Headsets

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CarlosG4321

Filing Flight Plan
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Carlos G.
I know there is a lot of posts for headsets and here is another one. A little back ground on myself that is relative to this post, I am prior military and was around plenty of things that went boom, hearing is something that I want to preserve as much as possible. With that said, I am not afraid of spending a little more money for ANR, but I also don’t need something really nice, I am looking at the Lightspeed sierra (possibly Zulu 3 for the more robust configuration) or the DC H10-13x, any input, recommendations and places to buy would greatly be appreciated! (I am also just getting started in the pilot world for reference)
 
if at all possible, try on various make/models of headsets. For example, some noggins won't tolerate David Clark headsets, some will.

I personally had no issue with David Clark headsets (aka David Clamps), but plenty of other folks don't like them for long flights.

and because I liked my David Clark headsets, I never bothered to try on the other options.

One thing: don't worry about buying a headset and then not really liking it. It can can always be relegated to the extra one you have for passengers.

ETA: definitely get ANR
 
If you want a quiet headset without needing ANR or reliance on batteries consider a set of Clarity Aloft in-ear headsets. You also get the plus of being able to wear a real good sunshade hat too ... ;)
 
CarlosG4321 said:
I know there is a lot of posts for headsets and here is another one. A little back ground on myself that is relative to this post, I am prior military and was around plenty of things that went boom, hearing is something that I want to preserve as much as possible. With that said, I am not afraid of spending a little more money for ANR, but I also don’t need something really nice, I am looking at the Lightspeed sierra (possibly Zulu 3 for the more robust configuration) or the DC H10-13x, any input, recommendations and places to buy would greatly be appreciated! (I am also just getting started in the pilot world for reference)
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I own both, sierras and zulus, both sound great. actually a bit disappointed, i expected a head and shoulders difference but the sierras are just really good. zulus seem quieter passive, i've flown forgetting to turn them on
 
If you have any hearing loss at alI, I recommend the Lightspeed Delta Zulu...
 
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I’d try on

Zulus

Bose aviation line of headsets

I know lots of guys who use the uflymic but if a loud piston plane it’s a little light duty and if you run out of batteries it just turns off off, the aviation specifics ones fall back to passive at least.

Passives DC is the king, especially with Oregon aero pads
 
If you have hearing loss, I agree with those who suggest looking at the Delta Zulu which uses something akin to hearing aid technology. For less expense but good quality ANR, you might try a used Zulu or Bose.

In the purely passive end, i wouldn’t bother with domes. The good in-ear headsets, like Axis and Clarity, will produce noise attenuation similar to ANR domes. I bought an Axis last year for a different reason and find them quieter than my Zulus in the noisiest airplanes I fly.
 
Has anyone flown all day with in-ear type?
My flying days are 6-8 hours in the cockpit sometimes; wondered if they were more unbearable than the more usual one-ear style.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
Has anyone flown all day with in-ear type?
My flying days are 6-8 hours in the cockpit sometimes; wondered if they were more unbearable than the more usual one-ear style.
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Not 8 hours but up to 6. Sometimes I get out of the airplane forgetting I have it on.

People react differently to them. I tried a Clarity several years ago for a single flight. I didn't buy them because I didn't like the "stuffed" feeling in my ears. Fast forward and I tried with the Axis (which uses the same ear tips as Clarity) almost 2 years ago, mostly so I could wear a floppy hat for extra shade in an bubble canopy airplane in the summer, and my Lightspeed has been gathering dust ever since. Only way you will know is to fly with a pair for a few days during the typical 30-day trial and find out for yourself.
 
if someone is prone to earwax build up, in-ear types might require more care to make sure to clean the wax out of the ears.
 
I was always a fan of the in-ear type (Clarity Aloft). I wish I had a newer version with integrated BlueTooth.
 
midlifeflyer said:
30-day trial and find out for yourself.
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ah. My next question.
(sort of wonder how they handle the hygiene issue with that)

Also, do any of these in-ear types allow for a LEMO connection and panel power instead of batteries?
 
midlifeflyer said:
Not 8 hours but up to 6. Sometimes I get out of the airplane forgetting I have it on.

People react differently to them. I tried a Clarity several years ago for a single flight. I didn't buy them because I didn't like the "stuffed" feeling in my ears.
Click to expand...

I used my Aloft for a few years before I traded their ear tips for the tree flange (triple) type ear tips. Made a world of difference ...
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
ah. My next question.
(sort of wonder how they handle the hygiene issue with that)

Also, do any of these in-ear types allow for a LEMO connection and panel power instead of batteries?
Click to expand...
Don't know about the first; I suspect with most you will need a LEMO adapter. But unless they also have Bluetooth or you get some type with added ANR, what power? And with those, the one you select might be rechargeable or run off a USB socket.

