Description
Delta Zulu is built for your mission with safety, control, and comfort in mind. Our newest headset includes Lightspeed’s best ANR to date, with the superior comfort and durability you expect from a Zulu, while also introducing groundbreaking new technologies that could save the lives of both pilots and passengers.
SAFETY
Lightspeed’s designers and engineers collaborated with a team of highly qualified flight and safety experts to develop a revolutionary digital platform and groundbreaking new technologies to make flying safer. Kanari™ smart alert technology built right into the headset provides protection by measuring cabin carbon monoxide levels, helping to keep you and your passengers alert and safe with audible warnings. Our free Lightspeed App allows you to also check the CO sensor data visually during flight, and review your full history later.
The Delta Zulu also introduces a built-in audio equalization system called HearingEQity™ that ensures crystal clear flight communication. Through an automated 12-frequency hearing test that can be taken through the Lightspeed app, HearingEQity sets the hearing level in each ear of your headset to create your individual hearing profile to compensate for any hearing variations between ears.
CONTROL
The Lightspeed App also allows you to record radio conversations, playback transmissions, draw diagrams, and archive flight recordings for post-flight briefing and training. Delta Zulu is also the first headset to adopt the UAC plug, allowing you to connect to other devices directly from the headset for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio.
COMFORT
The legendary Zulu comfort and durability continues in the Delta Zulu. Performance ear seals, sturdy cables built around a Kevlar core, full Bluetooth integration, and an industry-best 7-year warranty, are still standard in our newest model.
Dwane (verified owner) –
Love this headset. I tried some of the less expensive ANR headset and there is no comparison. Just awesome. I can hear and understand all the call now. I was having trouble with a PNR headset. Now everything is great!
I would have given 5 stars, but they only have the app for IOS. I am an Android user and it would be great to have the APP on Android so I could record my cockpit.
Michael Zenner (verified owner) –
I am not an early adopter of any new product or technology, but with the Delta, there wasn’t a second thought. The added safety of the CO monitor is worth every penny. The ANR and hearingEQity are just a nice benefit. Thank you Lightspeed for this great innovation!
Eric S –
Quality meets design and safety! I’ve flown with 7 different headsets out in the market in the last five years! I’ve also been able to get feedback from every single one of my students on what matters most when it comes to headsets. The quality you get from the Lightspeed brand of headsets is superior to others!! Congratulations on an amazing product.
Shawn Falchetti –
As a student pilot rounding up on forty flight hours, I’d decided it was time to upgrade from my PNR David Clarks to an ANR headset. The decision point was between the Lightspeed Delta Zulus and Bose A20. The Zulus won out in features – in particular the built in carbon monoxide sensor and bluetooth cockpit voice recording. My reaction after my first flight was “wow – why did I wait so long?”. The headset is so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing it, and everyone’s voice was clear. I found the mic a bit quieter than my David Clarks, but the mic bias is adjustable, and I was happy after a few tweaks. It’s nice that the charging cable allows the headset to be connected to your computer’s audio so that you can hear how adjustments to the mic or equalizer sound at home. Connecting via bluetooth to my phone was easy and the headset automatically reconnected each time I turned it on. The Lightspeed app allowed me to record all cockpit audio via bluetooth and then download the tracks to my laptop, which I like doing for debriefs. Previously I’d needed a splitter for this, and it was nice decoupling my phone from the intercom. I’ll also mention that during my first flight with the Zulus I had a new instructor, and when he plopped on his headset I noticed it was also Delta Zulus. Like me, he’d recently upgraded from PNRs and chose the Zulus over the A20s due to the features. Lastly, I’ll add that during a two-hour cross-country I forgot to turn on the noise reduction and didn’t realize it until I was reviewing audio after the flight (having flown with PNRs I’m still getting used to enabling ANRs). I was pleasantly surprised that the PNR was quite good and I had no trouble hearing ATC, even with ANR off.
Amy Hills (verified owner) –
I am a full time CFI who has been using the Lightspeed headsets for 6 years: Sierra, Zulu 2/3, and now Delta Zulu.
The CO monitor in this headset was its top selling point for me as I am changing planes sometimes 3 or 4 times a day, from flight school planes to privately owned aircraft. It was important to me to be able to monitor a substance that I cannot see or smell before it became a danger. The added bonus of the charts on the app to show the historical levels of CO I have been exposed to over a day is a huge win as well. This feature paid off the very first day I owned the headset as the C150 I fly in regularly set off the CO monitor alert within a few minutes of takeoff. I was able to grab my phone, and see the exact numbers that myself and my student were being exposed to, and make direct changes to the way we were flying the plane to bring the numbers down. This was immediately reported for maintenance and the charts for the CO levels were used as direct evidence to help the mechanics to begin to chase down a difficult to find CO leak.
