Lightspeed 30g ANR Headsets

Post by **Spike** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 4:50 pm

One of the things that I picked up this weekend at SNF was a set of the 30g headsets from Lightspeed.

A few weeks ago I was taken for a ride in a friends 182RG. He had the 30g headsets in it and as such I was able to get my first real experience flying with ANR. Frankly I was floored by their performance. Once we started to taxi towards the runway I punched the button to turn them on. It was as if my friend had shut off the engine. I was quite impressed with them.

Since that experience I had been haunted by the desire to own a pair. Being at SNF I decided to take the opportunity to shop all of the big brands of ANR headsets. The first place I stopped was the telex booth. The top of the line Telex headset was extremely comfy and the ANR was decent, but it seemed to have a bit of white noise. I had to say that while it was nice, it didnt floor me.

After that came BOSE, which was discounted on price immediately. I had worn them before in a Cirrus, and while they were nice, they were not worth $1K. As with most BOSE products, you are paying for the name.

Next was the FlightComm Denali. I didnt find it to be as comfy as the Telex headsets and it felt a bit "plasticy" and cheap. They were not something that I think I would trust to withstand my sometimes rough treatment of headsets.

I also tried out the Sennhieser headsets. They two were fairly comfortable but their ANR rating was well below that of their competitors. Ratings and spec sheets dont always mean much to me so I thought I would try them out and see for myself. In short, they werent as good as I had hoped, especially with the $700 price tag. Coupled to that was that Sennheiser's demo booth at the show was pretty simplistic and didn't give you much of a feel for what the headsets were capable of.

The last booth I stopped by was Lightspeed's booth. The first thing that they did was have me put on their headset which I found was extremely comfortable. It has a big air cushion on the head band and the ear cups are triangular so that it goes all around your ear and doesnt squish and part of it. The headsets were plugged into the representative's IPOD and he had some tunes playing. I was extremely impressed with the sonic quality of these headsets. Usually I expect a tinty sound from flying headsets with a lack of clarity and low end response. Not so with these.

Next came their sound chamber. It is one of those egg like things that you sit in. They have all sorts of different aircraft that they can play for you from 172's, to RV's, to twins, etc. Their tracks also varied from cruise to take off to taxi. The ANR function of their headsets was quite effective. I was also happy with their voice clarity and ease of communication while wearing them.

The nifty thing was that they also had their competitors headsets there for you to try. Flipping back between their headsets and the Telex and BOSE is a great tool to let you choose. I think it also says quite a bit about the confidence in their product.

It was at this point I fell. I ended up picking up a pair of their 30g headsets. This is frankly a bit more money than I wanted to spend at roughly $600 but I dont have much doubt that they will more than pay for themselves with comfort and hearing protection. More than one time I have recieved a headache from flying due to the noise and clamping pressure of my current headsets.

Once I get a few hours on these in my own plane I will let you know if I still feel this way.

-- John

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:17 pm

An excellent choice, Spike!

I must say that Lightspeed is the best value in headsets today!

You didn't mention David Clark, but the only ones who buy them are military types, anyways. I think Lightspeed has it all over them as well.

I am currently using the Lightspeed Solo, passive entry level set and it is fine with most of the rental units I fly. It is comfortable and an excellent bargain.

I tried on the 30 G at www.annspilotshop.com (blatant PLUG!) who had all these brands to choose from. Great people there! I really liked the ability to hook up my Kyocera 7135 Smartphone to it, as it plays MP3's and also funtions as a TELEPHONE!

It worked slicker 'an SHEET! Really nice! When the ArrVee is done, this is what I will get two of!

CJ

l & d lewis · Post by **l & d lewis** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:38 pm

Spike,

I bought the Lightspeed G20 years ago, and upgraded last year to the G30s. Great headsets, I've worn them both for 5-6 hours at a wack with no complaints. The Lightspeed folks in Oregon are good about backing up their product. ANR makes a world of difference, doesn't it?.............Larry

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:00 pm

I currently fly with a 30 and have a 20 for the right seater. I've flew legs up to three hours with these and never once had to re-adjust the headset for comfort. I agree with your assessment, they are the most comfortable headsets out there.

