Clarity Aloft Classic vs Pro Plus
 

I've been using Bose A20 for a few years now and looking to buy an in-ear model. I've heard good things about the Clarity and QT Halo. Clarity has a couple TSO and a couple non-TSO models. Has anyone tried both the Classic and the Pro Plus that can comment on the difference? The only post I could find on this was several years old.

I’ve had both.

Biggest difference is that the Pro Plus is TSO’d. If your airline requires that (mine does), that’s something to factor in.

The other major difference is the microphone boom, which is much sturdier on the Pro Plus.

Otherwise, they’re very similar. If my airline didn’t require the TSO, I’d probably continue to use the less expensive Classic.

I've had the Clarity Aloft, the QT Halo, and the CQ Headsets (link below).

The CQ is the best of the 3 by a wide margin in construction and sound quality. The Bluetooth is fantastic as well.

https://cqheadset.com/about-us/

I am also looking to purchase an in ear headset, does anyone have any experience with the Clarity Aloft Flex vs Pro? The reviews I am finding are also older and hard to find. I'm interested in it so I can swap the boom to either side depending on the seat. Thanks!

Classic
 

I bought a pair of Clarity Aloft non-TSO at Airventure/Oshkosh ‘22 from the Clarity Aloft booth. After speaking at length with the Clarity Aloft salesman at the show, there is absolutely zero difference between the TSO and non-TSO version. I asked him if the FAA requested the beefier boom… He said absolutely not. That came about from pilots requesting it. I then asked about the circuitry, the wiring, the cord, all of it. He kept reiterating adamantly that there is absolutely no difference between the two. Other than paperwork. So except for the beefier boom, you get nothing extra for your money other than the paperwork saying it’s TSO. So I went with the cheaper version. For what that’s worth.

I tried the Pro Plus and the Flex. The Flex is very comfortable, but also flimsy and you need to be careful putting it in the case. Both work well and are comfortable. One annoying thing for some (about the Pro) is that the mic is only on the left side. I didn’t really mind that though. Both are TSO certified and legal for 121 use. A good feature is that they don’t require batteries like the ANR headsets do. The lack of Bluetooth isn’t an issue since we’re not supposed to be using Bluetooth in the cockpit anyway, and also you’d look pretty goofy wearing either headset in the cabin listening to music.

Thanks! TSO and cost aside, which did you find more comfortable? Did the beefier mic feel heavier/strenuous on your ear?

I find the Pro Plus very well made… have had mine for about 2 years now. Very comfortable on long flights… like wearing a pair of sunglasses. I personally don’t find the boom mic pulling anymore than the right side of the headset. Pay for the TSO even though it’s BS… better safe than sorry.

Looks pretty good. How long have you had it? Any issue with check FOs and it not being TSOd?

I had a Classic for over 10 years. Just switched to the Bluetooth model Clarity and also no issues.

Neither are TSO’d and I’ve never been asked by anyone. I honestly couldn’t care less. And if anyone asks I’ll say, “sure”.

Clarity Aloft Classic vs Pro Plus
 

Comfort wise, I’d say they’re 100% identical on my head. Same head band, same ear tips. I don’t feel any difference with the beefier mic; the only real difference for me is that it’s TSOd and slightly harder to move the stiffer mic out of the way to eat!

The mic does stay put a little better on the Pro; I occasionally have to reposition the one on the Classic back in front of my mouth. But not often enough to be an issue.

With both headsets, the weight of the cord can pull down on the whole thing because it’s so light. Using the cord clip on a shirt pocket takes care of that.

This. Just sack up and buy the cheaper one. The company should be paying for this crap anyway.

I started using the Clarity Aloft headset several years ago and love the comfort and utility of it. It did pretty well for the first few years, but the Bluetooth device started to fall apart and the cables started to separate from the headset. In the early years of my ownership, I had a problem and the customer service was excellent and they stood behind their product. More recently, I sent it back to the company and they refurbished the unit for about $200. Within about 18 months, the cables started to fail again and I was getting intermittent loss of communication in the ear pieces. I contacted the company again, but the only option is to send it in to be refurbished again at some unknown cost. I do not feel that the headset is robust enough for professional aviation, where you move your headset around. I need another headset, but I really don’t think that I will get another Clarity Aloft. The CQ looks like it takes the best of the features that Clarity Aloft has but makes them much more robust and more appropriate for professional use.

Abram Finkelstein

I've had similar experience with CA headsets. Love the headset, but they just don't hold up well enough. When I had the first set repaired the earpieces I got back no longer fit with the custom mold I had made, that was pretty frustrating as well.

I had the QT Halo, now I fly with the CA Flex. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I’ll put my thoughts below. TL;DR: Buy the Flex and don’t look back.

QT Halo: Very lightweight, very portable, very comfortable, most affordable option. But, it was not as durable as I would have liked it to be and customer service is just good not great. I felt like this headset was really meant for the GA flyer who puts it on a few times a month. Taking it on an off through multi-leg days really wore it out and I couldn’t help but feel like it was something put together with radio shack parts. If you needed something like parts or ear tips, you had to call the guy (I think he’s a one man band) and place your order. Again, not that big of a deal if you’re a weekend warrior. But if you’re a 121 guy or gal, it just can be more of a PITA.

For my needs, I needed something that was TSO certified (company requirement). That meant I was limited in the CA offerings to the Pro-Plus and the Flex. I couldn’t decide between the two, so I tried both.

Pro Plus: I tried it for a few legs, but by the end of the first one I knew it wasn’t for me. The added weight of the larger boom mic pulled down on my ears and I felt like it just wasn’t very comfortable. Felt very sturdy, but wasn’t comfortable. Also, the case was quite large. Not quite as big as the Bose case, but too large to throw in a flight bag really.

