Still using my Bose AviationX - Bought them used in 2011 for $500; serial number shows date of manufacture in 2002. They are still going strong and crystal clear. However, they definitely race through 9v batteries. I'd say 5-7 hours and that might be a stretch. I will soon retire them for the 20s and keep the X for my kids and wife.
I’m really unhappy with my “upgrade” from a20-30. First and foremost, the audio sound is disgusting. My own voice is like talking into an echo chamber, it’s really off putting. Not only does it sound echoey, I can also barely hear myself making it harder to talk naturally. The tap to turn off noise cancellation is a total joke. Bumping it on anything, like a visor cuts out an ear cup and your left with one ear on and the other off. Even landing the Ejet and placing the nose wheel down somewhat gently will be enough of a bump to trigger the ANC drop out. (You can turn it on and off via a switch under the batteries). I am also getting head pressure headaches from the dense foam pads on top, much worse then the a20’s. Granted my head is relatively big. The smooth feel plastic material is much less durable then the a20’s, shows every scratch and for $2000 AUD you would think they could braid the cable since EVERY a20 before it has the cable start to deteriorate around the 4 year mark. The downcable on the a30 is even thinner and after one single use already shows signs on stress. The ear cups are still synthetic and going to fail like all Bose ear cups. You can buy lamb’s leather replacement ear cups off Amazon. Why the hell can’t the TOP model BOSE be supplied with real leather - or a material that doesn’t flake!!!!!!! The audio controller comes with a silicon band to help “hang” the controller. The silicon goes OVER the Bluetooth volume buttons. Piss poor effort for the most expensive headset on the market. It’s like an after thought!! Im keen to know if anyone else is experiencing audio like they are talking into a tin can/ echo. (5 pin XLR, embraer 190 tested only). The hot swappable L and R mic position is nice. And I can ONLY HOPE they have improved the mic wiring so that it’s not a cable twisting every time you swivel the mic up and down as it was on the a20 but I have my doubts. (The UFlyMike as an example - has a microphone connection that facilitates endless 360 degree loops, you can pop it off and replace it in
@@nicholasbegeman You’re absolutely right- that was entirely my mistake. That said, the other numerous shortcomings still stand, and a $2 silicone strap is the least of my concerns (which I don’t even use). Imagine if they innovated a clip that retracted back into the ACP instead of relying on an afterthought silicone band. In the past year, I’ve found about five lost straps across various crews. It’s a dumb, half-baked solution at best. My cable is nearing two years and is starting to fray where it enters the ear cup. The ear cup material is also showing the early signs of the deterioration that all my Bose headsets go through- I expect it to start flaking in about six months. I’ve never used the medium noise cancellation and haven’t met anyone who does or would. In fact, it’s more of a hassle when accidentally triggered, and you’re left wondering why your headset sounds awful. Nobody I’ve spoken to likes the tap-to-turn-off ANC feature either- everyone turns it off due to accidental activations. The volume controls are poorly designed, frequently getting bumped or rubbed and requiring constant adjustment. For the record, I’m not careless with my headsets. I work on domestic and international jets with an APU, so my gear isn’t subjected to extreme conditions. I’m logging about 650 hours a year, and this is the most expensive headset on the market. Overall, it’s been a major disappointment and far from the “upgrade” I had hoped for. Some improvements that could make this an outstanding headset: • A compact, semi-rigid case to reduce space • Multiple padding options for different head shapes • Protected/recessed controls on the audio panel • A braided cable (similar to what Apple has moved to) • Real leather lambskin ear cups or a material that doesn’t flake (you can find OEM-looking alternatives on Amazon) • A clip that retracts into the ACP, or a supplied bracket for clipping into your personal aircraft (there are 3D-printed aftermarket options) • The ability to adjust your own voice feedback volume • A microphone with 360-degree loops through a coaxial gold fitting, similar to the UFlyMike, instead of Bose’s cable design that bends with every mic adjustment and eventually fails • User-replaceable cables on both sides of the control panel and headset, so you can switch between GA, XLR, etc., without having to replace the entire ACP.
