For those of you who have been around the forum for awhile, you will know that Adam and I have had a long standing feud over whether Bose or David Clark headsets are superior. That being said, I have always used a small, Telex headset.
I recently switched from flying the A320 back to the 737, I had forgotten how loud the 737 is. I went to purchase a noise cancelling David Clark headset, but they were all backordered until next winter. So I finally broke down and bought a Bose A20 aviation headset. $995 from mypilotstore.com
I will be trying it on my next trip this weekend and will have a review for those who are interested.
So after three days with the Bose A20, I will say that they are very nice headsets. I forgot to turn on the active noice cancelling on the first flight I flew with them, but I almost did not notice because the passive noise cancelling is that good. When turning on the active noise cancelling, things really did get quiet, but they do this by making a static noise of their own, which sounds like a white noise, similar to how old TVs would sound when they were not tuned to a channel.
In the past I did not like Bose because they made a strange humming tone that I found very annoying, this seems to have been corrected with the current model.
I do think the price (roughly $1,000) is a bit absurd, but the product delivers and I would recommend it.
I’ll admit, $1000 is absurd. Keep your receipt though. If anything breaks or needs replacement, Bose will fix or replace at no extra cost for the first 5 years.
All kidding aside I’m glad you likes. While i will confess they’re expensive the fact is they’ve actually held the price down for decades (mine were $900 20yrs ago) and are now actually more “reasonable” than they were. As Tory said they have fantastic service. Mine broke a while back, well after the 5yr warranty expired and they repaired and refreshed them no charge.
I’m glad to hear you liked them. I typically just use the passive noise cancelling on a day to day basis. It works well and I save on batteries. However, every once in a while when I’m in an unusually noisy plane or a controller is very soft, it’s nice to have the option of active noise cancellation. The slight hum bothers me for the first 10-15 mins and then I get used to it and hardly notice it.
With the aspirations of getting a new headset when I start at Piedmont, Bose A20’s may be the move. Thanks for your personal review, Chris. I’ve been eyeing them up and holding out for a “newer” model, but like Adam said over a year ago - “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” I may have to try the 60-day trial.
Has anyone tried the Bose Preflight series 2 headsets? I generally prefer behind the neck headsets. Would these not be enough noise cancelation in louder planes?
I’ve thought about switching myself. The only negative things I hear: the noise canceling isn’t quite as quiet as the over the ear (A20) headset due to design and the earpieces don’t stay quite as secure. I’m sure it takes some getting used to.
I had a student once use them in the Archer, they never complained about them. I have no personal experience with the ProFlight Series 2, but like Hannah, I have considered switching from A20’s. Eventually I am sure I’ll try one day… give me a few years, it took my 5 years to switch from David Clarke’s.
Since the thread is alive again! I have to say, the Bose A30’s are a bit lighter than the 20’s, feel’s a bit more plasticky around the outside of ears, but light! And the three levels of ANC is different, but not bad. At least they shipped batteries with the Bluetooth version
Well, that is a great question! It’s quick and easy to call clearance deliveries and get release times (especially in noisy cabins). I’m sure P91/P135 operators have to if they’re going to non-tower airports.
I know when I’m home, I have to call a clearance delivery frequency to get my IFR; and yes, I do fly a little general aviation when I have free time; and yes, I like to file to my destinations
I suppose that reasoning will suffice. But that Bluetooth better not ever be used for nefarious reasons, not that I would ever expect such a thing from you.
So fancy! Is this your first Bose headset? I think I remember you being a David Clark hold out for all your time building. Is this your, “I made it to the airline” gift?
Impulse buy I’d like to think… it definitely is pretty nice, honestly. I’ve had the A20’s for about a year now, around same time Chris got his. I’d recommend trying the A30’s however, the three levels of ANC is nice.
it definitely is pretty nice, honestly. I’ve had the A20’s for about a year now, around same time Chris got his. I’d recommend trying the A30’s however, the three levels of ANC is nice.