Aviation Headset Reviews...
...of the three most popular ANR pilot headsets on the market. We've organized
the prominent features, identified the pros and cons, and weighed outside reviews and chatter
from pilots and aviation enthusiasts for each aviation headset to give readers a quick and easy
comparison - all on a single page.
Aviation Headsets - Comparison Table
Headset... |
Features, Pros & Cons... |
The Bose A20 - Our Top-Rated
Aviation Headset
"We haven't found a better price than Amazon.
They're trusted, returns are easy, and the A20 is eligible for FREE Super Saver
Shipping. "
-- Editor
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Bose® A20 aviation headset - portable model, Bluetooth
Bose, a trusted name in aviation headsets for the past 20
years, has developed the most advanced pilot headset yet. Breakthrough
innovations in the A20 include improved ANR (active noise
reduction) and even greater comfort than previous models, as well as
auxiliary audio input and Bluetooth phone connectivity. All without compromising
the clear audio that pilots have come to expect from Bose.
Pros Famous Bose
noise reduction is now even better.
12 ounces and
greater comfort; more room for your ears.
Auxiliary
audio input for GPS and other devices.
Bluetooth
lets you receive calls without taking off headset. Exceptional
40+ hour battery life on two AA batteries.
Meets or
exceeds all FAA and JAA TSO requirements.
Cons
Deep pockets needed, as this
headset is pricey.
Unlike the Zulu, you can't stream
music from your cell phone.
"The passive attenuation is markedly
better than most ANR headsets we’ve tried, and the active noise canceling is in a
class with few competitors."
-- Ian J. Twombly, AOPA Online
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Lightspeed Zulu.2 - Our 2nd Top-Rated
Aviation Headset
"Amazon rules. They're trusted, returns are easy,
and the Zulu is eligible for FREE Shipping. " -- Editor
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Lightspeed Zulu.2 - Premium ANR Aviation Headset
Giving Bose a real run for their money, Lightspeed engineers
researched how pilots perceive noise at various frequencies, then developed
technology providing focused noise attenuation over the most critical ranges. The
result is an ANR headset combining total noise cancellation attributes with
a distinctive look and unparalleled comfort. Offers Bluetooth connectivity and
an integrated control box input allowing you to connect a cell phone, music player
or iPod for a range of communication options.
Pros Active
cancellation over a broad range of low frequency noise.
Plush ear
seals and thin, low-profile headband spell comfort.
Allows
wireless connection from Bluetooth phones/devices. Experience
a dynamic, surround-sound like quality to music. 40+ hour
battery life on a pair of AA batteries.
Save almost
$250 over the Bose A20.
Cons
One ounce heavier than the Bose
A20.
"The Zulu passes the test in noisy
environments: I don’t want to fly my Edge without it... But the Zulu also
outperforms on more standard cross-country flights, when pilots can take full
advantage of all the features." -- Bill Stein, Plane &
Pilot
"The bluetooth functionality on the Zulus is far
superior to the A20... With the Zulus, you can easily prioritise between
phone/music/radio..and stream devices with bluetooth. You either can't..or can't do
this easily with the Bose." -- Beach King, Professional Pilots Rumour
Network
|
Dave Clark X11 ENC Aviation Headset
"Amazon rules. They're trusted, returns are easy,
and the X11 is eligible for FREE Shipping. " -- Editor
|
David Clark X11 ENC Aviation Headset
With over 50 years experience in the air and space industry, Dave
Clark has a reputation for reliability and performance. Their latest ANR (or what
they call ENC - Electronic Noise Cancelling) aviation headset is no exception. It's
intelligently engineered with a low-force, dual-hinge suspension assembly that
provides optimum articulation and personalized fit. A super-lightweight, carbon
fiber headband coupled with a vented head pad and super-soft, gel-filled
ear seals provide long term pilot comfort.
Pros Noise-canceling
M-77 microphone for clear communications.
Cell
phone/auxiliary music input (3 accessory cords provided).
High-fidelity
stereo ear phones with dual volume controls.
New dual
voice coil ENC technology reduces pilot fatigue.
30-hour
battery life on two AA batteries.
Cons
No Bluetooth connection, unlike
competitors A20 and Zulu.
A fraction heavier than the Bose
A20 (by 0.2 ounces).
"A decent set of David Clarks do a great
job, and I wouldnt swap them for anything that I have come across so far. Yes the
newer Bose and Sennheiser headsets are 'nice' but for me, the DC's are tried and
tested, and found to be super rugged, comfy, quality sound and you dont have a
problem with after sales service." -- kevinbark, AVCOM
|
Why buy an ANR aviation headset when there are "passive" headsets on the market that only cost a
couple of hundred bucks? We think the answer is summed up pretty well in the following
comment...
"If you are thinking of buying a set of ANC [active noise
cancellation] headsets (whatever brand), just do it! The investment is cheap
compared to the hearing loss that you will suffer. I flew 3 hours the other day
in a mate's Cherokee 235 with cheap headsets and my ears are still ringing."
-- Beach King, Professional Pilots Rumour
Network
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Filed under: Aviation Headset Reviews, Pilot Headset Reviews,
ANC Aviation Headsets, Bose A20 Reviews, Zulu Reviews,
Bose vs Lightspeed, Bose vs Dave Clark
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