Lightspeed Headsets

Hi,

I have just started my CPL training with the C172, and was looking for
a low-priced ANR headset, or a good passive headset.

I'm presently using a Flightcom 4DX, but was looking to invest in
something better. My options are Peltors Passive, or the Lightspeed
ANRs, 20XL or QFR Crosscountry.

I have read some problems with the QC of the Lightspeed headsets a few
years back. How is the situation now? Problems? I rather not deal with
any downtime to repair something.

Lastly, any insights to the better headset in a C172, 20XL or QFR or
something else?

Thanks!
Derek

I have read some problems with the QC of the Lightspeed headsets a few
years back. How is the situation now? Problems? I rather not deal with
any downtime to repair something.

Lastly, any insights to the better headset in a C172, 20XL or QFR or
something else?

I have owned LightSpeed headsets from their infancy. In fact, I've now
owned (I think) seven sets of them, ranging from the earliest 15s to
the latest Twenty 3 Gs.

We currently fly with four sets of Twenty 3 Gs, and are very satisied
with them. They are durable, sturdy, lightweight, comfortable (on even
the longest flights), have switchable bass and treble boost (which is
great with XM radio and CDs), and the built-in cell phone input
adaptor. The ANR is fantastic, the battery life acceptable, the auto
shut-off feature is great, and we simply couldn't be happier with them.


But it's been a long road getting to this point. In my opinion, you
should steer clear of their older models, as they simply were not built
to withstand steady usage. The 20XLs we had were sent back to
LightSpeed multiple times for repairs and -- although they always fixed
them cheerfully and for free, and they were great when they worked --
they simply were not a good product.

I have no personal experience with the QFRs, so perhaps someone else
can chime in about them?

My advice: Grit your teeth and spend the money to get the Twenty 3Gs.
You won't regret it.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Thanks for the feedback. I will be flying almost every other day, so
durabilty is of utmost concern. I'm afraid the Twenty 3G is priced out
of league at the moment.

Hopefully someone can chim in on the QFR, since they should be newer. I
wear glasses too.

Thanks,
Jay Honeck wrote:

I have read some problems with the QC of the Lightspeed headsets a few
years back. How is the situation now? Problems? I rather not deal with
any downtime to repair something.

Lastly, any insights to the better headset in a C172, 20XL or QFR or
something else?

I have owned LightSpeed headsets from their infancy. In fact, I've now
owned (I think) seven sets of them, ranging from the earliest 15s to
the latest Twenty 3 Gs.

We currently fly with four sets of Twenty 3 Gs, and are very satisied
with them. They are durable, sturdy, lightweight, comfortable (on even
the longest flights), have switchable bass and treble boost (which is
great with XM radio and CDs), and the built-in cell phone input
adaptor. The ANR is fantastic, the battery life acceptable, the auto
shut-off feature is great, and we simply couldn't be happier with them.


But it's been a long road getting to this point. In my opinion, you
should steer clear of their older models, as they simply were not built
to withstand steady usage. The 20XLs we had were sent back to
LightSpeed multiple times for repairs and -- although they always fixed
them cheerfully and for free, and they were great when they worked --
they simply were not a good product.

I have no personal experience with the QFRs, so perhaps someone else
can chime in about them?

My advice: Grit your teeth and spend the money to get the Twenty 3Gs.
You won't regret it.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Don't forget to check ebay. I picked up 2 pair of like new 20-3Gs last
month. I saved over $100 on each pair over new prices.
Jim

wrote:
Thanks for the feedback. I will be flying almost every other day, so
durabilty is of utmost concern. I'm afraid the Twenty 3G is priced out
of league at the moment.

The reality is that its gonna be hard to find any really
good (i.e. quality & comfort) headset for anything less
than what the 3G costs. You get what you pay for.

Maybe you can find something used on Epay.

wrote:

Thanks for the feedback. I will be flying almost every other day, so
durabilty is of utmost concern. I'm afraid the Twenty 3G is priced out
of league at the moment.

Hopefully someone can chim in on the QFR, since they should be newer. I
wear glasses too.


I have had several sets of the Lightspeed. The best I've found are the
QFR XCc. They've recently changed the headband and it is much more
comfortable now. It's got all the features...auto off, cell/music
interface, etc. Batteries last forever. Looks like $320 is the going
price.

www.gulf-coast-avionics.com has them for $299

"Newps" wrote in message
. ..


wrote:

Thanks for the feedback. I will be flying almost every other day, so
durabilty is of utmost concern. I'm afraid the Twenty 3G is priced out
of league at the moment.

Hopefully someone can chim in on the QFR, since they should be newer. I
wear glasses too.


I have had several sets of the Lightspeed. The best I've found are the
QFR XCc. They've recently changed the headband and it is much more
comfortable now. It's got all the features...auto off, cell/music
interface, etc. Batteries last forever. Looks like $320 is the going
price.

Looks like I'm pretty set on the QFR CrossCountry ANR headset. Does
anyone recommend any accessories to go along with it?

Could someone tell me how much difference there is for the QFRs with
and without ANR in a Cessna? I'm curious in case I run out of battery
on a Nav flight, would it be disturbing, or as good as any passive DC
headset?

Thanks a lot guys!
Bravo Two Zero wrote:

www.gulf-coast-avionics.com has them for $299

"Newps" wrote in message
. ..


wrote:

Thanks for the feedback. I will be flying almost every other day, so
durabilty is of utmost concern. I'm afraid the Twenty 3G is priced out
of league at the moment.

Hopefully someone can chim in on the QFR, since they should be newer. I
wear glasses too.


I have had several sets of the Lightspeed. The best I've found are the
QFR XCc. They've recently changed the headband and it is much more
comfortable now. It's got all the features...auto off, cell/music
interface, etc. Batteries last forever. Looks like $320 is the going
price.

Jay Honeck wrote:

I have read some problems with the QC of the Lightspeed headsets a few
years back. How is the situation now? Problems? I rather not deal with
any downtime to repair something.

Lastly, any insights to the better headset in a C172, 20XL or QFR or
something else?

I have owned LightSpeed headsets from their infancy. In fact, I've now
owned (I think) seven sets of them, ranging from the earliest 15s to
the latest Twenty 3 Gs.

Second the recommendation for the 20 3G. All in all, a pretty good value.
It's a sturdy headset, has lots of useful features, and most importantly has
very good noise reduction. It is comfortable and very easy on the
batteries. With alkaline batteries, I flew many hours before the light
turned red and I had 1-3 hours left. I now use NiMH batteries that don't
provide as much warning, but that's due to the battery characteristics. I
just charge them up once a month or so.

For me the main disadvantage is that it is made in China and not in USA, but
that's the way things are now, I guess. Also it is easy to lose the
separate mobile phone and audio device cords. It would be nice if only one
cord was needed and the little pouch in the bag had velcro to keep it
closed, but that's easily fixed.

Lightspeed may offer a rebate during the next big GA get-together (Sun n Fun
?) The Airways FBO at LNS also often has good prices, and many vendors
reduce prices during the big GA events, even for Internet/mail orders. If
there is a decent pilot shop near you, ask them to let you try one.

I'm sure the 30 3G is good too, but has a lower value ratio.

AFAIK, the current 20XLc has been redesigned to be sturdier than the
older 25XLs Jay is talking about, too. So I'd go for those. The QFRs
are Peltor style, with a wire frame. Their ANR is not nearly as
effective as the 20XLc. Also, if you decide to go for the QFRs, don't
get the Lightspeed branded ones, but rather the much cheaper, but
completely similar models branded to a pilot shop (Marv Golden, Avshop
et cetera). The only difference is a polished earcup.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)