Lightspeed Headset Story-Wow

[Al Gilson]

I have a Lightspeed 15XL ANR headset and I like it. It really cuts down
on the noise. However, when I pulled it out to go flying a couple of
weeks ago, I discivered that the headband was broken. I was depressed.
I have had it for about 18 months and I figured I was going to be
royally screwed trying to get it fixed. I called Lightspeed on Monday,
October 3rd-described my problem and they gave me a choice: Send it to
them for repair or they would send me a new headband.......no charge!
It looked simple so I opted for having the parts sent.

The new headband arrived on Wednesday. As I was dismantling the headset
on Wednesday evening I realized two things: First, I discovered another
broken part on the yoke that holds the earpiece, and secondly, these
puppies are a major pain to put together! With my tail between my legs
I called Lightspeed on Thursday again figuring that they were gonna say
"too bad, so sad. Now it will cost you."

Nope. They said, "Here's a return authorization number and send it
over." I sent the new headset back with it, plus the old parts via UPS
on Friday, Oct 7 and it arrived in Portland, OR on Monday the 10th.
They sent me an e-mail saying they got it and were doing the repair. On
Tuesday, I got another e-mail that said it had been shipped.

UPS delivered it today, Wednesday, October 12. New headband, and
earpiece yoke. Plus they replaced the ear seals! All no charge except
for the $6 I paid UPS to get it to them. I tested it out today and it's
as good as new.

I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
folks did OK in my book.

- - -
Al
1964 Skyhawk
Spokane, WA KSFF

[Sylvain]

Al Gilson wrote:
> I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
> folks did OK in my book.

I had a similar experience with LightSpeed, i.e., me breaking
my headset, long past warrantee expiration, and them offering
multiple choices of repair (for pretty much nothing) or trade-in
for an upgrade (I picked the latter choice though); neat. When
time came to buy another headset (for passenger) the choice was
easy.

--Sylvain

[Skywise]

Al Gilson > wrote in news:rYmdnZbmWMXlWdDeRVn-
:

<Snipola>
> I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
> folks did OK in my book.

That service is so impressive it almost makes me want to buy something
from them even though I don't fly (yet)!

That is almost unbelievable. Maybe there's hope for humans yet! :)

Brian
--
http://www.skywise711.com - Lasers, Seismology, Astronomy, Skepticism
Seismic FAQ: http://www.skywise711.com/SeismicFAQ/SeismicFAQ.html
Sed quis custodiet ipsos Custodes? Supernews Sucks!

[Scott Skylane]

Skywise wrote:

>>I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
>>folks did OK in my book.
>
>
> That service is so impressive it almost makes me want to buy something
> from them even though I don't fly (yet)!
>
> That is almost unbelievable. Maybe there's hope for humans yet! :)
>
> Brian

Brian,

Their service *is* impeccable, but only because it has to be. Buy
yourself a set of David Clarks, and you will most likely have no
Customer Service experience, what so ever.

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane

[Dan Luke]

"Sylvain" wrote:

>> I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
>> folks did OK in my book.
>
> I had a similar experience with LightSpeed, i.e., me breaking
> my headset, long past warrantee expiration, and them offering
> multiple choices of repair (for pretty much nothing) or trade-in
> for an upgrade (I picked the latter choice though); neat. When
> time came to buy another headset (for passenger) the choice was
> easy.

Bose treated me the same when I broke my set.

Seems like this is the norm in the aviation headset business, where
competition is fierce. Alas, that's in sharp contrast to the GA
avionics business, where choices are few.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

[Thomas Borchert]

Dan,

> Seems like this is the norm in the aviation headset business, where
> competition is fierce.
>

Not at all. Google a little for messages in this group with regard to a
brand name starting with Pe... Google some more for a brand name
starting with D and C. You'll be surprised.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Scott,

> Their service *is* impeccable, but only because it has to be.
>

It simply ain't so. Or do you have any valid statistics to prove your
statement?

