BOSE Pirep

[xcrmckenna]

No this isn't another thread about how great BOSE aviation headsets are, or if I'm upset that they don't have Bluetooth for music.

I loved my X and just sold it with the intent to buy the A20. When I purchased my X back in 2005 online they had the 6 or 12 month payment plan with 0 interest. That made spending $1000.00 a little easier. When I started looking to upgrade a few months ago I saw they still had that option. Well last night when went to pull the trigger not only was their website having problems and wouldn't let me add the headset to my checkout i didn't see the payment option. But thought it was the site.

When I called them today to see if their website was the problem or if it was on my end. The gentleman couldn't order them either. So he offered to make the purchase over the phone. So I said great and asked him my second question, about the payment plan. And he told me they no longer offer that option as of a few weeks ago.

My heart was kind of broken and I told him thank you but I didn't think I would be spending the $1,100.00 on a headset today.

I wonder why they would of ended a great payment option like that, they have had it for well over 10 years. I find it hard to believe student pilots would drop that money on them. I know I wouldn't of bought my headset when I started flying without that option.

Okay rant over:)

[PTK]

That was a palatable payment option and hopefully they'll bring it back!

 

But Bose is the best headset there is and people will still buy it.

[xcrmckenna]

Yeah, I think if I get one I will search for a used one on eBay. And they still honor a five year transferable waranty. But yes it's a great headset. That's why I didn't have a problem spending the money, just not all at once.

[rbridges]

They may have a sun n fun discount in the next few weeks.

[xcrmckenna]

They have a special offer going now giving away a Soundlink color Bluetooth speaker with the purchase of the A20. Do they normally cut down on the price at sun and fun? Not that I will be there but just asking.

[rbridges]

When I bought my bose x, they gave away a bag. No price cut.  I thought they might run some kind of special at SNF.

[rbridges]

Speak of the devil. Just got a flyer from Bose nth eyre giving away Bluetooth speakers with purchase. No mention of financing.

[xcrmckenna]

Don't forget the 10% off on the purchase of any additional A20s:) I'll take 10 said no ga pilot......

[TWinter]

Buy it with Paypal and Paypal credit will give you zero percent for six months..something along those lines.

Also note..MyPilotStore is offering $425 upgrade credit for your good used X.

 

-Tom

[John Pleisse]

Oddly enough..I bought my A20's, not from an aviation vendor, but came across them at a local Bose outlet (of all places)....and $75 cheaper than our ever beloved Sporty's (who has plucked my last nerve, along with Rieff Heaters for not taking American Express).

 

I think, at one time, the Bose product was very unique and sought after by many grossly under paid commercial pilots and CFI's. Now there are 10 very good headset manufacturers, who offer competitive products in the $500-$650 range, putting Bose in a position to no longer offer that deal. Just my take.

 

Here's what I find tough about Bose. While rugged, the headsets can develop problems. Bose only offers a flat repair rate of $175.00. Anybody had any experience with this?

[xcrmckenna]

Yeah if they have more competition now, wouldn't they want to make it easier for people to buy them?

Maybe they didn't think they were making enough money having to carry the balance. But maybe like you about sporty's they just plucked a nerve and I don't see what their thought was behind eliminating that option.

[xcrmckenna]

Buy it with Paypal and Paypal credit will give you zero percent for six months..something along those lines.

Also note..MyPilotStore is offering $425 upgrade credit for your good used X.

 

-Tom

Thanks for the info ,but I just read up on the PayPal and you have to make a purchase of over $1,500.00 for the six months same as cash. So looks like its eBay or a competitor. I believe lightspeed will still do the 12 month payment plan if you ask for it. 

[M016576]

eBay those puppies! Pick up a lightly used pair for 800 bucks and sell your X's for 450... That REALLY takes the sting out of the upgrade (and it is an upgrade... The X's were uncomfortable to me... The A20s are much nicer.). Then again, I still fly with my 20 year old Bose Series II's... Love those silicon ear seals!!!!

[Piloto]

Not to undermine the Bose performance but for less than $3 and your regular headsets you get the same performance with these:

http://www.galeton.com/moldex-reg-rocket-reusable-earplugs-corded-with-case/95106405-product/?adpos=1o5&creative=48667975597&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CPGB9LicncUCFQiQaQodhGMA1Q

I did the comparison in-flight with the Bose and plugs and found the plugs to be actually quieter. You have to set the volume a little louder on the regular headsets. For $3 is worth trying them. Do not use the foam type, they are not as good.

[StevenL757]

Oddly enough..I bought my A20's, not from an aviation vendor, but came across them at a local Bose outlet (of all places)....and $75 cheaper than our ever beloved Sporty's (who has plucked my last nerve, along with Rieff Heaters for not taking American Express).

 

I think, at one time, the Bose product was very unique and sought after by many grossly under paid commercial pilots and CFI's. Now there are 10 very good headset manufacturers, who offer competitive products in the $500-$650 range, putting Bose in a position to no longer offer that deal. Just my take.

 

Here's what I find tough about Bose. While rugged, the headsets can develop problems. Bose only offers a flat repair rate of $175.00. Anybody had any experience with this?

Yes. I had two pair of A20s...one with Bluetooth and one without. The left earpiece eventually started cutting out when I'd move my head around various positions in the slightest. Sent them into Bose twice and each time they claimed to replace certain parts - half the time having nothing to do with the problem - and then return them after testing. On the third time, with the same problem persisting, I decided to take Spruce up on their headset trade up program. Short version is I arranged to do a trade up to a Sennheiser HMEC 26T (around $845 new). They gave me $750 for my Bluetooth A20 toward the HMEC, and I've been happy since. My wife is still using the other non-Bluetooth A20 with no issues, so I'm keeping an eye out (or an ear, as it is) for any problem with that pair. Hope this helps shed light.

Regards, Steve