The best headsets for student pilots - Sporty's Product PIREP

Choosing your first aviation headset is a tough decision. Do you choose ANR or passive? Bluetooth or not? In this detailed video, JC Mayerle and Doug Ranly from Sporty's explain what to look for, then they take four popular models flying to compare them in the cockpit of a Cessna 172. Which one will come out on top?
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[@Shaheerquercuz]

In my opinion the Bose a20 is the boss But David Clark Passive looks more badass and classic. I own both. Still use the DCP mostly

[@Kermit_the_DILF]

Started my training not too long ago. David Clark’s are more for me. I wanna be able to hear the engine but be able to hear atc and co pilot

[@coalieroller5663]

I am the bose a20 fan boy, works great and it can stand up the constant abuse for 6 years and it is still working great

[@n3roc]

That is the only consideration I have with my active Faro G2. It’s probably not as tough as the A20 and will probably not last as long. But I can buy 5 of em with the price of the A20.

[@KyleD237]

I am shocked you didn't talk about the Zulu 3. Really good review for the headset demonstrated

[@KyleD237]

@ALYSSA ANGEL UTAMA BINTI FAIROS Moe when you say pilot school, I am assuming you mean you're wanting to be an airline pilot. I have completed my private pilot and instrument rating but have no intentions on going further than that. I've had my Zulu 3 for approximately 4 years now. Very comfortable to wear, very good noise canceling, Bluetooth connection works well. However, it is not TSO certified. Therefore, that may be a deal breaker for you. Good luck to you.

[@negativenarwhals]

Just ordered the DC H10 13S (think the only thing different form the 13.4 is that it has stereo) very excited!

[@C172Pilotdude]

David Clark FTW

[@robinj.9329]

(Before viewing your video.) I had my first Flying lessons in the last years of the 1960's. And got my Certification in 1972 at age 19. Back then, as far as I can remember, NO ONE used a head set! A brand new Cessna that I flew often had a hand mike and a "Cabin speaker". And that was it! It wasn't untill years later, as I advance in my Career did I even feel the need for a headset. To this day, I fly with a Sigtronics headset. Plain jane style. I literally CAN'T STAND the hiss of a fancy $1,000. to $2,000. "Noise Canceling" headset! And for 90% of private flying as well as Commercial work in a Single engine piston airplane , I just can't see the need to spend more then $200 or maybe $300. on a simple headset! NOW I'll watch your presentation and try to see if I've been missing anything! Cheers! (I'm at the beginning of the video. You should have mentioned that pilots flew for about 100 years without "ANR" technology, and did just fine!)

[@MarionBlair]

The sound is skipping on all of them????What's that about? Probably the recorder and not the headsets?

[@itllBuffGaming]

For some reason no one ever answered your question and I’m sure you found out by now, but it’s the attack gate on the microphone. They require a certain Db to open and allow sound to transmit, if the gate was always open the engine noise would run through. On the downside with a high Db gate, you end up with that cut out because when we talk we tend to be quieter at the start of our speaking and end of our speaking

[@Victordamus98]

Any chance on doing a Product PIREP for the DC One X?

[@OhMikeGod]

Have you guys tried the FARO G2 ANR? please I need some feedback on those.

[@n3roc]

I have the Faro G2 ANR. I think it’s a fine headset so far, especially for the $230 i paid for it. I’m sure the A20 is better, but I don’t know what I’m missing because I’ve never had one, but I cannot imagine the A20 is even close to being $850 better.

[@michaelklappauf7408]

@@n3roc looking for a headset for my 16 year old son who is starting his PPL training. I'm looking at the Faro G2 ANR. Still happy with them after 5 months? Thanks

[@josemmontes5810]

Thanks for the video, lots of great info, I'm a rusty pilot getting current after many years of inactivity and I need a headset, I hear a lot of good things about ANR but there is always a comment saying "good luck hearing the engine" I like to stay in touch with the sounds of an aircraft, so will I be able to hear the engine? perhaps more important, will I be able to hear the stall warning? do you think I would do better with a high end passive set?

[@sanantonio855]

I could hear the propeller RPM changes, the stall warning, the gear locking itself up and down, and any alarms while wearing a Bose A20. The plane was a TB20

[@josemmontes5810]

@@sanantonio855 Thanks for the info!!!

[@kombolasha]

Bosé 20

[@cpy]

haha

[@AshtonCoolman]

I heard that as well and did a double take to realize he said Bose A20 😂

[@enceladus2263]

Clever

[@MsLisaN]

The reviews of David Clark ONE-X ANR headsets show they are good or better than the A20.

[@oreo10111]

DC H10-13X Or lightspeed zulu 3 are my suggestions to students

[@GusBounas]

Listening to music while flying? Am I the only one who believes this is a preposterous idea?