Here's what I observe: Lightspeed came out of nowhere into this already
crowded market - and now they are one of the top players, possibly
right at the top. They have been in that position for almost a decade,
with no "dents" in their sucess. Would they be this successful or would
the company even be commercially viable if a high percentage of sold
products would require repairs? Could they offer products as
feature-rich and innovative as they do for the comparatively low prices
that they have, if they had to spend most of their money on repairs?
That seems very unlikely - or selling aviation headsets has even better
margins than I assume it has.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[bill]

On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 19:20:41 -0700, Al Gilson
> wrote:

>I have a Lightspeed 15XL ANR headset and I like it. It really cuts down
>on the noise. However, when I pulled it out to go flying a couple of
>weeks ago, I discivered that the headband was broken. I was depressed.
> I have had it for about 18 months and I figured I was going to be
>royally screwed trying to get it fixed. I called Lightspeed on Monday,
>October 3rd-described my problem and they gave me a choice: Send it to
>them for repair or they would send me a new headband.......no charge!
>It looked simple so I opted for having the parts sent.
>
>The new headband arrived on Wednesday. As I was dismantling the headset
>on Wednesday evening I realized two things: First, I discovered another
>broken part on the yoke that holds the earpiece, and secondly, these
>puppies are a major pain to put together! With my tail between my legs
>I called Lightspeed on Thursday again figuring that they were gonna say
>"too bad, so sad. Now it will cost you."
>
>Nope. They said, "Here's a return authorization number and send it
>over." I sent the new headset back with it, plus the old parts via UPS
>on Friday, Oct 7 and it arrived in Portland, OR on Monday the 10th.
>They sent me an e-mail saying they got it and were doing the repair. On
>Tuesday, I got another e-mail that said it had been shipped.
>
>UPS delivered it today, Wednesday, October 12. New headband, and
>earpiece yoke. Plus they replaced the ear seals! All no charge except
>for the $6 I paid UPS to get it to them. I tested it out today and it's
>as good as new.
>
>I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
>folks did OK in my book.
>
>- - -
>Al
>1964 Skyhawk
>Spokane, WA KSFF

I had the same experience a few years ago. I bought some 20XL's, and
used them for quite a while. Suddenly, they quit working. No lights
came on the battery holder/control box. Just completely dead.

I figured, like you, that I'd be spending $$$ to repair them, but sent
them in since I really liked them and wanted them repaired.

I got them back with no invoice, nothing. I called, and the person I
spoke with said they just fixed them and sent them back, told me not
to worry about any charge.

I was shocked!

So last year when I needed to get some headsets so everyone in the
family (wife and 4 kids!) would have headsets I picked up 5 Solo SS
from them while at Oshkosh.

This year at Oshkosh I brough them some of the earcup seals to show
them how the material was wearing away, and they just pulled out new
earseals and handed them to me!

Replaced the ear seals on my 20xl's, and all my Solo SS's.

I was even more shocked! What absolutely awesome customer service and
support. I'm most likely a customer for life.

Bill Strahan
www.adventurepilot.com

[Jim Burns]

I own 2 pair of 20XL's. The second set I bought direct from Lightspeed as a
used unit that someone traded in on an upgrade. So far, I've had to send
one set in for repair, the yokes had broken. I discovered that I had the
headband shortened up as short as it would go and then I tried to put them
on my fat head after they had been sitting in the plane when it was about 10
degees out. Snap.

Now everytime I put them on, I extend the head band fully, put them on, then
shorten them up to fit properly AFTER they are on my head.

Like you, Lightspeed fixed them at no charge, and replaced the ear seals.

Jim

"Al Gilson" > wrote in message
...
> I have a Lightspeed 15XL ANR headset and I like it. It really cuts down
> on the noise. However, when I pulled it out to go flying a couple of
> weeks ago, I discivered that the headband was broken. I was depressed.
> I have had it for about 18 months and I figured I was going to be
> royally screwed trying to get it fixed. I called Lightspeed on Monday,
> October 3rd-described my problem and they gave me a choice: Send it to
> them for repair or they would send me a new headband.......no charge!
> It looked simple so I opted for having the parts sent.
>
> The new headband arrived on Wednesday. As I was dismantling the headset
> on Wednesday evening I realized two things: First, I discovered another
> broken part on the yoke that holds the earpiece, and secondly, these
> puppies are a major pain to put together! With my tail between my legs
> I called Lightspeed on Thursday again figuring that they were gonna say
> "too bad, so sad. Now it will cost you."
>
> Nope. They said, "Here's a return authorization number and send it
> over." I sent the new headset back with it, plus the old parts via UPS
> on Friday, Oct 7 and it arrived in Portland, OR on Monday the 10th.
> They sent me an e-mail saying they got it and were doing the repair. On
> Tuesday, I got another e-mail that said it had been shipped.
>
> UPS delivered it today, Wednesday, October 12. New headband, and
> earpiece yoke. Plus they replaced the ear seals! All no charge except
> for the $6 I paid UPS to get it to them. I tested it out today and it's
> as good as new.
>
> I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
> folks did OK in my book.
>
> - - -
> Al
> 1964 Skyhawk
> Spokane, WA KSFF

[cwby-flyer]

Scott Skylane wrote:
> Their service *is* impeccable, but only because it has to be.


