Lightspeed providing less support for Zulu 1 headsets

[Neal@F14]

UPDATE: Got to speak with Dan at Lightspeed today and they're going to take care of me and be able to fix my old headset after all

Last week I suffered the loss of one of my beloved Zulu 1 headsets when the sun melted the battery case since the battery case was left on the seat while the aircraft was parked on the ramp for a couple hours in the Texas summer heat. Normally the headsets get stowed in the baggage compartment, out of direct sunlight, while parked but this time the battery pod was still exposed. I contacted Lightspeed to see if I could purchase a replacement plastic battery box to repair it myself or send it in for out-of-warranty repair and was informed by email that they may no longer have certain replacement parts available for the Zulu 1 headsets...

UPDATE: This was a misunderstanding of the email I received. While it's true that certain original replacement parts for the very earliest hardware revisions of the oldest original Zulus might be getting scarce (i.e. year 2007 models like mine) but if you call them up, they will be able to repair your Zulu "1". It's inevitable however that someday there may come a time that spare parts will run out and they won't always be able to fix every old headset that comes into their shop and that's fully understandable and expected. The email I had received was worded in a way that had led me to believe that it meant there were no parts available for any of the original Zulus and that's not the case, and I apologize for panicking and posting a "Chicken Little - The Sky is Falling" message here. I also learned that there were many different hardware revisions of the original Zulus over the years, and you cannot tell which is which just by looking at the outside of the units.

Again, kudos to Lightspeed! Nobody else in the industry even comes close to the kind of support they give, and I'll remain a satisfied customer and give them my repeat business in the future.

[rv7charlie]

Sounds like a diy project. Might not be beautiful, but I'm pretty sure you could make it functional. Just google 'project box' for dozens (actually hundreds) of options.

Charlie

[Neal@F14]

Actually,, I've seriously been considering fabricating a new battery box out of wood with a dremel tool for this headset. When I plug all the electronic pieces together on the workbench it seems to function normally but the existing plastic battery contacts and plastic pushbutton parts are warped beyond functionality.

[rzbill]

Was Oshkosh the last gasp?

LightSpeed had their repair crew on site during the show. I turned in my original Zulus for repair of intermittent right channel. They did not have the parts needed so they sent it back to the factory and fixed it up with no issue for me ( I had my wifes headset to use on the way home). It looks like new cable and battery box/controller. Took 1 to 2 weeks for the set to be returned to me.

Maybe I got in just under the wire?????

[PCHunt]

A few years ago, I sent two 20-year-old David Clark headsets back for overhaul, along with my credit card number.

They came back good as new, no charge.

Now, THAT is over-the-top customer service!

[Kyle Boatright]

Yikes. I've got a set of first gen Zulu's. They are my second set of Lightspeeds in the 13 years I've had my airplane, so I'd guess they are 6-7 years old. I'm very disappointed to hear that they are no longer supported. For $800 or whatever I paid for them, I expect 10+ years.

We're going to see more and more of this kind of thing with the growth we're seeing in glass panels and other electronic gadgets.

[erikpmort]

Are we sure on this ? I just bought another pair for Zulu 1s. Any reps to confirm ?

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by Neal@F14

If it ends up following like the professional/enterprise network hardware world, we're looking at 48 months max useful life span and support life of very expensive gear... which used to have 8-9 years of supported lifespan not too long ago. Basically cut in half.

I was just reviewing my options. Trade in the Zulu 1's and pay another $400 for a set of 2's, or keep the 1's and hope they last. If they don't, hello Clarity or Halo...

[N546RV]

Originally Posted by PCHunt

A few years ago, I sent two 20-year-old David Clark headsets back for overhaul, along with my credit card number.

They came back good as new, no charge.

Now, THAT is over-the-top customer service!

This is the experience I've had with Lightspeed, though this was several years ago.

Back when i was working on my private, I got tired of the loaner head clamps and picked up a used 15xlx set off eBay for a song. A few months later a plastic piece on one of the ear pieces broke. I determined that the part could be easily replaced by me and called Lightspeed to order a replacement. I fully expected to pay, especially since I was the second owner of said set. Not only did they offer me the part free of charge, they were willing to repair the set for me if I would ship it to them. I still chose to do the repair myself since I didn't want to be without the set for long.

I was suitably impressed and later traded in that 15xlc set for a Sierra set using their trade-up program. I've since moved on to using a QT Halo, but I wouldn't have a problem buying Lightspeed again.

Still, I'm surprised to hear that Zulu support is being dropped, since they haven't been around for that long.

[gyoung]

This is disturbing. I have 3 Zulu 1's. All 3 have been back for new battery box/cords under warranty. Maybe their design problem is why they don't have parts. I've had Lightspeeds since the XL days and their service has always been exemplary. I just sent an email to LS. If their response does not provide reasonable options then I will be switching vendors too, probably Bose or Senheiser.