Pilots, can you recommend a headset for a student?

Question

I cannot afford david clark or bose at this time, i've looked into the flightcom 4dlx and the av comm ac200, both reasonably priced. Do you have a recommendation between the two?

Answer 1

First and foremost, I'd recommend buying online.  There can be a huge saving in price over a pilot shop.

Two good sites for headsets are:

http://www.skygeek.com/headset-headquart...

http://www.marvgolden.com/headsets/index...

Both have a good selection and good prices.

The ones you mentioned wouldn't be a bad solution, but AvComm has a few headsets that are just a little bit better that I'd recommend.  It costs a little bit more, but remember, you'll be buying a headset that can be used for many years.

Personally I own an AvComm AC454 and love it.  It's very comfortable and very clear.  I have also owned a Lightspeed Aviation QFR Solo headset - another lower price brand, however that was less comfortable due to the tightness (I wear glasses when I fly)

Answer 2

try used from your local flight schools nd clubs. I bought my david clarks off Ebay, true there is some risk involved there but I personally have never had a problem online. failing those two, buy the best ones that you are willing to splurge for. If you live near a airport that has a pilot shop i would try them on first and hang out for a while. In my oppinion the more you spend the better the headset. However, I do not like my bose headset. They are not worth the grand in my opion and you cant hear small noises and problems with the noise reduction on. They are great for a passenger that will appreciate the lack of engine sound but i like to hear the engine problem before it stops the prop.

cheers

Answer 3

I started out with a "cheap" pair of Sigtronics headsets, and have used those for quite some time. I just recently bought a pair of bose headsets, and they are much better. They sound much better due to the ANR or Active Noise Reduction and are much much more comfortable. Bose offers monthly payments so you are not having to come up with grand all at once. If you can I would just invest in bose, you would be better off in the long run.

Answer 4

What ever you do, get the most comfortable set you can. There is nothing worse than doing a long flight and having a headache after wards. I used to have a set of cheap AVcoms and the clamping pressure was so much that it felt like my skull was going to break. If you can, spend the money to get something like the lightspeed zulu ( I just bought one and they are great) or the Bose. They are very comfortable and quiet. It helps also to start protecting your hearing now rather than later.

Answer 5

I would recommend the ASA HS-1.  They can be bought from between $140-160 and have a lifetime warranty.  It doesn't even matter if you broke them, they'll still warranty them.  Add a pair of gel ear seals and you have a very nice, inexpensive headset.