Yup. I’ve had them both. Still have a series 2 and a good friend is still flying the series 1. Just can’t get the gel cushions any more. I have had the A10s, and still have an A20 and now flying behind the A30s. All terrific headsets. The A30 is very comfortable.
@@StudioRV8 I had a few pairs of the X but down to two now (one lent out) and one A20. I tried the A30 at Friedrichshafen recently and I quite like it...but not enough to go out and buy one!
Don't know if it's only me, but I prefer the A20's design better. Changes on the A30 are nice, but it's not a revolution and the A20 looks more sturdy, both the cable and the headband.
When you get a chance to make a real review of these headsets like evaluating noise reduction and how well it stays on your head when you are searching for something in your lap or in a flight bag, and music sound quality I look forward to seeing it. I have all three and was hoping you would tell me something new.... BTW I have never put the controller in my lap i just string the very long cable along the floor by the door up to the dual plugs in the panel..
Oh there is no difference in performance between the A20 and 30 from what I can tell. NC sounds exactly the same, BT sounds exactly the same, all the BOSE headsets have been great for staying on my head vs the cheap junk you start out flying with. Basically fixed all the annoyances I mentioned, made them lighter and called it a day 🍻
My Bose X failed on me today while flying IFR in actual. Haha not a good feeling but I can't blame them. 1998.. sheesh hard workers that's for sure. Anyways now I'm getting a set of A30s. Glad I wasn't flying alone.
My current headset is the Bose Aviation X (version 2), which I use since 2010. The X did set the bar for me. I tried once the A20 from my girlfriend, but I was not positively impressed by the audio quality. Since the X is now starting the fall apart, I was looking so much forward to the A30; but what a HUGE disappointment. I have used the A30 for 4 hours in a Boeing 737 MAX-8 and after my first call to get the departure clearance I knew it; this is not my type of headset. I can confirm that the audio quality is way less than the A20 -so as well the X-. Your own voice sounds robotic, like using the first versions of bluetooth. Even at the intercom, the audio quality is far from acceptable to me. Very, very, very disappointing. Absolutely a no go for me. Then the noise canceling; the high setting is almost canceling out the callouts from the airplane (RAAS/GPWS). So that’s unsafe. At the middle setting I constantly hear a loud hissing sound. The ANC from my X is (analog, but who cares) absolutely perfect for GA and jets. But I miss bluetooth and the clamping force is a bit too much after a 6 hour flight. Although the X is not perfect, the A30 is for me absolutely not worth the money. To be sure my my model was not faulty, I borrowed an A30 from a colleague. But having the same complaints. The audio quality of the A20 is a bit better than the A30, but still less good as the X. I have used the ProFlight series 2 at an 737-800; I’m not even make an effort to discuss the drawbacks here. I don’t understand what’s going on at Bose. The good old X is outperforming all newer generations when it comes to audio clarity. Enhancing the features, but using less audio components in order to maintain a decent profit margin? I really don’t understand all the reviewers who so positive regarding the ‘clarity’ of the A30. ‘The best aviation headset ever built’? Maybe they’ve never tried a X…
@@bas8739 Have you tried any of the lightspeed headsets? Like the Delta Zulu? I'm an aspiring pilot looking to enter flight school in the future. Currently making my shopping list lol. I did find some A30s in offerup around $6-800. I'm starting to wonder if the sellers had the same experience as you did lol. As i do more research I'm starting to find a pattern
You can always adapt the 1/4" to 1/8" and use it what whatever device you want, but the impedance is different and they won't be nearly as loud with consumer equipment. These are really only for aviation ✈️
My son is starting flight training and I purchased him a set of A10s. The prior owner had them set up for a 6 pin connector, and I need the power adapter to convert them to GA. Can you give me the specs for the 9V adapter?
I'm confused about battery with these things. You mean to tell me that after spending over a grand on a pair of headphones i gots to go and buy fricken AA batteries that aren't included?
I have few pair of A20’s And one A10. Sound quality and ANR is almost identical. The A30 is awful as far as sound and ANR in GA. The reviews all over Amazon. I think A20’s is the sweet spot!
![Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024 | Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (INA) [5] vs. Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) [2] | F](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EIjZybhsWqA/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey! [10:13] In Bose A20 if you want to dim blinking lights, it's enough to fast click twice ON/OFF button to make it darker :)
Always a good day when we get a fech throwback!
It's about to be every other day! 💪💪💪
@@TechThrowbackyeesssss i've been waiting since the beginning of ur chanel for this! 🔥🔥. Hope u got the studio all nice and perfect finally!
Still using my Bose AviationX - Bought them used in 2011 for $500; serial number shows date of manufacture in 2002. They are still going strong and crystal clear. However, they definitely race through 9v batteries. I'd say 5-7 hours and that might be a stretch. I will soon retire them for the 20s and keep the X for my kids and wife.
Same thing I did, the X is sticking around for my girlfriend 🍻
I’m really unhappy with my “upgrade” from a20-30. First and foremost, the audio sound is disgusting. My own voice is like talking into an echo chamber, it’s really off putting. Not only does it sound echoey, I can also barely hear myself making it harder to talk naturally.
The tap to turn off noise cancellation is a total joke. Bumping it on anything, like a visor cuts out an ear cup and your left with one ear on and the other off. Even landing the Ejet and placing the nose wheel down somewhat gently will be enough of a bump to trigger the ANC drop out. (You can turn it on and off via a switch under the batteries).
I am also getting head pressure headaches from the dense foam pads on top, much worse then the a20’s. Granted my head is relatively big.
The smooth feel plastic material is much less durable then the a20’s, shows every scratch and for $2000 AUD you would think they could braid the cable since EVERY a20 before it has the cable start to deteriorate around the 4 year mark. The downcable on the a30 is even thinner and after one single use already shows signs on stress.
The ear cups are still synthetic and going to fail like all Bose ear cups. You can buy lamb’s leather replacement ear cups off Amazon. Why the hell can’t the TOP model BOSE be supplied with real leather - or a material that doesn’t flake!!!!!!!
The audio controller comes with a silicon band to help “hang” the controller.
The silicon goes OVER the Bluetooth volume buttons. Piss poor effort for the most expensive headset on the market. It’s like an after thought!!
Im keen to know if anyone else is experiencing audio like they are talking into a tin can/ echo. (5 pin XLR, embraer 190 tested only).
The hot swappable L and R mic position is nice. And I can ONLY HOPE they have improved the mic wiring so that it’s not a cable twisting every time you swivel the mic up and down as it was on the a20 but I have my doubts. (The UFlyMike as an example - has a microphone connection that facilitates endless 360 degree loops, you can pop it off and replace it in
you can put the silicone cover over the back like the instruction manual says and it wont cover the volume buttons
@@nicholasbegeman
You’re absolutely right- that was entirely my mistake. That said, the other numerous shortcomings still stand, and a $2 silicone strap is the least of my concerns (which I don’t even use). Imagine if they innovated a clip that retracted back into the ACP instead of relying on an afterthought silicone band. In the past year, I’ve found about five lost straps across various crews. It’s a dumb, half-baked solution at best.
My cable is nearing two years and is starting to fray where it enters the ear cup. The ear cup material is also showing the early signs of the deterioration that all my Bose headsets go through- I expect it to start flaking in about six months.
I’ve never used the medium noise cancellation and haven’t met anyone who does or would. In fact, it’s more of a hassle when accidentally triggered, and you’re left wondering why your headset sounds awful.
Nobody I’ve spoken to likes the tap-to-turn-off ANC feature either- everyone turns it off due to accidental activations.
The volume controls are poorly designed, frequently getting bumped or rubbed and requiring constant adjustment.
For the record, I’m not careless with my headsets. I work on domestic and international jets with an APU, so my gear isn’t subjected to extreme conditions.
I’m logging about 650 hours a year, and this is the most expensive headset on the market. Overall, it’s been a major disappointment and far from the “upgrade” I had hoped for.