The early models of the Lightspeeds did have some design issues, and
Lightspeed itself admitted this to folks at Oshkosh a few years ago.
However, the newer designs are high quality headsets. My wife's got a
30-3G with zero problems and I'm looking to pickup a Mach 1 as a
Christmas present to myself :-). The cusotmer service experience I had
with my QFR XC's (which did break a few times) sold me on the company
and as long as they continue to stand behind this commitment, I will be
a customer. IMHO, companies that have good cusomter service need to be
encouraged, that way we, as cusumers, will ultimately benefit.

Mike
--
To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the
sky is home.

- anon.

[Mark T. Dame]

I'm a die-hard David Clark customer, but stories like this make you
start questioning what you're being loyal to. I may have to look at
Lightspeed when it come time to replace my DCs.


-m
--
## Mark T. Dame >
## VP, Product Development
## MFM Software, Inc. (http://www.mfm.com/)
"Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine."

[Robet Coffey]

I had the same thing happen with my 3 year old 15xl. My stirrup and
headband broke from years of pure abuse. I called lightspeed. The tech
offered to send me a "goodie bag" of parts, send it in, or trade up. I
took the free parts. three days later I got a box with enough parts to
build new headset except for speakers,mic and anr box. After previous
experence w dc's, I am a lightspeed customer for life!
Al Gilson wrote:
> I have a Lightspeed 15XL ANR headset and I like it. It really cuts down
> on the noise. However, when I pulled it out to go flying a couple of
> weeks ago, I discivered that the headband was broken. I was depressed.
> I have had it for about 18 months and I figured I was going to be
> royally screwed trying to get it fixed. I called Lightspeed on Monday,
> October 3rd-described my problem and they gave me a choice: Send it to
> them for repair or they would send me a new headband.......no charge! It
> looked simple so I opted for having the parts sent.
>
> The new headband arrived on Wednesday. As I was dismantling the headset
> on Wednesday evening I realized two things: First, I discovered another
> broken part on the yoke that holds the earpiece, and secondly, these
> puppies are a major pain to put together! With my tail between my legs
> I called Lightspeed on Thursday again figuring that they were gonna say
> "too bad, so sad. Now it will cost you."
>
> Nope. They said, "Here's a return authorization number and send it
> over." I sent the new headset back with it, plus the old parts via UPS
> on Friday, Oct 7 and it arrived in Portland, OR on Monday the 10th. They
> sent me an e-mail saying they got it and were doing the repair. On
> Tuesday, I got another e-mail that said it had been shipped.
>
> UPS delivered it today, Wednesday, October 12. New headband, and
> earpiece yoke. Plus they replaced the ear seals! All no charge except
> for the $6 I paid UPS to get it to them. I tested it out today and it's
> as good as new.
>
> I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
> folks did OK in my book.
>
> - - -
> Al
> 1964 Skyhawk
> Spokane, WA KSFF

[Jay Honeck]

>> Their service *is* impeccable, but only because it has to be.
>
> The early models of the Lightspeeds did have some design issues, and
> Lightspeed itself admitted this to folks at Oshkosh a few years ago.
> However, the newer designs are high quality headsets.

Roger that. I've owned 6 pair now, from early 15s all the way to their new
Twenty 3Gs.

They may *look* similar, but they're not. The 15s were toys, by comparison
to their new stuff.

After many trials and tribulations with their early models, I am now a VERY
satisfied Lightspeed customer.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Kevin Kubiak]

I recently purchased a brand new pair of 30-3Gs at Oshkosh this year.
After 4hrs of use the ANR quit working. I called up service,
yep got a return authorization, I had to pay to ship them to lightspeed for
repair. Ouch! Got them back pretty quick as I recall (within a week of being
shipped).

Now after just completing my 20th hr with them, they are on their way back to
lightspeed for repair. This time the on off button will not always turn
the ANR off when putting them away in the nice padded headset bag that came with
them. Oh yeah, I had to pay again to ship them back for repair. I complained
again about that, and the tech said he would work to get me a re-imbursement for
the the shipping. We will see. At about $23 to ship them every time, this
could add up.

