My Bose A20 reached end-of-life. I would have kept it but since Bose stopped making parts for the A20, it became difficult to keep working. So I bought the A30 and compared it with my partners Zulu 3. The Zulu 3 wins in terms of comfort, fit, staying on my head (I do aerobatics), and sealing around eyeglasses. So I returned the A30 and bought the Zulu 3. Not looking back.
Lloyd A
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
November 7, 2024
Excellent product. I have previously bought a Zulu 3 headset which has been excellent.
Tim H
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
August 29, 2024
Absolutely love this headset, makes flying even more enjoyable!
Carter E
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
May 31, 2024
Weather finally let us go up with the new Lightspeed Zulu head set. Pilots comment: AWESOME!!
(v) H
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
May 22, 2024
This is my second Lightspeed Headset(first one was bought 11 years ago). Very happy with the ANR and comfort
Thomas L
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
April 7, 2024
Very nice headset. I have two David Clark ANR headsets currently. This one is slightly cheaper and seems to fit my head better. The ANR function is exceptional.
Roger W
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
March 3, 2024
work as they should and i like them.
Harry B
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Lemo Plug Straight Cord Panel Powered
February 4, 2024
Early days but seems great so far.
Mark A
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
September 8, 2023
Bluetooth will not power up all the time. And I didnt receive any manual with it. Another than that it seems to function fine
Robert S
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 15, 2023
These did not disappoint! As good as the best out there and, as other reviews on the web suggest, the foam ear cushions on this model are exceptionally effective at making a tight seal around glasses. Headset is very comfortable to wear.
Bernard T
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
May 26, 2023
Efficient noise cancelling. Very comfortable even after 3 or 4 hours of flight.
Jean-francois O
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
March 17, 2023
Upgraded from a U fly mike system, which I was never really happy with. Seems the Bose headsets that system uses just aren’t really up for loud aviation use.
So, the Lightspeed Zulu 3’s really are as advertised! Excellent upgrade, no air/ noise leakage, and the split in the top works great wearing any baseball hat I have! Love them so far. Only thing is, wish the mike could be dual side mounted instead of always on the same left side. But that’s a minor point.
Ron N
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
January 7, 2023
Worked GREAT in the Rans S12 kit plane. We can actually talk and hear ourselves now. Lightweight and easy to use.
Ron F
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
September 14, 2022
Simply the best! 😀
Dominique M
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Lemo Plug Straight Cord Panel Powered
September 2, 2022
Lightspeed Zulu headset works great in my noisy Cessna 150. Big price tag though! Received it in a timely manner when ordered from AIrcraft Spruce. Comes with a nice carrying case as well.
Kerry P
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
August 28, 2022
ANR works great, can still monitor engine by sound. Comfortable on long flights. A well made, sturdy headset. Should give me many years of service.
Jean E
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
August 23, 2022
Excellent headset with superb ANR capabilities. Very comfortable for long flights.
Evan K
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 27, 2022
The headsets are comfortable and anr is good.
Michrophone doesnt work recording whatsapp audios while it does work for calls...
Enrique S
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 18, 2022
Havent used yet. Looks good, replaces old Zulu set which was excellent. Case a vast improvement
Donald B
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 9, 2022
Bob M
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
June 29, 2022
Really surprised at the comfort level after 4.5 hours of flight
Jose R
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
June 21, 2022
Very good quality, working as they claim.
Amandeep S
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
May 17, 2022
Ive been using Bose A20 since 2012. Lost my A20 and decided to give the Zulu a try since they offer a 30 day trial. Gotta say it didnt disappoint. Very comfortable l, great ANR and what I love most is the wires are very easy to manage. Definitely recommend
Farid C
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
May 12, 2022
Excellent product. Still have my original Lightspeed headsets. Comfortable on long cross country flights. Clarity is fantastic.
Jaime G
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
April 12, 2022
A lot better than my 20 year old DC headset, that was a true work horse it self. Time for me to upgrade to the noise canceling and so far really like the Zulu 3...
John S
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
March 8, 2022
Much improved wiring over the Zulu 2, which died at a bit under 9 years.
Edwin S
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
March 4, 2022
Nathan W
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
February 27, 2022
Got my first flight with the Zulu 3 in yesterday. Put my friend in the front seat of the CITABRIA and had to ask at where he had the throttle set as I couldnt tell if it was the noise cancelling or the power setting. Turns out he had the throttle back but still impressed with the comfort and noise reduction. Only regret is not buying them sooner!
