Who else has struggled with finding the perfect aviation headset? Personally, I've tried out numerous options over the years - from ASA to a Kore headset purchased on Amazon, and even a David Clark headset. But let me tell you, it was a really difficult to find the ideal fit.
That is, until I discovered the Bose A30 aviation headset. After years of searching and testing, I can confidently say that this is the only headset I will ever use. Want to know why?
Let's dive into my journey and see the 3 reasons why the Bose A30 reigns supreme in my cockpit. And don't worry, I'll provide plenty of pictures so you can truly understand the pain I went through in my quest for the perfect headset.
Get ready to learn about the headset that changed my flying experience for the better.
1. Avoids Communication Issues
How Do You Hear Me?
Just to be transparent, I received the Bose A30 headset as a gift to replace my old and worn-out Kore headset. However, this review will be completely honest and share both the positives and negatives of my experience with the Bose A30.
Of course, these are just my personal opinions and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments as well! Let's connect and share our experiences.
My KORE Headset
In the video above you can see my my sad excuse for a headset that I used before I got my hands on the Bose A30 headset.
While my Kore headset served me well and was affordable, if Marie Kondo were to ask me if it sparks joy for me, it would definitely be a hard "no".
Every time I asked "How do you hear me?" the answer was never "loud and clear." One of the most frustrating things during solo flights is struggling to communicate with ATC due to a faulty or unreliable mic.
Renting Headsets
I had to bring along safety pilots just so they could handle radio communications for me. This became especially challenging during the pandemic when sharing headsets was not an option.
Despite disinfecting measures, using a headset that had been used by dozens of other people made me feel uncomfortable.
As a result, I wasn't able to maintain proficiency in radio communications because I was always worried about how well my transmissions were being received.
It wasn't safe or practical to rely on someone else's headset for communication during flights. In aviation, it's important to take all necessary safety precautions, and having faulty equipment is not one of them.
2. Cost Vs. Value:
"It's too Expensive!"
Being a pilot, I often received recommendations from fellow pilots and instructors to invest in a Bose headset. But the steep price always deterred me—I've always been one for discounts and coupons. Brand names never really influenced my decisions.
My ASA Headset
My ASA Aviation headset cost $144 but ended up messing up and I had to replace it with a KORE headset for $135. Unfortunately, I had to buy this headset twice because the mic kept malfunctioning.
My David Clark Headset
I also tried the David Clark H10-13.4 for $499, which was a nice headset but didn't fit comfortably on my big head and poufy hair. It gave me migraines and felt like it was crushing my skull, plus the audio wasn't loud enough. In the end, I went back to my trusty KORE headset.
The Bose A20
I remember when I worked at a flight school and the head CFI advised me to invest in a good quality headset that would last for years, even through a commercial career in aviation.
He showed off his Bose A20, which he had used during his time as an airline pilot and still had while running the flight school.
At that time, the Bose A20 was everywhere and cost $1095. I couldn't afford it, but he pointed out how much I had already spent on multiple headsets that were not reliable.
My Cost
In total, I had spent about $913 on headsets that burned out quickly since I used them every day. The head CFI pointed out that for just $182 more, I could have invested in a high-quality Bose headset that would have lasted me years without any issues and saved me on many headaches(literally).
That's when I realized the true difference between cost and value. If only I had saved up and purchased the Bose from the beginning, I could have avoided all the struggles and expenses of constantly replacing my headsets.
Lesson learned - sometimes it's worth waiting and saving up for something of higher quality in the long run.
3. The Comfort and Features
Comfort and Quality
In my personal opinion, the Bose A30 is the best aviation headset I've owned. Primarily for the comfort and lack of fatigue, it provides me.
The A30 has low clamping force, comfortable ear cups, and amazing noise cancellation that helps to reduce background noise. The unmatched audio clarity easily beats out all of the headsets I tried in the past.
It has cool features, you can mix Bluetooth audio with intercom audio, and it lowers the sound of ambient noise, like the engine noise and provides enhanced clarity with the communications that are transmitted through your headset.
Also, you can use the Bluetooth option and connect it to a mobile device, your electronic flight bags or other audio systems.
Let's get into the technical specifications of this headset.
Bose A30 Features:
- Lightweight
- Active Noise Cancellation
- FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a certified
- Audio clarity with active equalization
- Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Side swappable cable and mic
- Tap control talk-through communication
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Three selectable modes of user-selectable noise cancellation
- Wireless connection for making phone calls or streaming music
Bose Headsets Box Includes:
- Bose A30 Aviation Headset
- 1/8 Connector stereo input cable
- 2 AA batteries
- Control module holder
- 2X Cable clips
- Owner's guide
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
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Bose A30 Aviation Headset with Bluetooth
Takeaway
I think the best approach when it comes to making a decision on which pilot headset you want is looking up honest reviews, and seeing if there's the opportunity for you to try one yourself. Sometimes when you rent an aircraft they might allow you to rent a Bose headset as well, give it a spin and I have a feeling you won't want to go back to any other headset.
Improve your ATC communications and your overall comfort by avoiding my mistakes and getting yourself a reliable headset. After all, clear comms are an important part of aviation safety.
Want Insider Guides To The Best Aviation Gear?
We've got insider tips for enhancing your flying experience. From savvy tricks to quieten the noise with a great aviation headset, to the essential items you'll need in your flight bag—we've got it all covered with our curated list of goodies.
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What is the Bose A30 Headset? Why should you consider an upgrade?
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