Are Bose A20s worth the money?

[waveflyer]

I liked my UFM but love my A20's. The blue tooth is great for clearances at obscure airports. Probably not a factor for the 121 guys.

Not for that-
But for making a call on a quick turn while you're setting up, it is really nice

 

[Tripower455]

Not for that-
But for making a call on a quick turn while you're setting up, it is really nice

Not to mention calling Dickscratch, which is becoming necessary on just about every leg anymore.

 

[waveflyer]

Not to mention calling Dickscratch, which is becoming necessary on just about every leg anymore.

Right?

 

[tico]

the new Dave Clarks....blow the Bose away...light, cool small....connect to the Ipad for music on allnighters or anytime the fo talks too much.....easy to call dispatch

 

[Afterprop]

Hi Jack,
Any recommendations for bluetooth earbuds for the iPad?

Also, used the QC15s w/UFM . . . it was really good, the A20s are in a different class. Plus, the A20s have a 5-year warranty and much mo' better sound. IMO, either is better than any on-ear headset.

Really depends on personal preference.

 

[Damich]

I had problems with my relatively new A20s (bad cord). Missed radio calls...safety of flight issue. Dealing with Bose to get a new cord was a nightmare. For $1000 I expected better.

 

[OK3]

That's wierd. I just called to have my fraying cord replaced on my two year old A20. They are sending me a new cord for free and paying return shipping for the old cord. I have been very happy with the headset overall.

 

[Damich]

That's wierd. I just called to have my fraying cord replaced on my two year old A20. They are sending me a new cord for free and paying return shipping for the old cord. I have been very happy with the headset overall.

I was told a new cord was "on it's way". Called them 10 days later to find out the new cord had not been sent. My previous headset (telex 850s) lasted over 8 years without an issue (the frame began to physically wear out from use). Having a great sounding headset is great but having a reliable headset (one that doesn't die during a critical phase of flight in less than 1.5 years) is even more important to me. I expected better.

 

[Tripower455]

I had an issue with my cord too. The angle at which the plugs are bent in an NG caused a break in one of them.

I called Bose from the gate in MDW, and the new cord was sitting at home when I got there 2 days later.

 

[waveflyer]

Flew with a capt who's FO accidentally ripped the cord in two at the internal plugs-
New cord sent and at home by the end of his trip

My CS experiences have been great. Ie: not just good- from a business owner-> great.
Bose X's lasted 12 years- at year 5.5 needed refurbishing- no problem- replacement headset sent to my overnight- mailed back in the box they came in- no charge practically a brand new headset returned in 9 days- no disruption

I've heard they're now more sticklers about the 5 year warranty

More recently, I returned the original Bose A20 for a Bluetooth version-
They sent the BT version before they received the A20 and I had them for my next trip

Everyone's mileage may vary, just like an airline experience- but that Bose report sounds out of character

(I get no commission. )

 

[8v8ter]

I just got the A20s this last summer after 7 years with Telex 850s. I liked the small size of the telex, but in terms of quietness the A20 are a different world.
It took about 2 trips to get used to how quiet they are, can't hear engines running after start at idle. Now I did have an issue where the right ear ANR would cut out, like a loose wire, when my head moved. I called to send them back and within 24 hours of them receiving it they had shipped it overnight back. I was pissed that within 6 mos. I had issues with a $1000 headset and they have no loaners, so I had to use a telex 750, no ANR, for 2 trips. With no ANR you realize how LOUD the 737 is! Other than that hickup they are life alterring.

 

[Ty Webb]

It took about 2 trips to get used to how quiet they are, can't hear engines running after start at idle.

Wait a minute . . . I'm supposed to hear engines running at idle? :erm:

Maybe I should've gotten a headset ten years ago, when I started flying the 737.

 

[scoreboardII]

I've had both Bose X and A20, X for 6 years till an arm broke, decided it was cheaper to buy new, and now the A20 for four years still going strong. Both required a new mike within a month or three which was sitting at my house before I got back from the trip I was on. Well worth it, no fatigue at night due to noise.

 

[FrankRicard]

Bose A20 Users......

Does the Aux Audio chord plug into an Ipad or Iphone(is that what it's for)? Also, does anyone have the Bluetooth mod? Same question, can you run Ipad/Iphone through the bluetooth? Thanks!

 

[Secret Squirrel]

The aux audio cord fits into an iPhone. The Bluetooth will only work with your phone unless there is some sort of workaround I don't know about.