David Clark H10-13.4 Aviation Headset

This was the first aviation headset that I got when working on my private pilot's license and I'm sure that this headset will last me for the next decade of my aviation adventures. First off, these things scream build quality. Seriously. They're built even more solidly than the Cessna 172 you're flying. I have no doubt that they will outlast the warranty. Other than durability? Sound quality and comfort matter. The sound quality is about as good as I could imagine for headset without active noise canceling; the large ear cups block out a large amount of noise and I have had no problems hearing anything with these. And comfort is good. After a long cross country, the weight of these can start to bug you, but I have no problem wearing these for three hours. In the price range, I'm convinced that there is no better headset. If you want to spend $1000, go for the Bose noise canceling headphones. If you want to spend $175, do yourself a favor and just spend the extra for these. You'll be happy you did.

I’m a student pilot, today was my first day of flying 1/7/20. I went back and forth between getting an ANR headset or a traditional non ANR headset. I ended up going with David Clark H10-13.4. I can not be happier with my choice. The DC are very comfortable, are built extremely well (made in USA), reduces noise to a good level, and perform well. I am able to hear the instructor, ATC, and other aircraft clearly. I did not get any uncomfortable side pressure from the headset. Very happy with the product. DC has an excellent reputation in the industry and they come with a 5 year warranty. 4 of the 6 instructors at the flight school use the DC products as does my instructor. I highly recommend the product. You will probably need to purchase a case for the headset I am just putting them in my flight bag for now. Aircraft that I fly in is a 172 with glass cockpit.

I went from a pair of Avcom headsets that were good for the price. The David Clark H10's are very comfortable, do not clamp down uncomfortably on your head, and overall do a okay job at noise cancellation. These are an excellent starting pair or second pair if you do not want to spend more money for A20's or Zulu 3's. These will not disappoint! The overall construction is sturdy and comfortable, it is fairly ergonomic, and the audio quality is much better then of the previous pair I was using; assuming you have a decent radio in the aircraft to begin with. I spent about 7 or 8 months before deciding to purchase them, and I regret not buying these sooner. If your just getting into your training, do yourself a favor and spend an extra couple dollars on this pair, it (feels like) it will last you for years and not leave you sore after longer cross country flights. Spend the extra few bucks now, you won't regret it.

Headset is very comfortable and a great option for student pilot or others that don't want to spend $1,000+ on a headset. Works well when using with hats that have a button on top. The head cushion is designed in two parts that allows the hat head button to fit nicely between the two sections. The ear pads are very comfortable and do a great jobs of eliminating ambient noise. Highly recommended.

The product is good and a good value. The problem is in the shipping. Mine was sent to me using the USPS. This is a mistake, and the company should use a different one. Mine arrived several days late and significantly after the day promised.

If you're a new pilot shopping for your first headset, you're almost certainly going to come across the David Clark H10-13.4. There's a reason this headset has been around for so long: it's a straightforward, well-established aviation headset and a perfectly reasonable entry point for someone who isn't ready to spend premium money. For me, though, the limitations of passive noise reduction became pretty apparent once I started flying with it. I'm a relatively new pilot and I'm also a bit older, so my hearing isn't quite what it used to be. In the aircraft I was flying, I found myself having to concentrate pretty hard to hear communications clearly over the engine and cabin noise. On some flights, the noise was enough that my ears would actually start ringing afterward. That's when I started thinking that active noise reduction wasn't really a luxury for me — it was something I wanted. I also think this is an important distinction for new pilots: a headset can be perfectly functional and still not be the right headset for you. The H10-13.4 didn't fail on me; it simply didn't give me the level of noise reduction and audio adjustability that I ultimately decided I wanted for spending a lot of time in the cockpit. That's what eventually led me to upgrade to the Lightspeed Delta Zulu. After trying several headsets, including the Bose A30, I preferred having active noise reduction, adjustable audio/hearing settings, and the additional features offered by the Delta Zulu. I ended up returning the David Clark and putting the money toward the more expensive headset because I figured I'd rather make the investment now than buy another headset later. One other thing worth knowing before you order: a carrying bag isn't included, so you'll want to plan on getting something to protect and carry the headset separately. For a student pilot or occasional flyer who wants a proven, no-frills headset at a lower price, I can absolutely see the H10-13.4 being a good choice. If you're planning to fly frequently, though, I'd strongly recommend trying an ANR headset as well before making your decision. For me, the difference was significant enough that I decided the upgrade was worth it. 4 stars for me. It's a classic and I understand why so many pilots use them. It just wasn't the right long-term fit for my ears and the amount of flying I expect to do. Safe flying, friends!

These are great! I’ve tried the $1000 Bose headphones. Yes they sound better but if you aren’t a flight instructor and you just fly once a week tops these are great. They make some fabric type cover to go over the jell cups so they are warm in the winter and don’t make your ears swet in the summer, highly recommended. I have been using these for about a year. They are holding up fine. (~200hrs) These are kind of like buying a base Corolla. They are super durable and will suit your needs of coms in flight. No one needs anything else. The other part of that is that you don’t really get and “premium” features (bluetooth, active noise canceling, folding up pretty). If that’s a deal breaker then bight the bullet and go with light speed or Bose but for me these work great.

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