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Bose ProFlight Series 2--My thoughts

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Bose ProFlight Series 2--My thoughts

Old 05-13-2020, 04:24 PM
  #1  
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Default Bose ProFlight Series 2--My thoughts

With all the hype about the new Bose ProFlight Series 2 headset, I wanted to try a pair because they look so radical from any aviation headset I've tried in the past. I own both a QC15 and QC35 and have non-TSO'd aviation adapters with boom microphones (you know the two popular models) for these as well. First off, the TSO part is big for me since my employer requires it. All Bose products are TSO approved for aviation use. You might ask yourself "why do I need that?" Most companies that employ pilots require it so why get something with a future TSO promise or a headset that's not compliant? A headset that is TSO compliant means it meets minimum performance standards defined by the FAA--nothing more. If you are going to spend money on a headset that will last you many years down the road, why not ensure it's TSO compliant?

I received my ProFlight Series 2 headset with fast 2-day shipping. The box was similar in size to the box my Bose QC35s came in. The headset case inside the box was larger than I thought it would be since the headset looks small and lightweight.
The case is black with two zippers around the outside and the Bose name etched on the front. Its overall size looks like a standard QC35 case but deeper and the headset itself was secured with black twist ties on a plastic backing. There is a small pouch that's velcroed to the left side of the case that contains 2 AA batteries, small and large ear adapters (medium are already installed), a carabiner to carry your case with, 2 plastic wire clips to hold the cord somewhere like a shirt, and lastly, a rubber lanyard for the power pack. I have the 2-plug style for general aviation but Bose also makes these with other plug styles.

When I first took the headset out and played with it, I was amazed how light it was. It only weighs a couple of ounces and it's very easy to forget it's on your head. The headset is a little flexible and at first, I questioned the ruggedness but after using it for a couple of months, it seems to be built flexible and strong. My only problem has been is I forget it's on my head at times. I have ripped it off my head multiple times climbing out of my seat but Bose does offer a 5-year limited warranty in case it breaks. The batteries were easy to install and there are multiple switches inside the battery case to change settings on the headset. One that I really like is the double tap on an earpiece to stop the noise cancellation in just that ear. This allows me to hear others in the cockpit without removing my earpiece because the noise cancelling is very good--comparable or better than my QC35s and if you don't cancel it, you'll be saying "what" a lot.

When wearing the headset, the head support is above my ears and the two earpieces dangle on small cords. It took some practice to get the earpieces in properly each time. They go in and actually rotate slightly forward to lock them into your ear. It seams unnatural at first but after a couple of tries, I can do it fast and easily now. The best part about the earpieces being on a cord is I can wear glasses without any break in the noise cancelling seal. Before, my glasses would break the seal on traditional earphones and I'd lose some of the noise canceling effect. The ear molds can be changed in seconds because they slide right off and the new one's slide on--all three sizes are included with the headset. The boom microphone is installed on the left side but easily moves to the right so you don't have a cord running across your body like some lesser quality headsets do.

When the headset powers on, you can definitely hear the noise canceling kick in. Everything goes from "earplug muffled" to silent--after all, that's why I have them and love the noise canceling on these. I've tried the Bluetooth function and it works as advertised. There are settings to listen to ATC and have Bluetooth stop when they transmit, hear both at the same time, or just turn Bluetooth completely off. It's reported battery life is around 45 hours without Bluetooth and 25 hours using it. I've been able to get about a month of flying out of each set of AA batteries. Unfortunately, Bose recommends not using rechargeable batteries because the "power curve" associated with them. Using only 1 set of batteries a month, I think it would be silly to bring a recharger and rechargeable batteries with me anyway--I just throw an extra set in the little velcroed pouch for next time.

Over the course of several months, I have tried the headset both internationally and domestically. It is very lightweight and easily forgettable on top of my head. The active noise cancelation works as well as any over the ear headset I have tried. I do not miss the headache I would get from the over the ear headset clamping down on my skull plus this headset doesn't leave rings around my ears. The only downside is wearing earplugs for more than about six hours. My ear canals get achey and I need to remove them for a couple of minutes--just like wearing regular earplugs but it's a small tradeoff.

If you are in the market to purchase a premium headset, I'd definitely check these out. Getting rid of the "head clamp" style over the ear headset was a huge step for me since this design is so radical. The sound quality both receiving and transmitting with these, like any Bose product, is second to none . I was tired of reading reviews and wondering if these were right for me. I'm glad I gave them a shot and hopefully this will help you decide if these are right for you.
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Old 05-13-2020, 04:48 PM
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Did you buy this headset yourself or did you receive it from Bose to post a review?
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