headset time...advice?

[wickedpilot]

Before I even began my training I took some advice from an Airline Capt. to splurge for a quality pair that would last. I'm well into my CFI and my TELEX ANR 500 haven't given me any problems. Now granted, I'm a 'low timer' and haven't put a beatin' to my headset like some of you guys but this is just my 2 cents. I remember spending $499. The ANR really helps on long cross countries and reduces fatigue. Can't play mp3's on it or plug in a cell phone pack but I'm sure any pair that was capable of that would be a plus. I've always been interested to see how one works/sounds. I think it's a safe bet to say more of your aerobatic pilots would have the 411 on the headsets that can plug in mp3/CD players and cut off on transmissions. I know Patty Waggstaff has one.

Anyway as I said, the ANR is great and the mode switch to keep it on or off is a nice feature. I keep it off on local flights ( I like to hear my engine)

 

[another cfii]

I have post a previous question, but I guess i wasn't specific enough. I saw in Flight Training magazine last year, they introduced an unconventional headset, which there would be no headpad, no earcup, just a ear mold sticking into your ear, and the ANR circuit would do the rest. Did any of you see that ad? I want to get more info.

 

[Anaconda]

sounds like the panther cat or catt system...try the search function and you should find it and the associated website

 

[bugchaser]

Hey Jetdriven, yes I do own a pair of Bose headsets. I use them just about everyday. Also have a set of DC's and use an anr setup in my flight helmet. I will stand by my opinion that the Bose headset is cheaply constructed and will not hold up in a tough environment. Also like someone else stated, the mike will not stay in place and you have to constantly reposition it. Mine have also developed an annoying buzzing sound in the right side. I respect your opinion about the Bose, please respect mine. I spend about 8 hrs a day in some kind of airplane, I think that qualifies me to an opinion on this.

 

[bugchaser]

Hey Avbug, you gotta get the ANR in your helmet. I thought my helmet was doing good too. Then I put in the ANR from Headsets, INC. You will not believe how quite it is now. I can now hear things like the spray handle sqeaking. I can also hear my cell phone when it rings. The set runs about 200 if you install it yourself. No big deal just a little light soldering.

 

[AviatorTim]

Denali recommendation

I have the Denali active noise reduction set and absolutely love it. They are quiet and comfortable. Also, I've found FlightCom's customer service similar to David Clark's legendary service. I sent my headset in for a loose piece inside the earcup and got new earseals for free in the process.

The only downside I've seen thus far is their warranty is three years instead of lifetime like David-Clark's.

Tim

 

[Cardinal]

I was doing a departure into low IFR, and just after entering the cloud, the headband broke and it fell off my head. It's plastic, and it just fell apart. I plucked some electrical tape out of my flightsuit, and did a very hasty repair.

Now that is classic avbug.

 

[avbug]

Actually, that's improvisation. A classical purist would have used duct tape...and so would I, but it was at the back of the airplane.

I always kept a backup headsetset in a waterproof bag, and a set of gun muffs clamped to the seat. The noise in there was unbearable, and when the set broke, I used the gun muffs until the repair was done.

The electrical tape lasted a couple of months of hard abuse, before it finally went in for repairs.

There is no end of use for duct tape. Like, say, you are hiking alone in the wilderness without telling anybody where you're going, and you manage to dislodge a boulder and get it stuck over your arm. And then, suppose you remove your forearm with a victrinox, you can, for instance, use the duct tape to seal it up, secure what's left to your body, and high-tail it for home.

Plus, if you're one of those wilderness urine drinkers, you can make a cup out of the duct tape, then wad it up and chew on it when you're done. With a little imagination, you can pretend it's really a cake donut.

 

[bigD]

then wad it up and chew on it when you're done. With a little imagination, you can pretend it's really a cake donut.

Heh - that wouldn't take much imagination!

 

[avbug]

I should have seen that coming. But I didn't.

A truly religious man might turn water into wine, but the true test is transforming duct tape into a donut.

That's okay, though, because with urine for flavor, it will still taste like a krispy kreme.

 

[Skaz]

guys, I need some advice......

I have recently gotten a pair of DC ANR (or ENC) and they seemed like heaven on earth, or just above it, at first.
Now I fly with the ANR swithced off, cause its too bloody annoying.
If I sit perfectly still and dont move my head at all, its wonderfull. Very quiet, can hear pax/crew talking behind me etc etc. But with the ANR 'ON', as soon as I turn my head or chew on crew meal, or look down to pick something up from the floor, the cacophony of electronic whooping and scratching & popping in my ears makes me want to rip the bloody thing off my head!

Has anybody else experienced problems like this with their DC's ? Is my set faulty? or is it a DC thing, the electronic noises?

I am thinking of returning the set, but would rahter not, if anything can be done. It takes a very long time to get stuff like this couriered over here.

Thanks in advance

 

[the turtle]

I love my Bose....used 'em in what I consider three noisy airplanes(MU-2, 1900D, ERJ)...they're very light, fit my head really well (unlike Davy Clarks) and the 9v lasts about a month. My only gripe is I wish it had a "auto-off" feature to save the battery, but you'll come to include turning it off with your shutdown flow. I would reccomend this headset to anyone....worth the price. Sometimes I can hear the FA doing her thing back in the galley. And as someone else has said, tax deductable!

 

[Kingairrick]

800 hours in 18 months on my Bose X. Not the first problem. As far as harsh environments, How about 400 of those hours freight doggin' in a 210? In FL? In summer (boom)? You know what I'm talking about...

They are the best tax deductable investment I have made. Right up there with my Riddle tuition.

Plus, they are so quiet I can make believe my King Air is a jet when the props are at 1700...

 

[weekendwarrior]

One flight I was wearing my David Clark 13.4's that I liked, but gave me headaches after about an hour. I was with a friend who had the Bose Series X. I tried them on.

It was a $1000 mistake. I no longer have the DC's, and have a pair of Bose that I bought using their no interest payments for a year. Unbelievable headset. Durable, light, comfortable, and they sound amazing with music.

BTW, I said I would NEVER spend more than $500 on a pair of headsets.

 

[jumppilot03]

Headsets Inc.

I recently was returned my DC 10-30 from Headsets Inc. and am very happy with it. I sure beats wearing earplugs under the headset. It however has trouble keeping up on takeoff. I dont know if it is the headset, or the fact that the 550 in the c-206 I fly is so darn loud.