Some improvements that could make this an outstanding headset:
• A compact, semi-rigid case to reduce space
• Multiple padding options for different head shapes
• Protected/recessed controls on the audio panel
• A braided cable (similar to what Apple has moved to)
• Real leather lambskin ear cups or a material that doesn’t flake (you can find OEM-looking alternatives on Amazon)
• A clip that retracts into the ACP, or a supplied bracket for clipping into your personal aircraft (there are 3D-printed aftermarket options)
• The ability to adjust your own voice feedback volume
• A microphone with 360-degree loops through a coaxial gold fitting, similar to the UFlyMike, instead of Bose’s cable design that bends with every mic adjustment and eventually fails
• User-replaceable cables on both sides of the control panel and headset, so you can switch between GA, XLR, etc., without having to replace the entire ACP.
Informative, I don't know when I'll ever need the info but I guess it's good to know.
Bose had two previous headsets in the 90s with the clear gel cushions. The were awesome.
Series 1 and Series 2. I have two Series 2 headsets.
Yup. I’ve had them both. Still have a series 2 and a good friend is still flying the series 1. Just can’t get the gel cushions any more. I have had the A10s, and still have an A20 and now flying behind the A30s. All terrific headsets. The A30 is very comfortable.
@@StudioRV8 I had a few pairs of the X but down to two now (one lent out) and one A20. I tried the A30 at Friedrichshafen recently and I quite like it...but not enough to go out and buy one!
we still have two sets but quit using them because we couldn't find cushion replacements
Don't know if it's only me, but I prefer the A20's design better. Changes on the A30 are nice, but it's not a revolution and the A20 looks more sturdy, both the cable and the headband.
You fly? Where are those videos? Holding out on me JR
Have posted some on WatchJRGo before, flying in the Stearman, cross countries in the 182RG... just not very often 🍻
The A30 is 10% heavier than the A20. A30 - 404g. A20 is 340g.
JR, in the 172 I clip the cable to the grab strap , helps keep the cable out of the way.
When you get a chance to make a real review of these headsets like evaluating noise reduction and how well it stays on your head when you are searching for something in your lap or in a flight bag, and music sound quality I look forward to seeing it. I have all three and was hoping you would tell me something new.... BTW I have never put the controller in my lap i just string the very long cable along the floor by the door up to the dual plugs in the panel..
Oh there is no difference in performance between the A20 and 30 from what I can tell. NC sounds exactly the same, BT sounds exactly the same, all the BOSE headsets have been great for staying on my head vs the cheap junk you start out flying with. Basically fixed all the annoyances I mentioned, made them lighter and called it a day 🍻
My Bose X failed on me today while flying IFR in actual. Haha not a good feeling but I can't blame them. 1998.. sheesh hard workers that's for sure. Anyways now I'm getting a set of A30s. Glad I wasn't flying alone.
A20s has night mode!! try to push twice on the power button.
I have the Aviation X. Clamping force is just right for general flying, For aerobatics its too light and the headset will frequently fall off.
My current headset is the Bose Aviation X (version 2), which I use since 2010. The X did set the bar for me. I tried once the A20 from my girlfriend, but I was not positively impressed by the audio quality. Since the X is now starting the fall apart, I was looking so much forward to the A30; but what a HUGE disappointment. I have used the A30 for 4 hours in a Boeing 737 MAX-8 and after my first call to get the departure clearance I knew it; this is not my type of headset. I can confirm that the audio quality is way less than the A20 -so as well the X-. Your own voice sounds robotic, like using the first versions of bluetooth. Even at the intercom, the audio quality is far from acceptable to me. Very, very, very disappointing. Absolutely a no go for me. Then the noise canceling; the high setting is almost canceling out the callouts from the airplane (RAAS/GPWS). So that’s unsafe. At the middle setting I constantly hear a loud hissing sound. The ANC from my X is (analog, but who cares) absolutely perfect for GA and jets. But I miss bluetooth and the clamping force is a bit too much after a 6 hour flight. Although the X is not perfect, the A30 is for me absolutely not worth the money. To be sure my my model was not faulty, I borrowed an A30 from a colleague. But having the same complaints. The audio quality of the A20 is a bit better than the A30, but still less good as the X. I have used the ProFlight series 2 at an 737-800; I’m not even make an effort to discuss the drawbacks here. I don’t understand what’s going on at Bose. The good old X is outperforming all newer generations when it comes to audio clarity. Enhancing the features, but using less audio components in order to maintain a decent profit margin? I really don’t understand all the reviewers who so positive regarding the ‘clarity’ of the A30. ‘The best aviation headset ever built’? Maybe they’ve never tried a X…
So, what are you using now? What would your recommend?
