Get a mic + headphones combo

http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-681-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B002GHIPYI

http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B00029MTMQ

Total around $45 + shipping, be better than pretty much every headset out there.

I can vouch for the Zalman, it's an excellent mic. Just make sure you turn the sensitivity down, it's an extremely, EXTREMELY sensitive mic.

is there a disadvantage to getting a headset that comes with an attached mic?

more data transfer through one port resulting in lower quality sound output

edit: also if you break the headset, you have to replace the entire thing
if the mic shits out you can replace the mic
if the headphones shits out you can replace the headphones

#5 The problem with most headsets is that you get both an inferior headphone and mic for the price. The more expensive headsets are also filled with gimmicks like 7.1 Surround sound and other nonsense that just hurt your sound quality.

Thanks for the input guys! definitely looking at the zalman.

Getting my brothers a pair of ATH-M50s + Zalman Mic for Christmas. :)

But yeah, definitely look up a nice pair of headphones and either a Modmic or a Zalman.

what?

Mod mic is pretty amazing as well. It also rests on your headphones a little better.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B006ZS5ATM/ref=pd_cp_e_1

I found these on Amazon and I'm thinking of buying them. I don't know much about them, but they have a ton of positive reviews and aren't that expensive.

Zalmans are pretty hit or miss. Mine sounds like shit, doesnt pick up my voice very well, albeit still useable

If you can afford a modmic go for it

I have the crosshair, there really good and sturdy, only problem is the cords tend to kink here and there so watch out.