Inexpensive ANR headsets?

[Rhumbline]

You should ask if you can return them if they don't meet your expectations. I eventually ended up buying a clarity aloft headset. They say hearing is one of those things you don't realize you're losing until it's too late.

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[DanM20C]

Does anyone have experience with the Flightcom Denali?  I looked at them at Oshkosh this year and was very impressed.  The top of the line D90 runs around $400, and if you give up the cellphone interface you can get same headset (D50) for just over $300.  They seemed to be built well and they look good (like a more expensive product).  I might grab two for the rear seats. 

 

I would like to try a Halo, but can't imagine I would like them.  I hate things stuck in my ear.

[Hank]

Now You Tell Me!

Based on the testimonials,

I am thinking pretty hard about a couple Halos right now ... (we'll keep the QCs for the rear seats ... )

Go for it. I've flown > 4 hr legs and > 6 hrs in a day with my Halos, no discomfort; my previous FlightComs gave me headaches in 2 hrs. The only problem I've had with the Halo is forgetting they are on and trying to get out of the plane.

P.S.--I use the silicone tips, not the foamies.

[FlyDave]

Now You Tell Me!

Based on the testimonials,

I am thinking pretty hard about a couple Halos right now ... (we'll keep the QCs for the rear seats ... )

Dave,

 

I tried a pair last year. I flew them with my J and when I bought the Bravo I flew home from Texas with them. But when I put my old Zulu back on the difference in noise reduction was considerable.

Two issues that made me go back to a conventional headset:

1. I used the foam tips and they always made my ears itch. I found the silicone tips didn't provide as good noise reduction as the foam.
2. I could never get the headband to stay on my ears. It would invariably fall off at the wrong time (during an approach, etc.).

If I were you I'd try one set (you and your wife can each use it for a leg or two) and if you like it buy another.

Just my $0.02. I know a lot of people have used them and rave about them but they didn't work for me.

 

Dave

[David Mazer]

Dave,

 

I tried a pair last year. I flew them with my J and when I bought the Bravo I flew home from Texas with them. But when I put my old Zulu back on the difference in noise reduction was considerable.

Two issues that made me go back to a conventional headset:

1. I used the foam tips and they always made my ears itch. I found the silicone tips didn't provide as good noise reduction as the foam.
2. I could never get the headband to stay on my ears. It would invariably fall off at the wrong time (during an approach, etc.).

If I were you I'd try one set (you and your wife can each use it for a leg or two) and if you like it buy another.

Just my $0.02. I know a lot of people have used them and rave about them but they didn't work for me.

 

Dave

 

Dave,

 

I can't imagine you had them on correctly if they fell off under any circumstances.  I've never had an issue with them coming off or even moving.  On the other hand, I've had my headset knocked off my head when I hit the headliner during turbulence and that wasn't any fun at all.  Not only couldn't I speak to ATC but my head hurt.  

 

As far as the silicone plugs not working as well, they don't.  I've learned, though, that they work much better if I get them in far enough.  Farther than I thought I needed them but not so far that they hurt.  What I do is insert them with the bend of the tube up (not down as it looks like it should) and then push them in the rest of the way by pushing on my tragus (the cartilage part of your ear right in front of the ear canal) to "set" it.  When it is quiet, it is enough.

[Houman]

Dave,

I tried a pair last year. I flew them with my J and when I bought the Bravo I flew home from Texas with them. But when I put my old Zulu back on the difference in noise reduction was considerable.

Two issues that made me go back to a conventional headset:

• I used the foam tips and they always made my ears itch. I found the silicone tips didn't provide as good noise reduction as the foam.
• I could never get the headband to stay on my ears. It would invariably fall off at the wrong time (during an approach, etc.).

If I were you I'd try one set (you and your wife can each use it for a leg or two) and if you like it buy another.

Just my $0.02. I know a lot of people have used them and rave about them but they didn't work for me.

Dave

Same here, the foam tips are useless in winter, they get way too hard and won't stay in the ear.. I used the halo and liked them for almost 2 years, but once I got a Zulu.2, it was obvious that the ANR part of it is worth it. I use to get fatigued with the halo, I understood after flying a while with the Zulu and not getting fatigued that it was caused by noise fatigue.. I use the halo now as an emergency spare or for passengers...

[carusoam]

THE problem with Halos...

A pilot can forget they are still in his ears and will get a less than generous reminder as he tries to exit the aircraft...

So Dan, if you don't like things in your ears...

Good news, you won't notice these. Bad news, you really want to remember to remove the headset before leaving the cabin.