The sound quality of the Delta Zulu is absolutely outstanding and I am able to hear and communicate with this set exceptionally well. I can understand ATC while in busy airspace, loud airplane, and many other factors with no trouble at all. The set up of my customized hearing profile was easy to complete through the app and is a brilliant feature. While in a quiet environment at home, I played some music into my headset and was blown away by the incredible detail of the sounds I could hear – what a great experience to hear some of my favorite songs in a whole new way.
The audible alerts for bluetooth connected, CO levels, and low battery levels have been a bigger asset than I thought when I purchased it. The alerts bring me a level of comfort with no input from me, and when I briefly went back to a Zulu 3 for a flight, I missed those alerts and the mental comfort they bring knowing the exact status of my headset and the air quality around me.
I am also a big fan of the rechargeable battery and the option to swap to the AA pack if my lithium battery happens to die after several days of use. I love that I can charge it at home in the evenings and know that I won’t be using AA’s frequently for my regular flying. I do wish there was a way to charge my lithium battery without having to have it plugged into my headset as that is a bit of a hassle.
For fit, these fit very similarly to the Zulu 2/3, and for me that means using a tall headpad which I moved from my Zulu 3’s. I’ll be requesting one for my Deltas as well, as this helps me avoid the ear cups sitting too low on my jaw line. Overall, I find my Lightspeed sets to be more comfortable than any of the other headsets I’ve used, borrowed, or owned.
I’m very happy with my Delta Zulus and have no regrets upgrading at all!
Maarten Smit –
I have been flying with the new Delta Zulu for a couple of weeks now in noisy single and twin engined prop aircraft. I switched to Lightspeed from Bose after I had the chance to try one out at the flying club. This can be a personal thing but the Zulu works so much better with my head shape. I find the clamping force and the pressure on the dome of my head to be greatly reduced with DZ. The oversized ear pads are very comfortable too.
What I love about them (apart from the obvious CO monitor and the classy styling) is the control module that has the wires coming out of one end only, making it much easier to stick in a pocket or a door sleeve in the aircraft. Love the rechargeable quick snap in/out battery pack, taking the worry out of having to fiddle with replacing AA’s in flight.
I use the ATC recording feature and am very happy with that. Did away with all the adapters needed to splice the audio into a device from the audio panel. ATC recordings go directly on my iPhone/iPad and the quality is very good.
Having some hearing loss in my left ear from being around these noisy beasts over the years, the EQ feature really does make a noticeable difference. Pair that with the obvious build quality and the choice is easy. Highly recommend this headset if you’re on the fence.
Bert Light (verified owner) –
What a difference! I wear hearing aids, with diminished hearing in the left ear. I was excited to try the Delta Zulu headsets for the hearing equity feature. The headsets didn’t disappoint. I did the 12-frequency hearing test and the result was fantastic. The transmissions came out sounding equal from both sides as oppose to mainly from my right side with my Bose A20 headsets. The clarity of the transmissions was much sharper and clearer. The headsets were much more comfortable on my ears with my hearing aids. Everything else is a bonus, such as the CO monitor and charging options. These headsets are fantastic!
Richard Brong (verified owner) –
My first pair of Delta Zulus had an issue which LightSpeed took care of (good customer service!). The second pair arrived and I have been able to fly with them for at least four or five flights now. I am a flight instructor and have used many headsets over the years including LightSpeed Thirty 3G (my first headset with noise cancellation). The DZ’s are in the top ranks, for sure. They are comfortable and I have worn them all day long – maybe just had a tad of ‘clamping fatigue’ after several hours but not too bad. The cord is great! I also love the built in CO detector. Sound quality is good. The ‘cockpit voice recorder’ in the app is actually quite useful as an instructor. I have had a little issue with a slight ‘fishbowl’ sound while noise cancellation is active but it is very minor and not overly distracting. Hopefully it can be worked out. Overall, I like the headset and am looking forward to using it. Worth the investment.
