RyanP , 02-24-2013 03:07 AM
Gets Weekends Off
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.