tlump51(at)sbcglobal.net
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 Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:25 pm Post subject: Clarity Aloft Headset Review (long) |
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I recently purchased a Clarity Aloft headset and thought I'd let the list know of how it's worked for me. First off, I'm not affiliated any way with Clarity Aloft.
I'm a 300 hour pilot. Most of that time has been acro although I will do an extended cross country here and there. I haven't used a tremendous amount of other headsets, but I am very familiar with your typical flight school passive David Clarks, bargain basement Sigtronics, Bose ANR and I used a Lightspeed QFR Cross Country before I went to the Clarity Aloft (CA). Based on this experience, I would say that the CA headsets are the best I have used.
Here was my purchase criteria (not necessarily in priority):
- Noise reduction
- Comfort and weight
- Communication audio quality and volume
- Good microphone performance
- Good looks
- Good company support
- Rugged
- Music audio quality and volume
- Ability to wear a wide-brimmed hat
Based on this criteria the CA compares well. Here are the pros:
For noise reduction it is at least as good as the Bose. I have a RV-4 with an IO360 and a c/s prop and essentially no sound-proofing and it really quiets things down on takeoff and in cruise.
They are VERY comfortable. I was concerned with the ear plug style headsets due to pressure variation with altitude changes, but this hasn't been a problem at least from sea level to 10K. I know it's a cliche, but after the first test flight I forget I have them on.
The communication quality and volume is also great. I had to turn down my radio from its normal settings.
The microphone works very well. I had a problem with my QFR's during takeoff and other high ambient noise conditions where people couldn't understand me because the mike transmitted so much background noise. This has not been a problem with the CA.
As far as looks are concerned, that's subjective, but the wires sticking out of your ears does look funny to some people. Of course the giant ear cups on the Lightspeed 20 & 30G's look a little funny as well.
As far as company support and ruggedness, the jury is still out because I haven't had them long enough.
Now, for me, here's the best part. I like to listen to music when I fly acro. I have my IPOD plugged into my intercom with a wireless control. Before I had to use a "Boostaroo" (http://www.boostaroo.com) amplifier or I couldn't really hear the music even with the IPOD turned all the way up. With the Boostaroo I was able to hear the music, but now, with the CA I can BLAST the music and the sound quality is great. I have everything from Wagner to the White Stripes to Dizzy Gillespie to Beyonce on my aerobatic play list and it handles them all well. It's really amazing to get that kind of sound quality in a homebuilt airplane.
I flew sailplanes for years and always wore a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off my head. Now I have no restrictions to head wear. I've tried a sailing hat, a fedora and a straw hat and they all work fine. A sombrero would work if it would fit in under my canopy.
I was concerned that the earpieces on my sunglasses would interfere with the CA ear supports. I've tried several pairs of sunglasses. Turned out not to be an issue.
No batteries are required since these headsets are totally passive.
Lastly, I was concerned the headset wouldn't stay put during acro. It's actually better than conventional headsets because they are so much lighter.
Now for the cons:
You do have to put the canal tips (earplugs) in your ears. I wear foam earplugs for other recreational activities all the time so I am familiar with this, but it still takes more time than just popping on your typical headset. Also, if I use the recommended two-handed, overhead procedure, I can't put the canal tips in with my canopy closed. I've found I can easily put the canal tips in by pulling down on my earlobe rather than upwards. With this method the canopy can be closed.
The microphone boom can only be positioned on the left. This hasn't been a problem for me, but may be for some.
They look fragile. They aren't in reality, but I don't feel comfortable tossing them around like I would with conventional headsets. Since you put the canal tips in your ears you have to make sure you don't drop them on your filthy cockpit floor, for instance.
You have to replace the canal tips. They come with a set of 6 that the company says should last six months, but you do have to replace them. I think they will last much longer than that for a recreational flyer, but a replacement set of 12 will cost $24.95.
You may need different size canal tips based on your ear canal size. The company has different sizes, but you may have to do some back and forth and trial and error to get the right ones. Mine fit right out of the box.
If you share the headset with someone, you have to replace the canal tips before you give them to them and after you get them back for hygiene reasons.
No cell phone interface. They are adding this feature and you can get a free upgrade if you are an owner, but you have to ship the headsets back to them.
This is more of a nit, but since I fly a lot of acro, I do a lot of rubber-necking looking for traffic and sight lines. When I turn my head 90 degrees I can feel the CA support band on the back of my neck. This bothered me on the first flight. Now I don't think about it.
The cost $525. A bit pricey in my opinion.
In summary, the pros far outweigh the cons for me. I find myself asking what took me so long to purchase them. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Ted Lumpkin
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