View Poll Results: What type of headset do you use in GA?
David Clark 13.4
574
40.39%
other David Clark
305
21.46%
Altronics
77
5.42%
all others
433
30.47%
Bose Aviation X
32
2.25%
Voters: 1421. This poll is closed
Headset types in GA
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Perth
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I just bought a set of BOSE and I must say they are excellent!
Much better than my H10-13.4 with an aftermarket ANR kit.
The BOSE are so light and the clarity is excellent.
Z.
Much better than my H10-13.4 with an aftermarket ANR kit.
The BOSE are so light and the clarity is excellent.
Z.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Victoria, Australia
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Lightspeed Zulu
I've been using the new Lightspeed ZULU for the past few weeks, must say it is an excellent headset. Great ANR performance, battery life is good and the bluetooth function works really well.
Any one else using these at the moment?
Any one else using these at the moment?
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Victoria, Australia
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Owen,
I've tried the Bose and i'd say the ZULU's are as good if not better. Only major difference i found was the ZULU's were a little heavier. Audio quality is excellent as far as radio / phone calls go. Haven't tried the ipod yet but there is plenty of settings to play with to adjust the quality etc.
I've tried the Bose and i'd say the ZULU's are as good if not better. Only major difference i found was the ZULU's were a little heavier. Audio quality is excellent as far as radio / phone calls go. Haven't tried the ipod yet but there is plenty of settings to play with to adjust the quality etc.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: .
Age: 25
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Only Bose
Bose is the most comfortable headset I have used.
Not only that, I needed some repair work on my set which are out of warranty. I sent them into Bose Australia for a quote, which was close to a grad! I said I only wanted them fixed and usable, and there was no need to fix them as good as new, as I did not want to pay for that...Bose then informed me they did not like to send back anything less than a perfect set, and they they had already completely overhauled them, and were sending them back free charge!
Very impressive, for as I said, they were out or warranty! I wont buy or recommend anything other than Bose now....They are worth every cent, and indeed more!
Not only that, I needed some repair work on my set which are out of warranty. I sent them into Bose Australia for a quote, which was close to a grad! I said I only wanted them fixed and usable, and there was no need to fix them as good as new, as I did not want to pay for that...Bose then informed me they did not like to send back anything less than a perfect set, and they they had already completely overhauled them, and were sending them back free charge!
Very impressive, for as I said, they were out or warranty! I wont buy or recommend anything other than Bose now....They are worth every cent, and indeed more!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NZ
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Damn shame you even had to send them in for repairs Jerry! Was it the headband cracking? Have several mates who have had that problem.
Not had any need, nor have I heard of ppl sending the Zulus or D50's in for repair yet, but as long as your happy to be without them for a few days/weeks and have them repaired for free makes perfect sense to me
Not had any need, nor have I heard of ppl sending the Zulus or D50's in for repair yet, but as long as your happy to be without them for a few days/weeks and have them repaired for free makes perfect sense to me
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Age: 25
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Yes Tin Driver, it was a shame i had to send them in....
I should have explained that a useless avionics fella in SE Asia massacered them on me whilst attempting to the Bose plug to the normal GA plug...Until then they worked perfectly, with no cracking anywhere...they just were looking a little old, but not even so bad at that...Basically Bose repaired the damage done by an idiot avionics fella, and they gave me the Bose/GA plug converter, and they upgraded the noise cancelling system for me, and plus they replaced cosmetic items (ear cups)....all free of charge....
Like I said, unreal, considering they were not under warranty, plus the reason the reason for repairs being needed was not due to any fault developing within the headset...
To be honest, I dont get the point of the Bose plug rather than the GA one, but you can just bye the GA one rather than the Bose plug anyhow, or get a converter if you need one. I had the Bose plug as the headset came with an a/c I had, setup with the bose plug....
I should have explained that a useless avionics fella in SE Asia massacered them on me whilst attempting to the Bose plug to the normal GA plug...Until then they worked perfectly, with no cracking anywhere...they just were looking a little old, but not even so bad at that...Basically Bose repaired the damage done by an idiot avionics fella, and they gave me the Bose/GA plug converter, and they upgraded the noise cancelling system for me, and plus they replaced cosmetic items (ear cups)....all free of charge....
Like I said, unreal, considering they were not under warranty, plus the reason the reason for repairs being needed was not due to any fault developing within the headset...
To be honest, I dont get the point of the Bose plug rather than the GA one, but you can just bye the GA one rather than the Bose plug anyhow, or get a converter if you need one. I had the Bose plug as the headset came with an a/c I had, setup with the bose plug....
Just out of curiosity, do any Bose owners use aftermarket Phone and (especially) MP3 connectors?
Also, for those who use mobile phones with your headset, doesn't the "dat dat dat" annoy the living
out of you!?!?
