My $125 dollar cheapie headset works better than my 8 year old Lightspeed Zulus. But eventually they hurt my face/jaw/temple, etc.

The Zulus don't hardly work at all for my passengers blessed with hair.

If the Zulus had heavier gel earcups they might be okay. Instead of spending money I might just start hot-gluing some together (there, I had to mention hot glue again). When I apply a little clamping pressure they work better too.

I borrowed a pair of Bose headsets from a friend a year ago. I think they were A20s but I'm not sure. They also beat the old Zulus. But I'm wondering if the latest Lightspeed are as great as the latest Bose.

Of course I'm flying behind a rickety Rotax, and I'm interested in what other Rotax 912 pilots think is the best for them. Open this baby up to Lycoming 540s too though. Heh Heh Heh.
--Maybe just state your main aircraft/engine when you state your favorite headset.

Oh, I would like to say people think my plane is quiet from the ground now (always subject to change).

No Rotax, but I do fly a rickety old 150 that's pretty darn loud.

I have an old pair of Peltors that I upgraded with the Headsets, Inc ANR kit and awesome gel earcups. Soft, comfy, and still really good passive reduction when the battery dies. Probably $200 total investment, since the headset itself (actually two headsets) came from the Driggs, ID thrift store for like 5 bucks. I'll probably eventually upgrade the other set too.

wyomingiswindy wrote:I borrowed a pair of Bose headsets from a friend a year ago. I think they were A20s but I'm not sure. They also beat the old Zulus. But I'm wondering if the latest Lightspeed are as great as the latest Bose.

Mixed reviews on the lightspeed PFX (the latest)

The real contest is between the Lightspeed Zulu2 and Bose A20.

A20:
$995 without bluetooth
$1095 with bluetooth
lighter than zulu2

Lightspeed zulu2:
$800 with bluetooth
heavier than bose

They really are so similar in terms of quality that it's kind of crazy to be passionate about either of them above the other. Obviously, the zulu2 is much less expensive than the comparable bose.

It really comes down to subjective things. I fly both pretty regularly. Even if the costs were the same I would have a slight preference for the zulu2 because:

It clamps just a little tighter, which seems to help it stay in place on my head better. It is *not* a painful clamp like the old David Clarks. Just a bit more than Bose.

I prefer the cups on the zulu, they seem to seal better than the bose.

They are both great headsets and you won't go too far wrong with either. Given that you've had problems though, I strongly suggest finding a way of flying before buying. They will both have test stands at Airventure, but I've found those pretty worthless. Beg, borrow or steal a pair and fly a couple missions with each if at all possible.

Solid advice there RW. Are the cups on the new Zulus identical to the older ones? Do the newer Zulus flake black off on your ears and face? My current cups are 1.5 years old and have most lost their thin black coating. It looks like silk screen.
I'm not bashing Lightspeed. I really love the company--just looking for opinions and reviews.

I guess the first thing I'd do is contact Lightspeed and see if they suggest a solution. Their customer service is pretty extraordinary.

Otherwise you might look at the Telex Stratus 50-D. I have a pair of the older, non-digital ENC Stratus 50's and they are extremely quiet. It's really easy to forget to even turn the ENC on. Leave the ENC off and they are still MUCH quieter than a pair of David Clarks. They have really beefy earcups that seem to squish over glasses stems and non-uniform head shapes better than many other headsets.

Pretty inexpensive by comparison...$680 or so. They're larger and heavier than the Bose/Zulu's, and they don't have bluetooth. I like my Zulu's better, but if Zulu's don't work for you, they don't work for you.

I fly behind a Rotax 912 and an O-470 which are both loud but quite different kinds of loud. I have several pairs of Lightspeed Zulu 2's and I also have a Quiet Technology Halo. I like both types but prefer the Halo while in my Rotax powered machine. The Halo is nice and quiet, uses no batteries and has zero clamping force on my head and is nearly weightless. The down side is having to insert the ear plugs as opposed to just slipping on the headset. I think my passengers would always pick the Lightspeed, so I don't ask.