@@mustbescud I’m still using my 14 year old X, which I still find the clearest in audio transmissions.
@@bas8739 Have you tried any of the lightspeed headsets? Like the Delta Zulu? I'm an aspiring pilot looking to enter flight school in the future. Currently making my shopping list lol. I did find some A30s in offerup around $6-800. I'm starting to wonder if the sellers had the same experience as you did lol. As i do more research I'm starting to find a pattern
We own all three versions for our planes. They’re all great, but each newer version is definitely better than the older ones!
hows the sound quality base and trebel between all 3 and can you use them on a pc for gaming using something like an xlr interface or something?
You can always adapt the 1/4" to 1/8" and use it what whatever device you want, but the impedance is different and they won't be nearly as loud with consumer equipment. These are really only for aviation ✈️
Hi @@TechThrowback , and would the sound be best on PC with the 3.5mm audio aux input that is on the control module ? 🤔
My son is starting flight training and I purchased him a set of A10s. The prior owner had them set up for a 6 pin connector, and I need the power adapter to convert them to GA. Can you give me the specs for the 9V adapter?
I just got my A30 and I’m very disappointed with the quality control. Serious popping in the left ear. Returning them.
Double tap the power button to change the brightness of the bluetooth light (A20)
I'm confused about battery with these things. You mean to tell me that after spending over a grand on a pair of headphones i gots to go and buy fricken AA batteries that aren't included?
Is the best way to power up any anr
@@raulamx My AirPods Max beg to differ
what are the two scroll wheels right and left
Anyway to get Bluetooth on A10 headset?
Are these the headphones you got GOT with it? Mister pilot?
That was on a pair of A20s, not A30s 🍻
I have few pair of A20’s And one A10. Sound quality and ANR is almost identical. The A30 is awful as far as sound and ANR in GA. The reviews all over Amazon. I think A20’s is the sweet spot!
I didn't know you were a pilot! What do you fly?
are the A10 TSO certified
want to know how they achieve this? More plastic
I'm a Lightspeed Zulu 3 guy but I must admit, Bose's ANC is better. That boom on the Bose, way too long.
I know a lot of people are fans of the totally wireless Lightspeed, I just didn't want a possible failure point 💯
could you have not shown us a microphone test
All the mics sound exactly the same through the plane's foldback loop. 🍻
Had flown with Bose for 90 minutes, then switched to rugged, couldn’t tell much difference. So, no reason to spend $1000 more for Bose.
If you couldn't tell the difference then your ANR was definitely off. It's basically night and day to most people.
What are you smoking
@@MrShenron89 , nope. Even had few other people try it. No reason to spend $1000 more on POS Bose.
Fly with music... that's safe enough...
Just purchased the A30 and sending them back.
A30 is very poor quality compared to past models. The sound quality sucks!
Hey
Yo PSU! 🍻
@@TechThrowback 🍻
Hey!
Yo! 🍻
well... nice SPONSORED video. Anyone who has A30 confirmed that the audio quality is worse than in A20 as well as noise cancelling.
LMAO, I paid full price for these 😂
Hy
Worst headset. A20 is far batter
A30 SUCKS
Yes, it sucks the noise right out of your ears!
They have a 90 day no questions return and refund policy. How long did it take to find out they were terrible?
A30 is terrible. Can’t wait to unload it on someone who loves paying for marketing
They have a 90 day no questions return and refund policy. How long did it take to find out they were terrible?
WatchJRFly?
Yes, this, please. :)