I love the fact you can hook up my kids CD player directly into their headset. They can listen to "their" type of music and I don't have too. Last time I let them play it on my stero over the intercom, I thought I was in turbulance!! Turned out to just be the rapp'in, scream'n, bass driven stuff coming over my headsets... ( it's a bitch getting old) I've tried the cell phone hook up when taxing, but it did not work to well. Not enough volume on my phone I guess.

A couple things that do bug me a little. The battery case. I use velcro to hold the battery case by my panel and if you pull even just a little on the cord, the case will open up.

The other is when the batteries go dead, usally during a stressful moment in flight. Man, I'm telling you when the ANR goes off and your not ready for it, WOW! Let's just say you have to pull the seat from your bottom after landing. It would be nice if the headsets would give you some type of sound warning prior to complete battery failure. I know the LED starts to flash red when they are going down, but I really can not see the LED clearly where I have them placed. The headsets still work fine, you just get spoiled with the ANR and they seem really loud when it goes off during flight. Needless to say, like every other pilot out there, I fly with many AA batteries...

Post by **Spike** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:17 am

Last night I flew with the 30g's for the first time in my 172. All I can say is: why did I wait so long? I will be letting Patti use them when she flies with me and frankly, I am not looking forward to using the old headsets again. *yuck* A few times during the flight I would lift them off or turn them off and was absolutely shocked at how much noise there is. I never knew I was subjecting myself to that before.

If you can swing it, I highly recommend getting a pair.

-- John

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:50 pm

I would recommend picking up one of the other Lightspeed's for your second pair. I flew with the 15's and 25's prior my 3g's and they work great, and for a lot less money..

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:57 pm

I just looked at Ebay and there is a set of Lightspeed QFR Cross Country ANR headsets with 10 hours on them. 2 days left on bids, current bid is $85!!

Post by **Spike** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:58 pm

Hurry up someone, getem!!

-- John

I just looked at Ebay and there is a set of Lightspeed QFR Cross Country ANR headsets with 10 hours on them. 2 days left on bids, current bid is $85!!

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maverick · Post by **maverick** » Tue May 17, 2005 7:32 pm

Lightspeed's service and support is also top-notch.

The battery box on/off button on my 20G started to stick after about a year and a half of use. I got an RMA and shipped it to them. They got them on Monday and I had the headset back in my hands on that same Thursday. (I'm in San Jose.)

They replaced the battery box, replaced the ANR unit in the left ear 'cause I complained about it, gave me a new battery box clip thingy, a new manual, etc. Every step of the way I got an email from them: when they received it, when they shipped it to me, etc.

The *only* thing about them is that they're bulky on top and on sides. It was never a problem in a Citabria or 172, but I keep banging the canopy in my -4. Not sure what to do about this...

Max

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue May 17, 2005 8:56 pm

The Twenty IS large!

I am on the verge of buying one, but I was wondering if it would bang on the canopy of the -7.

Think it would??

What exactly is the differencr between the Twenty and the Thirty other than slight attenuation and dimensions?

The cost difference is notable!

CJ

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:33 pm

I have one of each. The 30 and the 20 have the same form factor. The
difference is mainly in the features of the electronics. Ie. cell phone
and music input. I think that ANR on both models is comperable but my
hearing isn't the greatest to begin with.

If you are tall then you might have some bumpage issues. They are both
VERY comfortable.

RB Lists - Avionics wrote:

> The Twenty IS large!
>
> I am on the verge of buying one, but I was wondering if it would bang
> on the canopy of the -7.
>
> Think it would??
>
> What exactly is the differencr between the Twenty and the Thirty other
> than slight attenuation and dimensions?
>
> The cost difference is notable!
>
> Confused CJ
>
>
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Post by **Spike** » Wed May 18, 2005 6:33 am

Same form factor buddy. Its just the electronics as stated above. Having put about 7 hours on my 30g's so far I love them. I wouldn't go back personally. My next set will probably be the 20g though as they will be for passengers and won't be used nearly as much.