I want to say something good about Lightspeed as a company. I have always heard good reports about them, and this one is mine:
I purchased mine off eBay and they were used (saved a few Benjamin's) The first two were just like new, but the third purchase had some issues. It squealed in my ear when I turned on the ANR and didn't really do the job like the other ones did. I decided to send it in for repairs and called Lightspeed. I told them I bought it used and wanted to get it fixed. They gave me a return number, told me it would be repaired in 5 days and they would pay the freight back and it would be under warranty. I didn't ask for the warranty, they just gave it. When the headset came back, it was like new and the repair ticket showed that it was over 3 years old. I have no problem sharing this as I find it very refreshing to deal with a company that takes this much pride in customer service. It is a rare find these days, so they get a pat on the back from me. Way to go LIghtspeed!

ANR headsets are like shoes, some fit good and some don't.

Example,

Bose are fantastic for my wife, Lightspeeds are fantastic for me but when we swap the Bose are horrible for me and the Lightspeeds are horrible for her. From what the experts have told me is each brand and model fits each person differently and because of this the ANR performance is different for each person.

This all being said, buy what you think you may like from a reputable dealer that allows returns and try em out, that is what we did.

We use ours in a Husky.

Kurt

I have a lightspeed Zulu and a Zulu2. I honestly can't tell the difference between the 2. In my citabria with an 0-320 or my 180 with the 0-470. For me the Zulus are great. I have a lot of hair, both on my head and on my face, and haven't ever had a problem with them not working. My wife likes hers as well. The Bose just doesn't fit me as well, so I like the light speeds better.
I'd really like to try a set of the new wireless lightspeeds. If they work, not having any wire would be awesome!

I've been a David Clark fan since I bought my first set in 1979, a 10-40 (predecessor to the 10-30). I still have it. After about 15 years, it was damaged when someone dropped it on the sidewalk. DC "repaired" it, by replacing the mic, wiring, earcups--everything but the headband which I had inscribed with my name, all at no charge. It still works fine. That kind of customer service is hard to beat.

But I replaced it for my personal use with a 10-13.4, right after DC started making them. Later, I modified that one with an Oregon Aero hushkit and comfort kit, making it much better--quieter and more comfortable. Then a few years ago, I modified it further with a Headsets Inc. ANR kit, and added a Flitelight boom mic light. It is my primary headset, still. Because of the OA ear cushions and the ANR, I can comfortably wear it all day without much discomfort. Admittedly, though, by the end of a long day, I'm ready to take it off.

I also have a second 10-13.4, which I bought about 12 years ago, which is the passenger set. It and the old 10-40 also have the Oregon Aero hushkit and comfort kit mods.

For the very occasional 4th passenger, I have a couple of el cheapo headsets, one kid size and one adult size, which are both Softcomms. For a half hour or hour flight, they're OK, but much longer wouldn't be very comfortable--and they're not likely to last if used regularly.

Because I'm such a fan of DCs, I'm very tempted by their new One-X, not yet enough to buy it, and besides, I need to get my airplane back with its new exhaust system first!

Incidentally, I've tried the Bose X, but not the newer A20, in my airplane. I wasn't particularly impressed that it was any better than what I have. I tried on the latest Lightspeed Zulu 2s, and they didn't fit my fat head or ears. None of these appear to be as solid as DCs, but that's just my biased opinion.

I agree completely, though, that headsets are very personal, whether ANR or passive. What works well for one person might not satisfy the next person at all. Taking advantage of the 30 day return that most of the biggies are offering these days makes good sense.

Cary

wyomingiswindy wrote:Solid advice there RW. Are the cups on the new Zulus identical to the older ones? Do the newer Zulus flake black off on your ears and face? My current cups are 1.5 years old and have most lost their thin black coating. It looks like silk screen.
I'm not bashing Lightspeed. I really love the company--just looking for opinions and reviews.

Wyoming,

I mean no offense, but you do come off as bashing the company. I have used Lightspeed headsets for a long time and I love them. As others have said, headsets are a very personal thing....what works for you may not for me, etc.

But, if you have issues with the headsets as you describe, please contact Lightspeed. I'll bet they'll have the issue fixed in a heartbeat. Their customer service has been superior in my experience.

Good luck finding a headset that works for you and your environment.

MTV

Sorry. I did not intend to bash Lightspeed. They are my favorite! They have the greatest customer service of any company I've ever worked with! I should have laid down an intro paragraph with frilly fluffy love but didn't fee like it.

I didn't give enough details either. My ears ring after flying. My plane is louder than it was. Zulu 1 are super and I have put about 230000 miles on them. I had DCs before that And they didn't work for me. Clamped my jaws too much.

