BOSE AVIATION X

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PRICE £689.99

BOSE headsets began in 1978 when Dr Amar Bose was on a flight to Europe. He was trying out a new set of airline-supplied headphones and found he couldn't really enjoy the sound with the roar of jet engines in the background.

Ten years later, the first noise-cancelling headset came onto the market. Since then, the Bose X (the X pronounced as 'ten') has had rave reviews.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
YOU see pictures of it in brochures but until you get a Bose X in your hands you don't appreciate just how well made it is. The centre torsion spring is unique among headset design but is very comfortable.

The ear cups use sheepskin leather which has very luxurious feel. The control box is the best designed out of the bunch - there volume dials for each ear, along with a simple on/off push switch and green flashing power-indicating LED.

IN A CIRRUS

CIRRUS sell its aircraft with Bose X headsets as standard so it shows how well they're thought of. Russ Gorden from Casright Ltd has been flying with one for years.

For me it was my first time wearing a Bose and without wishing to sound like every other journalist who has reviewed one, it really is the business.

For the money you pay, it shouldn't perform anything less of a miracle and I'm pleased to report that it does. Crystal clear all round. Thumbs up from Russ too, who swears by them.

IN A PA28
IT'S also testament to the technology and circuitry in the Bose that the 'X' worked so well with an old radio system. Trevor Lewis from Mid-Anglia School of Flying noticed a considerable improvement in our cockpit communication and that annoying background hiss was almost completely eliminated.

VERDICT
AFTER trying other headsets, I thought the Bose would have to really deliver something special to stand out and the Aviation X did. This throws up the time-old situation of "Can I really justify spending that much money?"

My answer would be yes but only if I was going to fly at least once during the week and regularly at weekends.

The Bose has a five-year warranty but it will easily last you ten years. That £690 spread over ten years of continued use is money well spent.

The other way of looking at it, is if you motorcycle or ski, is that the Bose X costs a similar amount as a decent set of leathers or skis plus boots. The only downside is the lack of interfaces for a mobile phone or music player.

FEATURES
Weight: 340g
Total NR: Bose does not publish this
Power source: 2 AA batteries or from aircraft power
Battery life: 40 hours
Auto shut-off: Yes
Microphone type: Noise-cancelling electret
Mobile phone jack: No
Music interface: No
Warranty: 5 years
w. www.bose.com

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