-- John

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728GD · Post by **728GD** » Wed May 18, 2005 11:59 am

Capt John, I have a 6, stand 6' 5" tall and don't have any problems with hitting the canopy. If I'm not mistaken, the 7 actually has a little more head room than my 6. I use the 30 and keep the 20 for the passenger. Never had any complaints. Remeber to lay up some different thicknesses for your seat prior to completing it. I don't think you will have any problems with head room.

Dale

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed May 18, 2005 8:55 pm

COOL!

Thanks all!

Consider them MINE!!! I need something more comfortable for the trip to OSH, anyways!!!

Just did some more electrical jobs and it got me some loot!

Maybe I will get them this weekend!?!

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Thu May 19, 2005 7:39 am

Let us know how you like them CJ.

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Thu May 19, 2005 12:35 pm

spike wrote:Same form factor buddy. Its just the electronics as stated above. Having put about 7 hours on my 30g'sï¿½so far I love them. I wouldn't go back personally. My next set will probably be the 20g though as they will be for passengers and won't be used nearly as much.
ï¿½
-- John

ï¿½

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That's exactly what I have. Also if someone is concerned about hitting the headband on the canopy, try the QFR's. Some have told me that they think the QFR's have superior noise cancelling than the rest of the line, and the headband is quite thin. I haven't tried them so this is just hearsay. I love my 30-3g's! Like putting a cloud on your head.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu May 19, 2005 6:47 pm

The QFR's are like my Solo's. They give me HEAD SQUEEZE!

Oooooooh, my brain!!!

I get a my-brain headache if I wear 'em too much!!!

...hence the Twenty Gee's!

I will get em this weekend or coming week.

Saty tuned!

CJ

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun May 29, 2005 8:02 pm

Got the headset!

Here is a pic of Wicked Stick and I in the Citabria on the way to the grass strip on Martha's Vineyard for lunch today!

Gotta say I really like it!

Prolly shoodah shaved for this pic, though! Damn MEGGER PIXELS!

The phone works very well with the headset and the MP3 plays well too!

Pretty cool! Gonna be a nice trip out to OSH with these babies!

CJ

Terry B · Post by **Terry B** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:57 pm

Cool..... I was searching the web tryin to find a comparison of different headsets. I would like to buy some before I start working on my ticket. I had the chance to use some of the flight schools headsets and I have to say they were well used.

Enough already..........My question is...........

What are your experiences with the flex boom. In the past (using other types of equipment) I personally found it difficult to position the mic and for the mic to maintain that position. I have used headsets in the past with the metal adjustable booms and have had good experiences.

As far as everything else about the Lightspeed Headsets you have written about, I agree, Just not sure I would be happy with the flex boom.

Y'alls thoughts or experiences please.

Terry

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:27 pm

I didn't think I would like it either but I got used to it. The boom
on the Lightspeeds seems to stay in place fairly well. If it doesn't
they have super product support. They replaced my ear seals for free.
I don't think you'd be disappointed.

On Jul 14, 2005, at 3:57 PM, RB Lists - Avionics wrote:

> Cool..... I was searching the web tryin to find a comparison of
> different headsets. I would like to buy some before I start working on
> my ticket. I had the chance to use some of the flight schools headsets
> and I have to say they were well used.
>
> Enough already..........My question is...........
>
> What are your experiences with the flex boom. In the past (using
> other types of equipment) I personally found it difficult to position
> the mic and for the mic to maintain that position. I have used
> headsets in the past with the metal adjustable booms and have had good
> experiences.
>
> As far as everything else about the Lightspeed Headsets you have
> written about, I agree, Just not sure I would be happy with the flex
> boom.
>
> Y'alls thoughts or experiences please.
>
> Terry
>
>
>
> rivetbangers.com - Discussion topic
> http://www.rivetbangers.com/cgi-php/for ... =4805#4805
>

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