In the ear headset

[Liquid Charlie]

Is Aviation World "no longer" - I see their website says "store closed" is that internet only -- so any suggestions for an outlet to purchase a new headset from -- in the ear -- lightspeed or plantronics ??

[lilfssister]

Attention customers,

Our website is currently under construction. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have called but we would be more than happy to assist you as best we can through either our toll free order line at 1 800 668 1987 or by email at info@aviationworld.net.

We hope to have our website back online on Monday.

[Jim N]

I went with the Litespeed L1....I no longer have it but they have been discontinued anyhow. I didn't go with Plantronics solely because of the big box of their telephone headsets that a buddy has at work which are all broken. I don't know for sure if it is a accurate reflection of their aviation products quality but didn't want to take a chance for the cash involved.

In the ear headsets are definately an acquired taste. People not used to wearing ear plugs for hours on end tend to dislike them. The fit of the foam plugs they come with tends to suck, leading to boom droop in the case of my L1. The solution is molded plugs but a decent pair will set you back ~$125 in addition to the headset cost. With the molded plugs they work as the are designed though.

The only other thing to consider is while the noise attenuation can be excellent (30-40 Db) in the high range, the ITE headsets don't do a very good job in the low ranges. I believe it is a result of the mastoid bone remaining exposed instead of being covered by the ear cups like with a conventional headset. Net result is great protection but more perceived noise than a headset in the same plane.

If I was to buy again I would go for the magnesium bodied Litespeed. It is supposed to be superior to the L1 I had so it should be decent. You can get them from Aircraft Spruce for cheaper than AW I believe. Go to an audiologist and get a good set of plugs made, make sure they fit correctly, and you should be GTG.

It is a shame that you can't really try before you buy. Heed my advice about ear plugs, if you don't like wearing plugs you will hate the ITE headsets. I wore plugs for over a decade and became so desensitized I sometime wore them home by accident, so my opinion of their comfort is skewed. Overall, I liked mine alot other than the low frequency noise transmission I mentioned, no sweaty earcups or weight on your head is great....Good luck in your purchase!

[Grantmac]

I have a Quiettech Halo which I ordered direct from the manufacturer.
I don't have very many hours on it yet but it seems to be comfortable and quiet. The acoustics are excellent, it is advertised as using the same components as stage monitors and I'd believe it. The microphone housing seem kind of cheap, as does the control box but I'm fairly confident they will stand up and the company will stand behind them.
Time will tell, but I don't think I could have got a better headset for the money.
Cheers,
Grant

[frontside_air]

+1 for ITE
ordered direct from clarity aloft, been using for under two years in a citation. well built and very light, 35-45db attenuation, line in for ipod, can't say enough about it.
http://www.clarityaloft.com/

[Liquid Charlie]

Thanks Guys -- I am really looking at the lightspeed -- been wearing an (custom fit) ear bud for years -- need to replace my existing headset and the lightspeen caught my eye -- not sure if I will use both ears but I guess I can try since I wore a dummy plug also custom fit -- pricey though so one has to make sure before buying -- i did read one article and it was stated the custom ear plug eliminated the problems with the mike "sagging" since it's what's stuck in your ear supporting most of the headset.

Seems a little cheaper to order from the states depending on what taxes they nail u at the border with -- GST for sure but I don't think they collect PST ?????

[...]

Does ANYONE know if some have used it for Turbo props OR if it's ever been used for that purpose other than turbo 'fancy' fans ...are the db's just as much as the ole school David Clunks?

Also...anyone here using it...does it in time cause uncomfortable discomfort in any way...AND are the foam inserts easy to replace and how often? It seems a little gross having ear wax all over the controls from the previous guy because he's out of foam inserts...

[LongShanks]

Well...

Remember that with the Clarity Aloft set you can go to the hearing aid shop and custom fit the moldings to your ear - same as a hearing aid. I have done this and I tell you I will never use anything else. Currently I run the Jetstream and the BE200. Its quiet, comfortable, light and clean. Best piece of aviation equipment I have ever bought. With the clarity aloft set you get a 1 year full refund return and a three year total warranty. You can find the Aloft sets on Ebay for a good price.

Cheers.

[Hedley]

Clarity Aloft must be inserted PERFECTLY to
get the advertised noise attenuation. And in
really noisy cockpits, they simply can't
attenuate the fatiguing bass as well as ANR
can, which after a few hours takes it's toll.

Go for the Telex Stratus 50D if you want
the most attenuation you can get. I don't
even remember how many pairs of these
we have.

[xsbank]

I'm sorry................ is it only older pilots who get "boom droop?"


Oh Gawd