Bose Debuts New A30 Headset at Sun 'n Fun 2023

[@Kaipeternicolas]

Paul you seem just as excited as me for that “new revolutionary” A30 😂

[@MrDavid997]

“You know what, I’m happy.” Deputy Dog

[@Qp0int]

It is obvious 😂, I’m glad you stated it.

[@jim5148]

Thanks for the excellent review as always Paul. Aviation = 2x price. Bose = 2x price. Aviation + Bose = astronomical price.

[@vdubbin]

Not everyone can buy a Ferrari but nobody complains about that. As you know there is an absurd amount of wealthy people that will buy these. It would foolish to not capitalize on that.

[@Qp0int]

Love it

[@dansmusicuk1]

Paul's lack of enthusiasm for these “new” Bose is understandable.

[@brianb5594]

Bingo - see my comments..

[@gmonnig]

I have a set of LEMO plug A20’s in my Mooney and love them but have one gripe. With this redesign I wish they went with a different approach to the controller. They are bulky and there is no good place to mount it (at least in my plane). With LEMO plugs there is no need for batteries so it would’ve been nice to see the new A30s with ear cup mounted volumes, BT, and selectors.

[@JJay512]

I bought the LEMO plug when I went from the X (Dual GA) to the A20 for the reason that it still had the batteries as an option. I commonly convert back and forth between LEMO and Dual GA with the Bose adapter cable. Using dual GA, I need the batteries. It saves me from having to buy another cable just to swap back and forth. (And the headache of the screwdriver and screws) Plus, if I were to transfer to the Airbus, then I could just get the LEMO to XLR Airbus plug and I can use the same headset. Or LEMO to the helicopter headset plug. I would have never upgraded to the A20 if I couldn’t have had the batteries built in to the LEMO option.

[@michaelmurphy6687]

These are basically Bose QC headphones with the ufly mic built in only for twice the price. Way to go Bose.

[@derekhellmann5509]

They look W I D E R than the A20 with huge air gaps between the headband and the skull one over the ears. Can you comment on the size difference (A20 vs A30) of the headset itself and if the stored headset case is bigger or smaller?

[@sheldonholy5047]

The carry case is marginally smaller. The ear cups are about 10mm wider each side.

[@jrod_pilot_miami]

Thank you for this review. Does Bose still not provide an audio out for users that want to record audio from the COM radio? Some headsets provide this very useful feature.

[@flitetym]

Is there a significant amount of passive noise reduction in the “low” mode ANR? In other words, can the set impart a decibel reduction and be considered a protective device? Let me be as clear as possible: electronic noise reduction and suppression for comfort is *not* kinetic hearing protection for the delicate ear drum and prevention of hearing loss. I think Bose (and others) would do the customers a service if they would clarify this point.

[@avitor500]

Very interesting point.

[@martinrenschler4046]

Sarasota has a trade-in program ($600 for an old A20 with Bluetooth).

[@NickFriesen052]

You’d be crazy to get these over the Delta Zulus. I was blown away with how cheap they feel yet hundreds of dollars more than the Lightspeed which has far more features and is more comfortable.

[@YamzYamzAndMoreYamz]

Bummer, no improvements inspired by the Delta Zulus? Just bought those as a second set for my passenger but decided to make that my primary over my A20s after about 5 hours of flight time with them. Not as quite as comfortable but they’ve got some cool unique features.

[@cdgodz6955]

Just bought A20s damn

[@TimAyro]

You ain't missing out on anything. A20s are great.

[@flitetym]

@@TimAyro … yup … I don’t think you’re missing out on much …

[@Boebus666]

I've Flown with both. A20s are better in my opinion! Enjoy your A20 :)

[@TimToussaint]

I think the talk-through feature (either in ANR low setting, or by tapping on the ear cup) is a real benefit. This solves a real world dilemma where people can’t don their headsets while starting the engine, as the intercom at that moment isn’t running yet.

[@TheAlamar9332]

Would have been nice to be able to connect to two bluetooth devices eg; phone and iPad

[@brianb5594]

Paul, you don't look convinced. I am not impressed from what I have seen with multiple reviews. Let me get this straight, $200 more for multi-level noise cancellation, and slightly less clamping force? Oh I can change the boom mic with no tools because I do that so often. If Bose wanted value, they would lower the price of the A20 and make the A30 the same price as the A20 currently is....The marketing department is alive and well at Bose....BTW, I love my A20, but do not see the added value here...

[@CobyPachmayr]

This is one of the best videos to promote the Lightspeed headset.

[@jfpilot7100]

not convince I should swap my A20 :)

[@fzakrzewski]

Super cool, but why oh why mini USB inside of the battery case?! Why not put there USB-C if this headset is for 2023 and later?

