Bose headset

[FlyToVegas]

About three years plus a couple months ago a *won* a Bose X heaset set. LUCKY DAY!!! However, since the beginning, it really didn't seem to perform the way I was expecting. In particular, the boom seemed to emit scratchy sounds when it was being moved, which it often had to as the boom always fell away from my mouth. People often could not hear me. I had no receipt, being a prize, so I just kept it and used it. Well, about three years later, the boom broke in two. Right down the main chord, if I can describe it that way.

Now it is unusable. I have contacted Bose Customer "Service" many time with no reply whatsoever. I realize I did not pay for this headset, BUT, wouldn't you think that the product that costs twice what its next-priced competitor does should last more than three years???? I cannot imagine that I wore it harder than anyone else. I may have gotten a bum product.

Still, at that price, Bose's quality control should be better and when I see folks using their 10-year old DCs that work as good as the day they got them, I have to wornder what Bose is doing.

Has anyone else had an unexpectedly poor experience with the Bose headset?

 

[A Squared]

This won't help flytovegas but my experience with David Clark product service has been outstanding.

recently I've sent 2 headsets to DC for repair. The first was an ANR set which had developed an intermittent malfunction. They replaced the entire electronic workings of the headset, including plugs, cord, ANR module, and speakers, and they also replaced the gel ear seals. All for no charge, even though it was more than 5 years old.

The second pair was a set I bought 14 years ago. I snet it in for a cracked ear dome. They replaced the ear dome, installed new gel ear seals, and a new gel headpad. all for no charge.

David Clark really stands behind their products. You would think that with the premium you pay for a set of Bose Headsets, you'd get good product support too.


regards

 

[FlyinBrian]

I think your experience with Bose is atypical, perhaps because you won it? Mine has been wonderful. I got it as a graduation present. I'm not sure I would have spent a grand of my own on it. The ANR is still the best out there, although not much better than my lightspeed 25XL. I haven't dealt with their customer service personally, but a friend of mine stepped on his battery box and cracked it. Bose fixed it free of charge and even shipped him a loaner headset to use while they fixed it.

Two friends and I each own a Bose, and all of us have had a very postive experience. The construction quality puts lightspeed to shame. I've owned two lightspeed headsets, and they break all the time. Lightspeed has been great about fixing them, but who wants to send their headset in once or twice a year for repair? I was excited to see that they were putting out a 3rd generation of their product, but disappointed to see that it's the same old HUGE plastic construction

Anyway, I would expect more from Bose even if the product was free. They are well known for quality, service, and expensiveness throughout their product line. I would send a letter to the president about you experience.

 

[larry]

Peltor

Anybody used the Peltor ANR headset?

 

[skyking1976]

We have the Bose headsets in our King Air and I have to say that besides having superb sound the rest of the headset is below average. The little head cushion keeps falling out, I seem to notice a lot of background noise when using the intercom, and the mike boom isnt long enough and will not stay in one place. If they weren't hard-wired into the airplane I would use my Plantronics instead.

Just my $.02

Cheers,
Skyking

 

[skyslug]

I'd get on their website and email them with your problem (forget the part about you winning them). I've always had good luck getting products fixed / replaced this way - even when the warrantee is expired!!

I own a Bose and have never had a problem with it so far. The lady I spoke with even said if there is any problem, call or email and they'll fix it or replace it and in most cases free of charge.

 

[knelson]

Love the DC's

I have a set of David Clarks with ANR that I have used for about five years now that are great. There is a small problem "someone" keeps forgetting to turn off the battery pack and they run down in a couple days that way. Do you think David Clark has a fix for me? Of course I am only joking when I ask for a solution as I realize I am forgetful in this regard.

I have used the Bose headset before and have had very good luck. However, I have never used them on a long-term basis. We are considering replacing the Cessna-issued telex headsets in our Citation with Bose and I am curoius to hear how well Bose stands behind their product. Let us know what you find out.

Kevin

 

[FlyToVegas]

Bose

To answer you, I have called Bose and got lost in voicemail "hell." I did leave a message and did not hear back. I followed up with two emails and so far, no answer. I guess this is how Bose stands behind their product!

