Reddit mentions: The best aviation headsets & intercoms

I actually think it's a legit question. Some of us just don't have a few thousand dollars lying around for a bunch of headsets you might use a few times per year. People make it sound like having to wear sub $300 headsets is like being repeatedly punched in the head by an angry Bose salesman. That or they're flying melons around.

On my first flight I wore a ten year old run-down telex headset. It worked, I couldn't have cared less. For flight school I got a $80 off brand headset and it works just fine. I've also flown with a pair of Zulus and A20s, and yes they are very nice, but do I need them? Nah. I totally agree that they can really make a difference if you fly for hours every time you go up, but for a casual VFR idiot like me, I'd much rather spend that money on flying. Then upon getting the certificate someone gifted us an H10, very nice, but since then I've flown passengers with them, the cheapo off-brands, and sometimes even with a borrowed set of A20s, and people were kinda mostly focused on the fact they're being flown around and having a great time, and nobody's really complained about clamping force on headsets.

A friend of mine bought three sets of those for himself and his family, plus a bag of cloth headphone covers so he doesn't have to clean them up every time he's flying in summer. I've flown with them too, they're quite good. And again, IMO "quite good" is good enough for an hour of sightseeing, people will focus on what's going on outside rather than intercom quality or head clamping force.

I also agree that passenger comfort is very important, but then again I reckon you make them much more comfortable by being slow and deliberate, explaining what's going on, prepare them for everything that's happening and will be happening rather than making sure they're wearing the most expensive gear on the market.

Here's a few tips that might help you:

1. Self-study, a lot! Use old books and free downloads, view youtube videos on flight training (there's a ton!) and, if possible, get yourself a study partner.
   
2. Join a Part 61 flight school or a flying club. They use older airplanes but cheaper, also, independent CFI's are sometimes more affordable and better tuned to your training.
   
3. If you are going to fly for a long time, get yourself an ANR headset, they are expensive but in the long run they're noble to your ear and they will last a lifetime. If not, then I suggest getting a good PNR headset like this one
   
4. If possible, record your flights with a GoPro or similar, that way you can review your flights better and correct any mistakes you might have and avoid them in the next flight.
   
5. Do a lot of chair flying but I do mean a lot! If you're at the table, you're chair flying! Watching TV? Chair fly!
   
6. This helped me: Do your own checklists especially emergency checklists. Writing and repeating then developed a quicker muscle memory.
   
7. Finally, be a master in weather and weather interpretation. It is paramount for preflight and planning, and some examiners like to grill on it.
   
   Bonus: Instead of eating three times a day, eat two! One less meal per day equals to a gallon of fuel, in a month it equals an hour of a Cessna's 172 wet rent and with the weight loss, your weight and balance sheets will come nicely!
   
   =D

The ice has melted and it's time for many adventures in 2018!

Just picked up two more Rugged Air RA200 Black General Aviation Pilot Headsets for pax #5 and #6. I now have headsets for both children + adults in the 210. I had purchased Rugged Air RA250 Red General Aviation Child Headsets and they have worked out great!

Purchased a 15 cu ft. SkyOx dual regulator O2 system with two cannulas from Sportys. My wife is pregnant and we thought we would be conservative and keep her on O2 on the next few trips. Thought why not get a dual in case I want a sip. I get mild headaches after long trips at altitude.

I need to get two more SpaceX luggage tags!

I'm using Foreflight on a iPad Mini 4 with GPS + Cellular. Pair that with a Stratus 2s and it's a great way to add a safety margin. I use the Boss A20 (without bluetooth) and my wife uses my old Dave Clarks. I carry a ACR PLB-375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon and a backup transceiver with a backup battery for that.

Trips I'll be taking and posting on my YouTube channel this year:

1. Cleveland, OH to Ocracoke, NC
   
2. Cleveland to Butler County Regional (Top Golf in West Chester, OH)
   
3. Cleveland to Nags Head, NC (KMQI)
   
4. Nags Head, NC to Portland, ME
   
5. Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME
   
6. Cleveland, OH to Marion, IN
   
7. Cleveland, OH to Greenwood, IN
   
   Should be some fun adventures and I hope to create some nice videos for you all!
   

Try a David Clark headset (H10-13.4). They have much softer gel pads that wrap around the frame better than the RA200. I wear glasses (thick plastic frames) and my first few lessons I borrowed an RA200 headset from the school and experienced the same problem as you are having. The price is attractive, but it is definitely worth buying a headset that is comfortable - even if it costs more, it will be worth it. I would recommend borrowing a pair of David Clarks from someone to see if they will work better for you. This is what I have:

http://www.amazon.com/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Aviation-Headset/dp/B0011Z9PM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1451101309&sr=1-1&keywords=h10-13.4

LightSpeed Sierra
Price: $650

Pros

• Cheaper ANR than the Bose A20 or LightSpeed Zulu.2's
  
• Very Comfortable
  
• Bluetooth
  
• Light weight
  
  Cons
  
• ANR is not as good as the Bose or Zulu.2's but it's hard to tell without a side by side comparison.
  
