Just wanting to see what headsets you guys recommend, been using David Clark’s but keep hearing about how great A20s are. Are they really worth the money? Thanks guys!
Wyatt,
Every penny. I still have mine from 2014. I always say if it’s something that you’ll get good use out of, it’s worth the investment. A quality and comfortable headset is crucial. I’m a huge Bose fan. I will admit though, I’m bias. I’ve never tried anything else aside from cheapo DC. Not all DCs are cheap though. They make some good sets. I’d stay away from the DC PRO X though. Over ear is better than on ear for GA aircraft, IMO.
Tory
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Wyatt,
This conversation comes up from time to time and my answer has remained unchanged. Bose, Bose and did I mention BOSE?!? Quiet, comfortable, durable, great service. You’ll be wearing a headset for a while, why suffer with a cheap one when eventually you’ll want to upgrade?
Now let’s welcome Chris with the anti-Bose…
Adam
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Wyatt,
Adam is right, I am not a fan of Bose. I feel that they make a strange tone in my ears that I do not care for. It has been several years since I tried them on though, so they could have gotten better.
Chris
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I started with the DC h10-13.4. When I got my PPL, I sold it and paid the difference to get the lightspeed Zulu 3’s. Everyone had the Bose A20, so I wanted something different. LightSpeed Zulu 3’s are amazing and comfortable.
P.s I bought my brand new pair of zulu 3’s for 650 (retails for 850) from someone off of ebay who changed thier mind on joining flight school. Keep your eyes peeled online and you might get them at a bargain.
The Zulus, while may be amazing and comfortable, are not TSO certified. My airline requires that every pilot supply and maintain their own TSO certified headset.
Tory
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That’s not something I was aware of! I’m in the same boat moe was after getting his ppl. I’ve got no issues with my old school DC’s, (new, old stock. Came in the box which still has the date on it, they’re older than me 
) other than I look around and literally EVERYONE at my location has the a20’s. I’m even one to go against the flow of the convention. I realize that I’ll probably end up with a pair of the Bose anyway, so why waste money on another headset, just to end up buying the Bose. Still have a hard time spending that much money on what I would usually see as just a pair of headphones
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Neal,
The choice is yours and it is “just a headset”. That is until you have a few 14hr duty days. Trust me those DCs will start to feel like a vise on your head and the constant engine humming will sound like nails on a chalkboard.
If you drop $1,000 on the Bose and use them for a year or 2 flying weekends you’re right, they’re too much money. But if you use them daily for all your training, 2-3yrs as a CFI/ Part 135, 5-7+ at a Regional, then they’re no longer expensive. They’re an investment.
Adam
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Oh, I totally know it’s worth it. The numbers make sense, I’m not arguing that. It’s just still that knee jerk reaction. I just barely passed 20 hrs today. Being in the PNW at the tiw location, I’ve still got a bit of time to get my upgrade headset, especially with a winter that’s basically constant low ifr. In all reality, I know I’m going to end up with Bose, so why fight it, and why waste money on something, even like with the lightspeed, which, from what I hear, aren’t bad. I just know that things don’t just HAPPEN to be the near unanimous choice.
As I’ve learned, buy once, cry once
I’ve used the Faro Air in-ear set and looking at getting some Clarity Alofts soon. I really love how lightweight, simple, and comfortable they are. I don’t really like the over ear style headsets. The only thing I’d say is that it can be weird at first trying to get the earpiece in at first but after a couple flights it’s pretty easy. I think it really comes down to personal preference at the end of the day. Bose seems to be a popular option though. I’m not anti-Bose but I don’t think they suit me.
Economically speaking, David Clarke’s are not bad and I have found them comfortable, but Bose A20’s sound nice, I’d prefer to wait until they come out with a newer and updated version before I intend to use a new headset on a tax write-off purpose with a 1099 from being an instructor. 
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+1 for Clarity Aloft. I’ve got a big head (7 7/8 range) and most overears I tried felt like clamps. Also nice to not have to sneak sunglass frames in underneath an overear covering.
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I would say invest in the Bose! Worth the money and your hearing in the long run. My first CFI always said, “how much is your hearing worth to you?” He has a point!
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