A distinctive look and unparalleled comfort makes Zulu the ultimate blend of technology and high performance. A thin, low-profile, stainless steel headband helps with cabin clearance and adds durability.
Full stereo music streaming (A2DP) compatibility allows wireless connection from Bluetooth phones or other devices.
An integrated control box input allows you to connect a cell phone, music player or iPod for a range of communication options.
Receiving radio communications is a snap with MusicMute which automatically decreases a music player by 80 percent, lessening the chance of missing important interactions.
Best Aviation Headsets
And in the confines of a noisy piston, turboprop or helicopter cockpit, there’s really no excuse for skimping by choosing a headset lacking active noise-cancellation technology. And of course, not all headsets are created equal in the all-important categories of durability and comfort, but these are all solid choices in those areas as well. It’s not surprising that our three favorite headset brands — Bose, David Clark and Lightspeed — are also the industry’s best selling.
Headsets from these manufacturers tend to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum (for good reason), so if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to take a look at lower-tier options, which include several good headsets that cost hundreds less than the top-rated models, but which shouldn’t be overlooked just because they’re built by manufacturers that sell in lower volumes.
Here’s a rundown of the best ANR headsets your money can buy from each of the manufacturers that are active in this highly competitive market segment. But the comfort (thanks to the A20’s light weight and low clamping force), noise-reduction technology and sound fidelity pioneered by Bose are all superb, making this the headset you probably want to own if money is no object.
PFX stands for Personal Flying Experience, and the technology built into this headset is designed to be customized to your ears, your environment and your preferences. The company introduced the industry’s first noise-attenuating headset in 1975, and its products have long been recognized among aviators the world over for their pale-green ear domes and exceptional quality.
The DC One-X is David Clark’s newest headset for general aviation pilots, with hybrid electronic noise cancellation that is as good as anything we’ve tested. One of the cool features of the DC One-X is that it folds up into a size that fits in the palm of your hand when not in use, allowing it to be tucked away into an easy-to-pack carrying case. We love the idea of a wireless headset, but that convenience comes at a price, namely that the Tango, weighing in at 18 ounces, is among the heaviest ANR models we tested. Heck, you might even pit it against the Bose A20 since the AC1000’s ultralight weight of 9 ounces, integrated Bluetooth capability, excellent sound quality and lower price make it an alternative worth consideration.
Individually selectable modes let the pilot choose whether to mute music when radio calls are received, a nice feature. At 7.5 ounces, the Pro-X is the lightest ANR headset we tested, and the well-padded alloy headband makes it a joy to wear even on long flights.
This ANR headset from Sigtronics is another that pilots on a tighter budget should consider if they’re looking for good sound quality, great noise-reduction capability and adequate comfort for half the price of the top products. This is a budget-priced alternative to the big boys’ products that delivers quality sound and a comfortable fit. This company also produces the Pilot BluLink Bluetooth adapter, a unit that is compatible with most dual-plug GA headsets. While noise canceling isn’t on par with top models, sound quality is adequate, and comfort, with its twist-flex headband and extra-thick ear cups, is acceptable.
But many GA pilots are growing to love the Clarity Aloft Pro Plus and QT Halo because of their extreme light weight and comfort made possible by their ingenious ear buds, which block external sound without the need for ear cups or built-in active noise-canceling technology.
Lightspeed Aviation’s new Zulu 3 headset elevates an already iconic line to new levels of comfort and durability
While incorporating new enhancements meant to boost comfort and durability, the Lightspeed Zulu 3 retains the familiar sleek, high-tech look of its predecessors along with the features that have made the previous Zulu models strong competitors in the premium space, including Bluetooth phone and music, the durability and longevity of nearly 100% stainless steel and magnesium construction, user-adjustable mic gain, and ear seals that, according to Lightspeed, deliver more comfort than their nearest competitor by offering 50% more space inside the cup and 20% more surface area. “We’ve taken an iconic product that is trusted by a large cross section of pilots around the world and made it even better,” said Teresa De Mers, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lightspeed Aviation.
