On Wed, 21 Jun 2006 22:46:16 GMT, john smith wrote:

Also, ANR enables you to hear ATC much more clearly.

In my 25 years of flying with my DC H10-40's, I have never had any
difficulty hear ATC due to ambiant noise.

Now guys don't get too hung up on ANR please :-)

I'm sure it's very successful but like Emily said they're expensive
and use batteries which adds another weak point in the system. I've
been flying for 15 years and don't find a problem with passive
headsets, except for the discomfort due to pressure on the side of my
head sometimes and the fact I wear glasses. Understanding ATC is not a
problem unless they have a problem. Usually talking too quiet, to loud
and causing overload or UK military who at times are readability 2-3
(and I've told them they are!).

Most of my UK flights are only up to 3 hours and my longest flight was
from Stella Maris in the Bahamas to Fort Pierce in Florida. With
strong headwinds that was 4.75 hours and I don't remember a problem
with the headset. Not sure my Wife would agree but she uses a
Sigtronics headset.

Going back to my initial request I'm looking for a reasonable cost
headset and would appreciate helpful good and bad points as were
originally made.

I think I prefer Gel earseals but I see 'Pilot, PA-1171T' say
leatherette soft seals - what is that and how do they compare?

Thanks,
David
Scotland UK