SongMan

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!

wayway8

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.

thump

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.

Mason32

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

tom14cat14

9e does not.

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

mojo6911

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.

Redbird611

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.

SongMan

Anyone owned both?

tcraft

It's true. No aircraft headsets.

RyanP

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.