jsstevens

On May 28, 1:56 pm, Scien <mmm...@> wrote:
> I know there have been discussions before, but nothing turned up right
> away in my searches.  Can someone explain the differences between
> Sigtronics S-20, S-40, and S-45.  It looks like to me the performance
> specs are roughly equal on them all.
>
> From what I can tell the 40's are made slightly differently then the
> 20, and the 45 has the improved earcups over the 40.
>
> But still all of these still roughly perform the same in terms of
> weight and sound blocking?  Seems funny to me.
>
> Just looking into getting my first pair of headsets, and just want
> something for an fresh student pilot like myself.
>
> Thanks for any help or advice.

There are many entry level headsets. I have a pair of Avcomm AV-200
that I bought from my CFI. I later put gel filled ear seals and they
are still the most comfortable pair I own.

In my opinion - both as a pilot (low time) and as a former live &
recording sound engineer - is that all of the entry level headsets
perform about the same. That said, the most important aspect to
consider is: How do they fit YOUR head? Comfort for something you'll
wear for multiple hours at a time is critical. Fit is critical for
noise reduction, particularly with PNR.

People (including my APOA mentor) swear by David Clarks. They are well
respected. They don't fit my head worth a hoot. I've borrowed an old
pair of Sigtronics (S-40, I think) and they fit like a vise. Very
uncomfortable for me. You will probably be different.

So, bottom line: Try on whatever kind you're going to buy and
preferably wear them for a couple of flights. Borrow them, rent them
from the school, whatever, but actually put them on your head long
enough to know they fit YOU well. You'll be glad you did.

John
PP-ASEL
IR Student