Zulu 3 Support
Equipping each headset with its own gain adjustment helps balance loud and soft voices in a multi-headset environment.
LightSPEED Zulu Headset Review
I t’s almost a given that the Bose Headset X is at or near the top of every pilot’s wish list, in large part because the $1000 noise-canceler is comfortable, quiet and sleek. Along with quietness, we also weighed comfort, audio fidelity and the headset’s feature complement.This was a subjective pilot test, conducted in two different cockpits: a pressurized Lancair IV and a two-year-old Columbia 400. It’s like trying to assess the difference among in-home speakers in an audio component store: You know which you like better, but to articulate why, you use adjectives like “richer” and “fuller” and “purer.”New models always have the advantage in features. Because the Bose X doesn’t have a cell-phone interface, much less Zulu’s Bluetooth wireless capability, the features area is a no-contest.
Well, when it’s expedient to call ATC for a clearance in some remote location instead of trying to contact them by radio on the ground, or if you have cell-phone-delivered NEXRAD weather, this is not only a valuable convenience but a real-world safety feature.The icing on the cake is the Zulu’s “FRC” capability. We say the Zulu is as good or better in every category, and when you add the fuller feature set to the slightly (by $145) lower price, the gap widens.
Lightspeed Zulu 3 ANR Headset
The worst thing with the Zulu3 was the bluetooth, each time I turned them on I had to manually sync with my phone and a few flights it would link up but would not play sound thru the headset. The Bose would link automatically if the phone is in the plane and has worked consistently.
LIGHTSPEED ZULU 3 ANR HEADSET WITH BLUETOOTH – DUAL GA PLUGS
I fly a Cessna 172, I already have 2 Bose A20s and I wanted to try a different brand that was a little cheaper. Pros: This headset is lighter larger ear cups which some of my passengers complain that the Bose is too tight. Cons: Noise cancelation does not seem quit as good as the A20 I get feedback in the microphone from air blowing on the microphone which there is an adjustment for, I just have not taken the mic cover off yet to adjust the sensitivity.
If I had not already owned the Bose or wanted to save a few hundred dollars, this would be my first choice.
Great product Verified Purchase Verified Purchase LIGHTSPEED ZULU 3 DUAL GA STRAIGHT CORD BATTERY POWER Richard L I bought this one for my wife who has taken an interest in learning to fly some 20 years after I got my licenses. The Zulu fits her well showing it can accommodate a range of sizes – shes 5 3 and small build, Im 6 and medium. Ive seen many reviews which state the difference between the two comes down to personal preference.
My only dislike of the Zulu is that the mic boom cant swing back to allow the head set to be turned around and allow the person in the right seat to have the cable be on the right side, a point other reviews also raise. As a result, if sitting on the right, which as a CFI I do a lot, the cable has to cross over your chest. I fly predominantly in PA28s and I have to place things properly to get headset control in the right side storage pocket to leave enough slack to keep free. I dont consider this to be a reason to drop to a 4 star rating especially given the plus side of the cables t Kevlar outer cord.
Bottom line, comparable sound quality as the Bose, comfort is excellent and comes down to personal choice between them, and $100 less (one extra hamburger lunch in aviation terms). Actually slid one side off during runup, learned something you really have to keep them sealed around your ears or they will complain at you. Tried one phone call it seemed a little awkward but wasnt anything to do with headset mostly chatty radio folks.
Looking forward to getting a second set just so I can watch the look on my wife and my sons face when they turn the power on.
When I started I didnt even use headsets, flew into Memphis Center with nothing but a speaker, hand mic, and my endorsement. Crazy right, well this was as big a step up in my opinion as it was when I tried my first headset and thought why, why did I wait so long.
Zulu 3 fits over my ears and has reasonable passive noise reduction. In my Cessna TU206G, if the pilots window is open while taxing and ANR is on with the Zulu 3 I get a fluttering noise in the right ear.