Flex: Took a little bit of getting used to, but once I did man was is comfortable. It “feels” a little flimsy as others have described, but in reality is actually very durable. The flimsiness comes from the minimal materials they use to put the headset together which I find is its greatest attribute. Other things I really like about it is the ability to disconnect one of the ear pieces. Depending on what/where you fly, you may or may not have hot mics so you end up having one ear off so you can yell at the other guy to put the flaps down. With the Flex, the little cord comes completely off so you don’t have one ear dangling like you might on the Pro Plus. Also, having the ability to move the boom mic over to the other side is really nice. It doesn’t sound like a big deal until you fly on an augmented crew and have to sit in both seats. Yes, it is true that most people in that scenario just have ATC on the airplane speaker, but in some parts of the world that makes difficult ATC transmissions impossible to understand. My headset is comfortable enough I just leave it on the whole time. Also, the case is very small and the headset folds up nicely. Isn’t quite as portable as the QT Halo case, but is significantly smaller than the Pro Plus case. 10/10, would recommend.

My last point is about Clarity Aloft as a brand. Their customer service is fantastic. They went out of their way to work with me when I was trying to decide which headset to buy and I was totally impressed. If you need anything, they are the best. Also, their headsets are sold in many of the Crew Outfitters locations around the country. So, when you need ear tips or parts, you can just stop in and pick some up and not have to mess with calling and ordering.

I've got a CQ and I've been seriously considering using it in the RJ. I do not have the BT version but I'm wondering if a Blu Link would work with it. Probably.


Do you have any issues with the mic or the gain? It seems like the field of sensitivity for the mic is VERY narrow and you've gotta be in exactly the right place to be heard - had less problems with the QT in that respect. I know the adjustable gain is nice - I've fiddled with it in the RV but not enough to make a difference.

Thanks for the well thought out response. The Flex looked a bit cumbersome and from what I have been told it was a pain to throw it in and out of the case, so I went with the Pro Plus. If I don't love it, I'll give the Flex a shot!

I am a standard CA user. While mine was in for repairs (10 yrs old) I used the flex loaner they sent me. Hated it. The mic boom would not stay where I wanted it, the cord coming off the headset hits your shoulders awkwardly, it’s not made for the rigors of 121. The standard CA is more than enough.

Anybody else have the ear buds come off in your ear canal using the clarity? Happened to me a few times when was still using it. Scary!

Never had that happen with the Halo or CQ headset.

have been using about 3 years and this has never happened while wearing. I have had them come off when putting back into the case… must have accidentally twisted them.

I had this happen once when using an off brand earbud. I don’t know if I’d say scary but it was difficult to get the damned earbud out. It was my first attempt at off brand earpiece so those went right in the trash and went back to on brand. No issues other than that.

No experience with the other headsets. I have the classic CA. Bought it used on ebay. Love the headset. Yes, my airline requires TSO. No, nobody cares. Only complaint is the case is unnecessarily large. Enjoyed the discussion above because when I bought it, I couldn’t find any online comparisons where others described wearing more than one ‘in ear’ headset. Just ones that loved, sometimes not so loved, the first one’s they bought.

I’ve had the CA pro version for over three years and paid for the custom ear molds. Game changer vs the tips that come with them. I’ve used it in the CRJ’s, E175, and now 737. It’s comfortable and light weight even after 6+ hours across the Pacific tracks. However, my complaint is that the mic is so sensitive it picks up all the background noise in the 73, and if I accidentally touch the mic you’d think I had thumped it hard. So I’m quick to get the intercom off for my own eardrums and the people I fly with. Also, the last three trips-first flights in a new airplane and the right ear has distorted sound, it usually goes back to normal once we get to cruise. Nothing appears to be wrong with the cords, etc.



Anyone know how to turn/tone down the mic sensitivity? I do miss the mic of the A20, that one was nice and quiet even on the intercom.

How hard is it to don an oxygen mask with an in ear headset?

I think easier than an over the head one. Just put on the mask. Goes right over top of the in ear headset, doesn’t cause any problems.

Yeah, this.

Strange question. Seems obvious.

Clarity Aloft Classic vs Pro Plus
 

Is it true the CA doesn’t have sidetone while on intercom?


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No that’s not true. It sounds like any other headset.

Obviously at that point you have an emergency, but it would still be extremely unpleasant to have loud “darth vader breathing” blasted directly into your ear canal by the clarity aloft. Yet another reason to always have foam earplugs in underneath whatever headset system you use…..so you can establish comms over the interphone and listen over the speaker.

I'm using the CA Pro Plus, but I've never tried getting the oxygen mask over it. Are you guys talking about the full face quick donning mask? I don't get how you're supposed to move the boom mic out of the way of the mask

I had to use the mask with the CA. I took it off, donned the mask and put the speaker on.

I'm concerned about potentially being in a noisy situation, say if fuselage compromised, or windows open for smoke removal (those are the 2 i can think of off the top of my head)

But I contacted CA about this, and they thought me how and I made it work in the sim. You put the mask harness over your head, then you pull the mask right first, then only you slide in down then slide it left onto your face. Basically instead of sliding the mask straight down onto your face, you have to bring the mask down on the right side of your face to avoid the boom mic. Then you just adjust the boom mic as necessary, which i found that pulling it down is the best option since the bulk of the mask doesn't really extend down below your chin.

i had the flex and returned it. The mic boom is flimsy and short. Wasn’t impressed with the quality of the wiring going to the earbuds either.