Headsets

[midlifeflyer]

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.

Martin gave his answer. Mine's slightly different since I do use it during instruction. I still have my Lightspeeds but have pretty much moved permanently to the Axis, despite the extra time it takes to fit the in-ear properly.

I don't find them any less durable than dome headsets I've used. I guess the answer depends on what test you want to give them. I think the Axis would do better in a 100' fall from a building than my Lightspeeds. But I can probably break the Axis apart with my bare hands more easily than my Lightspeeds.

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.

That's really the only issue I see. They do wear down and since foam eartips tend to pick up oils, wax, and sweat more easily. In addition to simple wearing down, that produces a tendency to slide out, especially in warmer weather.

 

[Jim_R]

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.

This is a common concern by people who haven't used them. I don't have the Axis but I have 3 pairs of QT Halos, which are similar. I used 1 for about 5 years before getting a second (used) pair that had independent volume control for each ear, and I've used that second set for over 8 years. Eventually got the 3rd for passenger/backup use and it mostly stays in my flight bag. All 3 are still in great shape.

I don't abuse them, but I also don't baby them. They're delicate like a mobile phone, not delicate like a potato chip. Don't crush them in a bag full of junk (they do come with a semi-rigid case that provides reasonable protection in a crowded bag), don't sit on them and grind on them with your butt, and don't try to yank the plugs out of the panel by pulling on the cord, and they should last a long time.

FWIW, during the time I've had the Halos, I've had to send two pairs of DC headsets back for refurb because the plastic around the plugs degraded and started to crumble. So, in my experience, the QT Halos have been more robust than the "bulletproof" DCs.

YMMV.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I don't abuse them, but I also don't baby them. They're delicate like a mobile phone, not delicate like a potato chip.

On a similar note, just the other day someone in another group asked about paper-feel iPad screen protectors. Someone asked, "do they protect the screen?" The answer was, yes, if we're talking about the scratches that come from regular daily use. Not so much if we talking about dropping a brick on it.