I am just about to possibly spend a lot of money on headsets and wondered what is the latest news. Sorry if I offended you.

P.S. that doesn't change the fact that they flake off on my face. Or that I need better hearing protection. I just dusted off the daily grime an hour ago.

wyomingiswindy wrote:Solid advice there RW. Are the cups on the new Zulus identical to the older ones? Do the newer Zulus flake black off on your ears and face? My current cups are 1.5 years old and have most lost their thin black coating. It looks like silk screen.

I haven't had any more trouble with their cups than anyone elses. The are a wear item and do need to be replaced occasionally. So far I haven't had to pay for them. I've heard the same from Bose users.

For Lightspeed I just make a mental note to check my cups around July and wander around their booth at Osh if I'm getting to the point of needing new ones. So far they have hooked me up.

wyomingiswindy wrote:Sorry. I did not intend to bash Lightspeed.
I am just about to possibly spend a lot of money on headsets and wondered what is the latest news. Sorry if I offended you.

P.S. that doesn't change the fact that they flake off on my face. Or that I need better hearing protection. I just dusted off the daily grime an hour ago.

You didn't offend me at all. My point was that MAYBE Lightspeed has a simple solution to the "daily grime". I'd sure give them a shout on that if you haven't already. I've used the Zulus a lot and haven't experienced that feature....

Again, good luck.

MTV

I fly behind a 540 now and really like my new A20s. I have a 3 year old set of Zulu 2s that at the time I liked better than the older Bose that were available at the time but the new Bose really rock. Super light and not much clamping force. My noggin is sensitive and DCs were just torture and even the Zulus start to bug after 2 hrs.
I have some Sierras also but they are just too bulky.
My wife and her Texas hair can only tolerate Clarity Alofts. I've used them several times and they are noisier and the tunes just don't sound as good as the Bose so that's what I've stuck with. They are comfy though!
Buy whatever pair from Sportys and return em if u don't like them or find a pilot shop that'll let u demo.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

0-470 and 0-320.

Had Lightspeeds for a few days and returned em, head fit issue.

Bought the Bose A20 last summer and they're great, have held up super well. If wearing a ball cap, have to reposition after a couple hours. If no hat, then good to go for many hours. Sound quality is awesome and Bluetooth is handy.

Wore cheap David Clamps for years, being too stubborn to pay what seems like an overly hefty sum for a headset. Finally ponied up n dropped the cash...Good investment IMO

I have three Lightspeed headsets, old 30-3G's, Zulu-2's, and PFX's and one old DC 13.4's. With that said I really love my PFX's, but after wearing the 2's I wouldn't spend the difference to get the PFX's, unless you are disconnecting the headsets often. I am constantly moving between aircraft and appreciate the heavier duty cords of the PFX's.

I too love Lightspeed's customer service. I sent in the 3G's after about 10 years and they chargers $125 to completely retrofit them. They came back looking like new. Amazing!

I have for years always removed that annoying ball at the top of ballcaps for that very reason

I have a KitFox S7 powered by a Rotax 912s loud SB. Have a old pair of DCs not sure of the model number 13s I think, I have used since 1998. They were always a little tight felt like my head was in a vise. Just replaced with Bose A20 with blue tooth very happy with them quiet and comfortable. I can talk on the phone without the background noise. Very Happy.

Note the recurring theme of clamping pressure. Unfortunately, SOME clamping pressure is a necessity for over ear headsets to ensure a seal, particularly when wearing glasses. size and bulk of the headset has a profound effect as well.....heavier puts more weight on the headband, etc.

And, as others have noted, each human head has a very unique shape and size.

Finally, as the OP noted, different aircraft produce very different noise volume and frequency spectra.

So, frankly, it's virtually impossible to build a "one size fits all" headset.

Back when I flew a Beaver a lot, I wore David Clarks AND ear plugs. No ANR sets back then. And it was still loud with a H/S prop with -6 blades.

The clamping pressure on those old DC headsets was fierce, but wearing them regularly and a lot, I got used to them. So, if clamping pressure bothers you.....fly more. .

So, as others have suggested, find someone who'll let you test drive different sets. And, if a headset doesn't do the trick (as in your ears still ring after flying, a serious issue) try wearing ear plugs AND a headset.

Take it from one who has lost a lot of hearing: good hearing protection is essential in noisy environments.

MTV

Huh? What did you say???

Gump