Clarity Aloft Classic Headset

Currently fly Hawker 800/900's. With the new version of the QC15/UFM combo sold out before it was even in stock a search for a replacement headset was on. DC Pro-X: too noisy, felt heavier than a QC and kept sliding off with any forward head movement. Faro in-ear headset: interesting concept but disappointing build and rear brace so large that it would hit shirt collar and displace microphone. The in-ear idea however was intriguing and very confortable, so the Clarity Aloft was next on the list to test. This is by far the best headset I have ever worn! Quality build, better than QC15 noise reduction and INCREDIBLY lightweight at 1oz. Fly around for hours not noticing that the headset is there, that's the feeling. Also makes it easy to chat with pax, unplug one side, listen on other, feels good looks pro. And as a bonus, no helmet head :) Quality volume control potentiometer, handy AUX input (use small BT adapter to make it wireless), comfortable foamies (used one set for 2 months now and no reason to change them yet) and a very nice formed headset bag make this is really great package. Things that some my not appreciate: Takes longer to don. Squeeze foam plugs 3 times, insert. That usually does the trick. Longer in low temps. If not clipped correctly lead will move headset around a little. Safe Flying

After almost 6 years of flying, this is my third headset. I`ve owned the classic David-Clark as a student, then moved on to a Sennheiser HMEC-250 NoiseGard (which was pretty good, definitely a major upgrade from the DC). I`ve also tried the DC PRO-X (superb) and the Bose A20`s. Both are great headsets, however as an Instructor flying around 6 hours a day the traditional headsets were uncomfortable and bulky. That`s why I decided to go with something lighter and much more practical. I`m not disappointed at all. The sound quality is excellent, the noise reduction is as good, if not superior, than the headsets mentioned above, the price is fair and the case that comes with it is perfect (the pocket inside is great for storing an extra pen, documents and scratch paper). The best part is that I don`t have to worry about batteries anymore. I agree that this design might not be for everyone, I`m particularly fond of the in ear (earbuds) headset. This thing is so light that you will almost forget you`re wearing them. It works perfectly with sunglasses as well. The volume control is very precise (much better than my Sennheiser), it allows fine tuning.

Went from a cheapo set of "Pilot" brand head-sqeezers to these. Such a relief. No more headaches, no more fatigue. Awesome product! The foam ear-plug style works great, but takes a little getting used to. Speakers and microphone are excellent for audio quality. 4 stars because the ear bud leads seem kind of flimsy and it seems that you have to be very careful with the headset. No problems thus far though.

After using mine for the past four months, I just bought a second Clarity Aloft headset for my wife. What I like: 1. The plug-type headphones do a fantastic job of attenuating outside noise (I fly a noisy propeller-driven aircraft). I would dare to say the noise reduction is comparable to leading ANR headsets. 2. No batteries! I think this is the biggest complaint about ANR headsets (unless you're lucky enough to have a power-over-intercom system). 3. No clamp. Especially good for the ladies that don't want to mess up their hair. I'm bald, so it's not as much of an issue for me :P I do however, wear glasses, which can be a problem when trying to get a good seal on the ear cups of traditional headsets. Also, I don't get headaches during long flights anymore. 4. The case! VERY sturdy and protects the headsets well (and now included with the purchase of the headset). 5. Comes with a set of replacement tips (if I remember correctly, six pairs), plus large and small size tips to try different sizes. 6. Aux in and volume control. Nice to have. The 'meh's: 1. Three year warranty. Not as good as David Clark, but if you buy it with a good credit card that has warranty extender, you can get four years of coverage. What I don't like: 1. Takes getting used to. Don't get me wrong, the headset is actually very comfortable (it just takes a little time to get used to it). 2. Tips need to be replaced. Each set is good for about 30 days of use. Doesn't seem to be any way to get around this one. I think the replacement tips are reasonably priced, but some have objected to the cost. 3. The tip attachement points are made of plastic. This can be a problem for those who like to "torque down" on stuff, so be aware. I haven't had any problems with this, yet. You have to be very careful when compressing the tips before insertion, ensuring you squeeze instead of roll. 4. A little more fragile than conventional headsets. But, as long as you don't throw them around and put them back in the case when you're done flying, you should be okay. Because of the unique design, I think it's the type of headset you'll either love or hate. Hope this helps others who are on the fence.

