First Headset – Used vs. New, Stereo vs. Mono, Passive vs. Active
Asked by: Aslam Nathoo 10316 views Aviation Headsets, General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot
Hello,
I am a student pilot working towards my PPL. I've got about 35 hours in my Log Book and up until now I've been using the school provided headsets (ASA). However it is essentially like I'm kissing every other student because the school doesn't clean the headsets after each use. Now that cold season is coming, I'm thinking of getting my own headset so that I can avoid the inevitable viruses that will start spreading amongst the students. Plus who knows where some of those mouths have been! :)
I've been looking primarily at Passive headsets just due to the price point and I know my instructor uses a Passive David Clark H10-13.4 which he recommends highly. I have a few questions though:
- Is it worth it to buy a used headset (e.g. David Clark H10-13.4) for about $100-150 less than retail or should I just bite the bullet and buy new? What are the risks of buying used?
- I noticed with the DC H10-13.4 headsets that there is a Mono and a Stereo version? Anyone know why I would need the stereo version? In what situations would one use the stereo feature? I know that the ASA headsets the school uses are always set in the Mono position.
- As this is a hobby and I'm not flying all day every day for work or anything like that, can you confirm that I'm on the right track looking at a Passive noise cancelling one. Consider that I usually fly twice a week for about an hour each time and that I will likely fly the same or probably even a little less once I have my license.
I know that these questions are rather basic, particularly the Mono vs. Stereo one, but I couldn't find a good answer to that one online. I'm hoping to learn from the wisdom of you all so I get started on the right path.
Thanks,
Aslam
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