I will say that the service dept is great and they really work to make things
right. However, I'm concerned about their quality of the product, or do all ANR
head sets act up in this sort of way. Believe me I am not abusing these things
at all.

Thank goodness I did not sell my 2 sets of David Clark non-ANR head sets. One I
used for my primary training and got over 100hrs on them with out a glitch. The
other pair I purchased on ebay used. They are 9 yrs old. I purchased a new
cord and replaced the seals and they work just as good as my newer ones.

I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very concerned
about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the president
of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.

Kevin Kubiak

[Jay Honeck]

> I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very
> concerned
> about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the
> president
> of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.

I'm really surprised to hear this about one of their new models. My Twenty
3Gs have been completely bulletproof.

BTW: His name is Alan Schrader. He's one of the good guys, and, yes, it
will help to call him.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

bill wrote:
> I was even more shocked! What absolutely awesome customer service and
> support. I'm most likely a customer for life.


I think it's important to mention the service to them as being the reason you
continue to buy from them. They need direct feedback that their service is
critical to keeping their customers. Some companies are too stupid to figure
that out.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

Mark T. Dame wrote:
> I'm a die-hard David Clark customer, but stories like this make you
> start questioning what you're being loyal to. I may have to look at
> Lightspeed when it come time to replace my DCs.


I broke my high dollar David Clark headset in a plane crash amd you can be
damned sure they charged me to repair them. You can be equally sure the next
set I bought weren't David Clark.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[Dale]

In article >,
Scott Skylane > wrote:


>
> Their service *is* impeccable, but only because it has to be. Buy
> yourself a set of David Clarks, and you will most likely have no
> Customer Service experience, what so ever.


But if you do need the DCs serviced, you can expect as good from them.
I sent mine back a while back, got them back No Charge.

--
Dale L. Falk

There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing around with airplanes.

http://home.gci.net/~sncdfalk/flying.html

[Kevin Kubiak]

Jay Honeck wrote:

>>I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very
>>concerned
>>about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the
>>president
>>of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.
>
>
> I'm really surprised to hear this about one of their new models. My Twenty
> 3Gs have been completely bulletproof.
>
> BTW: His name is Alan Schrader. He's one of the good guys, and, yes, it
> will help to call him.

The tech was really surprised too as, I have the new control box on the 30-3Gs
which was supposed to take care of a lot of the problems they had in the past.

Thanks Jay. I'll give him a call. I'm really disappointed because of the
hassle and the fact that I really like them and hate to fly with the other ones
now. I'm a quality assurance manager for a large telecommunications company,
and I know how important quality is to our customers.

Kevin Kubiak

[Jim Burns]

Thanks for reminding me of Alan's name.

2 years ago at OSH, one of my partners and I were shopping for headsets and
we accidentally ran into him at one of the vender booths. We were trying to
get the vender to lower his price and Alan quietly pulled us aside and told
us who the lowest priced vender at the show was, and told us that we
wouldn't find a lower price. We talked with him for about 20 minutes. Very
nice guy, very accommodating.

One complaint that I have about my 20XL's, is that when you wrap the cord
around the headset, the ANR box ends up directly on top of the earpiece, so
you have to leave the cord sloppy loose and it often falls off.

Jim



"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:5Jv3f.431678$x96.241952@attbi_s72...
> > I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very
> > concerned
> > about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the
> > president
> > of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.
>
> I'm really surprised to hear this about one of their new models. My
Twenty
> 3Gs have been completely bulletproof.
>
> BTW: His name is Alan Schrader. He's one of the good guys, and, yes, it
> will help to call him.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Bill]

On Thu, 13 Oct 2005 16:25:51 GMT, "Mortimer Schnerd, RN"
> wrote:

>bill wrote:
>> I was even more shocked! What absolutely awesome customer service and
>> support. I'm most likely a customer for life.
>
>
>I think it's important to mention the service to them as being the reason you
>continue to buy from them. They need direct feedback that their service is
>critical to keeping their customers. Some companies are too stupid to figure
>that out.

Trust me, I told them just that when they handed me the ear seals at
OSH this year. That was my third time to deal directly with the
company.

First was service on my 20XL. Second was when I needed 5 more
headsets, and one of the guys went and negotiated the deal for me with
one of the vendors and I got all 5 from that vendor at a great price.
Third was this year at OSH.

Customer for life, but my next set of headsets I'm building for
myself. I'll make EXACTLY what I want that way. Can't wait to do it.

