Buyer's Guide: The New Headsets

Over the last decade, headsets have become a mainstay for almost all aviators. A continuing flow of information on potentially damaging noise levels has led to greater headset use, and any doubt we may have had can be challenged by an idle conversation with an older pilot who has experienced hearing loss due to a lack of hearing protection. Cockpit noise not only can result in damage to the eardrum, but high ambient noise also can cause pilots to experience fatigue. Whatever the reason for wearing headsets, few people now argue against their merits.

Headsets still offer two different types of protection: passive, in which earcups fit over the ears to muffle sound; and active, a process by which a microchip in the headset helps create sound waves that cancel offending sound. Some headsets are a combination of both. While there are dozens of models in each category currently on the market, there are updates to previous headsets and new models released regularly. Here's an upgrades of the changes within the last year.

lightspeed headset LightSPEED Aviation THIRTY 3G
It's LightSPEED's quietest headset, with comfy leather-covered foam ear seals.
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Power Source: AA batteries or aircraft
Weight: 16 oz. Warranty: 3 years
Suggested Retail Price: $599
Contact: LightSPEED Aviation, (800) 332-2421, www.lightspeedaviation.com

asa headset ASA HS-1
ASA's HS-1 has an adjustable headband that eliminates hotspots from an inconsistent fit. Earcups are made of high-density foam to increase passive noise attenuation, and each has a volume-control knob.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 17.5 oz.
Warranty: Lifetime
Suggested Retail Price: $149.95
Contact: ASA, (800) 272-2359, www.asa2fly.com

avcomm headset AVCOMM AC200P
Equipped with AVCOMM's exclusive patented PNRâ¢ technology, the AC200P dramatically reduces annoying inner earcup vibrations and increases noise attenuation. Its M-60 noise-canceling microphone, with its "active filtering chip," screens out background noise during transmissions.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 13.4 oz.
Warranty: 5 years
Suggested Retail Price: $105.95
Contact: AVCOMM, (800) 845-7541, www.avcomm.com

Bose Aviation Headset X
This new version of the Bose X features a smaller control module with dual thumbwheel volume controls and automatic shutoff. The nine-volt battery has been replaced with AAs, and the microphone boom has been improved for more precise mic placement on either side.
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Power Source: 2 AA batteries
Weight: 12 oz.
Warranty: 5 years
Suggested Retail Price: $995
Contact: Bose, (800) 999-2673, www.bose.com

david clark headset David Clark H10-13.4
The newest David Clark Model H10-13.4 trends toward comfort. Larger earcups are made lighter with Comfort-Gel, plus the headset features "undercut" ear seals and a larger super-soft, double-foam head pad. The headset also includes an advanced noise-canceling microphone.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 13.4 oz. with foam ear seals; 16.5 oz. with gel ear seals and other headpads
Warranty: 5 years
Suggested Retail Price: $315
Contact: David Clark, (508) 751-5800, www.davidclark.com

flightcom headset Flightcom Denali ANR
Flightcom's Denali headset provides a near-custom fit through its canted ear domes that match the angle of the head and ear. It's made with high-impact, resilient-fiber, reinforced-nylon ABS for long-lasting durability.
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Power Source: 9-volt battery
Weight: 13.4 oz.
Warranty: 3 years
Suggested Retail Price: $559
Contact: Flightcom, (800) 432-4342, www.flightcom.net

Headsets Incorporated EM-1
The EM-1 features an impressive four-speaker audio system. If you forget to turn the headset off after a flight, the unit's auto shutoff feature will take care of it.
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Power Source: 9-volt battery
Weight: 22 oz.
Warranty: 3 years
Suggested Retail Price: $399
Contact: Headsets Incorporated, (806) 358-6336, www.headsetsinc.com

peltor pro headset Peltor Communications Pro GT
The Pro GT features redesigned gel ear seals, a wide headband and stainless-steel spring arms for added comfort. The noise-canceling microphone is mounted on a boom that rotates for left- or right-side placement.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 12.8 oz.
Warranty: Lifetime
Suggested Retail Price: $299 Contact: Peltor Communications, (800) 665-2942, www.peltoraviation.com

Quiet Technologies AuriComm
The AuriComm has no headband. The micro-miniature headset consists of earplugs that fit directly into the ear, making it probably the lightest headset on the market. The AuriComm features full stereo sound. Custom ear plugs are available.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 0.4 oz.
Warranty: 1 year
Suggested Retail Price: $325
Contact: Quiet Technologies, (866) 784-3883, www.quiettechnologies.com

sennheiser headset Sennheiser HMEC25-KAP
This lightweight ANR headset offers the Sennheiser Tip-powered system, which eliminates the ANR power plug. Originally designed for airline use, the Tip-powered headset works in any aircraft configured to provide current to the microphone.
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Power Source: Microphone tip
Weight: 5.9 oz.
Warranty: 2 years
Suggested Retail Price: $729
Contact: Sennheiser, (860) 434-1759, www.sennheiserusa.com

sigtronics headset Sigtronics S-58
Built for durability and comfort, the S-58 comes with a choice of large- and small-sized headbands for a custom fit and includes long-lasting, soft-gel ear seals. Sigtronics' exclusive headset cord is highly flexible to prevent breakage.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 11.9 oz.
Warranty: 5 years
Suggested Retail Price: $237
Contact: Sigtronics, (909) 305-9399, www.sigtronics.com

telex headset Telex Stratus 50-D
The Telex Stratus 50-D's patented digital noise-cancellation technology creates a profile of repetitive noise, which allows the Stratus 50-D to predict and cancel the noise before it comes near the user's ear. A custom fit is provided by the patented Comfort Cam tension adjustment and slow-recovery foam ear cushions.
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Power Source: 4 AA batteries
Weight: 18.5 oz.
Warranty: 3 years
Suggested Retail Price: $875
Contact: Telex, (952) 884-4051, www.telex.com

warren g headset Warren Gregoire AIR-680
The AIR-680 is the least expensive headset on the market. Generous ear seals sit below a well-padded headband, and the company is so confident that the consumer will like the product, the AIR-680 comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Noise Reduction Type: Passive
Power Source: None
Weight: 12 oz.
Warranty: 1 year
Suggested Retail Price: $59.95 Contact: Warren Gregoire, (800) 634-0094, www.warrengregoire.com