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Clarity Aloft Flex: Less Weight, No BT

One important trait we've always favored is the Clarity's durable build quality. Remember, the idea of an ITE model is to make the wearing experience a minimalist one. It's all about freedom from the intrusive nature of circumaural or even supra-aural designs. But to succeed the set has to be lightweight, yet durable enough to survive the abuse a typical pilot asks of them. Bend them, sit on them, step on them and drop them. And those thin wires-they're asking to break. We've tried all of the above and still can't break the Clarity.

These days we’ve mostly moved beyond passive headsets in favor of ANR models for all but the quietest cabins-including jets and turboprops. But as a worthy alternative, ITE (in the ear) passive models can offer noise-canceling performance that’s on par with flagship circumaural ANR headsets, less the noggin-clamping pressure of even the lightest sets.

While an in-ear headset isn’t for everyone, among other in-ear models a favorite in our field reporting is the Clarity Aloft line from Aloft Technologies. Moreover, we have an early-gen Clarity Aloft in the flight bag and it’s proven itself such that in some cabins it’s the only set we’d reach for over the Bose A20.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.