A Deep-Dive into the Lightspeed Zulu 3 (GA Dual Plug) ANR Headset with Bluetooth

If you run an active GA cockpit—training, rentals, cross-country touring—the Lightspeed Zulu 3 has probably been on your shortlist. This review digs past the brochure bullet points and into how it actually performs, how it’s built, and which pilots will get the most value out of it.

TL;DR Verdict

Zulu 3 is the “buy it once, fly it everywhere” premium ANR. It’s exceptionally quiet, built like a tool (stainless steel + magnesium, Kevlar-reinforced cable), and comfortable for all-day legs. Bluetooth is solid, the control box is thoughtfully laid out, and Lightspeed backs it with a 7-year warranty—best in class. It’s not TSO-certified (important for airline/Part 121 ops), and the mic boom is left-side only, but for GA pilots it’s a sweet spot of performance, durability, and value.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Configuration: GA dual plugs (PJ-055 0.25" phones + PJ-068 0.206" mic)

• Weight: 14.6 oz (~414 g) including ear seals & mic boom

• Power: 2× AA (3V) in-line control module, ~up to 40 hours per set (Bluetooth reduces runtime); Auto Shutoff to save batteries

• Materials: Stainless steel headband + magnesium ear cups; Kevlar-core cable

• Connectivity: Full Bluetooth + 3.5 mm wired aux; compatible with FlightLink iOS recording app

• Warranty: 7 years

• TSO: Not TSO-certified (fine for GA; check your operator requirements)
  Sources: product page, user guide, support docs, and retailer specs.

Build & Durability: Why Zulu 3 Survives Flight-School Life

Lightspeed didn’t chase featherweight at the expense of longevity. The Zulu 3’s stainless steel headband and magnesium ear cups shrug off heat, UV, and bag abuse better than plastic; the Kevlar-reinforced down-cable resists kinks and jacket splits that plague many headsets. In our experience with high-use environments, the cable choice alone saves a lot of downtime.

What this means in practice: less babying, fewer repairs, and a headset you can toss in a rental bag without flinching.

Comfort: Clamp Force, Ear Seals, and Long Legs

Zulu 3 distributes pressure over large, plush seals and a low-profile headband, keeping hotspots at bay on 3–5 hour legs—even with glasses. Weight is a real-world 14.6 oz (414g), and the magnesium cups help block high-frequency wind hiss while the ANR handles low-frequency engine rumble. The result is that “turn the radios down” quiet you notice within the first minute.

Note: The mic boom is not reversible—it lives on the left by design. Lightspeed says the cups are acoustically optimized L/R, and independent reviewers concur. If you require a right-side boom, look to models that advertise a reversible mic.

ANR & Audio Quality: The Sound of (Less) Silence

Lightspeed has tuned Zulu 3 for broad low-frequency attenuation (engine/prop) while the magnesium shells help with higher frequencies. In A/B comparisons against Bose’s premium models, you’ll find the Bose sometimes edges the very lowest rumble, but the difference is subtle—Zulu 3 remains top-tier quiet with excellent ATC intelligibility.

On the audio side, Lightspeed’s Front Row Center cross-feed and the Dual Aperture Disc microphone yield crisp, natural voice and better intercom balance. If one pilot is soft-spoken and the other booms, the user-adjustable mic gain on Zulu 3 is a killer feature to level things out.

Bluetooth, Aux, and the Control Box: Small Details Done Right

• Full-function Bluetooth for calls, music, and app alerts (ForeFlight, etc.).

• ComPriority™ automatically ducks music/aux during radio or intercom—no missed calls.

• Auto Shutoff™ to preserve batteries when you forget the switch after shutdown.

• 3.5 mm Aux input onboard for wired sources (or for FlightLink recording on iOS).

• FlightLink app (iOS) records intercom/ATC for training or debrief.
  All features are accessible from a slimline, glove-friendly controller.

Battery life: plan on up to ~40 hours on alkalines with light Bluetooth use; expect less with continuous streaming. Lightspeed recommends alkaline (lithium is OK for cold temps) and NOT using rechargeables.