Brian H
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
December 19, 2021
I bought a Zulu 2 about 10 years ago and loved it. I use it professionally, in a float plane, then King Airs, and the such. It saw lots of heavy use. In and out of the plane and into my bag 15+ times per month, for 10 years. It certainly saw lots of wear and tear. The folks at Lightspeed were very pleasant to deal with when certain parts wore out. It was rebuilt twice, once under warranty. Very accommodating process. After 10 years, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and get a new one. Bought the Zulu 3. Given the improvements between the two, I expect that it will last even longer. If it handled my 6 legs per day for 15 days a month for 10+ years, Im impressed enough to be a happy repeat customer.
David Z
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
December 16, 2021
I bought a set of Lightspeed Sierra headsets last June, and was amazed at how the ANR filtered out the engine noise in my C172. So then I decided to buy the Zulu3 headsets, the ANR is every bit as good, but the ear cups seem to fit a little better than the Sierra. Also, I have seen some reviews that the microphone arm was too short. Not for me. I did turn up the mic gain by 1/4 of a turn from the factory setting and that did seem to make a positive impact on the VOX input to the intercom. No complaints about this Zulu3. Greg Hill. Greenwood, IN.
Gregory H
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
November 30, 2021
Elizabeth S
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
November 19, 2021
The Zulu 3 headsets were so much more comfortable then my Bose A-20 s that I purchased them for my helicopter...
Robert M
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 U-174 Plug Straight Cord Battery Power
November 5, 2021
My Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset is all day comfortable ... and by that I mean I can fly my Cirrus from Tampa, FL to Eagle, CO in about 10 hrs with stops for fuel and w!hen I take off this headset its like I never had one on, ,,,its that comfortable
Jeffrey T
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Lemo Plug Straight Cord Panel Powered
October 29, 2021
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.
The cord appears very well built and light. It does not pull on the headset like my Bose does. You barely know its on.
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.
Bluetooth does not automatically connect to the last paired device, I have to remember to turn on the bluetooth and connect it to my ipad.
All in all, I gave it 5 stars and I think its very comfortable but this will be my backup headset or for passengers. If I had not already owned the Bose or wanted to save a few hundred dollars, this would be my first choice.
Michael D
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
October 8, 2021
Have used the headset twice and the only difference I can tell between Lightspeed and Bose is the $200 I have in my pocket from the Lightspeed purchase.
Steven F
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
September 29, 2021
Light and quiet. Second one for my wife.
Jean B
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 U-174 Plug Straight Cord Battery Power
September 15, 2021
Great product
Richard L
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
August 10, 2021
2nd one purchased. Like them better than Bose A20
Keith T
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 13, 2021
Better than my expectations
Dennis T
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 8, 2021
Great quality. Just what I was looking for.
Fantastic delivery service!!
Kevin
April 1, 2021
Excellent audio, looks like good build quality.
Drew
March 29, 2021
This is my second Zulu 3. I bought the first a couple years ago and its worked great. Its very comfortable and the sound quality is excellent. 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.
I have used a Bose also and found the sound quality and comfort between the 2 to be no different. I like the larger ear cup of the Zulu as I do have larger ears. I found the Zulu to fit me better than the Bose. Ive seen many reviews which state the difference between the two comes down to personal preference. I agree with that.
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. It would be nice if to compensate for this the cable was just an extra 6 longer. 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. It is not a big deal and has never caused a problem. Most people probably wont have an issue. But being 6 tall I sit further back than most people. 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. No worries about that cracking or breaking.
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).
Vincent
February 8, 2021
Excellent and easy transaction. Was a gift for newly minted PPL
Chris C
February 1, 2021
Had been along time since flying with an anr headset. I had been just using a trusty green headset like I give all my passengers. Decided to spoil myself for Christmas. Wow I had forgotten what I was missing. In coming radio calls are a lot more clear. How many radio calls was a missing before when I could not understand what they were saying? Tell your wife you need these because it is a safety concern not having them ) I shouldn’t tell my secrets... But it is true.
Zak
January 19, 2021
Ive never experienced an ANR headset before so maybe not the best 5 star rating. Ive gotten 1 hour in the plane with them. Actually I was totally impressed with the improvement in everything audible. 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. Im totally not concerned about that anymore. Bluetooth was no problem connected to my phone just fine. Tried one phone call it seemed a little awkward but wasnt anything to do with headset mostly chatty radio folks. Tried music stream this was so cool. 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.