Remember to tighten your seatbelt to keep from bouncing off the ceiling. If you don't do the one, you will do the other.

It is easy to become so comfortable. You are wearing a normal baseball cap, with your ordinary glasses on, and have nothing heavy on your head.

The only thing really uncomfortable is the stack of C-notes collected in your back pocket.

My wife and I work in industries that require earplugs for hearing protection. Having halos makes things easy after having the experience of how to tug on the ear and insert the device properly. Thank OSHA for the training....!

Best regards,

-a-

[N601RX]

After my second lesson, I decided the $20 headsets that came with the cessna 150 had to go. They would not stay in place, hurt my head, very noisy, and had to continually adjust the wireframe that held the mic. Much like the original poster I didn't want to spend a lot of money on headsets, but decided on a pair of lightspeed 15xcl. I thought these were the best things ever. Compared to what I had they were quite and comfortable. Several years later I came across someone who needed to sell a almost new pair of Zulu 2's. They are awesome. 5 hr flight , no problem. The bluetooth interface is also nice for phone calls and for foreflight to tell you that you are approaching an active runway or give you other information. My advice would be to take your time looking on aviation forums and ebay and get the best ones that you think you can afford. Lightspeed also has a trade in program that may help. You should be able to easily find the older lightspeeds such as the 15xcl for around $100 on ebay, or if you take your time ocasionally you will see a pair of Zulu 2's in the $500 range.

[John Pleisse]

IMO, Lightspeed is the best priced ANR, but still, after all these years, Bose is still the best, literally dollar per decibel.

[Mooneymite]

IMO, Lightspeed is the best priced ANR, but still, after all these years, Bose is still the best, literally dollar per decibel.

 

Uh....this thread is titled: "inexpensive ANR headsets?"

 

In my experience, "Bose" and "inexpensive" are generally incompatible terms.

 

As a data point, I had a terrible experience with customer support from Bose.  Maybe I just got a customer service rep who was having a bad day, but it left a bad taste.

[John Pleisse]

I get it Mite...... just suggesting you get what you pay for. I don't like the Bose flat repair fee. I think something more sturdy than Halo's are important.

[Mooneymite]

Dr. Bose turned out some really good products.  No argument there.  The discussion always turns to, "but is it really worth what he charges?".  

 

According to Wikipedia:  "In 2007 he was listed in Forbes 400 as the 271st richest man in the world, with a net worth of $1.8 billion", so a lot of customers obviously thought his products were worthy.

 

My wife uses and enjoys the Bose...., but I just use an old David Clarke hand-me-down.  ATC just doesn't seem to require a fine audio instrument to fully enjoy it.    

[PTK]

Uh....this thread is titled: "inexpensive ANR headsets?"

In my experience, "Bose" and "inexpensive" are generally incompatible terms.

As a data point, I had a terrible experience with customer support from Bose. Maybe I just got a customer service rep who was having a bad day, but it left a bad taste.

Bose is expensive, but it's Bose! They are the best aviation headset and made in the USA!

Even more incompatible would be Lightspeed and inexpensive! Especially since they're made in China.

My experience with the Bose company has been EXCELLENT. I bought a brand spanking new Bose X for 520$ from ebay to use as a pax headset. Even though it was new I sent it to Bose to have it checked out. Quick turn around and no charge.

Try that with Lightspeed!

[philiplane]

The Denali ANR is the best bang for the buck because most people don't know about them. If you want them cheap, you can find slightly used ones on Ebay for 200-300.

They are around $450 new if you look around. They are one of the lightest sets with the lowest clamping forces. I've used them in twins since they first came out. A factory rebuild is only about $165 and sometimes they just send you a new set at that price. 

 

Next best is Lightspeed Zulu, at twice the price. Bose is the best, at a little more than twice the price.

 

But in the end, you only get one set of ears, and I don't think you can get new hearing for less than $1000. A good bet is Zulu or Bose for pilot/copilot, and Denalis for passengers.

 

Speaking from the point of having to own and maintain six headsets for my twin...

[PTK]

The old adage is "price is what you pay, value is what you get".

When you buy a Bose the "price" pales in comparison to the "value."

[Andy95W]

I had a Bose that gave me a headache. I hated it more than any other headset I've ever owned or used.

[Marauder]

As a fine connoisseur of headsets, I found that like flight bags, any headset is good enough until the next best headset comes along. And yes, I have a closet full of flight bags and headsets.

Selecting the correct headset for your particular head shape is as much of the selection process as the quality of the sound it produces. If it doesn't fit right, it can have the best ANR and/or sound quality and you will hate it.