Cockpit Fit: GA Dual Plugs (PJ) and Panel-Power Options

This specific model uses the standard dual GA plugs (PJ-055 and PJ-068), making it drop-in compatible with most pistons and many turboprops. If you want a single-plug LEMO (panel-powered) or U-174 (heli) version, Arco Aviation sells those configurations as well.

Warranty, Support, and Serviceability

Zulu 3 carries a 7-year manufacturer warranty—a standout in this category—and Lightspeed’s customer service reputation is excellent. For fleets or heavy training ops, that coverage matters. Consumables (ear seals, head pad) and cables are easy to refresh.

What It’s Not (and Why You May Not Care)

• Not TSO-certified. If your operation mandates TSO (many airline and some commercial ops), consider a TSO’d model (e.g., Bose A30). For Part 91 GA, TSO is not required and doesn’t equate to “better ANR.”

• Mic boom fixed on the left. If you must run a right-side boom, this is a deal-breaker.

Zulu 3 vs. The Field

Bose A30 / A20: Bose often wins on absolute low-frequency hush by a hair, but Zulu 3 counters with a tougher build, longer warranty, and lower price. Many pilots find the real-world quiet effectively a tie. Try both if you’re particularly sensitive to rumble.

Lightspeed Delta Zulu: Adds an in-headset CO sensor and app-based hearing EQ; otherwise ANR/comfort are similar. If you value the extra safety telemetry, Delta Zulu is compelling; if not, Zulu 3 keeps more money in the panel fund.

Flight-Test Notes & Use-Case Fit

• Student pilots / CFIs: Durable cable + metal chassis thrive in high-cycle use; FlightLink is great for post-lesson debriefs.

• Rental pilots / clubs: GA dual-plug compatibility and battery power make it plug-and-play across airframes.

• Cross-country flyers: All-day comfort, excellent ANR, and Bluetooth alerts cut fatigue on long legs.

Setup & Pro Tips (Save Yourself a Flight of Fiddling)

1. Set mic gain once (tiny clock-face increments) to balance your voice on the intercom; replace the little cap and windscreen after.

2. Use ComPriority for background music on ferry legs, disable it for phone calls so the other party isn’t muted.

3. Battery discipline: keep a spare AA pair in the case; Auto Shutoff helps but don’t rely on it after busy days.

4. Glasses wearers: seat the temple arms fully under the seal; Zulu 3’s larger seal area helps maintain the ANR seal.

Spec Sheet (Detailed)

• Power: 3V via 2×AA (battery) or 8–40 VDC (panel-powered variant)

• Weight: 14.6 oz including ear seals & boom

• Transducers: 40 mm moving-coil; 20 Hz–20 kHz audio response

• Impedance: Mono 200–280 Ω (off/on); Stereo 400–560 Ω (off/on)

• Connectors (this model): PJ-055 (phones), PJ-068 (mic)

• Features: Bluetooth, ComPriority™, Auto Shutoff™, FlightLink compatible, user-adjustable mic gain

• Warranty: 7 years

Bottom Line for Our Shop Customers

If you’re a GA pilot who values ruggedness + long-haul comfort + top-tier ANR without paying the absolute top dollar, the Zulu 3 (GA Dual Plug) is the smart buy. You’ll give up TSO and a right-side boom, but you’ll gain a headset that holds up, sounds excellent, and won’t make you rip it off after three hours.

Recommended for: Part 91 owners/renters, students/CFIs, piston twin drivers, and anyone who wants a premium ANR without the premium-plus price.

Where to Buy?

The Lightspeed Zulu 3 (GA Dual Plug) ANR Headset with Bluetooth, along with all the other Lightspeed models is available right here at Arco Aviation. When you purchase through us, you’re not just getting a headset—you’re getting expert support, warranty assistance, and a trusted partner for all your pilot gear.

👉 Shop the Lightspeed Zulu 3 at Arco Aviation