Which headset is better. Bose X or Lightspeed Zulu?

Question

Looking at upgrading from my David Clark PNR headset. So far I can only find mixed opinions on other sites. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

For noise suppression, the Telex Stratus 1D is probably the best. Bose doesn't publish their numbers so it's impossible for the consumer to compare. You only have the reputation of Bose to go on. For some of us, that's not as good as Bose would like us to think. It irritates me that in a field where the numbers are the important thing (followed closely by comfort) that Bose chooses to obfuscate by not publishing numbers.

The Stratus has the best published numbers in terms of noise reduction. They're heavier than the Bose but not uncomfortable. I've spent many 9-hour days wearing both headsets and I don't have any complaints about either one from the standpoint of comfort.

For reference I have over 600 hours wearing the Telex Stratus and over 300 hours wearing the Bose X. I'm currently using the Bose mostly because I paid good money for them and I'm going to use them. They're smaller and more easily carried around than the Telex, and I'm currently in a situation where I frequently move between an owned and a rented airplane.

Find someplace where you can at least try on several headsets. If you can make it to Oshkosh or another airshow that has various vendors there, that's a good way to do it. Some pilot shops carry a variety of headsets and you can try them on.

From a pure noise-reduction standpoint, any of the high-end ANRs are going to be just as good as Bose and some better. From a weight, size, and comfort standpoint, Bose has it going on. Bose also commands respect from the lesser pilots on the ramp, though those of us who have purchased other Bose products know that it's mostly c**p and their reputation is undeserved. You can't go wrong with any of the > $500 ANR headsets, but you can spend a lot for reputation.

Answer 2

the Bose are very nice we use them daily (Military). very good upgrade from the David Clark. the only problem is the frame cracks around the ear piece, they have always fixed it though. never used the Zulu.

Answer 3

I have a Bose and I think its the best headset I have ever used. I have heard excellent reports about the Zulu although I have not had a chance to try one yet. A couple of things I like about the Zulu that I have heard is that they are Bluetooth capable and have a hard wire interface for ancillary devices as well. They are also $150 cheaper than the Bose.

Lightspeed makes pretty good stuff so I wouldn't worry about buying one. Supposedly they are as quiet as the Bose. If you do buy one, try to buy from an outfit that will let you return it should you not like it for any reason.