NZFF

I'm about 10 hours into my PPL and there are often no club headsets left when I go for a lesson (and if there are there's often something wrong with them).
So I'm looking at getting myself a "cheap" headset (is there such a thing?).

I want to spend as little as possible but want something half decent.

I am currently looking at something like these:
http://www.downunderpilotshop.co.nz/Pilot-...-p/pa11-60t.htm
http://www.downunderpilotshop.co.nz/Flight...boom-p/1822.htm

So, recommendations/don'ttouchwithabargepole welcome.
Yes, I am aware everyone prefers those green ones...

I would suggest you hop onto trade me and look for a good condition David Clark headset, these are much better and you will most likely find a good bargin

I can see where you're coming from but it could be a while before one pops up (have been keeping an eye on Trademe), also I'm not really into buying electronic goods secondhand.

Headsets,

DC h10-13.4

Hands down, on quality and value.
I bought mine secondhand from trademe. I replaced the gel seals and it is good as new.

I bought a David Clark H10-13.4 off trademe the other day, and recieved it today. Cost me $218 shipped. It is an older model as it has the smaller (and now somewhat faded) headpad, and there is a dew specks of rust on the metal frame. Once I polish this off with a bit of autosol, they will look brand-new. It is very comfortable. All of the current instructors at my aero club use the 13.4's. I think mine were so cheap because they are quite old - newer 13.4's go for about $400 on trademe, and are $700 new. Can't wait to try them out once exams are over!

I have tried the Flightcom 4DLX and found it to be terribly uncomfortable. The little ribbed headpad made uncomfortable hotspots after a half an hour, and it clamped too tight to my head. This made me look for a foam cushioned headpad, which most Dave Clarks have, and many other brands don't.

It seems to me that the David Clark brand is the gold standard for build quality and customer service. I've also flown with the DC H10-30 which is their entry-level headset, and I found it great. Avoid the DC X11 though, apparently its cr@p.

Also have a read through the Headset Types in GA thread on Pprune - very big discussion on headsets.

Another option is to buy new from the USA, which will work out significantly cheaper. Marv Golden is one of the best online shops apparently - they do very good prices. I was very close to buying a set of new Dave Clarks from Marv Golden.

Good luck with your search mate.