[@itsverygreen532]

So they worked really hard on the A30 weight ... but the A30 is 404 grammes, the old A20 was lighter at 340 grammes ...

[@karlsailor]

Not excited. I use an A20 in a 737 cockpit and like them. I won't be upgrading, but if someone is in need of a headset, I'd recommend these. No improvement in noise cancellation, about the same clamping force is a disappointment. Who cares if the mic is on the "wrong side". I flew right seat for years without changing mine. Why would you want a "less ANR" mode. I want it to be almost silent. Ok, maybe the current level of ANR for landings, but otherwise silent. Maybe Bose could design something to digitally reduce intercom background noise. A lot of what I'm hearing is hiss from our mics

[@bentboybbz]

He looks like the guy that repairs am radios and upgrades them to fm and stereo. His name is Bob I think.

[@Nbolanos0624]

still waiting for an aviation wireless headset from Bose...

[@mattym8]

It won't meet regs.

[@Virtualmix]

So basically A20 but bigger and $100 more. Nice.

[@toldt]

Paul, what are you talking about with flipping the headset around to switch mic side??? The A20 has a physically moveable mic, the only difference with the A30 is that you no longer need a screwdriver to do it.

[@ecossearthur]

The new ones seems like a winner!

[@bobninemire5154]

They get an A+ for advertising ........My feed is swarming with reviews

[@johnwrycza]

trade-up program < yes! does this headset work with the Bose App ?

[@mxcollin95]

Good question. 👍

[@mxcollin95]

@@Saml01 sounds like you’ve had some bad luck with Bose stuff, huh?

[@UKVansRV4]

After 13 year would have expected a bit of innovation or changes. Seems a repackaged A20 - which are excellent, but won't be changing to an A30

[@OneAlphaMike]

What’s up with that second wire coming out of Paul’s right ear cup?

[@OneAlphaMike]

Really? Wow. There are so many better ways to record cockpit audio than that.

[@OneAlphaMike]

That makes sense. Would have expected a mention of that in the video, though. Maybe got edited out.

[@publicmail2]

So where's our price on these?.......3million.

[@patm95]

I think it’s 1250

[@mattym8]

C$1629 in Canada. Ouch.

[@brianb5594]

Bose makes headsets for expensive Cirrus SR22's owners that are now over $1 million. Didn't you get the memo?

[@carlosrodz1]

Looks like it really didn't impress Paul in the air because no mention of anything that would make me want to sell my A20 to go buy the A30.

[@kristensorensen2219]

#158👍😀I have a Telex from the mid 70s where the ear inserts are like a medical stethoscope. Super light weight and this style is gone for these over the ear style. I don't remember what it cost but a grand for a headset seems hard to appreciate. ❤ Paul's work!! ERAU 80 CFIA&I ret.

[@DavesWings]

Not disappointed with my Lightspeed Delta Zulu's

[@musoseven8218]

Interesting video and Q&A interview. I don't think Bose canvassed enough pilots re this latest version of their A range headsets? I did wonder if Bose would release an A30, as their QC's have been updated last year etc. A20s started in late 2010s or was it before? I loose track of time, they've tweaked the A20s over time of course (playing catch up with Lightspeed?😳😳🤔). The A30's look more like QC's to my eyes🤔🤔✌️ In the UK Bose spares and service are great. David Clark's One X's are great, so are the new Lightspeed Delta's, but service in the UK is sketchy. Lightspeed has stolen a lead (in a way), but they've not made their app Android friendly etc. Bose needed to catch up👍🤞✌️🤔😇😉 Shame they've not provided armoured wiring like the Lightspeeds, although the quick release on the mic is good. The wiring on A20s is easily damaged and it's a costly replacement/repair. I still think that Bose could have tried a little harder, but it's a good product, I have the A20's, for ease of use, reliability, spares, servicing. I liked the DC One X's but service back up was an issue, perhaps Bose have now met the challenge of the One X's 🤔🤔 The price creep though? At one stage the A20's were £900 & £1000 respectively re specs, maybe £1100 at worst for top Bluetooth spec.$1249.00? That'll be £1250 to start with in the UK and GA here was struggling pre the pandemic and the stagflation recession. Not sure how that will translate in terms of sales🤔🤔 I like Bose products, evolution rather than revolution is preferred too, but I'm not sure if Bose couldn't have tried a bit harder. I'm not in the market for a set right now, but I feel a little flat, a little cheated by the A30s after a couple of reviews🤔🤔😕 I'm sure it'll be a good quality durable headset that protects the ears and aids flight operations, if it's up to Bose's usual standards.

