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Eggler Headset
Over the last couple of years a lot of headsets have come my way and I've become acutely aware of what separates the good ones from the merely adequate. A headset is really a simple bit of kit; a good one should make using a radio in the air a doddle, without creating hassle when you put your gear on or take it off. In my view there are only two important parameters: how good the spec. of the individual components is, and how the layout of plugs, wires, switches, etc, makes the unit easy - or difficult - to use. At last, from Switzerland, I've received a headset that scores highly in both these areas. The Eggler headset uses absolutely top-spec. components throughout and a thoughtful layout that I couldn't find a problem with no matter how hard I looked. The speaker and microphone are concealed in the lining of the helmet with little difficulty (a version is available with a boom mike for open face helmets). A good safety aspect is that the speaker is a flat disc, not a small, hard item that can be forced into the ear in a crash. A large 1/4" (guitar size) jack socket is attached securely to the lower rim of the helmet by a small (4mm) screw. You have to drill a small hole for this and may have to trim the edge of the helmet material to fit the jack. From the jack plug two top-quality curly-wurly cables go to the radio itself and to the PTT switch, itself a top quality item, which can be secured by Velcro to glove, riser, speed bar or whatever. In use the system is a breeze. I learned to leave the whole caboodle in my radio pocket (the radio plug is thoughtfully provided with two lengths of shock cord to provide foolproof attachment to the radio) until I had secured my helmet. An almighty click provides proof that the big plug is well and truly home and the PTT can be secured or left trailing until after take-off. I experimented with leaving everything in my radio pocket until I was airborne and still managed to plug it all in while flying with one hand. Transmitting and receiving was crystal clear and the PTT operated easily and reliably. This system is head and shoulders above anything I have tried before. It's impeccably engineered, the layout is very well thought out indeed and it's completely hustle-free in use, on the ground or in the air. Naturally, this sort of Rolls Royce quality doesn't come cheap; the Eggler is without doubt the most expensive headset currently available. You pays your money......Some pilots may think twice about drilling holes in their expensive helmets, but for reliable, foolproof operation and the best available components, the Eggler is unsurpassed. Thomas Eggler has been refining these headsets since 1988 and has equipped the French, Austrian and Swiss hang gliding teams. Thomas Suchanek and Manfred Ruhmer use them, as do John Pendry, Darren Arkwright and several other League and Nationals pilots. Versions are available for full and open face helmets and the headset can be ordered to suit all modern 2m and airbag radios.
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