Bill Strahan
www.adventurepilot.com



----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
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[Ross Richardson]

Why would you wrap the cord around the headset when you have the nice
case provided?

Owner of two sets of 20ks that are still working.
-------------
Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI


Jim Burns wrote:
> Thanks for reminding me of Alan's name.
>
> 2 years ago at OSH, one of my partners and I were shopping for headsets and
> we accidentally ran into him at one of the vender booths. We were trying to
> get the vender to lower his price and Alan quietly pulled us aside and told
> us who the lowest priced vender at the show was, and told us that we
> wouldn't find a lower price. We talked with him for about 20 minutes. Very
> nice guy, very accommodating.
>
> One complaint that I have about my 20XL's, is that when you wrap the cord
> around the headset, the ANR box ends up directly on top of the earpiece, so
> you have to leave the cord sloppy loose and it often falls off.
>
> Jim
>
>
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:5Jv3f.431678$x96.241952@attbi_s72...
>
>>>I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very
>>>concerned
>>>about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the
>>>president
>>>of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.
>>
>>I'm really surprised to hear this about one of their new models. My
>
> Twenty
>
>>3Gs have been completely bulletproof.
>>
>>BTW: His name is Alan Schrader. He's one of the good guys, and, yes, it
>>will help to call him.
>>--
>>Jay Honeck
>>Iowa City, IA
>>Pathfinder N56993
>>www.AlexisParkInn.com
>>"Your Aviation Destination"
>>
>>
>
>
>

[Jim Burns]

Easier, faster, more convenient. But that's just me. I honestly wouldn't
give you 10 cents for a semi load of those bags. Just something extra
cluttering up the plane, my car, or my house. Like I said, that's just me.
I've never had a problem with the cord or the ANR unit, only the stirrups
that I feel I broke myself due to the cold weather.
Jim



"Ross Richardson" > wrote in message
...
> Why would you wrap the cord around the headset when you have the nice
> case provided?
>
> Owner of two sets of 20ks that are still working.
> -------------
> Regards, Ross
> C-172F 180HP
> KSWI
>
>
> Jim Burns wrote:
> > Thanks for reminding me of Alan's name.
> >
> > 2 years ago at OSH, one of my partners and I were shopping for headsets
and
> > we accidentally ran into him at one of the vender booths. We were
trying to
> > get the vender to lower his price and Alan quietly pulled us aside and
told
> > us who the lowest priced vender at the show was, and told us that we
> > wouldn't find a lower price. We talked with him for about 20 minutes.
Very
> > nice guy, very accommodating.
> >
> > One complaint that I have about my 20XL's, is that when you wrap the
cord
> > around the headset, the ANR box ends up directly on top of the earpiece,
so
> > you have to leave the cord sloppy loose and it often falls off.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> > "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> > news:5Jv3f.431678$x96.241952@attbi_s72...
> >
> >>>I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very
> >>>concerned
> >>>about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the
> >>>president
> >>>of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.
> >>
> >>I'm really surprised to hear this about one of their new models. My
> >
> > Twenty
> >
> >>3Gs have been completely bulletproof.
> >>
> >>BTW: His name is Alan Schrader. He's one of the good guys, and, yes, it
> >>will help to call him.
> >>--
> >>Jay Honeck
> >>Iowa City, IA
> >>Pathfinder N56993
> >>www.AlexisParkInn.com
> >>"Your Aviation Destination"
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >

[Maule Driver]

Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
> Mark T. Dame wrote:
>
>>I'm a die-hard David Clark customer, but stories like this make you
>>start questioning what you're being loyal to. I may have to look at
>>Lightspeed when it come time to replace my DCs.
>
> I broke my high dollar David Clark headset in a plane crash amd you can be
> damned sure they charged me to repair them. You can be equally sure the next
> set I bought weren't David Clark.
>

Can't quite figure out if tongue is firmly implanted in cheek or whether
you are being straight... I'm thinking that there is a reasonable point
at which charging for repairs should be expected. There should be an
insurance payment to offset.

Now my Peltors are a different matter. The mechanicals are greate but
the ANC has failed and/or degraded in both sets more than once. I just
don't expect digital electronics to fail very often. Charging 80% of
their new cost to fix them didn't sit very well... but that's another story.

The ironic part, isn't it DC that set the standard for headsets and
headset service in the marketplace. That seems like the competition
that Lightspeed had to beat - I"m thinking about 2 pair now.