Jay I
January 14, 2021
Used this to replace my Telex Stratus 50D I have owned for 15 years. I think the speakers are getting worn out and muffled.
I owned Bose A20 previously in a different airplane and found 1: ear cups sat on my ears not over 2: very noisy if battery died in flight.
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. So I close the window or turn off the ANR.
Keith S
January 2, 2021
Nothing Better...
Joseph R
December 7, 2020
Impeccable product! Impeccable service!
Thanks!
Claude R
November 6, 2020
What an awesome Headset,
Fast shipping very well packed,,
George G
October 20, 2020
very nice headset. wished I would have ordered it sooner. I couldnt decide between Bose and Lightspeed. A friend liked his Lightspeed so that was my best choice.
Blaine S
October 15, 2020
EXCELLENT PRODUCT!
Juan P
October 8, 2020
Easy to use, great sound quality and lightweight. Like the Bluetooth!
Chase H
September 14, 2020
I’m a long time pipeline pilot and this is probably the best headset I’ve used
Steve
August 14, 2020
Second set Ive purchased. First one has worked well for three years with almost daily use as a new flight instructor. Works great and stands up to heavy use.
Pete N
July 27, 2020
Works great!
So quiet that I am tempted to csrry it around when outside in noisy situations.
Richard B
July 24, 2020
I’m in love with this headset. It is absolutely AMAZING!!! Bluetooth works great with my EFB, and the headset is built to last. Don’t forget about the comfort. VERY comfortable. Buy this headset.
James B
May 25, 2020
Purchased 2 of the zulu3 anrs headsets. They work great. Used the trade up program trading in my older dc Clark headset and received the $100 credit plus the extra $50 from lightspeed. These are quality headsets that are Bluetooth enabled and really improve communication sound quality. I would definitely recommend for all general aviation pilots.
Richard W
May 11, 2020
This is my third Zulu,
I keep one (Zulu 2) in my Champ and 2 (Zulu 3s) in my SportCruiser. I purchased 3 and am happy with all of them
Steven C
May 1, 2020
Bought this unit for my wife and an upgrade from an old non ANR headset. She enjoyed how quiet and comfortable it is.
Bernie R
October 14, 2019
Great headset. Im a CFII so my headsets get a lot of hours and abuse moving from plane to plane. Started with a Zulu 2 several years ago and after a couple of thousand hrs the covering on the cord started splitting. LightSpeed will up grade it to a Z3. Bought this headset (third Z3) for my students to use. Love the upgraded cord. Good battery life on 2 AAs. Highly recommend it.
Steven B
August 2, 2019
Highly recommended & my second headset purchase within the last 3 months.
Charles M
July 21, 2019
Definitely 5 stars.
Liked the first set so well I bought a second so the plane has a matched set.
Very clear. Very light and easy to wear. I run them under a Fulmer 354/Jaunt helmet in an open cockpit and have been very pleased with the clarity, fit, and comfort.
Phill
July 18, 2019
So quiet its almost spooky. Light, comfortable, a premium product.
The Bluetooth paired easily with my cellphone and works just fine.
Laura H
April 14, 2019
My first ANR headset so I cant compare to anything else but in short - WOW. 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. Man oh man when I plugged these babies in (C172R) it was nothing short of life changing. Kept double checking that the prop was still spinning!! Very comfortable and from a safety standpoint I feel a lot better with the communications side of things now. Crystal. Clear. What a great product.
Adam T
April 11, 2019
Works great in my Citabria!
Joseph B
April 11, 2019
Very well made and worth the investment. The Light speed Zulu performs better than a Bose.
Dave V
December 27, 2018
At work I use an A20 (company provided) and it seems to eat batteries but is a good noise canceling headset. In the military I preferred the David Clark and have always used David Clark for GA.
This is my second Zulu. First was a Zulu-2 and I loved it, but it was stolen from my truck. Replaced with Zulu-3. 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. Also like the battery life and auto-shutoff feature. Zulu-3 is perfect, hands down for General Aviation. I use mine in a Cessna and Beechcraft
Mister L
November 18, 2018
What a beautifully engineered piece, excellent sound and better noise cancellation, with substantial improvements in power cord. I took advantage of the trade in credit as well, swapping a Bose X. Factory support unbelieveable too, I sent my Zulu 1 in after 10 years and they replaced almost every component for a $100 fee. Lightspeed is a great company!