[@williamhammond3998]

The A20 actually looks better. The A20 looks to have a smaller profile when worn. Seems like the A30 is spread out wider when worn.

[@avflyguy]

To be really impressive, find a way to power them from a panel mount USB connector. LOTS of things use USB - why not your headset. Carrying around a box of Double AA batteries seems counterproductive for a $1200 headset. Has to be a better way.. Do they have "auto-off" if fogetfulness takes precedence.

[@derekhellmann5509]

They last 40 hours on a set of batteries. You can get your private pilot license in one set of AA’s. I use them (the A20 and also the Pro Flight 2) on 16hour polar flights from the Middle East to west coast regularly and they’re good for the round trip. If that’s to onerous for you, better just buy some earplugs and an old Dave Clark. I’ve also owned the A20s for 10 years and seen multiple types of USB standard come and go. Slave my 1200 dollar headset to the ever changing standard of this years USB flavor? No thank you.

[@avflyguy]

@@derekhellmann5509 Fortunately, there will be AA batteries around for many years to come. Ideas come and go, right?

[@MotoVloggedOUT]

@@derekhellmann5509 so you’re stuck in what you know while the world around you advances? What a dumb perspective 😂 ‘They shouldn’t make it better cuz it works the way it is’ You drive a horse drawn buggy too, I’m sure.

[@CaverJamie]

There is a better way, aircraft powered lemo plug like I use.

[@mattym8]

There is a USB connector on the controller. You can power them from that connector, according to the Bose website.

[@SamuelVella1995]

Very pricey! I bought my a20's second hand. They'd been used 4 times, with warranty remaining. I saved about $700. Let someone else buy them and sell them to you for less!

[@austinwilliams9592]

Those headsets look ridiculous. I fly a G650,a Mooney rocket as well as an INSANELY loud self launching glider.... a QC35 with a Ufly mic is the absolute best of all the options... the lightest and most comfortable and plenty of of noise reduction with the ability to use it for things other than aircraft flying... ohh and half the cost of these heavy, bulky monstrosities.

[@Captndarty]

You’re wrong. The QC35 does not have as much ANR as the A20 and up. It is nowhere near as robust either when you take it on and off over and over again. The fitment mechanisms are much looser and allow the ear cups to slide out of place much easier in comparison. The QC 35 is perfect for those who are cheap and who don’t want to carry multiples of devices.

[@Boebus666]

@@Captndarty I agree with you, but its usually the Pilots who are trying to get a decent ANR Experience without having to shell out A20/A30 money, because let's be honest here, these headsets are ridiculously expensive!

[@tstanley01]

It looks like they didn't fix the two largest problems about their headsets and made one of them even worse...the hinge at the top and the small ear cups...of the big three, for me, the Bose is the least comfortable of the bunch...

[@publicmail2]

Like everything in aviation it's only worth 1/10th

[@MooneyM20J]

I have few pair of A20’s And one A10. Sound quality and ANR is almost identical. The A30 is awful as far as sound and ANR in GA. The reviews all over Amazon. I think A20’s is the sweet spot!

[@abidfarooqui-sla3301]

I just picked one at Sun N Fun but considerable improvements ... no

[@cos-9113]

Does it have cables to both sides of the headset? You have two cables that are hanging down, one from each side.

[@ozziepilot2899]

Thats his recording mic for the video. Just one cable normally.

[@cos-9113]

@@ozziepilot2899 👍🏻

[@n260mg5]

Yawn....😴. I like Paul B. The "new" A30...not so much. Bose can do better than this.

[@princekumar-lq6jl]

Princekumar👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹👍

[@kevinphillips9408]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@susansticazsky9787]

Definitely NOT worth upgrading without a meaningful trade in program IMHO

[@purdueschmidt]

No meaningful additions

[@KDogg_96]

Too expensive for student pilots sadly

[@hallfan4]

Don't get these as a student pilot. At least get your PPL before spending big bucks on a nice headset.

[@airops423]

@@hallfan4 Why?

[@ecossearthur]

@@airops423 Exactly my point as a student you want the best audio in and out so that ATC and your local field can hear and be heard...

[@KDogg_96]

@@hallfan4 haha I’ve got my cpl multi rating and im working on my instrument rating… still using my ASA headset from amazon

[@hallfan4]

@KoopDogg Nice I'm in the same boat. Except I stopped calling myself a student pilot after I got Ppl lol

[@Qp0int]

Bose tooooo mucho, Cirrus toooooo mucho, Diamond toooooo mucho. Who can afford a house, a car, schooling and kiddo stuff and then purchase a $1M 6piston fixed gear plane. GA is doomed

[@elmin2323]

$2000 AUD not interested