Headsets

[Piper J3]

Regardless of which brand ANR you choose…. A lot of us folks are up in age and wear hearing aids. See this thread which might be helpful…. https://vansairforce.net/community/s...t=hearing+aids

[MacCool]

I've been using Bose A20s for years. They work OK, no complaints. If I was buying now… No question I would buy the Delta Zulu's over the Bose A30. Significantly cheaper, equivalent noise reduction, comfortable, built in carbon monoxide detector.

[Pilot135pd]

The best advice I can give you is to fly with a few different headsets because not everybody likes the Bose and not everybody can notice the difference between a less expensive DC or LightSpeed and the more expensive Bose. You might end up choosing your next headset by how it feels on your head and not by the hype, advertising, or price.

Up to a couple of months ago the Bose A20 was the Gold Standard for a big chunk of pilots. Just because the A30 came out didn't suddenly make the A20 not work.

Having said that, unless you're the type that needs to have the latest and greatest, and you replace your iPhone and iPad every year with the latest one, take advantage of the A30 hype and buy some cheaper A20s !

[R100RS]

I fly a light sport airplane powered by a 912 ULS. I own both a BOSE A20 and a DC ONE-X (both over the ear, both ANR). I use both regularly and I can barely tell any difference in comfort or noise reduction. Both headsets are very comfortable and both have excellent noise reduction.

[larrynew]

Originally Posted by todehnal

In doing a bit more research, it seems that Rotax powered aircraft don't get along that well with ANR headsets due to the higher frequencies generated by these high RPM engines.

ROTAX included a new Bose A20 headset in the engine crate that came with my RV-12iS kit. Sure hope they get along well with the engine 🤞.

[bbaggerman]

Just a quick warning about headsets. I had some old mono headsets that I like real well when I bought my -12. Don’t use mono headsets with the Flightcom 403 that comes standard. A mono headset will sound horrible for a while and then the intercom will fail. Ask me how I know. This info is in the Flightcom manual but they don’t make it obvious.

[c4c67b]

Originally Posted by todehnal

In doing a bit more research, it seems that Rotax powered aircraft don't get along that well with ANR headsets due to the higher frequencies generated by these high RPM engines.

What's the source on this?

[Tailwind/RVGuy]

You might want to consider these: https://cqheadset.com/about-us/

I have been using them for 3 or 4 years and like them a lot. My airplane (Wittman Tailwind W10) is relatively noisy and these work very well. I personally think they are as effective as most ANR sets and certainly avoid having the "clamp" over your head. I originally did not think I could use them as my ear canals are small and I did not like anything in my ear. But after using the smaller ear tips (beige colored), it has not been a problem and they are very comfortable over long trips and for me are just as quiet as other headsets (including ANR) that I have used.

The speaker/sound quality is good with stereo and Bluetooth supported, and the mic quality is also good. As others have said, "it is a personal preference" but I am completely sold on the above headset. Not to mention they are a supporter of this forum and fly an RV.

Keith

[thiggins]

Originally Posted by larrynew

ROTAX included a new Bose A20 headset in the engine crate that came with my RV-12iS kit. Sure hope they get along well with the engine ��.

Did you purchase “Rotax Care” (extended warranty) with the power plant?

I did, and expect the Bose headset to be included. That made the deal for me.

BTW, my light speed ANRs work great in both the 12 and the 12iS. I don’t understand some of the below comments. (I have sensitive musician ears…) ��

[rcarsey]

Originally Posted by todehnal

Spending $1200 each has given me pause. Hopefully I can get some ANR users thoughts before making a huge investment. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.......Tom

Your best bet is to pickup a used A20 off eBay. A lot more people are dumping the A20, looking to "upgrade" to A30. The ANR is equivalent. I picked up TWO used A20's 2 years ago for about $650 each. There is nothing wrong with an A20 though today.

I feel its true that they don't do as good of a job on a Rotax as a dinosaur engine..and personally, I believe a mfg could do a better job with a Rotax-specific headset.. but it is what it is.. and they aren't bad at all..