Headset
 

I'm thinking about buying either a Bose or a Zulu for use in the CRJ-200... anyone have any insights? Here's why I'm considering each

Zulu: I like the added features (bluetooth, music plug-in with comm fadeing) and the fact that the ear pieces fold flat and would fit in a flight case better
My question is how is the quality of the headset? (i.e. fit/comfort/sound quality/ANR)

Bose: I've tried the bose and know I love the comfort and ANR but it lacks the extra features and also it does not fold flat.

I would love to hear input from someone who has used both or either... thanks

Bose QC2 with the UflyMike adapter. Best headset money can buy. Folds flat, amazing headphones for DH's, fits really well in the flight kit. Half the cost of the Aviation X. www.uflymike.com

Bose X for a CRJ? Two words: Over kill. Try a Telex 850. The ANR on the Bose (or any ANR headset for that matter) is most effective canceling noise at lower frequencies (ie. the drone of a prop). The noise in the front of a CRJ is predominately wind noise which is a much higher frequency. I see guys wearing the Bose in CRJs sometimes, but personally, I think it's a big waste of money.

Your flying a crj-200 save your money you might be out of a job soon enough.

most of the guys with the Telex end up wearing ear plugs

Agreed and the Telex is TSO'd.

you are seriously considering a headset because of music plug-in? Grow up! you are at work. You really can go 10 hours without your music. Listen to it all you want at the hotel, but when you are working, pay attention! I have my music playing non-sop once I get to my room, but never have I once considered it a good idea to listen while at the business end of a passenger plane. And what the he-- do you need bluetooth for in a headset? At no time when your duties necessitate a headset should you be handling phone calls.

The QC-2 combo works great. Having the Ipod connection is fantastic when commuting.

The Telex 850 is great. Don't get the 750. That's the one you see people wearing ear plugs with. 8LatRb also brings up a good point. The TSO approval will keep you out of trouble should a headset nazi start roaming through your gear.

...Amen to that. #1...SAFETY FIRST! Have you forgotten that, now that you are a RJ jockey?

Telex 850 work perfectly fine. I have used mine in the CRJ jumpseats plenty of times, and that is all you really need. Plus they cost roughly half as much as any of those above headsets. Save your money...

What in the heck ever gave you the idea that I would listen to my music or use my cellphone while I was working? I wouldn't. I was actually thinking it would be a nice feature for the DH. Also I still do quite a bit of GA flying and I'm sorry but when you're flying a warrior or an arrow its ok to listen to your music while you're flying straight and level for 3 hours. ALSO the bluethooth could come in handy if your at an outstation and can't get a hold of center of FSS on the RCO and you need to call to get your clearance... just saying

Those of you who have used the Uflymike have you run into any problems with authority figures about it?

I own a Bose and fly the RJ. As stated earlier, it's a bit of an overkill but still a great headset none the less. I never use the ANR function as it's quiet enough without it. I've never had a sore head due to the clamping effect most headsets give you.
The headset developed a few cracks on the earcup supports after 4 years. I called Bose who instructed me to send it in and they replaced the broken parts, gave me new ear seals and a head pad type thing, absolutely free of charge. I believe they come with a 5 year warranty.
Yes they do take up a little extra room in the flight kit but certainly don't add any weight.
I can't really comment on the Zulu headset other than I don't believe you'll be needing all the fancy gadgets you mentioned. Save that stuff for when the flights over with and you're away from the bird. I did however, have an F/O the other day who had just purchased a Telex pair (unknown model no.) and wasn't too impressed. He had trouble hearing me and ATC. It may have just been that he was used to his old David Clarks. He mentioned he would try using earplugs with them next time.

Are you at the bottom of someones seniority list?? If so, the Telex probably won't do you much good if you find yourself back behind the controls of a Prop.

So, IMO the Bose is a solid choice if you have the pesos. Great for most aircraft.

No problems with the UflyMike. The owner of the company has a letter of interpretation from the FAA that usage of a non TSO'd headset is alright for airline operations as long as there is an alternate comm system (like a built in mike in the A/C or something along those lines)

Thanks to those of you with constructive input! =D

I use the Bose X in the 900, more so because I bought them when I flew the Saab, and since I already spent the money on them I might as well use them. Besides any prolonged exposure to noise is damaging, even if it isnt as loud as a TP. Plus you only get one set of ears so you might as well protect them.

I have the Bose X from flight instructing. I've tried everything and went back to my Bose. I've tried CA's 850's and they're too loud, need ear plugs. There such a quality difference between the Telex and the Bose for sure. It's a pain to carry around since they don't fit in my flight kit but it's still worth it to me. I'm not just going to let them sit in my closet or something.

As for the iPod, cell phone, blue tooth BS. The FAA will really like you playing with all that $#!T on your line check. As far as I'm concerned, those features mean absolutely nothing in the cockpit.

Telex 850 use it in the ERJ love it. Any one want to but mine I might be out of work soon. Aero Mexico is buying all our fleet :) :) :)

Maybe they'll use those POS EPs right, not filing them heavy at 370.

Check out the Clarity Aloft Clarity Aloft™ Aviation Headsets i've had it a year and often forget i'm wearing it. the noise canceling is better than anything else on the market.

the UflyMike is TSO'd, the QC2 is not. When you read their information page they are very careful on their wording, making it appear that the whole combination is TSO'd, when in fact it is only their mike adapter that is. Some, many, companies do not allow you to use non TSO'd headsets.

the telex 750 guys wear earplugs, the 850 works great, and is TSO'd

The FAA doesn't write the company manuals. If you company manuals say it has to be a TSO'd headset then anything else is opening the door for them to give you trouble. If you can take the FAA leter and send it up the chain of command, perhaps they will change their policy. Until then, the combo is a violation at alot of companies

I'm using the QC2/UFlyMike in the 900 and absolutely love it. As was said earlier, it folds flat, and has other uses such as for deadheads and commuting. Plus it's really lightweight and comfortable, I can wear it all day without it getting heavy or feeling like a clamp, and the headset and mic will all fit in the nice little slim case the Bose provides. I compared it side by side with another pilot's Telex 850 and the difference is more than obvious. Compared to the QC2, the Telex 850 didn't sound like it had any noise cancelling at all. Of course the QC2 does use a AAA battery, but I've been using it for a while now, and the claim of 35 hours on a single battery has been holding up as advertised, if not a little more. If the TSO issue is a problem at your airline, avoid it. But, I've used it with a fed in the jumpseat, and he never even asked about it. We have Telex 750s provided in the airplane (terrible headset), so if I get a fed with an attitude, I'll just put the Telex back on and suffer through that leg.

I have to agree the Clarity Aloft is the best headset I have worn. It's just as quiet as the Bose X but more comfortable and you don't have to worry about batteries.

I have the Lightspeed Zulu and really like it. I fly GA so the ANR and music input is nice and the bluetooth is helpful for FSS communications. If you fly a good amount of GA and are buying a headset anyways, I recommend it.

Clarity Aloft offers two headsets, and only one of them is TSO approved. Unfortunately it's been my experience that the TSO version doesn't work well in the CRJ, tons of feedback and cutting out.