[Ned Gravel]

As a fine connoisseur of headsets, I found that like flight bags, any headset is good enough until the next best headset comes along. And yes, I have a closet full of flight bags and headsets....

 

I have one flightbag, the first two having been passed on to others.  No need to mention the one I have now - but it is very "bright" compared to its competition  

 

As for the headset (and I have four for our E model) it is a Halo and I will not ever search for another type to replace it.  I know, I know - not ANR, but PNR is good enough for me and these really do a good job.

 

Just my 0.02.

[PTK]

"...any headset is good enough until the next best headset comes along..."

 

 

There are headsets...and there's Bose.

 

There are airplanes...and there's Mooney.

 

There are glass panels...and there's Garmin.

 

There are oils...and there's Aeroshell.

 

...see the pattern?

[Houman]

Sorry if this seems to be a highjack of tread...

Here a question then, I know it not really about cheap headsets, but I have a halo ( that I don't use anymore but it is there in case I need it ), and I have a Zulu.2 ANR that I use as a primary headset. I also have a cheap ASA headset for the occasional passenger and 2 x Pilot USA Cadet Headsets for my son and if I bring other kids ( I use to do at least once a year a day of charity flights for sick children with the Beech Sundowner I use to rent ).

 

Now with the Mooney Rocket, I find it to be quite louder at higher RPM's in flight comparing to the Sundowner and I am wondering if I shouldn't buy ANR headsets for my son as well. He is 8 so most adult headsets are a bit big for him and they don't seem to be a lot of choices for ANR headsets for kids. He has not gone up with me on the Mooney yet, but will be doing that as soon as it is repaired.

 

My other option is to give him the Zulu.2 and buy my self a Zulu PFX or Bose...

So If you were me, and money was an impediment but protecting my son's ear is more important, what would you do ?

[mooniac15u]

Sorry if this seems to be a highjack of tread...

Here a question then, I know it not really about cheap headsets, but I have a halo ( that I don't use anymore but it is there in case I need it ), and I have a Zulu.2 ANR that I use as a primary headset. I also have a cheap ASA headset for the occasional passenger and 2 x Pilot USA Cadet Headsets for my son and if I bring other kids ( I use to do at least once a year a day of charity flights for sick children with the Beech Sundowner I use to rent ).

 

Now with the Mooney Rocket, I find it to be quite louder at higher RPM's in flight comparing to the Sundowner and I am wondering if I shouldn't buy ANR headsets for my son as well. He is 8 so most adult headsets are a bit big for him and they don't seem to be a lot of choices for ANR headsets for kids. He has not gone up with me on the Mooney yet, but will be doing that as soon as it is repaired.

 

My other option is to give him the Zulu.2 and buy my self a Zulu PFX or Bose...

So If you were me, and money was an impediment but protecting my son's ear is more important, what would you do ?

 

I bought Dave Clark H10-13X ANR headsets for both my kids.  We flew down to Sportys and tried on just about every headset they had until we narrowed it down to the ones that could get a tight seal around their ears.  The Dave Clarks can be adjusted so that they fit well on smaller heads.  They are expensive but it is hard to put a price on your kids' hearing.

[Hank]

There are headsets...and there's Bose.

There are airplanes...and there's Mooney.

There are glass panels...and there's Garmin.

There are oils...and there's Aeroshell.

...see the pattern?

Yes, I see a pattern of your favorite brands. My own are slightly different.

The most expensive is not necessarily the highest quality or best performance.

[PTK]

The most expensive is not necessarily the highest quality or best performance.

Agreed, and precisely the reason Bose is the standard, and as such, in a class by itself.

As is Garmin of course!

[chrisk]

I can't believe no one has tried Halo's with ANRs on top for double protection!  You could potentially get the best of both worlds by simply adding a normal ANR audio headset.

 

As for me, I am quite happy with Halo's.  I don't miss having my head clamped in a vice.

 

Also, I'm not entirely sold on ANR head sets being the end-all-be-all.   My understanding is that they do a good job of reducing low frequency noise, but a much poorer job of reducing high frequency noise (1KHz and above), which might be damaging to your hearing.  -i.e. it might sound quieter, but it could still be loud enough to damage your hearing.

 

Anyway, here is an interesting AVWEB article.  http://www.avweb.com/news/avionics/183224-1.html?redirected=1  Just keep in mind it was written by an ANR head set maker.  Maybe we have an expert in our group who could comment on hearing loss and ANR head sets.

[carusoam]

Our resident audiologist / Mooney pilot builds the Halos....

Hmmmmm,

-a-