Hygiene is easy - replace the eartips. In the case of my demo, the eartips came is a sealed package and I threw them out when I returned the headset. I carry inexpensive spares for the purpose; mine can also use the 3M E-A-RLink foam tips that audiologists use. Super quiet and meant to be disposed of.
 
Daleandee said:
I used my Aloft for a few years before I traded their ear tips for the tree flange (triple) type ear tips. Made a world of difference ...
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There's a lot of variation in design and what works with different people. The triple flanges don't work for me while the Comply foam (and some other compatible foam alternatives) work well. One of the interesting in-ear ones is the UFQ L2 (U Fly Quiet), a Chinese knockoff. That one has ANR as well and is incredibly quiet. But their eartips are shaped in a way that never fit me at all.
 
Another vote for an in-ear (non-ANR) headset: I have used the QT Halos since I started flying 15 years ago and have about 1000 hours with them. There are a variety of ear tips available, from foamy earplug-style to soft rubber/foam eartips to silicone triple flange and different sizes of each. YMMV regarding comfort and noise isolation with each, and personal preference will guide you.

I am required to get an annual hearing test for work. There has been no appreciable hearing loss since I began flying and my test results are better than some of my non-pilot colleagues. I am pretty confident that my headset is providing adequate hearing protection.

It's so lightweight I forget I have it on (waaaaay less fatiguing for me to wear than earcup-style clamping headsets), and it's also way more comfortable in the heat of the summer without a heat (and sweat)-trapping cushion on top of my head or wrapped around my ears.
 
Bob Noel said:
if someone is prone to earwax build up, in-ear types might require more care to make sure to clean the wax out of the ears.
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I was hoping the things that go in the ear canal would pull out the wax at the end of every flight. :)
 
asicer said:
I was hoping the things that go in the ear canal would pull out the wax at the end of every flight. :)
Click to expand...

They do! One secret is that when you can't hear the radio anymore the ear tips are full and need to be changed ... :rofl:
 
CarlosG4321 said:
I know there is a lot of posts for headsets and here is another one. A little back ground on myself that is relative to this post, I am prior military and was around plenty of things that went boom, hearing is something that I want to preserve as much as possible. With that said, I am not afraid of spending a little more money for ANR, but I also don’t need something really nice, I am looking at the Lightspeed sierra (possibly Zulu 3 for the more robust configuration) or the DC H10-13x, any input, recommendations and places to buy would greatly be appreciated! (I am also just getting started in the pilot world for reference)
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All things considered, it is tough to beat Sierra for the average pilot.
 
I have been flying with DCs for over 45 years. They work for me.

Passives through most of that time, but recently got a couple of DC One X ANRs, and love them.
 
@Martin Pauly is featured on the Axis site as saying they're super comfortable. I flew with passive DCs for years, and more recently I have the DC-X and Delta Zulus. Not having giant cups on my ears is mighty tempting, though.

Martin, are these still your recommendation?
 
AvNavCom said:
Martin, are these still your recommendation?
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Yes, they are, with the one important caveat that not every pilot likes the in-ear style (which would affect Axis, Halo, Clarity Aloft, etc.). But if you do, the Axis is wonderful. Super light weight, yet (unlike the Halo) stable enough that the mic stays put in front of my mouth. And of course no clamping force and no interference with (sun)glasses. I love the in-ear style and fly with the Axis all day long; but then my wife doesn't like this style, so she has a Bose A-20 instead.

If you go with the Axis, they have two different sizes ("legacy" with a shorter mic boom, or the latest version with the longer boom and the two side pads. I find the longer boom works better for me.

- Martin
 
I was using Bose for years,have now switched to DC saved a few bucks and the DCs work fine for me.
 
CarlosG4321 said:
I know there is a lot of posts for headsets and here is another one. A little back ground on myself that is relative to this post, I am prior military and was around plenty of things that went boom, hearing is something that I want to preserve as much as possible. With that said, I am not afraid of spending a little more money for ANR, but I also don’t need something really nice, I am looking at the Lightspeed sierra (possibly Zulu 3 for the more robust configuration) or the DC H10-13x, any input, recommendations and places to buy would greatly be appreciated! (I am also just getting started in the pilot world for reference)
Click to expand...
Lightspeed sells what they call "certified, pre-owned" versions of the Zulu 3. Great value, IMHO.

www.lightspeedaviation.com

Certified Pre-Owned Zulu 3 - Lightspeed Aviation

Zulu 3 is designed for the discerning pilot looking to invest in a high quality ANR aviation headset built for longevity and with unsurpassed attention to comfort details. Plug type: GA dual plug Please note, this product ships 5-7 business days from purchase.
www.lightspeedaviation.com www.lightspeedaviation.com
 
I have a pair of DC One-X, and a pair of Delta Zulus. Can’t tell the difference,both are excellent. I have significant hearing loss (wear hearing aids when not flying). The Delta Zulus have a USB power plug, so plus one for that. Both are very comfortable. Never tried Bose.
 
