AV Headsets

[The Ruptured Duck]

any recomendations for a new headset is welcome.

[Mobius]

I've got a David-Clark H10-13.4 and I would have to highly recommend it.  I used a Telex headset throughout my training and once I got my license, I bought the headset I have now.  I noticed that with the Telex headset, it would get slippery around the earpeices because it would make my ears sweat (yeah, yeah, I know it's weird ::)), and the top part that goes over your head (I don't know what it's called) was not padded real well, and pretty uncomfortable.  My David-Clark doesn't have either of these problems, it is extremely comfortable, the top has a pillow like thing that is tremedously comfortable, especially on long cross-country flights.  The earpeices have some special gel padding that are very comfortable also.  I got to use a Bose headset during my training (the $1000 one :o) and I still think that my DC is more comfortable, and the quality and function of it is just as good as the Bose.

-->My Headset<--

Just my suggestion.

[RitterKreuz]

in my opinion... for the money the best head set you can get is the classic David Clark H 10 13.4 just as previously posted. They are comfortable, light weight, and dependable. I have owned my pair for 8 years and have only had to replace one part... the foam microphone cover.

The david clarks can be had for about $300 - $400 US and as far as price i wouls say they are top of the line.

If money is no object for you then you might look into the bose active noise reduction heasets or the LightSpeed headsets. The only "problems" with the active noise reduction headsets is that they are expensive, they go through batteries and there is a small amount of extra wiring to manage in the cockpit. but they do an amazing job of silencing the cockpit. The first time i wore a pair and turned them on, i had to pull one ear piece off because it seemes as though the engine had stopped!

[beaky]

I went with Telex because the specs were the same as the Clarks, but they were a lot cheaper... durability hasn't been an issue yet (avg. 20 hrs/year so far, so... ). Haven't had much trouble with the "slimy earpiece" factor, but you can get washable covers that slip onto the earpieces. You can also get pads that wrap around the headband... i'll admit that a few years on, my Telex padding has a tendency to "go flat" pretty quickly; gets a little hard on the noggin after a while.
I really like 'em (quiet, light, rugged,comfortable eough for 4-hr flights at least), but eventually I'll get a second headset, and it will most likely be David Clarks, just because I've heard they're super-comfy and"bombproof".
The ANR headsets don't seem necessary to me unless you'll be doing a lot of open-cockpit flying or whatever... and having to fuss with batteries.... no thanks. And it's nice to be able to at least hear the engine! Even with my passive Telex set, I often lift them just to have a good listen.

[The Ruptured Duck]

Thanks, you've given me alot to think about.

[Brett_Henderson]

Once you start flying, you'll find yourself spending the weirdest amounts of money on things here and there and it adds up fast..

The David-Clark H10-13.4 is the best $300 I've ever spent.. aviation-wise..

[Mobius]

The David-Clark H10-13.4 is the best $300 I've ever spent.. aviation-wise..

I definitely agree with you there.  

One thing I don't really understand with the ANR headsets, is what if something happens to the engine or something, and you couldn't hear it? Wouldn't it be kind of dangerous? Obviusly you would notice it if it affected the way the airplane flew, but what if it wasn't major enough for that, but still somewhat dangerous? With my headset, I can still hear the engine and the wind noise, but I still have no trouble hearing other radio calls.  I guess I'm just kind-of confused.

[beaky]

It would only be dangerous to not hear the engine if you're neglecting to monitor engine performance instruments as well... among other visual/vibration cues...
It's a matter of personal preference, rather than a definite safety factor.
With my current not-top-of-the-line passive "cans", I like the fact that my ears are protected well enough from the harsher frequencies, yet I can still hear the engine and yes- the slipstream. It just makes for a more holistic experience... and I guess I'm just used to it.
Another thing I like is that the Telex gooseneck mic boom still stays where I put it, and that mic capsule still sounds great after almost 10 years. Those two factors are critical, and of course the David Clarks deliver in that department.

[Rocket_Bird]

Like everyone else, im using the H10, and I like it

[Citationpilot]

[quote]
One thing I don't really understand with the ANR headsets, is what if something happens to the engine or something, and you couldn't hear it? Wouldn't it be kind of dangerous? Obviusly you would notice it if it affected the way the airplane flew, but what if it wasn't major enough for that, but still somewhat dangerous? With my headset, I can still hear the engine and the wind noise, but I still have no trouble hearing other radio calls.