KA-1 General Aviation Headset for Pilots - Mono and Stereo Compatibility, Passive Noise Reduction, Noise Canceling Microphone, Gel Ear Seals, Adjustable Headband & Headset Bag

I have had this headset for a year now, and honestly it is a great headset! I have flown in several aircraft and weather conditions, and have found that this headset works great! Yes, it is just a PNR headset. But that is okay! For clarity, I have used the low-priced David Clark H10 and a Telex, both PNR headsets. Also, I have used a Lightspeed ANR headset.First off, comfort. On long cross-country travel, I found the Kore to exceed my expectations both in fit and noise reduction. The padded top and the gel ear seal gave me greater comfort than either the David Clark or the Telex by far. The key to this is that the headset adjusted quite well for my round noggin. Now, this may be just because it is awesome, or like brands of motorcycle helmets one brand is better for your individual head shape than another. However I never got the Telex to fit right, and the DC headset was okay but not great as I have pretty friggin' large ears. The only negative I would have to say comfort wise is that the gel seals are good for cooler weather, but the covers (sold separately) are a must for me for warmer weather, as sweaty and sticky ear cups are not my cup of tea. But that alone will not cause me to lower my rating.Sound quality is also good, definitely beating the Telex. While it will not compare to ANR headsets in terms of noise canceling, it really makes a difference and allows me to hear the engine noise but still have a good conversation with my passenger. Plus, no batteries AND I did not spend $900 or more on a perfectly good but expensive headset! I am hoping to try this out in an open cockpit this summer, and will update my review for that purpose if that time comes. The only other thing that I realize I have never done as I am writing this is use the 3.5mm audio jack. If I ever decide to try this, I will update that as well.I think my only real negative is that the carrying case for the KA-1 really does only fit it and its cables, and quite snugly. Personally, I would prefer just a smidge more spacing in the case. But again, this is a very very minor inconvenience and definitely does not warrant lowering the rating at all.Overall, this headset has been so good for me that I have recommended this to new students, flight veterans looking for a low-cost headset for them or a passenger, or any pilot that I come across. Really. Again, each brand fits one's head differently, so my experience may not be the end-all be-all. However for me, this trusty, comfortable, and low-cost headset won me over from my first use, and has kept me pleasantly satisfied.

Amazing product! For new pilots, students or for a second set to have for your passengers, this is incredible!! To be honest, I will keep this as my main as long as it will last. Yes it’s not ANR like the Bose or Zulu, but for the price, the performance, comfort, and quality is unmatched. If you are a student, get this. Save the money and put it towards flying.So far, I am loving this and have no complaints. The mic is great, and the noise cancellation is great, even though it’s not ANR I don’t feel like I was a concert after flying. It’s does a great job for what it is. I love that I don’t have to worry about charging or batteries. and it is not a heavy headset either!

A review of any product begins with context: I'm a pilot (mostly Skyhawks), typically fly twice a month for no more than 3 hours per hop. I've owned/used the Kore for going on five years now.Initially I bought the core as it was less than $200 back in 2018. Going in as a student I didn't want to spend too much money on a headset as I was just learning, well, everything. Noise cancelling isn't an option in this heads, know this going in as well. But as a student I wanted to be sure to learn the noise of the engine, hear the different pitches with applied throttle. Overall the headphones still cancel out a good amount of noise due to quality of the ear muffs but there's still some noise not surprisingly. Fortunately this does not have any effect upon mic volume/sound.The sound across the radio is clear. I'm not an audiophile but I can clearly hear others in the plane/pattern/ATC and they can clearly hear me. Can't speak for other headsets but I'm the most clear speaking with the mic slightly touching my lips. As long as my headphones are snug on my head, the mic is well positioned I can very clearly communicate with everyone. It's was very reassuring when someone said something over the radio and my CFI would ask "what did they say?" and I could repeat what they said perfectly. I love the individual volume control nobs on the headset, an absolute must for comfort and clarity as when you're flying with someone else (CFI, fellow pilot, passenger, whomever) they might want to turn the overall volume knob up or down rather than fine-tuning their headsets. Had a CFI who would turn down the volume for radio traffic so he could talk but would forget to turn it back up. I would simply turn up the volume in my headset so I could hear what's going on in the background. Safety first, listen to traffic and make your calls airmen!Comfort is good. There's a break-in period not surprisingly but once you get the headset adjusted for your noggin's shape it's no problem wearing the headset continuously for a few hours. In the summer it can be a bit warm, that's perhaps the only time it is slightly uncomfortable but even then it's very trivial. I'm sure there are more comfortable headsets out there but you're also paying a premium for them.If you're looking for a headset for your passengers, a backup headset for yourself, or even a somewhat frequently used headset, this is your best bet. At the price point I can guarantee that you will not find a better one.