[Ron Natalie]

Al Gilson wrote:
> I have a Lightspeed 15XL ANR headset and I like it. It really cuts down
> on the noise. However, when I pulled it out to go flying a couple of
> weeks ago, I discivered that the headband was broken. I was depressed.

When Margy's got crushed in the trunk of her car, I asked them what I
had to do to get it repaired, they offered to do it for free, but as I
described the broken part, they said it'd be faster if I did it myself.
They sent me the parts and detailed (not really necessary) instructions
on replacing it.

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

Maule Driver wrote:
>> I broke my high dollar David Clark headset in a plane crash amd you can be
>> damned sure they charged me to repair them. You can be equally sure the next
>> set I bought weren't David Clark.
>>
>
> Can't quite figure out if tongue is firmly implanted in cheek or whether
> you are being straight... I'm thinking that there is a reasonable point
> at which charging for repairs should be expected. There should be an
> insurance payment to offset.


There was no catastrophic damage to my headset... the cord got cut or torn
loose; I'm not even sure. The actual earpieces, microphone , and headband were
all still intact. I thought it'd be a nice gesture for them to repair the
headset gratis... they could then advertise how rugged they were.... flying
again even after a crash. But no, they made me pay for a new cord + labor.

I now own three headsets, but only the oldest one is a David Clark.

As for any insurance, there sure wasn't any payoff for me. I worked for the
FBO; it was a customer's airplane. Somebody else collected the money. I got
worker's comp and a year and a half's vacation.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[Ross Richardson]

I have two of the 20Ks and they are still going. Early on I cut a cord
with sliding the Cessna seat over the cord. Lightspeed fixed that for
free even though it was not their fault. The ear cushions and head band
cushion have had to be replaced on both headsets. One set they charged
me for and the other one they didn't. I didn't argue since I got so much
free survive along the way. I will agree that the stirrups are a bit
weak in design on the early models. Not sure about later ones.


-------------
Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI


Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
> Maule Driver wrote:
>
>>>I broke my high dollar David Clark headset in a plane crash amd you can be
>>>damned sure they charged me to repair them. You can be equally sure the next
>>>set I bought weren't David Clark.
>>>
>>
>>Can't quite figure out if tongue is firmly implanted in cheek or whether
>>you are being straight... I'm thinking that there is a reasonable point
>>at which charging for repairs should be expected. There should be an
>>insurance payment to offset.
>
>
>
> There was no catastrophic damage to my headset... the cord got cut or torn
> loose; I'm not even sure. The actual earpieces, microphone , and headband were
> all still intact. I thought it'd be a nice gesture for them to repair the
> headset gratis... they could then advertise how rugged they were.... flying
> again even after a crash. But no, they made me pay for a new cord + labor.
>
> I now own three headsets, but only the oldest one is a David Clark.
>
> As for any insurance, there sure wasn't any payoff for me. I worked for the
> FBO; it was a customer's airplane. Somebody else collected the money. I got
> worker's comp and a year and a half's vacation.
>
>
>

[Nathan Young]

On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 19:20:41 -0700, Al Gilson
> wrote:

>I'm impressed. In this day and age of customer "no" service, these
>folks did OK in my book.

This has been Lightspeeds mode of operation since day 1, I just traded
in my 20XLs for a 30-3G and couldn't be happier.

-Nathan

[john smith]

Has anyone measured the distance from outside of one earcup to the
outside of the other earcup width of a Lightspeed headset when worn?

[Morgans]

"john smith" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone measured the distance from outside of one earcup to the
> outside of the other earcup width of a Lightspeed headset when worn?

Interesting question, to which I can not help, but I have to ask. What do
you want to do with this information?
--
Jim in NC

[john smith]

In article >,
"Morgans" > wrote:

> "john smith" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Has anyone measured the distance from outside of one earcup to the
> > outside of the other earcup width of a Lightspeed headset when worn?
>
> Interesting question, to which I can not help, but I have to ask. What do
> you want to do with this information?

My point is that Lightspeeds are really wide headsets!

[Thomas Borchert]

John,

> My point is that Lightspeeds are really wide headsets!
>

So?

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Morgans]

"john smith" > wrote

> My point is that Lightspeeds are really wide headsets!

Is there a time or situation that the extra width is a problem?
--
Jim in NC

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
Thomas Borchert > wrote:
> > Seems like this is the norm in the aviation headset business, where
> > competition is fierce.
> >
>
> Not at all. Google a little for messages in this group with regard to a
> brand name starting with Pe... Google some more for a brand name
> starting with D and C. You'll be surprised.