I know it annoys me to no end if someone leaves their phone on when I told them to turn the friggin thing off on the ground!
Also, for those who use mobile phones with your headset, doesn't the "dat dat dat" annoy the living
out of you!?!? I know it annoys me to no end if someone leaves their phone on when I told them to turn the friggin thing off on the ground!
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Melbourne
Age: 34
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just picked up my new shiny Zulu today, plugged directly into laptop and wow. cant wait to get out and use it. bought from ozpilot.com.au went to thier office and tried on everything adn settled for this
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Perth
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Lightspeed Zulu :
These new Zulu's from Lightspeed may well outclass the DC and Bose equivalents.
Seems they've put a lot of effort into building a winning headset.
Fantastic stereo audio with FRC (Front Row Centre) enhancement switch, Bluetooth, + plug in option with 2 leads supplied, auto mute switch for the audio, bass and treble boost, mic gain adjustment, small and sturdy carry case, same ear-cup seals as Bose, light, strong, 5yr warranty and a couple of hundred cheaper than Bose.
Maybe to much gadgetry and switches for longevity though, time will tell.
BUT no user manual or instructions of any kind not even on the box, no information available from their web site, and several emails over two weeks to the service desk and the poor simple lass still couldn't grasp the concept that she needed to email me the user manual. Eventually rang and spoke to a bloke who sent it through in 30 minutes.
:These new Zulu's from Lightspeed may well outclass the DC and Bose equivalents.
Seems they've put a lot of effort into building a winning headset.
Fantastic stereo audio with FRC (Front Row Centre) enhancement switch, Bluetooth, + plug in option with 2 leads supplied, auto mute switch for the audio, bass and treble boost, mic gain adjustment, small and sturdy carry case, same ear-cup seals as Bose, light, strong, 5yr warranty and a couple of hundred cheaper than Bose.
Maybe to much gadgetry and switches for longevity though, time will tell.
BUT no user manual or instructions of any kind not even on the box, no information available from their web site, and several emails over two weeks to the service desk and the poor simple lass still couldn't grasp the concept that she needed to email me the user manual. Eventually rang and spoke to a bloke who sent it through in 30 minutes.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: dorset
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I Had A Bose, It Was Always Breaking, When I Sent It In For Repair It Had Dry Joints! And Was Going To Cost £85 As It Was Out Of Warrenty. Asked Them To Send It Back And Was Given A Pooleys Anr Set..brill...wouldn't Look Back!
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: turn L @ Taupo, just past the Niagra Falls...
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This is turning into a truly useful thread! Well done all 
I've been researching ANR headsets for quite a while now, whilst still using the trusty 'ol DC H-10-60's. The Bose and X-11's have been getting serious consideration, but comments by other posters re the weaknesses apparent in these headsets have caused me a more 'wait-and-see' attitude.
Glad I did.
From what I can see, the Lightspeed Zulu is streets ahead! (btw: the user manual is now available here). Those of you that are using the Zulu; anything further to add? I'm pretty close to giving these the nod, would just appreciate any further input.
I've been researching ANR headsets for quite a while now, whilst still using the trusty 'ol DC H-10-60's. The Bose and X-11's have been getting serious consideration, but comments by other posters re the weaknesses apparent in these headsets have caused me a more 'wait-and-see' attitude.
Glad I did.
From what I can see, the Lightspeed Zulu is streets ahead! (btw: the user manual is now available here). Those of you that are using the Zulu; anything further to add? I'm pretty close to giving these the nod, would just appreciate any further input.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: North of the 26th and not above FL010
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My wife and I have a collection of headsets. She mainly uses the 13.4's but I have an old set of Soft Comms with DC ear/head cushions which I find as good as the DC's and damn site cheaper.
I am constantly on the R/T with talking to ground crew (stockmen) and have them hooked up to the radio interface and impedance matching gizzmo for the private VHF comms.
Have an old set of Telex's and a DCNC ANR set which are awfully heavy.
I am constantly on the R/T with talking to ground crew (stockmen) and have them hooked up to the radio interface and impedance matching gizzmo for the private VHF comms.
Have an old set of Telex's and a DCNC ANR set which are awfully heavy.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Perth
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Lightspeed Zulus
30 hours on them now and still impressed.
Phone voice quality is reported as being excellent with more than one caller claiming they cannot hear any background noise at all.
Oddly though there is no side-tone through the headphones when on the phone, not the end of the world though and I'll email Lightspeed to see if this is normal.
30 hours on them now and still impressed.
Phone voice quality is reported as being excellent with more than one caller claiming they cannot hear any background noise at all.
Oddly though there is no side-tone through the headphones when on the phone, not the end of the world though and I'll email Lightspeed to see if this is normal.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Oddly though there is no side-tone through the headphones when on the phone, not the end of the world though and I'll email Lightspeed to see if this is normal.