[@bobthorpe9477]

If you’re flying out in the middle of nowhere in class E airspace with no one communicating with you it’s not that bad of an idea. Would not recommend doing it anywhere else

[@GusBounas]

@@bobthorpe9477 I'd argue that i'st probably still a good idea keeping an ear to your environment around you, just in case your aircraft or engine makes a weird noise or something.

[@porta796]

I’m. Just pre solo, I can afford Zulu 3 or A20, is it worth it??

[@BHARATCHAUHAN-cr9zm]

Thanks great info

[@minnesnowtan9970]

I might guess the student pilots DO NOT KNOW what they are looking for.

[@MikeCnolan]

You should absolutely try some before buying. The Lightspeed Zulu fits my head far better than the Bose A20, but you could easily be the other way around. I strongly recommend getting a good headset as a student if you possibly can: You're spending $hundreds per lesson and lessons are stressful. Hearing better and not having a clamp on you head is one less stressor. That said, every place I've been has had pretty good headsets free or $10 to rent, so you should be able to try a few before committing.

[@dutchygirl]

Just bought the DC 13.4 as my second headset. Greater comfort in wearing than my Avcomm (AC200P), but I think the Avcomm offers more hearing protection. Will find out soon if I'm happy with the DC.

[@Seoadvertising-ca]

Question: Will I still be able to hear the Stall warning buzzer using an ANR Headset?

[@JohnZimmerman]

Lee Noring SEO Advertising Yes. Absolutely.

[@Hexarth]

They're loud as hell

[@terrysmith1889]

I have the boseA20 headset. I'm 61 and have ringing in my ears but I can still hear the stall warning clearly during landings.

[@regibson23]

ANR is more about cancelling constant noise. Engine, wind. And even then it never completely eliminates it. Anything abrupt will still come through clearly.

[@calebniederhofer678]

People really seem to push Bose , the reality is it’s not the best quality headset. The Zulu 3 is far superior in build quality , It has all magnesium where Bose has a lot plastic . Zulu 3 has a extra two years of warranty , more comfortable with bigger ear seals. ANR on the Zulu 3 may not be as good as the A20 at least in the 172 - smaller single piston I tested. I would say where the A20 is a 95 out of 100 the Zulu 3 would be 91. Zulu 3 all the way better all around headset at 250 cheaper. The only reason to choose the Bose is TSO , or you like to be able switch the mic it’s a must for a few.

[@nimbapilot6925]

Caleb Niederhofer so the Zulu 3 is not TSO approved? I have the tango... but I was getting really to sale and buy the Zulu 3 so I could use it for when I get to the airline. This mean I should go ahead a buy the Bose A20 instead?

[@calebniederhofer678]

Fufu Pilot Yes unfortunately the Zulu is not TSO approved . If that’s a must go A20 if you prefer over the ear , or try the new pro which is the most comfortable. Checkout both see which one works better for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@nimbapilot6925]

@@calebniederhofer678 Thanks a lot for taking your time to reply to me. I very much appreciate your input in this decision making.

[@willhow2654]

Zulu's sound so tincan. It just sounds like they just killed the base sound and that is it. It makes my eyes work too hard. Bose gives a better all round real life sound but quieter, and more relaxing.

[@willhow2654]

@@calebniederhofer678 *ears

[@justplanefred]

Did the glasses your wearing play any roll as far as lifting the ear cup seal enough to reduce the benefits of the noise reduction on any of these headsets?

[@soviet_salsa2983]

would i be able to buy the gel pads that the faro stealth uses and put it on an H10 or are the dimensions not equal enough?

[@carllarsen6234]

David clark headbands are bendable for fat heads, I have 2 pair.

[@lamaraambler1506]

Also have a fat head. Thanks for that!

[@timicaharris]

Literally just purchased my David Clark H10 13.4, only starting training on Monday though but from what I hear, it’s a really durable headset.

[@jamaalbey6306]

How is the pilot quest going?

[@JoeCnNd]

Hopefully she's coming along.

[@timicaharris]

Jamaal Montgomery it’s going well thank you. Just a lot of work but I’m loving every second of it! 👍🏽

[@jamaalbey6306]

@@timicaharris awesome you should post videos of your success. I'm hoping to get my certificate soon.

[@barnabyg6808]

Tiffany Diamond how’s the headset holding up?

[@Prachka1]

Tried Bose a30 and Lightspeed. Lightspeed is a better buy, value wise and noise level. Also, rugged PNR is almost as quiet as Bose/lightspeed. Bose and lightspeed are stupidly cheap when it comes to ear gels. Ear muffs are flimsy, thin, cheap, almost do not seal. So, those two without ANR turned on are stupidly loud when it comes to other PNR sets. So, do not waste your money on the Bose/lightspeed set.

[@LordBagdanoff]

David Clarke is so underrated. I always hear people talking about Bose and Lightspeed but I love David Clarke!

[@BorisFett]

Your video makes me want to get the A20's but from the comments about the Zulu 3 I want to see a comparison between them and the A20's.

