Bose® Aviation Headset X® -- Portable with Straight Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought a Bose Aviation X headset about six months ago. I found it to be very comfortable - the best, in fact. The clamping force is practically nonexistent, so wearing these all day should be no problem. It is a little pricey, but what's a thousand dollars when you want to protect your hearing? No one wants to get a hearing aid. The sound attenuation is pretty good, I'd have to say, noticeably better than cheap (sub-$400) ANRs.
About a month ago, I got a Lightspeed Zulu headset. The Zulu has a marginally higher clamping force, feels like maybe a few grams. I don't think it is noticeable, and I've worn the Zulu for flights lasting several hours with no discomfort. (Cheaper ANR headsets have had me pulling at the phones to relieve pressure.) It does a better job at attenuating noise than the Bose. I'll say it again: IT ATTENUATES SOUND BETTER THAN THE BOSE. ...And it has an audio port for MP3 players and cell phones. ...AND it has Bluetooth, also for cell phones. ...And it has treble, bass, and a sort of "faux surround sound" option called Front Row Center, which makes the sound a bit fuller. ...And it will turn down the music when someone calls you on the radio.
...AND... it is about $150 cheaper, depending on where you get it.
How is it that Bose is charging HUNDREDS more for inferior attenuation and ZERO aux audio input? Hint: They're Bose. People who don't know any better think Bose is the best there is. While you won't HATE your Aviation X headset, the presence of the Zulu at a significantly lower price, with better features, and which simply does a better job at what an ANR headset is supposed to be really good at... sorry. Not a good value. Not at all.
Do yourself a favor. Go to Aircraft Spruce or some other aviation shop. Try them both on. The Bose has only one advantage, and that is a MARGINALLY lighter clamping force. Is that worth $150 to you? It certainly wasn't to me.
By the way, I've sent other Lightspeed headsets in for service and got FANTASTIC help. Lightspeed is known for replacing stuff that's YEARS out of warranty. Go on any aviation forum and ask around. Bose doesn't have that reputation.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bose® Aviation Headset X® -- Portable with Straight Cable

Click here for more information about Bose® Aviation Headset X® -- Portable with Straight Cable