Bose X Headset?

Question

I'm currently looking for a headset. I would like the bose x set, and was wondering if anyone here has a set. Are they actually worth the $1149? I know they'll be good, but does it justify the price?

I've borrowed a pair of David Clarke X11's, and they were ok, but for the money ($900 or so), they weren't that great.

But I'd like to know about the Bose set, and thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Bose 10 is the hot ticket. I am planning on either getting them for my birthday or buy them this quarter. I can give you a better review in a few months but I think they look worth the investment.
http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?Product_ID=6333&DID=19

Answer 2

I'm a contrarian on this issue but I think I'm right. Note that most of your pro-Bose comments are from people who only wish they had them, not actually have them. I've been flying with the Bose X headset for the last 300+ hours. Before that I put 600 hours on a pair of Telex Stratus. The Bose sells for about $1000 and the Telex for less than $800.

The Bose is more comfortable for most people. They are lighter and less bulky.

The Telex has better overall noise reduction. While I say they're "less comfortable", I've worn them for 9-10 hours a day on several occassions and not had any problems with pain or fatigue.

If the batteries on the Bose go dead (they won't if you have a Bose jack so they can get power from the plane) you'll struggle to hear anything in a loud cockpit, as they have very little passive noise reduction.

If the batteries on the Telex go dead you still have excellent passive reduction. I've forgotten to turn on the Telex and not noticed it for an hour. Then when I turn them on I realize even though the noise reduction has been good, it's REALLY good when I turn them on.

Telex claims 50db total reduction (passive and active). Bose doesn't publish their numbers. Not sure why, but I can speculate.

Bose, as it does for all of its products, relies more on its reputation than its features. I have an expensive set of Bose home theater speakers that are pretty bad. I have a Bose Quiet Comfort headset that actually makes the background noise worse in some settings. I think by setting the price high and doing a reasonable job of noise reduction, Bose has a mystique that makes people think they really need to have a Bose headset.

Look, here's the bottom line: If you have $1000 to spend on a headset, then get the Bose. You'll be happy enough with the noise reduction and people will think you're cool. If you want to save a little money consider the Telex Stratus 50D. You'll put up with a little more weight but you'll get a technically better headset. I think it's the best ANR headset on the market.

If $1000 is a big deal for you, then look at some of the $500-and-under headsets and don't worry about missing anything by not owning Bose.

For some reason people don't like to hear this opinion. I get flamed everywhere I bring it up. I think it proves my point. If the product was just undeniably better its rabid fans wouldn't feel the need to justify and rationalize their $1000 expenditure by trashing everyone who suggests they may have wasted their money. On the other hand, Bose wins all the "best headset" contests, but I think that's the reputation speaking, not the feautres.

Answer 3

I've used the Bose for the last 3 years and yes I would say they are worth it. Before that I used the David Clark H13.4's which were pretty good but the Bose were much more comfortable epsecially on long flights (more than an hour). The first few time I used them I honestly forget I had them on tryed to exit the plane with them on my head and plugged in. Unfortunately they do not offer the option of cellphone or audio mixing like some other mfgs. But I just use an external box for this which works but it's just more wires/plugs to deal with.

Answer 4

Started to use Bose headsets in 2000. 3 hours a day, 5 days a week in a helicopter. I love them, they wear well and are comfortable. A very good investment.

Answer 5

I have one and I love it. It is the best headset I have ever owned. Its comfortable and the noise reduction is good compared to other ANR headsets I have owned. The batteries last a long time as well. In some other ANR headsets I have owned, I was replacing batteries every other flight.

Answer 6

Comfort is everything on long flights. Just depends how well off you are. Keep Looking on E-bay the ear cup padding are replaceable BOSE Dot COM.

Answer 7

Sporty's has them for $995
http://www.sportys.com/acb/showprod.cfm?&DID=19&CATID=94&ObjectGroup_ID=982
And YES, they are worth the $