 

[darien]

peltor anr is great very light weight

 

[WingRider]

I have some Lightspeed 25XL's and they work great. Nice and quiet, amazing when you turn it off and on again! . Also the ANR automatically turns off when it 'senses' (or something) that there's no sound 'seal' on your head. No more worrying about forgeting to turn it off. Saves $$ loads on batteries.

I don't like the Big wide (horizontally) size of the earphones, and that it's plastic (creaks everytime I put it on, threatening to break, but thankfully hasn't yet! ).

 

[mooneydvr]

Send the Bose here

Send the Bose in.

Attn: Curtis Jacobites
Bose Corp
145 Pennsylvania Ave
Framingham, MA 01701

Phone is 800-287-0611

Mine were repaired and shiped back within a week.

 

[Dep676]

I fly with a guy that has Bose in his aircraft. He has had to send them in a couple times. I think they have fixed them both times with no hassle though. I never was impressed with them. They aren't very comfortable and the boom never stays put. I would never buy them.

 

[Sarguy]

Seems I am not alone. Boy was I excited to see that shiny new Bose Headset under the Christmas tree last year. Sadly, I took them on my first trip and was deeply disappointed in their performance. The ANR is no where close to the David Clarks I was using before. It tough to tell the guys in the crew lounge that the DC's are much better and half the price. Infact, I had traditional DC until a guy installed ANR in them for $150 and the are superb. Granted, the Bose is more comfortable but they do not perform as well. Also have a friend with Peltor and he really likes them. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[172driver]

Lightspeeds are wonderful. I can't notice too much differensce between them and the Bose. Why is everyone so obsessed by DC? Spend half the money and get the same performance.

 

[VFR on Top]

'nuther "me too" for the DC ANR. I own an H10-13XL and have also flown with the Bose X. The Bose is more comfortable after a few hours, but the DC's ANR is as good or better and has MUCH better mic audio. The flexible boom on the Bose is junk. I'd have been REALLY pissed if I'd bought a Bose and later tried the DC.

 

[Hovernut]

Boy, talk about how everybody has opinions and posterior orifi. I got a pair of Bose at Sun N Fun. After trying out one of my student's, I decided they were for me. I have the DC ANRs, which worked quite well. I'll still use them as backups and for pax, but for all day every day wearing, I'll take the Bose! I found their ANR worked best out of any other brands I've owned or tried. The only thing is if the batt goes out, you're SOL. Nil passive! I always carry a spare and spongys.

I'm a Bose believer!! At least in piston singles and twins. Hopefully to try them out in the CL-65 as soon as I get out of the deep end of this darned pool. Fall's coming, hope the pool's heated!!

 

[Sarguy]

I have heard Lightspeeds are nice but last time I checked they were NOT TSO'd for the CL-65 and DC is. Bottom line, buy what you feel comfortable with. My DC's feel just fine to me. Of course I spent 22 yrs with a helicopter helmet on!

 

[1900laker]

Haven't heard anyboyd mention this brand yet:

I have Telex Echelon-150's, which a so-called "semi-active" noise cancelling. Not quite as good at cancelling as some of the higher end headsets, but I much preferred them over my old DC 10-13, and also the 10-20 (i think thats the newer passive model). Anyways, the great thing about them is that I got them for about $280 bucks, and consider it a bargain for a "semi" entry into the noise cancelling world. I was very rough on them as well with a couple years of flight instruction and then the BE-1900. Highly recommend for the noise cancelling desiree on a fixed budget!

 

[Mickey]

I've had quite a bit of experience with problems with the Bose. They are way overpriced and they are a step up from junk. They are impressive at first or maybe for the occasional flyer. The sound quality of the mic. is poor and the construction is even worse. Save the money and buy just about any other brand of ANR headsets. I'm really interested in Headsets Inc.'s new set. Has anyone tried them? I think they are under $400.

 

[TAFJonathan]

I've used all generations of Bose headsets and I've had great experiences with every one.

 

[HappyFlying]

I have two buddies with the Bose headsets. They have both had to send them back a couple of times. I have a small head and the Bose will not stay on my head. My DC youth-sized headset was stolen this week and I want to upgrade to the ANRs. The DC rep told me they would be happy to build me an ANR with the youth hardware. I just need to have my local dealer contact him and he'd set it up. With the DCs, you still have a great headset if the batteries die. The Bose stink with only passive noise reduction.
Fly Happy