Starter Headsets

[SkyHawk82831]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good starter headset less than $150? Thanks!

 

[groundpointsix]

You won't find many headsets for $150. ASA makes one (or did a couple years ago anyways) that lists at $150-- it sucks. Since you say you're looking for "a starter," i'll assume you intend on buying a higher quality one later on. Save yourself the money, but a good headset now. With headsets, you get what you pay for. The ASA headset I mentioned above is uncomfortable and the electronics are somewhat iffy (and this is even after I sent the first pair back because it didn't work) It doesn't have to be the Bose X, but plan on spending about twice what you've said above. If you do some looking you can find places that will offer you a pretty good deal on refurbished and used headsets. Do a search on the forums for headsets, you'll find all sorts of info on what's good and what's not.

 

[JimNtexas]

You can get a Lightspeed new for around $200. They are excellent headsets with great support. If you are really strapped, find a used one on ebay.

I have two Peltor 7004's that are five years old. These are excellent headsets, but because they are so light they are a bit less rugged than some other brands. They are very, very comfortable. New Peltors are overpriced, but a good used 7004 would be fine, just be sure it is in sound physical shape.

A cheap headset is a very expensive purchase, says the Zen master.

 

[CDVdriver]

Try AVCOM, they have several models between $100 and $200.

Don't like the Lightspeed myself, get a cheap headset like AVCOM that has the oval earseals and buy upgrade gel seals from a company like David Clark. Since the're a standard size oval they should fit.
This way you got a relatively cheapo headset with excellent seals.
Sets like Peltor have their own ear cup design which is not interchangeble with other designs.

 

[garf12]

I just got a set of David Clarks slightly used from ebay for $220. They are the 10-30's I think? I like them alot.

 

[350DRIVER]

I would suggest investing the extra money now if this is something that you plan on doing for a long time versus buying a cheap set now(if your finances will permit this). It would be somewhat pointless to spend the money on a cheap set now and then a year or so down the line wanting to buy another and better set. I personally recommend the Telex Airman ANR 500, great lightweight set with good noise canceling ability. This all comes down to personal preference and what design you like and that will fit your budget. Ask 10 different people and get 10 different responses.. . . I never was a fan of David Clark's, big and bulky in my opinion not to mention the ugly color. A few of my former students invested the extra money for the Telex Airman 500 and are quite happy that they did...


my vote goes to Telex...

good luck,

3 5 0

 

[norskman2]

Spend the extra money on ANR NOW! You won't regret it. Nothing kills your hearing like props, and once you lose it, you NEVER GET IT back.

If you have absolutely, positively have to spend less than $150, buy a used ANR, or get a Lightspeed QFRSolo -- the best passive headset available, and right around $150.

 

[Snakum]

Flightcom DLX4 for $135. Best money I ever spent, and wish I still had it cause now I gotta go buy everything again.

But glad to be flying!


Minh

 

[skyking1976]

Hey Minh...

There's a whole bunch of cheap-o headsets from this place...

Cheers,
SK

 

[Snakum]

Thanks Sky ... I just checked Marvs and they have the cheapest 4DLXs anywhere. Gotta medical Thursday and if everything is OK I'm gonna get another Flightcom. $129 ... can't beat it with a stick.

Minh

 

[weekendwarrior]

Bose has a payment plan for $80/month. Best thousand bucks I ever spent!

 

[Super_Cub_2414P]

I have two Peltor 7004's that are five years old. These are excellent headsets, but because they are so light they are a bit less rugged than some other brands.

That's funny, I was checking my hook before picking up a banner in a PA-12, while my whole upper body was out of the cockpit my seatbelt came undone, I let go of my pelter 7006 and grabbed the seatbelt and out the door my peltor went, so I land thinking it was on the ground somewhere and when I get out of the Cub I see my headset hooked to the back of my tailwheel, the plugs had tangled around the tailwheel assembly and I landed with it dragging about 6 feet behind the Cub. It must have bounced a couple of times on the blacktop runway before I started dragging it.

I untangled the cord and she worked like new, just had a few scratches on her.

I would say the Peltor 7006 is the most rugged headset you can buy.

They are the lightest and most comfortable headset I've ever worn, I've had David Clamps, Telex, Sigtronics, the Peltor is the most comfortable, twice as light as DC, if you're flying more than an hour you'll be glad you bought a Peltor.