AVCOM/COBRA AC800

AVIATION HEADSET

(MANUFACTURES INFORMATION)

Adjustability is very good, thanks in large part to using a design very similar to that pioneered by David Clark many, many years ago.

From the boom, which can be placed just where you want it, to the headband, which can be lengthened or shortened in a second’s time, the set is surprisingly well-designed for the money.

The AC800 also features an electret mike, which delivers good sound quality. And its volume control setup is quite good as well, although the knob could use a little more tension. And while the AC800 is certainly a nice unit for the price.

Like early DCs, the COBRA feels pretty tight after a couple of hours behind the stick. And the unit’s noise attenuation was one of the lowest-ranking in the test. Still, all things considered, we were favorably impressed with the unit’s overall quality.

For those looking for a more advanced set, the company has recently released a new model, the AC800, with gel seals, improved comfort, and more standard features, including a built-in push-to-talk button.

The AC800 model features earcups very similar (identical?) in design to those found on Soft Comm’s C-60 headset, but the fit of the COBRA unit was a good deal better than that of the C-60.

The AC800’s electronics sound very good, and the performance of the set’s mike boom and earphones was very good. For those pilots looking for an COBRA headset with more advanced features, the AC800 might be the one.

Model AC800

• Price When New: less than $200 (suggested retail)
• Noise reduction rating: 24 db, claimed
• Original Warranty: Three years

COBRA AC800 Review Ratings (1-5, 5 being best)

• Comfort – 4
• Noise Attenuation – 4
• Quality of construction – 4
• Convenience – 3.5

Features

• Volume control: yes
• Mono/Stereo: yes
• Adjustable headband: yes
• Boom adjustability: very good
• Microphone type: electret
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