work great for low/mid level volumes. But the foam in ear plugs are unbeatable when next to hydraulic pumps, APUs or when high power runs are done... as some have posted, these are mostly high frequency environments (except high power runs that just shake your bones... you mostly feel the noise).

When I fly I use DC 10-13's with gel pads. Work fine even with my glasses. I have some Kore Aviation P1s and they are fine. I used them to make sure they were ok, and I really didn't notice a difference from the DCs other than build quality. Also for kids you're not gonna get many top tier options.

Any protection is better than none, and while ANR is the new hotness, passive protection is just better.
 
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DaleB said:
...and it lets me wear a hat that keeps the sun off my ears and neck...
Click to expand...

Hmmmm..... I hadn't considered the hat advantage of a set of in-ears. I'll have to give that some thought. It's tough to do my Sky King impersonation without being able to wear one of my Stetsons while flying. Alternatively, my feathered musketeer's hat is just the thing for my baby Beech.
 
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