James C
October 4, 2018
Very comfortable and light. Excellent passive and active noise reduction. The communications are clearer than my previous headset but with the high frequencies somewhat muted. It makes my flights much more enjoyable.
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. It easily matches my audiophile headset at home.
As usual excellent service from Aircraft Spruce. The package was received 48 hours after submitting my order.
Pascal F
August 26, 2018
This headset is great. Ive owned the Bose A20 and after trying on of these it fits just right. Sound is amazing while in a loud aircraft. Have linked this with my phone and foreflight seamlessly. With the seven year Warrenty how could you go wrong.
Derek E
July 15, 2018
Comfortable and quiet!
John T
March 7, 2018
Very comfortable with great noise canceling. Really like the new design chord.
Corey
February 15, 2018
The lightspeed Zulu 3 reduces the engine sound considerably which allows you to hear radio communication much more clearly.
Das
February 8, 2018
After a month long internal debate and research between the Zulu 3 and A20.... I went for the Zulu 3. The reviews were more than positive and I could not justify the price difference. I ordered the headset at around 1 p.m. and they were on my doorstep by 11 a.m. the very next morning! LOVED that quick shipment!! The set up and bluetooth were extremely easy! 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. I made a couple of test calls from the cockpit and both times the people on the other end commented how clear and noise free the call was! Its the first flight I have ever made and had music playing through the headset....Sounded great! There was almost no delay in the music muting when radio communications came through. Even after a 2 hour flight my head and neck were not sore from the headsets. They felt firmly attached, but without all the clamping force. Extremely happy with the decision and will be purchasing a 2nd set for my wife.
Charlie
January 4, 2018
Our CAP Squadron ordered three of these to outfit our typical aircrew. Without exception, aircrew members said that the Zulu 3s are great.
Paul J
September 4, 2017
Excellent headset. It quiets the DeHavland Beaver extremely well and makes each flight enjoyable. The Zulu series are very comfortable.
Charlie L
August 11, 2017
Of all the headsets Ive worn since 1967, the Lightspeed Zulu 3, is without a doubt, the most comfortable of them all. The noise reduction was incredible. Really makes flying more enjoyable. Thank you, Garry Hawkins
Garry H
August 10, 2017
Great headset. Very comfortable and the cables are the best thing to happen to headsets.
Christopher C
June 10, 2017
Amazing. As perform as Bose A20 but cheaper. Noise cancelling is very efficient. Im now over 30 hours and still on my first battery set.
Eric D
May 12, 2017
Very nice step up from my very worn Lightspeed 20K headset. Comfortable, sturdy, like the rugged cord.
George
March 12, 2017
Seems a little more comfortable than the original Zulu I replaced. 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
February 19, 2017
Very comfortable, Very good noise reduction, bluetooth works great. The Flight Link feature is a plus.
William C
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
July 19, 2022
Works well and are comfortable. Mic boom feels short but works fine. I prefer my A20’s but for passenger ANR head set or a most cost effective set these are perfect.
Chris P
Verified Purchase
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Dual GA Straight Cord Battery Power
March 30, 2022
Great product at a good price. I enjoy the fit and clarity. Wish Lightspeed would
increase the length of the boom mike about an inch.
Bill J
December 14, 2020
I use these in a Challenger 2 advanced ultralight. Have 5 hours on them now over 4 flights.
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. In fact this noise almost seems to be accentuated.
Jeremy D
February 12, 2019
I had previous versions of the Lightspeed Zulu, I dont like those as much as the previous ones or the Bose I have also been using. I consistently hear a tumbling noise on take-off but it goes away as I throttle back. I tried various settings and have not yet found one that resolves that. otherwise they have impeccable fit and finish, sound is very clear once the tumbling stops.
Philippe S
May 21, 2020
This Lighspeed headsets work really well in relatively quiet wind-free aircraft. They are terrible in something like a Cub or Ercoupe. The wind blowing past the headset causes the ANR to start a WOW WOW WOW thumping sound that is louder than the outside noise. Do not even think about using one in an open cockpit. They are great in most GA aircraft. Many other ANR headsets suffer from this problem as well, including at least the older Bose. I cannot speak for the A20.
John L
February 27, 2019