• Feel cheaply made. Plastic instead of brushed metal or aluminum.
  
• Slightly heavier (1lb) than other ANR headsets.
  
• Bulkier than the Bose or Zulu.2's
  
  I own both the LS Sierra's and Zulu.2's. And I know a few people who have the A20's. I tried the A20's on and prefer the Zulu's and Sierra's over the A20's simply because my ears are bigger and I have more room to cover them.
  
  Both are great headsets. Love them both. Sierra's are definitely worth the money you pay for them.

I am only working on my PPL, so I was hesitant to spend the big bucks. I picked up a set of these: http://www.amazon.com/FARO-G2-ANR-Premium-Aviation-Headset/dp/B0060NOZO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425431567&sr=8-1&keywords=faro+g2

They are ANR, and I'm pretty pleased with them, especially for $350. I'd eventually like to have the bluetooth and other gadgets, but for the time being I think they're a pretty good deal. I do seem to have to speak up a bit to break the squelch, but that could be the panel too.

I used the Faro G2 into my CFI days. My next headset is a A20 im pretty sure already. I dont regret the faro at all. been a GREAT head set.

https://www.amazon.com/G2-PNR-Aviation-Adapters-connectors-universal/dp/B004QIPE08/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=faro+g2&qid=1566449263&s=gateway&sr=8-4

They're using aviation headsets, looks like David Clark H10's (https://www.amazon.com/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Aviation-Headset/dp/B0011Z9PM2). They're pretty comfortable, no problem wearing them for hours at a time and they have some pretty beefy noise cancellation (you'll never get 100% noise cancellation but its good enough).

source: dad was a pilot and used to wear these when flying with him

I just bought these from Amazon yesterday: KORE AVIATION Premium Deluxe Cloth Ear Cover for Pilot Aviation Headset as I found on a thread somewhere that they worked well for the Tiamat that are flaking. If I don't like them when I get them though, I'll definitely try out the Logitech replacement pads. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CBJ29C4

I got this headset in June for my PPL training. It was cheap, worked great, and got me through my whole training regimen, including my long XC's.

I gifted myself A20's for finishing my checkride. But I carry those with me for passengers, since they're that good.

I'm doing the same thing as you essentially. Go with a headset that you will be giving a future passenger that you probably care about in the future, but that don't need A20s..

For me it's the David Clarks:

David Clark H10-13.4 Aviation Headset

I don't know if there is a more popular GA headset. It's also known for its build quality, longevity and is going to be more than enough for any future passengers.

Save your money for a nice ANR down the road and buy these in the mean time:

CRAZEDpilot CP-1 Aviation Headset Pilot Headset - Aircraft Airplane https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009W797NS

They are close enough to DCs to hold you over until you need ANR. Also buy ANR as soon as you can, it will literally make flying less fatiguing and ATC easier to understand.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Rugged-Air-RA200-General-Aviation/dp/B01A6KE0RC/ref=sr_1_1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076N9LM2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Looks like these. Have you actually hooked them up and played WT with them? I think you'll need a special adapter if you want stereo sound and a working mic.

I got these for me at the beginning of my training. I'm over 100 hours in them so far and love them very much.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CBJ29C4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I remember looking at that one too, can't remember now why we decided to go with the other. oh we also grabbed the cloth covers for the ear seals (https://www.amazon.com/KORE-AVIATION-Premium-Aviation-Headset/dp/B017ZL3KS0) which seem to help a ton in the comfort department.

Its the Bluetooth icon. It streams music and calls. I bought it from BOSE on AMAZON

https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Aviation-Headset-Bluetooth-Cable/dp/B010FTYIUS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504064798&sr=8-3&keywords=bose+a20

Its only sketchy if you buy from third parties

Thank you. Fortunately it came with a very annotated original manual. Also got the old headphones with them and they are these minus the microphone https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0011Z9PM2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520443057&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=david+clark+h10-13

https://www.amazon.com/KORE-AVIATION-P1-Aviation-Headset/dp/B01CBJ29C4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495402029&sr=8-5&keywords=anr+aviation+headset

what about these?

i mean cheap but with ANR. Don't know much about the company but the people like them.

You’re welcome.

UFQ GA-AB aviation headset GA... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078G56VJS?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I have 2 of these - https://www.amazon.com/CRAZEDpilot-CP-1-Aviation-Headset-Pilot/dp/B009W797NS . With my radio and intercom, they sound more clear than the popular DC H10-13.4. The DCs were just a bit more comfortable and the mic was more sensitive. The Telex headbands are more friendly for longer haired passengers, but performed about the same as DC. It is my experience that all 3 become uncomfortable after 3-4 hours of continuous use. If I had a different (newer) intercom and/or radio, I might have a different headset. Also $85(2) vs $300(2).