Huh? Are you suggesting that David Clark has less than stellar customer
service?

As I recall, David Clark pretty much set the standard for customer
service, even for out of warranty products.



JKG

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
Thomas Borchert > wrote:
> Here's what I observe: Lightspeed came out of nowhere into this already
> crowded market - and now they are one of the top players, possibly
> right at the top. They have been in that position for almost a decade,
> with no "dents" in their sucess. Would they be this successful or would
> the company even be commercially viable if a high percentage of sold
> products would require repairs? Could they offer products as


I've seen enough anecdotal evidence to convince me that Lightspeeds have
a higher incidence of failure and required repair than David Clarks or
Bose sets. Over the years, I have tried the Lightspeeds, along with
Bose and David Clark, and it's pretty obvious that the Lightspeed sets
do not have the build quality of the competition.

However, Lightspeed has managed to package impressive performance into a
comparatively inexpensive package. The Bose is a better performer, but
at twice the price. When I think of investing $1,000+ on an aviation
item, I'm thinking of panel investments, not headsets.

I just wish that I could use the Lightspeed sets. They are too wide and
too tall (excessive padding IMO) for my 6' 3" frame to use in the
Cherokee.



JKG

[Thomas Borchert]

Jonathan,

> Huh? Are you suggesting that David Clark has less than stellar customer
> service?
>

I am suggesting that people have reported here that they have been charged
for DC service/repairs. Some quite heftily. That's all.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Jonathan,

> I've seen enough anecdotal evidence to convince me that Lightspeeds have
> a higher incidence of failure and required repair than David Clarks or
> Bose sets.
>

I wonder how. You'd have to correlate reports of problems with sales
figures for the anecdotes to have any meaning.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[Thomas Borchert]

Morgans,

> Is there a time or situation that the extra width is a problem?
>

If the headset width exceeds shoulder width, I could imagine some
situations... ;-)

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

[kgruber]

My guess is you've never sat in the front of a Lear Jet.

The only Lightspeed headset I ever picked up fell apart in my hands at the
dealers showroom. Junk!

Karl


"Thomas Borchert" > wrote in message
...
> Morgans,
>
>> Is there a time or situation that the extra width is a problem?
>>
>
> If the headset width exceeds shoulder width, I could imagine some
> situations... ;-)
>
> --
> Thomas Borchert (EDDH)
>

[Sylvain]

kgruber wrote:
> My guess is you've never sat in the front of a Lear Jet.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity of doing so;
I am one of the LightSpeed fans who praised their
headsets and customer services, I agree that this
definitely needs to be investigated further (I may have
been misled) and since you are so generously offering a
test flight, I'd be happy to sacrifice some of my time in
the interest of a complete and objective product review,

I have a couple of LightSpeed headsets and can travel,

--Sylvain

[kgruber]

The old saying is that you can tell a Lear pilot by the way his head is
cocked to the side. As you can see from this photo I took yesterday, the
windshield of a Lear curves inward FAST, thus most pilots keep their seats
at the lowest position.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/kgruber//cimg5741__medium_.jpg

Lear Jet. Still one of the best looking shapes in the world!

Karl
"Curator" N185KG


"Sylvain" > wrote in message
...
> kgruber wrote:
>> My guess is you've never sat in the front of a Lear Jet.
>
> Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity of doing so;
> I am one of the LightSpeed fans who praised their
> headsets and customer services, I agree that this
> definitely needs to be investigated further (I may have
> been misled) and since you are so generously offering a
> test flight, I'd be happy to sacrifice some of my time in
> the interest of a complete and objective product review,
>
> I have a couple of LightSpeed headsets and can travel,
>
> --Sylvain

[Sylvain]

kgruber wrote:
> The old saying is that you can tell a Lear pilot by the way his head is
> cocked to the side.

seriously, wouldn't you be better off with one of these 'in ears'
tiny new headsets that a few brands are selling these days? most ANR
headsets seem to be optimized for the noise frequencies one would
encounter in a prop aircraft anyway.

--Sylvain

[Morgans]

"kgruber" > wrote

> My guess is you've never sat in the front of a Lear Jet.

That would be correct. Are the sides rounded inward so much that the side
clearance is an issue, or what?
--
Jim in NC

[Scott Skylane]

/snip/
> http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/kgruber//cimg5741__medium_.jpg
>
> Lear Jet. Still one of the best looking shapes in the world!