[@JohnZimmerman]

Boris Fett Check out this video for a comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnmsi3-qadxgbrc

[@calebniederhofer678]

My advice try the Zulu 3 it’s quite a bit cheaper , and a better value in my opinion. . Plus it has the Kevlar cord . If you don’t like it , you can always exchange it for the A20. I think you will be more then satisfied Caleb.

[@willhow2654]

People keep saying "such-and-such headset is better value". This statement is nonsense for a career pilot. If you plan on using a piece of equipment for your job, then the one that costs less dollars per year is the best value. My $1000 Bose headset lasted ten years and I resold it for $450 and got the A20. So it cost me $55 per year. For that tiny annual investment, I enjoy high fidelity sound, crisp ATC clearances, solid ear protection. My classmates have since replaced their Zulu, DC, etc headsets with little return. Eberyone one of my students have since upgraded to a Bose, and write that they should have listened to me in the first place. NOW, if you puddle jump or just a month-end warrior and don't talk to ATC or on the radios much, then a cheaper pair may be ok. SO why stress out over an extra $3 per year investment?

[@BorisFett]

@@willhow2654 Thanks for the comment. Your example of cost per year in the lifespan of a headset makes sense. For me cost is irrelevant, I want whatever headset that offers the best sound quality in a GA environment, I'm flying 172's right now. My plan is to first buy a Zulu 3 and fly with it. Then buy an A20 to have for other people flying with me. Which ever one i like the least gets replaced with the one i like the most.

[@calebniederhofer678]

Will How I think you are inaccurate on the Zulu bringing little in return. The Zulu 3 is a better value , then the a20. That’s awesome that you are happy with yours , and it’s a great headset. I would own one. The Zulu is 250 cheaper , with a better warranty , and better quality. So how is the a20 better value , it’s not. It might have good return sell , but you are paying such a premium for a headset that’s less quality. i would say the Zulu is far better value. Only get the a20 if you need TSO.

[@THAMBAPANI]

Thanks for the Review! I settled for a pair of A20s.

[@JogaWudz-gp6of]

Good review, do you guys ship worldwide?

[@wavewaker2]

any effect on pads sealing and pressure when wearing glasses? thanks..

[@flexairz]

The A20 are kinda loose .. DC and Zulu much better

[@valentingruber1236]

DC fits best with sunglasses in my opinion.

[@bradleys2320]

Do any of these transition well into a corporate jet or airliner, and if so which one(s) (besides the Bose I assume) would make that transition well?

[@sportyspilotshop]

The Bose A20 does, as you say. Most airline or jet pilots prefer a lighter weight headset like a David Clark Pro-X or Bose ProFlight. They are more tuned for the wind noise vs. piston engine noise of a small airplane.

[@nenecoisadloco]

Plug p10?

[@aesthetics1190]

the Bosé 20

[@buddlybear]

ANR creates an illusion of reduced decibels which is only great for hearing clarity but does not reduce the actual decibel load experienced by the eardrums. The passive noise reduction based on the build quality of the earmuff itself is the only thing protecting from damage

[@nullfield1126]

ANR actually INCREASES the load due to wave interference (double the load, but static, so you don't hear it)

[@909busa]

Uhhhhh why do most pilots uhhhh Say uhhhh between uhhhhh everything they uhhhhh say?

[@ricsears7787]

It’s an FAA requirement. You didn’t have that on your test? It’s also part of the commercial airline hiring process. 😂

[@Hdrock6]

Considering Sporty's is a dealer selling headsets and they made sure to have their big Bose display prominent in the camera frame...it's no surprise that they would be pushing the most expensive headset they sell which probably has the greatest profit margin for good ole Sporty's. IMO take the advice given here with that Sporty's profit margin in mind. ;)

[@Virtualmix]

Or maybe the Bose are simply the best headset on the market today.

[@Hdrock6]

@@Virtualmix if that were true then the gratuitous marketing gesture wouldn't be necessary now would it? The product would sell itself. So LMFAO at your ridiculous retort. 😂😂😂😂

[@Virtualmix]

@@Hdrock6 if you think Bose headsets aren't worth the steep price just don't buy them, no need to be salty about it. It may not be the best value for money but it's probably the best headsets money can buy. No hard feelings here.

[@Hdrock6]

@@Virtualmix my original comment wasn't pushing any headset in particular unlike yours...it dealt with the lack of unbiased opinion demonstrably demonstrated by Sporty's. Get a grip on your emotions and try to not make it so obvious that you are working for Bose. Again...LMFAO😂😂😂😂😂

[@Virtualmix]

@@Hdrock6 You got me! How did you find out I work for Bose? As a reward since you outsmarted our marketing team, I can send you a FREE CATALOG of our 2020 product range and a $2 coupon to purchase our top of the line BOSE A20 ANR AVIATION HEADSETS, the best headsets in the industry!