Martin Pauly said:
Yes, they are, with the one important caveat that not every pilot likes the in-ear style (which would affect Axis, Halo, Clarity Aloft, etc.). But if you do, the Axis is wonderful. Super light weight, yet (unlike the Halo) stable enough that the mic stays put in front of my mouth. And of course no clamping force and no interference with (sun)glasses. I love the in-ear style and fly with the Axis all day long; but then my wife doesn't like this style, so she has a Bose A-20 instead.

If you go with the Axis, they have two different sizes ("legacy" with a shorter mic boom, or the latest version with the longer boom and the two side pads. I find the longer boom works better for me.

- Martin
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Martin and I have had similar experiences with Axis. Although apparently, my head is smaller :D since I have re regular boom.
 
I had a couple of regular Bose Headsets for listening to music and bought an NFlight Mic for use in my Ercoupe. Works great and the ANR of the Bose part is excellent when I'm flying in the summer with the open cockpit.

Best of both worlds for me, Aviation and non-Aviation.
 
Off topic, but relating to headset comfort. I purchased a pair of Flying Eyes sunglasses at Oshkosh - can’t even feel the sunglasses with either headset. Highly recommend!
 
Eric Brunelle said:
Off topic, but relating to headset comfort. I purchased a pair of Flying Eyes sunglasses at Oshkosh - can’t even feel the sunglasses with either headset. Highly recommend!
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Are you finding that the noise attenuation from your ANR domes is better than with your other sunglasses?
 
not noticeably, just way more comfortable - so not moving the headset to relieve the discomfort. Just a great combination
 
I purchased a DC ANR headset about 18 years ago. It was not the top of the line. Used it for six years and then sold my airplane so the headset went in a closet in the garage. Bought another plane again last year - dusted off the case, installed new batteries and the headset is still going strong. Would I like a new $1200 Bose unit? Sure, but that won't happen as long as the David Clarks are still doing the job.
 
Beachy said:
I purchased a DC ANR headset about 18 years ago. It was not the top of the line. Used it for six years and then sold my airplane so the headset went in a closet in the garage. Bought another plane again last year - dusted off the case, installed new batteries and the headset is still going strong. Would I like a new $1200 Bose unit? Sure, but that won't happen as long as the David Clarks are still doing the job.
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DC headsets are bulletproof, and when there is an issue, DC's customer service is top notch.
 
Eric Brunelle said:
not noticeably, just way more comfortable - so not moving the headset to relieve the discomfort. Just a great combination
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Thanks. I heard that touted as a benefit and was wondering. I never had a comfort issue problem with glasses and a dome headset.
 
Martin Pauly said:
Yes, they are, with the one important caveat that not every pilot likes the in-ear style (which would affect Axis, Halo, Clarity Aloft, etc.). But if you do, the Axis is wonderful. Super light weight, yet (unlike the Halo) stable enough that the mic stays put in front of my mouth. And of course no clamping force and no interference with (sun)glasses. I love the in-ear style and fly with the Axis all day long; but then my wife doesn't like this style, so she has a Bose A-20 instead.

If you go with the Axis, they have two different sizes ("legacy" with a shorter mic boom, or the latest version with the longer boom and the two side pads. I find the longer boom works better for me.

- Martin
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I just watched a video on the Axis headset. While I am certain they are light and comfortable - new out of the box - they do not appear to be very durable if you are using them all day everyday and I know zero instructors who have opted for these in ear headsets. I would be seriously worried about losing noise reduction with these type of headsets with use and mike boom integrity. The wiring certainly isn’t robust.

Please comment.
 
Clip4 said:
I just watched a video on the Axis headset. While I am certain they are light and comfortable - new out of the box - they do not appear to be very durable if you are using them all day everyday and I know zero instructors who have opted for these in ear headsets. I would be seriously worried about losing noise reduction with these type of headsets with use and mike boom integrity. The wiring certainly isn’t robust.

Please comment.
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I've been using my Axis for almost four years now. I don't fly with it every day - more like once a week. But I've noticed no signs of structural issues at all on mine, not on the body and not on the cable, either.

The one thing that does wear down is the ear plugs - I buy foam plugs in bulk and replace them once a month. Otherwise the noise attenuation would degrade over time.

Funny that you mentioned instructors: I don't use an Axis when I instruct. For instruction, my typical flights are much shorter (1-2 hours) than when I travel in my Bonanza, and it does take longer to put an in-ear headset on than a "normal" headset. I have a Lightspeed Zulu 3 with ANR, which is quick to don and which I find comfortable for an hour or so; but when on occasion I fly all day with it, I tell myself I should have brought the Axis because my ears hurt.

Regards,
Martin
 
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