Clarity aloft vs. QC15/Uflymike
 

I am instructing now in single and flying light twin building time. My 13 year old Telex headset which I paid $125 is on its last leg. It's also very noise.

I am looking at couple headsets to use now for few months flying pistons and at the regionals once I get there. Planning to apply in couple months.

Ideally it would have to suit GA flying as well at regional. Of course regional usage would be the main thing as that's where I'm hoping to be soon.

I used the search function for both of these headsets and got good reviews for both.

Which do you prefer?

Bose QC15/Uflymike TSO'd will run around $600 and Clarity Aloft Pro bit over $650.

Thank you very much!

Given the two choices, I chose the QC15 combo. However, I would suggest adding the QT Halo headset. Cheaper, lighter, easier to repair and super comfortable.

I can't imagine using the clarity aloft headset in a GA plane. I thought it was too loud in an RJ. As far as the QC15 is concerned, it's the better of the two, but don't bother with the TSO'd version. The only difference is that the TSO'd version has earbuds (that go under the headset) to provide audio in the event your battery dies.

Honestly, I'd pickup a pair of the A20 bose with their 0% financing. $100 a month for 12 months. Your ears will thank you.

Oh, and full disclosure, I have the A20 now and I love it.

If you are considering the Aviation X headset from Bose, you could pick up a used pair and buy new earcups/headband pad/mic cover for cheap from bose and have a virtually new headset that is 90% of the A20 performance. The only downside is the X is less comfortable than the A20 and would not have a warranty like the A20 does.

I'd say keep your money. As a new hire FO you'll need it. The companies all provide headsets, and wipes.

9e does not.

I have the QC15 and think it is great. I did not do the TSO'd version.

I have used qc15 in the 172 and lear 45. It works well in both, but not as well in the 172, for obvious reasons.

Wait, what? There aren't headsets in the airplanes? Every pilot needs to bring their own on their own dime? I've never heard that before, but if true 9E is even more cut-rate than I thought.

Anyone owned both?

It's true. No aircraft headsets.

I have used the standard version of the Clarity Aloft (non TSO) for about 7 years. I have used it in turboprops and the ERJ. It is extremely quiet as long as you don't use the eartips too long and you have the proper size tips for your ears.. I change out the eartips about every 60-80 hours or so, they work really well and keep it super quiet for about 30-40hrs, but still acceptable (70%) if you run them longer (they are about $2 a pair now I believe). I would always just get a 6 month supply. I REALLY liked the headset, very light, forget you are wearing it, music input, I have stood up a couple times and forgot I had it on, also it's nice on the ground, you can put one eartip in for the radios and keep the other one out for talking to the other pilot/FA on the ground .. but for some reason my cheek bone on the left side does not cooperate with the mike boom. I would always have a 2" red mark with a slight dent on my face for about 2 days after a 4 day trip. No, I'm not fat, at all. I tried modifying it, spacing it out, bending it.. Nothing really worked. (I actually broke the headset in half trying to bend the boom so it wasn't riding on my face. Clarity Alofts excellent customer service actually replaced the whole headset free of charge, + gave me a new hard case) It was years past the warranty when this happened. Can't beat that kind of service.

Every person I let try the headset went out and bought one. I have many friends that bought the PRO for the TSO.. they have problems. I have tried swapping with someone as well to see for myself.. the pro in the ERJ has noise feedback issues sometimes, its annoying.. not sure why, but the regular Clarity works flawless for everyone I know. I have heard this from at least 10 people. I would get the standard version, it's cheaper and better. Nobody cares about the TSO anyway. In thousands of hours 121 and many FAA jumseaters I have never once heard a peep about the headset. Nobody asks, nobody cares. Worse case, play dumb if they say something, put it away and wear the Company issue for one flight.