A beautiful shot, Karl! I must say, I've always liked the original
23's. Good looks, and the loudest airplane on the field!

Not being an afficianado, I'm curious: do these all have the "century"
wing, or is that still something optional?

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane

[Kevin Kubiak]

Just a follow-up:

I just got off the phone with Alan Schrader from Light Speed.
I sent him a letter regarding my 30-3Gs, which happen to be
at the factory as I write this. I explained to him in my
letter the problems I have been having with the battery
control box. I told him I was concerned about their quality,
and a bit disappointed with the fact the my headsets have been
back to them twice now in only 20 hrs of use. He told me that
because of my letter and several other logged problems recently with
the battery box they are working on a redesign that will be backward
compatible with the 30-3gs. He said by next summer the new box would be
available. He called me to thank me for the letter and informing him of
problems. While he cannot guarantee my head set will not be back again,
he did say that he was refunding me the cost for shipping my head set to the
company twice. He said it was the least they could do about the inconvenience
of not having my headset available for my use.

He seemed like a very nice fellow and appreciated my feedback to him on the
product and was very interested in my opinion about the head set

For what it's worth in case your thinking of purchasing a pair in the future.

Kevin Kubiak - PP-ASEL

Jay Honeck wrote:
>>I really like the Lightspeeds, the ANR and all that, but I am very
>>concerned
>>about the Quality Control. I was thinking of writing or calling the
>>president
>>of the company to voice my concerns. I wonder if it would do any good.
>
>
> I'm really surprised to hear this about one of their new models. My Twenty
> 3Gs have been completely bulletproof.
>
> BTW: His name is Alan Schrader. He's one of the good guys, and, yes, it
> will help to call him.

[kgruber]

I just don't know, but I think there were several mods available to the
early Lear Jet wing. I've only ever flown one early 24 and it had some kind
of mod. Even the flap speeds were different. It's tough now because they are
still good airplanes,but usually not worth the $100,000 to RVSM them. A gas
guzzling thrill.

Karl
"Scott Skylane" > wrote in message
...
> /snip/
>> http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/kgruber//cimg5741__medium_.jpg
>>
>> Lear Jet. Still one of the best looking shapes in the world!
>
> A beautiful shot, Karl! I must say, I've always liked the original 23's.
> Good looks, and the loudest airplane on the field!
>
> Not being an afficianado, I'm curious: do these all have the "century"
> wing, or is that still something optional?
>
> Happy Flying!
> Scott Skylane

[Jay Honeck]

> I just got off the phone with Alan Schrader from Light Speed.
<snip>
> He seemed like a very nice fellow and appreciated my feedback to him on
> the
> product and was very interested in my opinion about the head set

Glad to hear it, Kevin. I like Alan, and he busts his butt at OSH every
year, for hour after hour, working the floor at his vendor's booths.

Something that I'm sure he doesn't have to do -- but he does it so that he
can hear from guys like us.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[John]

Thomas Borchert wrote:

> Jonathan,
>
> > I've seen enough anecdotal evidence to convince me that Lightspeeds have
> > a higher incidence of failure and required repair than David Clarks or
> > Bose sets.
> >
>
> I wonder how. You'd have to correlate reports of problems with sales
> figures for the anecdotes to have any meaning.

We've used both in our CAP wing where headsets get beat up somewhat by pilots
and passengers coming and going. The Lightspeeds just didn't hold up as well
as the David Clark's which are damned near bulletproof. Lightspeeds just need
to be handled with more care. Personally I really like my 3G-20 Lightspeed
but I am very careful in how I treat it. For passenger use, my (non noise
cancelling) David Clark headset is more than great and I don't have to worry
about others not treating it well. The one time I had a problem with David
Clark (my fault), I dropped it off in Worcester, and they fixed and mailed it
without charge.

The person who is complaining that D-C didn't fix the headset damaged in a
crash is being silly though. Does he expect the airplane manufacturer to fix
the plane for free too?

I'd recommend both Lightspeed and David Clarke, but they have their caveats.

[Jonathan Goodish]

In article >,
Thomas Borchert > wrote:
> > Huh? Are you suggesting that David Clark has less than stellar customer
> > service?
> >
>
> I am suggesting that people have reported here that they have been charged
> for DC service/repairs. Some quite heftily. That's all.

That's interesting, because I've seen exactly the opposite. No company
is obligated to perform free repairs after the warranty period, but it
seems that DC routinely does, within reason, of course.


JKG