This is also believed to be why anyone using one seems to shout into them!
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Placed an order for the Lightspeed Zulu headset on Thursday from a US based pilot store pilotmall.com for under $1000AUD including Express postage. I am always pretty cautious about ordering items of this value overseas, however I have been extremely impressed by their level of communications and service.
I have been researching ANR headsets for several months now, reading as many reviews, forums and magazines as possible comparing the available headsets including the DC X-11, Bose X, Telex 30 and Telex 50D. I had narrowed it down to the Telex 50D up until two weeks ago because of their very good ANR specs and a very good price ($750AUD with a $50USD rebate). Then I heard about the LS Zulu and both the specs, features and price make it a very impressive headset. A reviews is also available on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRVdAlY7z2M
Obviously comfort comparison is something that cannot be decided by reading other people's reviews, however there was a majority of the reviews indicating that the Zulu was more comfortable than the Telex 50D and nearly equal to the Bose X comfort level. So yes, I was making a risk not being able to try on either the LS Zulu or Telex 50D (as I had tried on my instructor's Bose X).
I emailed Dave from airportpilotshop.com who did the review of the LS Zulu online about both the Telex 50D vs Lightspeed Zulu and his response was very helpful:
This also seemed to agree with the view on other forums that the Telex 50D is ideal for noisier aircraft like DHC Beaver, etc or for regular aerobatics pilots. Personally I am flying training a/c (for the moment ) so the combination of the Zulu's comfort and features grabbed my attention. I couldn't really justify another $500AUD for the Bose X for slightly better comfort and less features (even with the free Garmin GPS). I will admit however the level of Bose X service in Australia appears to be exceptional, with an Australian Call centre with warranty/returns tracking as one of the phone menu selection options. The same however cannot be said for either Telex or Lightspeed, none having Australian support or sales phone numbers listed. Obviously that is a risk that I take, however taking into the account the cost difference between the Lightspeed Zulu and Bose X, even if I do have to pay for postage back to the US for warranty on the Zulu, I am still ahead with cost savings.
I should be receiving the Lightspeed Zulu this week or next week (depending upon Customs), so it will be interesting to personally compare my LS Zulu with my instructors Bose X in terms of build quality, comfort, features, speaker and mic quality, etc.
Cheers
Tim
I have been researching ANR headsets for several months now, reading as many reviews, forums and magazines as possible comparing the available headsets including the DC X-11, Bose X, Telex 30 and Telex 50D. I had narrowed it down to the Telex 50D up until two weeks ago because of their very good ANR specs and a very good price ($750AUD with a $50USD rebate). Then I heard about the LS Zulu and both the specs, features and price make it a very impressive headset. A reviews is also available on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRVdAlY7z2M
Obviously comfort comparison is something that cannot be decided by reading other people's reviews, however there was a majority of the reviews indicating that the Zulu was more comfortable than the Telex 50D and nearly equal to the Bose X comfort level. So yes, I was making a risk not being able to try on either the LS Zulu or Telex 50D (as I had tried on my instructor's Bose X).
I emailed Dave from airportpilotshop.com who did the review of the LS Zulu online about both the Telex 50D vs Lightspeed Zulu and his response was very helpful:
Comparison of the Zulu and 50D:
In average aircraft such as a Cessna 172, the Zulu and the 50D have comparable ANR performance. The 50D is a little quieter in very loud aircraft like a 1960s Mooney or an old Aztec but not by that large of a margin. And the 50D is a much bulkier and heavier headset than the Zulu. The Zulu is very light, and very comfortable. Both headsets have music and cell phone interface although the Zulu has the Bluetooth interface which eliminates the need for a cable to connect your phone to the headset. The audio on the Zulu also have the front row center feature that enhances the quality of the music. It also has Comm Priority so you can choose whether or not you want Air Traffic Control to mute the music.
My customer's have been very impressed by the design and performance of the Zulu and our sales have reflected that. In addition I have not had one complaint about the Zulu yet and I have been shipping them since October.
) so the combination of the Zulu's comfort and features grabbed my attention. I couldn't really justify another $500AUD for the Bose X for slightly better comfort and less features (even with the free Garmin GPS). I will admit however the level of Bose X service in Australia appears to be exceptional, with an Australian Call centre with warranty/returns tracking as one of the phone menu selection options. The same however cannot be said for either Telex or Lightspeed, none having Australian support or sales phone numbers listed. Obviously that is a risk that I take, however taking into the account the cost difference between the Lightspeed Zulu and Bose X, even if I do have to pay for postage back to the US for warranty on the Zulu, I am still ahead with cost savings.I should be receiving the Lightspeed Zulu this week or next week (depending upon Customs), so it will be interesting to personally compare my LS Zulu with my instructors Bose X in terms of build quality, comfort, features, speaker and mic quality, etc.
Cheers
Tim