Bose X vs. Lightspeed Zulu vs. David Clark X11

[Doc]

Okay, so I'm looking into a new headset. The old DC has done a fine job...but it's time for a change.
Thoughts?

[tvguru]

If you have money to burn give it to me. I'll accept all forms of payment. Let me know what's convenient for you.

[iflyforpie]

I would go Lightspeed Zulu. The Bose is more expensive, lacks the iPod, phone adapters, and isn't as comfortable IMHO. I've heard nothing but bad things about the X11.

[Doc]

If you have money to burn give it to me. I'll accept all forms of payment. Let me know what's convenient for you.

Don't you have your mother with you? And, you're sitting at your 'puter? Go help the women pack!

[D5GRVTY]

I've had the zulu for over a yr, and I've got nothing but good things to say about it. Plus playing music wirelessly from my phone is a pretty damm cool feature.

[Nark]

Used the X-11 for about a year, and have nothing but good things to say about it. I don't have to remove the top button on my hats anymore.

The music is definitely a plus after a few hours of boredom.

[McPhoo]

I have had the Zulu for almost a year and a half/1100hrs. Can't say enough about them. Flew with Bose for years. Zulu is better IMHO Never tried the DC's.

[metal]

Another vote for Zulu!

[bravowhiskey]

i have a pair of zulus and they are awesome. I love the bluetooth feature.

[200hr Wonder]

Been said before and will say it again, Stratus 50D by Telex hands down, period end of story.

[WHIPPER]

Been said before and will say it again, Stratus 50D by Telex hands down, period end of story.

I have two captains that have the 50D and both are looking into a new headset. I own the Zulu and while I don't have much to compare it too, I can honestly say I don't know how you could make a better headset. Super comfortable, incredible sound quality, bluetooth, MP3/cell phone input etc etc. Just make sure you have spare batteries, it sucks when the batteries die.

The Zulu is infecting my company like a virus. It started with one guy and slowly more and more bought it. In fact, I think everyone that has bought a new headset recently, (not including the guy that bought the 50D and now wants a Zulu), has gone with the zulu. Haven't heard any complaints about it...

[Koizie1]

Zulu headsets are as good as Bose and DC. But more comfortable and cheaper plus the bluetooth. The only drawback is in extremely hot or cold weather the glue on the ear padding can dry out and separate from the plastic. Warranty is only 3 yrs I believe, but they'll still fix 'em free of charge beyond that provided you pay shipping. DO IT!

[200hr Wonder]

Been said before and will say it again, Stratus 50D by Telex hands down, period end of story.

I have two captains that have the 50D and both are looking into a new headset. I own the Zulu and while I don't have much to compare it too, I can honestly say I don't know how you could make a better headset. Super comfortable, incredible sound quality, bluetooth, MP3/cell phone input etc etc. Just make sure you have spare batteries, it sucks when the batteries die.

The Zulu is infecting my company like a virus. It started with one guy and slowly more and more bought it. In fact, I think everyone that has bought a new headset recently, (not including the guy that bought the 50D and now wants a Zulu), has gone with the zulu. Haven't heard any complaints about it...

ODD at my company when I started I had the 50D so far 2 people have bought it after me... so the 50D is infecting mine

[Mr. North]

I bought the Telex 50D when I was flying radials, for which it does a fantastic job and I wouldn't consider wearing anything else!

That being said, the Telex is overkill if your flying a turbine. I'm looking to buy a Zulu; smaller, better sound quality, more affordable, and the Bluetooth feature puts it well above the Bose any day.

[200hr Wonder]

I bought the Telex 50D when I was flying radials, for which it does a fantastic job and I wouldn't consider wearing anything else!

That being said, the Telex is overkill if your flying a turbine. I'm looking to buy a Zulu; smaller, better sound quality, more affordable, and the Bluetooth feature puts it well above the Bose any day.

Not if you fly a Garrett powered anything!

[Blown Juggs]

I've used DC's for several years. Tried a Bose but sent them back. They were comfortable but wouldn't keep up to the noise canceling during take-off. Just bought a LS Zulu a few weeks ago and so far am very happy. Nice and light, noise canceling works great, blue tooth feature for the cell phone is very cool and the batteries even seem to last.

Not sure how they will hold up but so far 2 thumbs up !!

[nookie201]

Zulu eliminates low prop drone perfectly, my Navajo sounds like a turbine with the Zulu

-G

[costermonger]

Had an X11 for about a year and a half, tried a Zulu for one flight and immediately discovered I'd bought the wrong one. X11 was light and comfortable but it's ANC is garbage compared to the other two. I found the Bose and Zulu to be mostly a wash in terms of ANC and comfort, but the Zulu wins on extra features and price.

Been using the Zulu for over a year now, one minor issue with one side being louder than the other with the volume controls set at the same level, my only complaint was that I had to ship the headset to their repair facility in Oregon to get it fixed. They told me at the time that they were in the process of setting up a Canadian repair facility, so that problem may have been resolved by now.

Edit: rechargable batteries last 2 to 3 times longer in the Zulu than the X11 as well.

[Tim]

zulu for me too! had it for a year with no complaints.

the bluetooth is cool, but what i really like is the better passive attenuation than you would get from the bose. the active probably isn't quite as good, but if your batteries die, you'll still be ok

[Changes in Latitudes]

I am sold.
Where is the best place to pick up the LS Zulu?

[xsbank]

The Telex has very good passive attenuation for when your batteries bake on take-off, the time the active is working the hardest and requires the most power - the others won't even publish their passive specs., probably because they suck. Telex has a 5 year warranty.

[nightbird]

When I bought my lightspeed zulu I bought also a bose X with the idea of returning one, they both perfom about the same although the lightspeed performs a little bit better with the ANR off (not good anyways so it's important to have batteries on the flight in case they die). The only reason other than that because I choose the lightspeed is for the bluetooth connection. I've had mines for a year now and no complaints it was money well spent.

[Doc]

The Telex has very good passive attenuation for when your batteries bake on take-off, the time the active is working the hardest and requires the most power - the others won't even publish their passive specs., probably because they suck. Telex has a 5 year warranty.

Telex isn't on my "list" for a reason. I don't like their product. They used to build crap, and right, or wrong, I'll go with something else. BTW, the others have a five year warranty as well.

[AOtterstrom]

Had the DC for a year and a half and no problems. I have tried both the Bose and Zulu and found the ANC to be a bit better on them than my DC but found both headsets to be uncomfortable (maybe I have an odd shaped head). Buddy of mine had a Zulu and has had to send it in 3 or 4 times, under warranty but still sucked for him. I get about 30 hours out of my rechargeable batteries so not to bad but not great either. Over all good headset and it seems to be bullet-proof.

[Tim]

the first generation of zulus had issues with the cables fraying, its since been resolved. i did have to get mine fixed. it was quick and free, and was a complete fix. they actually stopped selling them for a little bit to get it sorted out from what i heard from our supplier.