Since I had that issue with the permanent red mark on my face, and got tired of that, I went to the QC2-ufly. A few reasons.. I am a commuter and wanted it for the back of the plane for movies, music on the ipad, to block out listening to stupid people and their screaming babies.. and because it's still pretty lightweight and comfortable. I like it.. only real downside now is having to use batteries, and it's not as good with sunglasses, but that is about the same hassle as changing eartips when the clarity gets loud. For me, Clarity was quieter with fresh eartips.. opinions vary here.. but they both are good.. and now I have a great headset for commuting in the back as well. Can't go wrong with either.. If you are a commuter or travel a lot I would go QC2, If not I would highly recommend the Clarity "standard". It's lighter and better for just strictly flying.

Resale is still high on ebay. I got $425 within a day for my old standard Clarity ALoft.. you could always sell it if you don't like it, Used QC2s on there too.

I own both, and honestly, I'd skip them both for an RJ. The CA is awesome om the Saab and in GA planes, the QC15 is good in everything, but the mic kind of sucks in terms of background noise.

Save your cash and just buy an A20. I've used one and it is superior to both of the headsets that I have.

sorry, i meant to say QC15.

You know there is a gain adjustment and when you turn the gain down, I guarantee it will be one of the quietest mics out there.

Not headsets provided at OO either. I have a Telex Airman 850. Works pretty good.

ASA HS-1A. Under $100. Bend the metal frames so they dont clamp your ears. Save your $ for gas and cup-o-noodles.

ASA: AirClassics HS-1A Headset

I'd throw my vote in for the QC-15. The mic twists up in kind of a funny way, but I've never met anybody who had problems with quality or functionality. Also, I think its huge that you can use it deadheading, commuting, or for whatever at home. I've flown with guys who have the clarity aloft headset and they like it, but I don't think it really brings anything that spectacular to the table unless you really hate the feeling of wearing a headset.

I used the Bose X for two years in King Airs and a 1900C, then used it for my first year in the RJ before I got a Telex 850. I can endorse both of those headsets without reservation, however I understand if someone doesn't want to pay $1,000 for a headset or $450 for a lightweight headset. That said, keep in mind you will spend more time using this little device than you do your phone, car, watch, surfboard, motorcycle or any other toy you might buy. The Telex 850 is very durable, lightweight and gives you enough noise canceling for the CRJ without using batteries.

Sort of a matter of personal preference. Good Luck!

The Clarity Aloft is superior. No batteries, ear tips last at least 100 hours (if you don't have nasty ears) Extremely light on your head for those dreadful 7 leg days. Also very nice in all GA and aerobatics (if you're into that sort of thing) I actually have CA for work and QC15 for DH and nonreving. Dont waste your money on the TSO version though.

Just finished my first trip on the 737 with the Clarity Aloft TSO verson... wow, so nice... well worth the money. BUT, if you are going to be a FO, the boom mike is on the left side of the set, so it might be awkward if you are a FO...

Why is boom mic being on the left awkward as an FO?

Thanks

I just flew a trip on the 757/767 last week using the CA Pro for the first time. Best headset I've ever had. I've used only a few though, David Clarks, Bose A20, Telex 750, and now the Clarity Aloft Pro.

It is extremely light, quiet, & comfortable. So comfortable that was able to wear it for a 5+ hour ATL-LAX leg. I have no feedback issues.


I too thought this might be an issue, but with the provided clips I was able to position the cord. It didn't feel awkward at all. I'm very happy with my investment.

One clip to the shirt under the tie, one on the right epaulet with enough slack to move around, and you're golden.

Yup. Exactly how I do it, and it works great.

I know. I've adjusted it and in order for it to be quiet and not flood the intercom with noise it is so low that no one can hear me. It's a nice setup, but I've found the mic to be sub par.

Not gonna try to persuade either way but I have the standard Clarity Aloft and, though expensive, is extremely comfortable for multiple leg days. I can't do the over-the-ear thing anymore. I know Bose, Lightspeed, etc make light headsets with little clamping but more than 4 legs in a day and my ears start getting irritated with the foam or whatever around the ear.

