Bose or Lightspeed?

[peter185]

I have both the Lightspeed 30-3G and the Bose X. I prefer the Bose, I think it is more comfortable than the Lightspeed on long flights. I like how the Bose fits closer to your head, with the lightspeed sometimes I was banging the ear cups on the windows. I do like the cell phone/music input interface that the Lightspeed has, it works great with the IPOD . I am not sure about Lightspeed but with Bose you use to be able to test it out for 30 days and return it if you didn't like it, if they are still doing this then I would take their trial run.

 

[JediNein]

EARplugs have as much as 32 db noise reduction. Unfortunately, that is not across all frequencies. I find my Bose cancel out the high pitched wind and turbine engine noise which drive me nuts. It may not be ruining my hearing (per OSHA, but the hearing tests prove otherwise), but what does hearing matter if you've gone insane?

The Lightspeed has not struck me as a durable headset. The more folks I know that have a broken pair sitting at home while they have reverted to their old passive headsets the more my opinion sets.

The Bose X has been in my 'care' for almost two years. It has been beaten severely in my flight bag, dropped a few times, sent back to the factory for a spring upgrade (less tension spring at no charge) via UPS (includes a 6 foot drop), returned (another 6 foot drop), taken sideways and top down hits on the airframe in turbulence encounters, and generally not treated with the kind of care you'd expect someone to take with a $999.99 headset.

But I didn't want a fragile eggshell for a headset. I wanted something that could take it. The Bose X does just that. I can wear it 14 hours in a day and not have hot spots or feel like a tool in a vise-grip. Weight was of utmost importance, followed closely by noise reduction capability.

Noise reduction-wise, I watched my hearing decline for 4 steady years as I flew more and more. I got the Bose. The hearing loss stopped. Then, the hearing improved. I'm back to my pre-flying levels which were more sensitive than the normal population. And I'm now flying an old Cessna Skymaster, which is like being in a aluminum garbage can while two professional drummers play the Anvil Chorus in cut time with large hammers.

Find what works for you for your head and type of flying.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[peter185]

One other thing which I am not sure if it is applicable to your situation but with the Bose you can hard wire them into the aircraft. No more battery replacement which is incredibly nice.

 

[DrewBlows]

Bose!

 

[Stepclimb]

Lightspeed

I also endorse the lightspeed models. I've owned an early model (20XL) and now use a 20-3G flying a noisy turboprop multiple legs a day (pt 121).
They are comfortable due to their light weight. They achieve this mainly through the use of plastics. Plastic lightspeeds are not as durable as metal David Clark's. Keep this in mind: Treat them well and they will last. If they do break (the ear stirrups and headband break most often), call lightspeed and they will express mail the replacement part to you (no charge has been my experience). They are fairly easy to repair.
Also, the cellphone interface is very useful for obtaining clearances on the ground at non-towered fields etc...
Avionicswest.com had the lowest prices when I bought mine.

-Stepclimb

 

[88_MALIBU]

I have a Bose after owning a David "Sqwack" and love it. I carry a valuepack of 10 D-cells for it though as I have the older cord. I love letting my buddies wear it for 10 minutes during the flight and then asking for it back, most wont give it back!

 

[skyslug]

Bose...awesome customer service. Had mine for 3 years and just got a complete overhaul for free (it took all of 4 days including shipping!). Hearing is something that you will lose over time and not really know it. Protect it at all costs because it's something you'll never get back.

Plus the Bose are very comfy...even on long 7 hour flight days!

 

[The Natural]

Bose!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PC12Cowboy]

BOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no question,,,if you can afford it, buy it

 

[cfdoubleeye]

Is there a way to ensure that the Bose or Lightspeed are actually certified for part 121 use?