What an awesome Headset, Fast shipping very well packed,, George G I’m a long time pipeline pilot and this is probably the best headset I’ve used Steve Bluetooth works great with my EFB, and the headset is built to last. Bought this unit for my wife and an upgrade from an old non ANR headset.
I run them under a Fulmer 354/Jaunt helmet in an open cockpit and have been very pleased with the clarity, fit, and comfort. The Bluetooth paired easily with my cellphone and works just fine. I messed around with the bluetooth playing music and making a phone call before I had a chance to take them up in the plane. Very comfortable and from a safety standpoint I feel a lot better with the communications side of things now.
At work I use an A20 (company provided) and it seems to eat batteries but is a good noise canceling headset. The Z3 has a bulletproof cord design that is stronger and is aesthetically appealing. Both Zulu’s are very comfortable, great noise cancelling and easy setup for Bluetooth. What a beautifully engineered piece, excellent sound and better noise cancellation, with substantial improvements in power cord. Factory support unbelieveable too, I sent my Zulu 1 in after 10 years and they replaced almost every component for a $100 fee. The communications are clearer than my previous headset but with the high frequencies somewhat muted.
The controls are well engineered and the instruction booklet makes Bluetooth configuration a breeze. The biggest surprise for me was the outstanding sound quality while listening to music streamed from my cell phone.
The lightspeed Zulu 3 reduces the engine sound considerably which allows you to hear radio communication much more clearly. After a month long internal debate and research between the Zulu 3 and A20…. I have had the chance to use the headset for about 5 hours on three different flights and I cannot say enough good things about the noise cancelling and quality of communication. Extremely happy with the decision and will be purchasing a 2nd set for my wife.
It quiets the DeHavland Beaver extremely well and makes each flight enjoyable. Of all the headsets Ive worn since 1967, the Lightspeed Zulu 3, is without a doubt, the most comfortable of them all. Price is a good value compared with the Bose A20, and I dont need the extra features (and bulky, 4-battery case) of the Zulu PFX Mark K Wish Lightspeed would increase the length of the boom mike about an inch.
Pros Comfortable Great Passive noise reduction high quality build Cons Eliminates most low freq. noise but are not at all effective on some of the higher frequency noise common on high reving rotax engines – this includes mechanical harmonics on full power climb, and electrical whine. I consistently hear a tumbling noise on take-off but it goes away as I throttle back. otherwise they have impeccable fit and finish, sound is very clear once the tumbling stops.
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Pilot Headset
This military-style bag is made of a durable canvas and comes with multiple pockets, straps, and Velcro pouches to accommodate all the essential supplies you’ll need. The result is the Lightspeed Zulu 3, a headset with the ultimate performance profile and industry-leading total noise cancellation attributes. Weighing in at about 13 ounces, the Lightcomfort design includes plush ear seals, exceptional fit and 15% less side pressure. Low-pro file stainless steel headband follows the curve of the head for more comfortable distribution of weight and side pressure The Dual Aperture Disc™ microphone provides greater noise cancellation for unparalleled voice clarity, more intelligible communications with crisp, rich audio Front Row Center™ (FRC), stereo cross-feed technology, and redesigned speakers deliver crisp, rich audio and unparalleled music fidelity
The free FlightLink app works seamlessly with the Lightspeed Zulu 3 headsets to capture and retrieve incoming and outgoing communications. Store multiple flight recordings on your device or computer, and enjoy instant playback of Air Traffic Control transmissions.
The new Zulu’s full-function Bluetooth connectivity provides enhanced sound quality for voice, music or compatible audio devices. An integrated control box auxiliary input offers an additional option for connecting a cell phone, music player or other audio device. Lightspeed’s proprietary Auto Shutoff feature saves battery life by automatically shutting down the headset power when not in use. New contoured ear seals are designed to hug the curve of the jaw, reducing side pressure to get a more natural fit for more comfort and stability.
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