First Ill say.....something positive,,,,the design of the Pro and Classics are great if you fly all day.....light weight and comfortable. So I bought my first pair flying the 737 years ago.....these worked great until one day I can't hear out of one ear. No problem, things fail....After multiple calls and emails to Clarity Aloft...they reluctantly agreed to repair the item under warranty......I sent them in.....3 weeks later I get them back......and they charge me to fix a " broken wire. I pay for the ride there and back on shipping. I am very careful with my headsets.....they were very idigant about it said it tested fine on their bench???? Ok I thought maybe its me. Ill try again, but the fragile state of these headsets will not hold up under prolonged professional use. I have had three yes "3" C/A headsets the classic and Pro and they all fail from the poor design of the left and right earpiece. I fly the 737 daily and 50% of the time the other pilot or act can't hear my mike I practically have to swallow it or push it in my mouth to be heard. Ive sent them in twice since I bought the Pro's one time it took multiple phone calls to retrieve it form the company...I think they build them in their garage?????? I want to give them another shot but after 10 yrs and three headsets with the same design problems.....im over the Clarity Alofts, if your a general or rec pilot using these on a weekend they will work. But the hard core airline daily use is to demanding for the flimsy wire and sub par microphone. If the customer service were better I wouldn't mind the poor quality but they offer no loaners, long turn around times to repair...and they will fail. Save your $500 and go with Bose until Clarity Aloft figures out a new design and stops rebadging the classic under a new name.

Love everything about this headset. I fly a 1940 Piper J4 recreationally. As you can imagine, it's rather loud. This headset works amazingly well in that environment by reducing ambient noise and delivering crystal clear sound quality. I've been recommending them to everyone that I know who would have need for them. Out of the box, they fit well, they feel great - no more headache's from the strap pushing my baseball cap into my skull on long flights.

For the price, I expected much higher quality craftsmanship overall on the device. In addition, I found the design to be both uncomfortable and cumbersome. For starters, I speak as an airline pilot who used the headset anywhere from three to six or more hours per day in a jet cockpit. I gave it a full month's run. I sought this in-the-ear design because as a wearer of glasses, I hoped for a more comfortable alternative to the over-the-ear design. In using the headset practically, I found that donning the headset is an event: You have to roll each of the dangling earpieces as you would an actual earplug before inserting them into your ear. This is after mounting the set on your ears and then finding a spot to clamp the thick headset cord so that you could go a few extra minutes before your ears detect and report the uncomfortable weight of the headset. Removing the headset is just as big of a pain, and the rituals get old fast. Perhaps the tops of my ears are more sensitive than the other reviewers'. But despite the fact that this headset claims to be lightweight, all of this weight is now focused narrowly on top of your two ears as opposed to being spread over the top of your head. Combined with the rigidity of the cables on the set (in hindsight, mine were probably so rigid because they were new), I felt like I was in a tangled mess every time I went to put these on or take them off. I would imagine that over a period of hours and days that would annoy any user. The sound quality, however, I did appreciate. The earplug-type design definitely does its job well blocking outside noise. I did not have a huge problem with inner-ear comfort, and the set comes with an initial trial set of different-sized plugs for you to try. Default worked for me. The headset did not produce much feedback or white noise from my boom at all, which is also a plus. Nevertheless, I returned my set in the end. I felt like there are definitely more comfortable devices out there for that price. The headset's overall appearance and utility just isn't that of a $525 price tag. The discomfort and encumbrance was just too much. I would not be caught dead using that mess on the line again. P.S. I have very, very short hair (nearly bald). Perhaps this added much to why I found these uncomfortable? I have since purchased the David Clark on-ear headset and instantly fell in love. Have yet to use them but will review 'em when I do!

This is my second one-- I bought it for a friend. I have been using a Clarity Aloft for years, and I LOVE IT. There are several sizes of ear buds to choose from, so be sure to get one that is snug. I fly for fun, and for a living-- I can use this headset for everything: even aerobatics (don't do aerobatics without it!). I sent mine in for repairs a year ago and it was no longer under warranty. The company did not charge me anything, and it appeared to be completely rebuilt! They stand behind the product. It is a good product. I've tried everything, and this is the headset for me.