I decided to get a cheap pair figuring that if they weren't good enough I'd use them as my passenger pair. They work absolutely well enough for my use, I don't have issues with noise, they don't squeeze too much, and they've held up. $99 from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CBJ29C4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I do have a laptop, and although this one has plenty of 1/8th jacks I like the versatility of USB.

I do like the Audio-Technica set, but I'm kinda leery of the plastic. I've been looking at the CameCom Commander type pro gaming setups, but the availability and price is an issue.

I have been thinking about buying an aviation headset and swapping out the internals but that's a bit of an undertaking.

It looks like an aviation headset. It looks nearly identical to this david clark set minus the color and knob type.

https://www.amazon.com/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Headset-Bag/dp/B00PHIGXTC/

Looks like Prime Now (Amazon) has the Bose A20 (at least in Austin), and Prime Now I think also operates in LA.

But.. that's a $1k headset.

https://primenow.amazon.com/dp/B010FTYIUS?qid=1522013957&m=A1B7R5U0XCJ7F8&sr=1-1&ref_=pn_sr_sg_0_img_A1B7R5U0XCJ7F8

Looks like these

That look like these
https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Aviation-Headset-Bluetooth-Cable/dp/B010FTYIUS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=53517458062&hvadid=274708249838&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=21167&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6458743912922163210&hvtargid=kwd-298915767260&hydadcr=19029_9444901&keywords=bose+gaming+headset&qid=1563582931&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Do a search for a fixed wing to helicopter adapter and you should be able to find something convenient. Here's one on Amazon

I bought these ANR Faro for my 150:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0060NOZO8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Worth every penny. Now, I have never worn Bose or anything expensive, but at the flick of a switch it goes from loud to quiet. If I've been up for 30 minutes and flick the switch off, the engine is almost too loud to bear.

Those 'regular noise blocking headphones' are $1000 a piece and made for aviation. They are incredibly good at noise-canceling. I'd wager that being able to see the crowd's reactions is probably a bigger influence than the actual noise they are making.

If that's the same one they use on stage They're aviation headsets for the noise cancellation. They are on Amazon but pricy.


I believe its these
https://www.amazon.com/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Aviation-Headset/dp/B0011Z9PM2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=david+clark+aircraft+headset&qid=1572835867&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/d/Aviation-Headsets-Intercoms/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Aviation-Headset/B0011Z9PM2

Lightspeed Zulu 2

Wait...wrong thing. I used the Logitech G230 for years until I got my Rift, and still use it for non-VR.

https://www.amazon.com/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Aviation-Headset/dp/B0011Z9PM2

It's aviation headset.

I mean, I guess it depends on your definition of an "expensive item", but those headphones are $1100.

They're aviation headsets but I would think the closest in feel would be the Hyperx Cloud 2.

https://www.amazon.com/David-Clark-H10-13-4-Aviation-Headset/dp/B0011Z9PM2

Keeping your budget in mind, if you can stretch a little on price, get THESE from David Clark.

If you HAVE to stay in the $150-$200 range, then get THESE!

It's tough since it's such a big hole and not just a rip...I think you could probably use a leather/vinyl repair kit and a piece of pleather/vinyl that you cut to mostly fill the hole that has worn away, you'd just have to be patient with it.

Or if you don't want to fuss with them too much, you could try something like these. I don't know if they would be uncomfortable or change the sound output, but they're cheap enough that they may be worth a shot.

They are cheap, but if you get the gel ear seals they are actually very comfortable. RuggedAir RA200s. Have 3 sets for passengers, have gone on some 5 hour XC's and no complaints. I also used this until I got my PPL and got some Bose X's.


https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Air-RA200-General-Aviation/dp/B01A6KE0RC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502381853&sr=8-1&keywords=ra200

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076N9LM2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Got myself a DC H10 13.4 headset just before I started training. I figured cost-wise it would be around the same to get a headset that will last a while (or go through a few cheap headsets). I have had nothing but great times with this headset.

The best headset I know of, I cobbled together from bits and bobs I found on Amazon and Ebay.

I got tired of headsets wearing out and falling apart, so I built my own. I put a cheap computer microphone and pair of Koss Headphone speakers into a used David Clark H10-76 aviation headset.

This is connected to an absolutely ancient (circa 1998) Sound Blaster Live! 1024 that I scavenged from an old computer I found at the recycling center. This super-comfy, super-sounding mongrel runs out of the box on my Xubuntu 18.10 rig.

What model headset are you trying to get working? What Distro and DE are you using? What's your system (CPU, GPU, motherboard, etc.) info? What happens when you plug your headset in? It just strikes me as so peculiar that I can't help think there's something else going on, possibly with the hardware itself?