QC15s would be nice for commuting, though!

Don't buy thr sennheiser hmec 26 but might want to check out the light speed Zulus

I would check to make sure the microphone is positioned properly. If you remove the windsock, you will find a side labeled "TALK". This side should be pointed directly at your mouth and the microphone should be 1/4" away from your mouth. Because the microphone is noise canceling, if the microphone is twisted, you will start picking up more aircraft noise and your voice level will be low.

We have many, many customers using the setup in the RJs without issue, so I am curious of what's happening here. Feel free to call or email if you like and I would be more than happy to help you out.

Brandon
UFlyMike

I personally don't like being paired with someone using the uflymic. They spend most of the trip trying to hold the mic in front of their mouth because for some reason it just won't stay close enough. The A20 works great. I've never been a head clamp guy so it is not for me. I've used the Telex 5x5 for years with a homemade earplug earpiece, but I've recently been shopping for a better solution for both ears as we use the intercom now in the 737. I have to have a TSO headset per our FOM and the sticker shock on the CA was scaring me. I finally got some plastic tubing that is an air line for RC airplanes and a t connector. I use three tubes, one from the 5x5 for sound to the T, then one from the T to each ear terminating in a regular orange Howard leight earplug. I melt holes in the earplugs using a torch to heat a small drill bit, then plunge the hot bit into the ear plugs, but not all the way through. Fantastic sound quality and you can't tell you are wearing a headset. During the day I clip the mic to sunglasses, but at night right now I have to use the frame the 5x5 comes with until I find a better solution. I'm thinking of clipping it to my earlobe somehow.

I use the Light speed zulu's in GA aircraft. Great headset and they always offer deals to get the price down to around 600. Having said that both the lightspeed and the Bose are not TSO'd. They are not legal to use on a part 121 flight. You can get pink slipped for using either headset unless you were the ear buds with the Bose and no one does that. If you move on eventually to a larger airline you may find you have to ditch the bose.

Not true. Only if your company SPECIFICALLY states in the FOM that a TSO headset is required do you have to have one. If not you are free to use a can with a string tied to it.

I've used the Bose/uflymic set up for two years on two airframes and still love it. Can't beat them for commuting, using on overnights, running etc. I've never had any issues. Battery typically lasts nearly a month. I use rechargeables, carry three with me.

I always wanted the Clarions, but the price pulse versatility of Bose won me over.

Where can one buy plastic tubing, Y connectors and in-line connectors.... to build a dual ear set up....on the Telex 5x5?

I bought some locally at a hobby shop but this is the stuff I got.
Pressure Tubing 10' Red/Purple (rob169) Robart RC Airplane Retractable Miscellaneous

They probably have the T connectors on there somewhere. You only need one. PM me and I'll send you a picture of my setup if you want.

I use the aloft . Simple , light , biggest thing no dam batteries :) .

I did try them out in GA , it works but u do hear noises you never heard before from the engine lol. Was kinda creepy tell you the truth .


Also for some reason when u have the aux plug into a iPod or phone the static noise drops a lot .anyone notice that ?

I noticed it just drops the volume all together, I usually have to give it about a quarter of a twist up to get it back to my normal level.

This is me!... My UFlyMike has NEVER stayed where I put it, always tries to straighten out, away from where it was (attempted) to be placed. I was having bigger problems with the UFly-jack/cut-out problem, which was satisfactorily resolved by the maker, but waited too long(out of warranty) to realize/address the flexible-mike problem. I have used other pilots' UFlyMike/QC-15 combo that had a mike that stayed where you put it, so it's not a universal problem. But it has been a great source of frustration for me and my fellow cockpit crewmembers.

We can fix that. Give us a call. Mike, UFlyMike LLC

4 year BUMP!...:D

question...Clarity Aloft users had feedback issues in the Embraer 145 via the audio panel. Do any Clarity Aloft users have any feedback issues in the Embraer 170 175 or 190?

Thank you!