Hey everybody,I'm looking at figuring out Vatsim soon, but I obviously need a headset. Any suggestions? Does it really matter? Budget is $50 or less, but preferably less.

I have over 2000 hours on Vatsim over the past 10 years so I can offer some advice. - You don't need as good of a headset as a pilot vs. ATC. Reason is that as a pilot you will realize rather quickly that the Vatsim coverage area is not a full as we all would like so many of your flights will be with limited or no ATC and then you can take off your headset. Comfort is less of an issue. If you are ATC on the other hand you need a very comfortable headset because you are wearing it for your enitre session, which could be many hours. I would recommend any USB headset, make sure its USB because that way you can keep the aircraft sounds through the speakers and move the ATC voice only to the headset. I have a logitech and its fine. If you want to upgrade then the Logitech G35 or G930 wireless is something to really consider. I will be upgrading the the latter shortly. Mark.

This is what I use- just a bit outside your budget (60 bucks when in cart)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106157 Used them since 2007 or so...

I partially agree with Mark. You won't use headsets a lot except on events like Cross the Pond or something, where the whole network will be fully staffed. But on most cases, a headset is needed. Now, I also use a Plantronics headset, and I can tell you they feel and sound great, and they're also under your budget! To be exact, it is the Plantronics Audio .355, found here: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-355-Multimedia-Headset/dp/B001J30FZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317331118&sr=8-1 It may look cheap for the price, but trust me, it is great. Do you want a USB or 3.5mm jack headset? You never specified.

After doing a bit of searching around, I'm thinking I might go with the Logitech H530. I can get it for $40 with free two day shipping on Amazon. It seems USB is preferred by most people. The Plantronics headsets are very tempting, but I've always had very good experiences with Logitech products.

After doing a bit of searching around, I'm thinking I might go with the Logitech H530. I can get it for $40 with free two day shipping on Amazon. It seems USB is preferred by most people. The Plantronics headsets are very tempting, but I've always had very good experiences with Logitech products.

Then you'll have a good experience with them. They are a top-notch brand.

Then you'll have a good experience with them. They are a top-notch brand.

I hardly doubt Logitech is top notch when it comes to headsets - they are cheap, and for the price accordingly good.I owned couple of Logitech headsets, each of them started making troubles after a year or so - of course, 3y guarantee and I got them exchanged, but nevertheless kind of pita.Now changed to Sennheiser, and it's a whole another ballgame - alone looking at it gives you another feeling of quality - I have the PC166, which may be a little pricey, but it's well worth. I wonder how long it's gonna hold. And Sennheiser gives 2y guarantee.And I got it for 89€...

Word Not Allowed, i meant Plantronics.

Good points by all. I have read many in depth reviews and these seem fantastic, going to take the plunge and get them. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104399 Mark.

Not sure of the cost these days but the Sennheiser PC 156 USB are superb. I have had a pair since December 2007. They are very well built, extremely comfortable and they come with a USB gadget in case your PC/ sound card doesn't otherwise support an independent headset.Tim

One thing to consider, eventually it's quite possible that you will start using TrackIR. You can either use TrackIR with reflective dots that you put on eg your cap OR as I prefer (I've used both) the TrackClip Pro.The latter one you attach to your headset and then you have to make sure that the shape of the headset allows for this. Personally I use a USB wireless headset from Logitech - can't find the model on their pages anymore. It works very well for voice (not good for music) but is light and I use it for several hours with no problem.