Jacob Pyzik –
I flew with my new Delta Zulu headset yesterday for the first time. I have the Bose A20 headset as well. The app, rechargeable battery pack, and built in CO monitor are what sets this apart. You can’t knock Bose for sound quality, These are just as good, and if anyone says different they are probably being paid by Bose. I wanted to have two quality headsets in the cabin, I’m a gadget guy and a hobby pilot for those reasons I will continue to use the Lightspeed and let my wife use the Bose.
dengcy (verified owner) –
Good product. But what is UAC? I do not understand what they were thinking. By looking at this port, I felt this headset was designed 20 years ago. Why not adapt to the latest USB-C? It is so stupid to let customers take additional cables.
Lightspeed Aviation –
The Universal Accessory Connector (UAC) 2-way direction cable provides a single access point for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio. The pilot community has a wide variety of use models for the devices that they connect to the headset. The UAC connector meets program requirements from Apple that allowed us to provide usage across the range of device connections (USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm analog). Also, if you compare the UAC plug and the USB-C plug, there is a significant physical footprint savings going with UAC. This physical saving allows us to provide a more streamlined control box design.
Robert Jauch (verified owner) –
I too was awed by the sound quality and noise cancelling of the Delta Zulu especially when compared to my old David Clark. The only gripe I have is that the cable to the controller is too short since I want to attach it to my left side wall pocket and my jacks are mounted between the front seats. At least offer an extension. The CO monitor is great feature and adds security to my flying. I have not used it long enough to test the battery life, but will use the non-rechargeable battery pack as a backup.
Lightspeed Aviation –
We are truly happy you are enjoying your new Delta Zulu. As indicated on the specifications tab above on this Delta Zulu store page, the Upper cable is 48 “, and the Lower cable is 21 1/8”. We do offer longer cables and suggest that you call our customer support team at 1-800-332-2421 before ordering. However, you can still reach out and we can talk to you personally to address your own situation.
Robert Kreiling (verified owner) –
Was finally able to take my new Delta Zulu out yesterday for a test flight, and I was blown away by the headset. I had been searching for a new headset for a while, and after using a Lightspeed Zulu 3 in my Uncle’s plane, I was immediately interested in the Delta Zulu upon it’s release. For starters, the comfort of the headset is fantastic. The fitment is exactly where I want it, and does not feel too heavy or bulky to be comfortable in a small cockpit. The sound quality and ANR is just as great. I truly had no idea just how loud the airplane I had been flying in was until I went up with the Delta Zulu. Talking with both ATC and passengers is crisp and clear, and does not seem to pick up ambient noise from the cockpit. Lastly, the biggest bragging point for me: the built in CO monitor. After flying patterns and a small cross country, I could go back into the app and visibly see where I was on the ground taxiing, and where I climbed out and the levels began to dissipate. Knowing that this headset could actually be what saves your life in a drastic situation should be enough to convince anyone to purchase. Bravo Lightspeed for the Delta Zulu!!
adrienmordret (verified owner) –
Great headset, love the lithium battery addition compared to the Zulu. Just one thing that drives me NUTS, this moronic UAC connector that nobody in the electronics industry was crazy enough to use, my headset will be the last and only device to have a proprietary (and seemingly very fragile) connector… what the hell is that lightspeed? Was USB-C too great in addition to beeing perfectly suited for the usecase (audio, power, and “some” data) ?
Lightspeed Aviation –
The Universal Accessory Connector (UAC) 2-way direction cable provides a single access point for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio. The pilot community has a wide variety of use models for the devices that they connect to the headset. The UAC connector meets program requirements from Apple that allowed us to provide usage across the range of device connections (USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm analog).
Art Friedman (verified owner) –
We already have multiple Zulu 3’s (as well as some other) headsets, but I decided to add a Delta Zulu.
Lightspeed has introduced a completely new app, connected via Bluetooth, for this headset. The existing one was called “FlightLink,” and the one for the Delta Zulu is simply called “Lightspeed.” Unfortunately, the app is iOS only, which would tick me off enough to use the 60-day money-back guarantee if I didn’t have an iPhone or iPad, since the HearingEQity is the feature that prompted me to buy a Delta Zulu. The app is required to set up the HearingEQity feature to create your individual audio profile (I have almost no high-freq hearing, I learned) and configure various alerts. During setup, it plays 12 tones for each ear and prompts you to adjust for each one. It took about 4 or 5 minutes. It will play music at the end, so you can hear the difference with and without the custom HearingEQity feature engaged. It was noticeable but not huge for me. The user’s profile is stored on his or her iPhone or iPad and activated when the headset and iOS device are paired. As with the previous app and headsets, you can record and playback your communication (and also your measured CO history) with the app. You can set the CO alert threshold in the app. I already have a dedicated CO monitor in our plane, but this one has the advantage of a warning I can’t ignore and is useful in planes we don’t own as well as a CO report after (or during) every flight. If I was a renter or CFI that frequently flew in other people’s airplanes, this portable monitor would be invaluable.
