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David Clark Noise Cancelling Headsets

farmerflier

Private Pilot
Joined
Nov 9, 2024
Messages
683
Which one is the best in your opinion?
Not interested in other brands, strictly about the best David Clark with noise cancelling.
Thanks in advance.
 
I don't know anything about DC ANR, but I'd suggest you start with the ANR set that starts with the highest Passive Noise Reduction numbers, so that if/when the electronics fail in flight you still have a fair amount of noise suppression.
 
At one point a few years back, I bought -- and we both flew with -- every major headset company's top of the line ANR headset. The David Clark One-X model kept losing its earpad.

In the end, we liked the Lightspeed the best. It was equal to the Bose in most respects, but the Lightspeed was significantly cheaper and more comfortable. Their service is also superior. We currently have a Lightspeed Zulu 3 and a Bose A30 in the front seats of our plane and swap them back back-and-forth. But our original conclusion stands, except that now they are equal for comfort and the price difference is even greater.

For another day or two (until January 13), Lightspeed offers a holiday discount on the Zulu 3.

 
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In the end, we liked the Lightspeed the best. It was equal to the Bose in most respects, but the Lightspeed was significantly cheaper and more comfortable. Their service is also superior.
I’m convinced that Lightspeed made an early decision to emulate David Clark’s legendary customer service.
 
Not sure why you are dead set on DC. Try a few others and then decide.

We started out with DC H10 - 13S many years ago (2005). After trying different ANR sets I settled on the Lightspeed Zulu's for the bluetooth and overall comfort and sound. Mary went through the DC ANR headset, the clarity aloft and finally decided that the Bose X was best, for her. So that's what we each fly with and have a spare Bose X at all times for a backup.
 
Lot’s good stuff in here so far, and I agree with everything listed. As for David Clark’s I currently have two types and like them both. Here are my thoughts on the two sets and a couple others:

- DC H10-13.4 Passive - Very good headset. Over the ear design and does a good job of quieting things so I can hear ATC and students when giving lessons and incentive flights. The price was good at the time and the reliability is the best I have had for any headset. Transportability is kind of bulky and you’ll need your own case as it didn't come with one when I purchased them years ago… that may have changed.

- DC PRO X2 Active - Great Headset. On the ear design and does a better job of quieting outside noises allowing me to better hear ATC, students better, but does let a little more outside noise in just based on the design. Price is fair for what you’re getting. If you don’t like an “on-the-ear” design, avoid this model. They do make a “on-the-ear” version of this, but it’s less compact as this one. Regarding transportability, this is the most compact and it comes with its own case which is nice. Customer service on DC’s is among the best I have seen. If it breaks they’ll make it right.

BOSE

- Bose A30 - Excellent headset. This is one of my top 2 favorite headsets. The ANR is the best out there with no interference. The headset folds down at the top making it the second most compact unit when not in use of the sets I have. It also comes with a case, which is nice to have and protect your investment. The only drawback here is that is it the MOST expensive headset out there, but you do get what you pay for… not sure about the customer service as I have yet to send it in for anything, but time will tell.

LIGHTSPEED

- Sierra - Good headset. This unit folds at the top and has its own case which is nice. The price is very reasonable as it has many of the benefits its bigger brother the Zulu has, but at about half the price. These are great middle of the road headsets and something I would recommend if you don’t like an on-the-ear design I mentioned above. As for customer service, it’s by far the best out there hands down. DC is right there with them, but I prefer Lightspeed as they are very personable.

- Zulu 2/3 -Excellent Headset(s). I mention both as the 3 is just an improved version of the 2 with virtually similar performance (I honestly can’t tell the difference between the two). You might be able to find an older version on Barnstormers of the Zulu 2 if you’re wanting the quality, but prefer not to throw down the cash for a new one. I prefer the 3 as it has a nice Kevlar braided cord which should last a long time. If something breaks, just send it in and your whole headset will be refurbished if it’s still within the warranty timeframe… if not, the price is VERY reasonable.

Overall, I would try a headset from a flight school, instructor or someone you know before throwing down the money for one, especially on a budget. Additionally, Barnstormers is a good location for headsets that other pilots have lightly used and moved onto something else. Whatever you end up with you’ll be happy with, but if you get an introductory headset without active noise cancelling, plan on purchasing something within 1-3 years if you try one with. My dad said he wouldn’t ever do that and he owns a couple of Lightspeed Zulu’s himself. Good luck and safe flying.
 
I used David Clark's for many years, right up through their first noise canceling model, the DNC. My problem with their and most other passive headsets was clamping pressure. After a couple hours of flying, it was annoying or painful and after a full day, it was quite fatiguing. Although the first Lightspeed models were a bit fragile, they were so much more comfortable, that I became an immediate convert to noise canceling sets.
 
I have an original Zulu and a Zulu 3 that is a factory conversion from a Zulu 2. They put better cables and a new control box. I also have a few passive David Clarks.

I really like the Lightspeeds, but I do find their materials degrade after many years of use. My very old DC passives still have functioning ear seals and headbands, whereas the Lightspeed foam has disintegrated. I've gotten replacement softgoods and the electronics still work great, but perhaps the DCs would hold up better over time. The cables of my original Zulu has also frayed where it enters the control box with little use. It seems to just be falling apart, just like the foam. The control boxes are covered with some sort of material that gives them the matte look. That becomes sticky after many years. You can take it off with denatured alcohol, but that takes along any labels on the control.

I'd still consider getting a new Lightspeed if I needed another headset, but would also look more in depth at the DC One-X. My Bose noise cancelling headset (non-aviation) have suffered the same fate as the Zuluz with respect to the soft goods disintegrating from old age. I recently found one in my closet that I hadn't used in years, and the ear seals just fell apart. They were in great shape the last time I used them. I found my Lightspeeds more comfortable than the Bose. There is a great deal of personal preference and individual head shape characteristics in deciding which headset is most comfortable. Best to take Sporty's up on their offer to try them on.
 
it seems to me that choosing a headset is like choosing between boxers and briefs -- what's comfortable on you may not be on someone else and vice versa. However, different models from the same manufacturer tend to fit/feel the same. If the OP has tried the various manufacturers (DC, Lightspeed, Bose, etc) and only DC is comfortable on the OP's head, then limiting the search to DC's makes sense. But if that's not the case, I'm really curious why the OP is stuck on DC.
 
Since this has gone beyond the original stipulation of only DC, I'll add another option. I'm still using a pair of FlightCom PNR headsets from the mid 1980's. When ANR came out I bought a retrofit kit from Headsets Incorporated, Now Active Headsets Incorporated, https://www.headsetsinc.com/

They have many other options, but you can still retrofit your current PNR headsets if you like the fit and feel of them. The skill required to retrofit seems rather modest, and you or E should be able to do it without much problem, if you know how to drive a soldering iron.

My wife got a pair of LightSpeed (Zulu's I think) several years ago and we traded on part of one flight, and I couldn't tell a significant difference in NR between the two.
 
I have a DC One X and love it. ANR is solid and the sound quality is excellent. For me, the fit is fine for longer use, but headsets are a really personal item that fit everyone differently.
 
Thanks everyone, amazing input.

To answer why DC, well they seem to fit me, and the girlfriend well.
They have earned my loyalty by being awesome!
Bose is a no from me, I'll never by them.
But other brands like lightspeed are a possibility.
 
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