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Bose A20 Aviation Headset Review

The New Bose A20 Aviation Headset

What if I told you, your next flight could be as relaxing as a nice walk in the park? – even if the weather is marginal and the air rough?

I have been in plenty of situations where extreme cockpit noise has added to an already stressful life experience – I’m sure you have too. This does not have to be the case.

It is simply amazing the calming influence that blocking the noise out of your environment can have on your stress level.  Having the sound level lowered this much takes the edge off even tense flight conditions.

This device can make that happen.

2 aspects of aviation headset design have been known to contribute to fatigue:

1. Noise infiltration

2. Comfort (weight, earcup size, and clamping force)

The newest version addresses those 2 problems better than any headset on the market.

What’s good about this headset?

With the A20, Bose has taken the technological advantages of the Zulu Lightspeed and added them to the Bose X, making it the most advanced and comfortable headset product on the market.

Bluetooth connectivity means NO WIRES. That’s right…no wires flopping around all over the place getting in your way.

What’s the bad thing about this headset?…the price!

In 2003, when I bought my first Bose, I hesitated over the $1,000 plus price because I thought, “who in their right mind pays that much for a headset??  That is just a vanity product.”

Then, I tried it and got hooked.

Why should you listen to me?

I flew almost before I could walk and I fly everything I can find – helicopters, airplanes, and gliders. My 2 brothers and I grew up flying with Dad almost every weekend.

How the headset feels…

It’s true, these same “features” can be found on other noise attenuating headsets.

The differences that set the Bose apart are the weight and comfort.

You can certainly fly for a short while with ANY headset – whether it’s Active Noise Reduction (ANR) or not –  and not really feel that fatigued.  After 30 minutes or so, you start to really notice bulkier headsets.

They start to feel very heavy and the clamping force lets you know they are there.   The David Clark I bought first felt like a medieval form of torture after a long flight – very hot and constantly having to adjust the ear cups.

Having a headset that is ultra-comfortable is like the difference between a day that wears you out and one that leaves you ready to fly again.

I have flown for 6-7 hours doing helicopter tours at fairs and felt none the worse for wear at the end of the day.

Whether you have been flying for a while or just getting started, this headset will define your flying experience and is the only way to go.

You can save money and buy a cheaper headset but you will regret it.

Here is another HUGE Bose advantage I see:

  • Pilot safety and performance is increased – cutting out the noise and the fatigue allows you to focus on the task at hand.

What’s different about the A20 than previous Bose X model aviation headsets?

  • Bluetooth connectivity and lighter weight + costs $100 more.
  • Also, it only requires 2 AA batteries, while the X requires 4.   Much longer battery life as well – those 2 batteries will last about 40 hours.  You do need to remember to turn the noise cancellation off – it will burn down your battery and you will be out of luck on your next flight.
  • Auxiliary audio cable – so you can pipe in music from a separate audio device directly into the headset.
  • More comfortable earcups – Less clamping force, deeper cups, and better angle where they meet your head.
  • Better noise reduction, through noise cancelling improvements in microphone technology

If you fly multiple aircraft, like I do, you will need an adapter.  If your primary air vehicle is a helicopter you have to get the Bluetooth model of the headset.  If you want to use it in an airplane, just get the airplane $125 adapter.

How much does an A20 cost?

First of all, anywhere you to buy a Bose cost is the same -  $1,095.95 for the A20 with bluetooth and $995.95 without bluetooth – no exceptions.  They does not discount these products.

Here’s what it comes with:

  • A20 Aviation Headset
  • Nylon Deluxe Carry Case
  • Clothing clip
  • Control Module for
  • AA batteries (2)
  • Auxillary-in cable and adapter

There is a 5 year warranty and I have only had good experiences with customer service when problems arise.

With the 30-day money back guarantee, you owe it to yourself to at least try this product out…

 

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