The Delta Zulu comes with both a rechargeable battery and an AA pack. My plan on long flights is to start with the rechargeable battery, then switch to the AA pack and replace the AAs as needed. Switching packs is very simple and quick, as is replacing AAs.
At the moment, the only use I can find for the USB-A-to-UAC cable (included) is to charge the rechargeable battery pack (while it’s installed in the headset), but Lightspeed may have plans for it. You can play music or other audio through it with automatic muting if you’d prefer that to Bluetooth using a battery and can find a way to connect to your music player, if USB-A won’t work.
They still expect you to use the mike exclusively on the left. The cords are the same tough braided Kevlar cords as the Zulu 3, so it may be able to withstand my pilot partner’s jihad against headsets (so far, only Zulu 3’s have survived that). I very much like that both cords emerge from the same end of the DZ’s control module, which makes sticking the module (which is a bit bulkier than previous Zulu modules) in the side pocket more convenient. It retains the auto-shutoff feature of previous Lightspeeds, but I don’t have any idea of battery life yet.
I think the two-tone bronze-silver finish of the Delta Zulu is kind of gaudy. I’d prefer a single color.
It comes with a carrying case that appears to be unique to the Delta Zulu, rechargeable and AA snap-on battery packs, a battery charger for the rechargeable battery, a shirt clip for the cord, basic instructions, and four bronze-colored “icon chips.” The half-round “chips” can be interchanged with the blank one on the bottom front of the control module (easily done with the battery pack removed). They are intended to identify which DZ is which when there is more than one in the same place. The icons you can choose from include a wind sock, a basic star/sunburst, a helicopter, and a jet. No high-wing, low-wing, or basic GA airplane, however. Maybe in the future? I have dibs on the wind sock. If someone needs an extra helo icon though, let me know. If five choices (including the standard blank one) are not enough, you could paint them or color them with a Sharpie.
What it does not include that I would have appreciated are a few spare mike muffs. Lightspeed sells them for $5 each, but you can get 10 for that price at Amazon.
Buying directly from Lightspeed means that your 7-year warranty is automatically registered and you are enrolled in their Wingman Club for five years. (Lightspeed used to charge a membership fee for the Wingman’s Club, but now you are automatically enrolled for 5 years when you buy a $50 Refresher Kit (ear pads, head pad, mike muff) for your headset at full price as well as buy a Delta Zulu — and maybe other headsets, IDK.) Membership gives you 30% off their (mostly overpriced, IMO) parts and accessories — things like mike muffs, ear seals, etc. Buying direct from Lightspeed also gives you free shipping and — in my part of California anyway — no sales tax — which amounts to about a $100 savings compared to buying it locally. Since there is a money-back guarantee, there is little risk in doing so.
People always want to compare the Lightspeed Zulus to Bose A20s. I have owned an A20 and traded it for another Zulu 3. I think the Boss is deliberately priced to be the most expensive to attract buyers who believe that if you pay more, you will get the best — or at least status. In the case of aviation headsets, that has proved to be expensive BS as far as I’m concerned. All the Zulus are substantially more comfortable on my biggish head (helmet size large) than the Bose, which gets uncomfortable after an hour or so. The Delta Zulu fits like other Zulus, which is to say it’s quite comfortable. It weighs just 0.3 oz. more than a Zulu 3, which weighs about 2 oz. more than a Bose (though if you asked me which weighs more after wearing them, I’d have guessed the Bose). The only headset that was ever more comfortable for me was those very first Lightspeeds with ultra-thick and cushy ear pads. I think this DZ also delivers slightly better audio quality than the Bose, but I’m no audiophile. Noise reduction seemed pretty equal when I alternated between a Zulu 3 and an A20, and this Delta Zulu seems quite equal in noise reduction to the Zulu 3.
To me, the choice wouldn’t be between LIghtspeed and Bose, but between Zulu 3 and Delta Zulu. If you fly multiple airplanes, then the CO detector would be valuable and probably worth the Bose-like cost of the Delta Zulu, especially if you have hearing issues. Or maybe you are a closet Bose buyer who likes to pay more. For owners with decent hearing and a budget, the Zulu 3 is still the better choice.
