What is the best head set to get?

[marlinman]

I am just getting into flying, and have been told to get a head set. I am hard of hiring in one of my ears and would like to get the best head set possible. Any recommendations?

Thanks,

[BravoRomeo]

It depends here on what you are planning on paying. I´ve tried some and, once the 500 bucks barrier is trespassed, they all perform pretty much the same.

Given that problem you mention, I´d go for any with ANR (Active Noise Reduction). I heard something lately about those being "dangerous" because you are not as aware of the external sound as you are with some others. There´s a new discussion here, but anyway, when they isolate you that much of the external noise, you obviously have a better reception of the coms.

Then we have comfort. If you´re going to buy a set of expensive headsets, I´m pretty sure you don´t want to discover later that you can´t wear them longer than an hour.

I can´t personally comment on models and even less about makers. Everybody has an opinion. Some love their Lightspeed´s, some their David Clark, their Bose, their Sennheiser... Without your own experience, it´s hard for anyone to determine what´s your personal best. Try as much as you can; you´ll quickly discover those that definitively aren´t for you. If you try them on the ground, there´s at least a few things you can check, like the way they fit around your head, how they can be adjusted... if they can, if that new adjustment stays there or they recover their original "all extended" in two seconds (specially useful when you´re trying someone else´s headsets. It´s like looking at your girlfriend´s mother to discover how your girl will look in a few years ), wich becomes a pain there in flight, check for "hard points" making contact with your head: something that might look like just a contact, can become painful after a couple of hours hitting you on the very same spot, even if it´s softly. Check for the pressure they make on your head as it may look, again, like something you can live with until you take them off and discover a new world of pleassure in doing so.

Something that fits your co-pilot´s head may not fit yours. They all are made for "standarheaded" people, but such a human being is yet to be born. The system used on some may adjust your non-standar head better than some other. Try to find it. You have your head with you all the time, take advantage of it and dress it with every headset you find on your way.

Cheers.

[Imongo]

My flight instructor started me with DC's and then lent me his Bose after I asked if they were worth the 1K. I ordered Bose the minute we landed. I know they are overpriced (they are really probably worth 500-700) because they say "Bose" on them. But they are VERY comfortable. I have started to get out of the plane with them on because I forget they are there. Turn on the ANR and you will think you are in a luxury car instead of a 172. My only fear for you is if you are already hard of hearing, I would be concerned you could not hear some things you need to, such as the stall horn. If you can find someone who will lend you a few different types, that would be the best. Go flying for an hour with the different types and see. Make sure you stall once so you can see if you can hear the warning.

Mongo

[Jacob9582]

Love My David Clarks!!!

[yota]

Hi Marlinman
I have 30hrs total time.my CFI had me to try several different sets and then the bose and i love them.they have volume control on each ear.have fun in the air.