Lightspeed Aviation –
Thank you for your review. There are a few clarifications that we believe will help you and any other readers get a full understanding of Delta Zulu’s capabilities.
An iOS device is only needed to set up your HearingEQity™ profile along with carbon monoxide preferences and PPM settings for the first time accessing the Lightspeed App. Your personalized hearing profile and CO alert preferences will be saved in your headset after you complete the set-up process, eliminating the need to have an iOS device for future use with your Delta Zulu.
We have found the rechargeable Lithium -Ion battery has a 30-hour life, and the AA better pack can be used to extend power for up to 20 hours.
William (verified owner) –
Quality, and sound are great, but you have to have an Apple phone or tablet to use the features. That’s a bummer.
Lightspeed Aviation –
The Lightspeed App is NOT REQUIRED to use the Delta Zulu ANR headset. For primary Android device users, an iOS device is only needed to set up your HearingEQity™ profile along with carbon monoxide preferences and PPM settings for the first time accessing the Lightspeed App. You may use any iPhone or an iPad or other similar Apple device with iOS version 13 or higher. Your personalized hearing profile and CO alert preferences will be saved in your headset after you complete the set-up process, eliminating the need to have an iOS device for future use with your Delta Zulu.
Please note that while some additional convenient functions on the App will not be available without regular access to an iOS device, the important safety features of Delta Zulu are stored in the headset itself. Once set up, they will automatically deliver improved flying safety.
Kent Wien (verified owner) –
I’ve finally been able to do a comparison test of the Delta Zulu with the Bose A20 on a flight yesterday.
I’ve been searching for the perfect headset for a long time now. At first it was the Lightspeed Zulu 2 and 3. They were comfortable and worked well.
Then I gave wireless headsets a shot in the Husky, picking up a couple of Lightspeed Tangos. Loved the freedom they gave me.
All of the Lightspeed headsets worked well, with only a small complaint that my strobe light (non-LED) came through slightly as a pulsating tone. After switching to an LED Strobe and Nav light, the noise diminished a bit. It’s not something that annoys me too much, but my partner didn’t like it.
So I finally tried the Bose A20. She loved them and that’s what she’ll continue to use.
But for me, after messing with two different CO monitors, and forgetting to turn them on before the flight or to charge them at home, I was really drawn to the Delta Zulu.
Noise Cancelling
Testing it yesterday side-by-side with the A20 revealed a couple of things. First, the A20 is about 2 db (total wag on the amount) quieter than the Lightspeed. It wasn’t something you’d notice after a minute of using either headset.
Comfort
Second, while the Bose has less clamping force on your head, it rides on top of some of my ludicrously large ears. I’ve had this cause some pain after a few hours of flying.
The Lightspeed (Delta Zulu and Zulu 3) has a larger ear cup that goes completely around your ear. It was a nicer feel for me, even though it had more clamping force.
Sound Quality
Next, listening to music on each headset, I felt the Bose was ‘muffled’ like there was little treble to the sound. Putting the Delta Zulu on, it sounded like a great set of earphones. That’s when it dawned on me. I had done the hearing test through the app which takes the different frequencies and has you lower the test volume on each frequency until you could just barely hear it. Well, the first 7 or so lower tones were simple, but as I got to the higher frequencies I had to crank up the volume just to hear them after four decades of flying.
So I’m convinced the changes to the settings on the Delta Zulu is what allowed me to hear all the details in the music. As far as ATC was concerned, I’ll need to do a few more flights to really know. I don’t remember having any issues with either one.
The “killer app”?
Finally, the main reason I’m keeping the headset; the CO monitor. It’s slick as can be. If the levels are low and not a factor, no warning is given. But if you’d like to hear what the current level is you push a button and it will give you an instant read-out. “Carbon Monoxide 6,” it’ll say.
Not only that, but I just opened the Lightspeed app and was surprised to see it recorded the levels from the flight yesterday. Can you guess how many T&Gs I did? You can actually see the climb-out CO levels. My airplane has a belly pod, so the CO levels are higher than on a standard Husky.
It graphs out the CO readings as you fly and logs it into the Lightspeed app. Slick!
I had 30 days to try this headset out before deciding to keep it. After one quick flight I’m sold.
Unpaid, unaffiliated, just wanted to share my quick review.