I think I want a kneeboard. I want a bi-fold and am thinking about the Zuluworks Standard. Anybody have opinions on kneeboards and Zuluworks in particular?
Hi Mike. I like mine.
I've had a Zuluworks Standard since before they had multiple models. Long long long long time.
Stuff I like about it:
- Reverseable. Flip the board "upside down and stick it to the Velcro like stuff and it's reversed. Good for different cockpits.
- Their flight plan form. I like it. You may want to look at it before you buy. I've gotten used to it and the price tag for refills. It's better for IFR than VFR.
- Clip is STRONG and doesn't stick up far like a typical clipboard. Stuff does not fall off that's under the clip.
- Nylon/Cordura/whatever it is. Stuff is well built.
- Pen pocket. I like being able to zip it up and know the writing instruments are going to be there next time. I don't leave it zipped up in flight, usually however.
- Yellow paper. Stupid but it helps visibility.
Stuff I don't like:
- Leg strap. I have big thighs. I rarely strap it on. I just drape it over a leg or toss it between the seats when I don't need it. It makes an excellent tourniquet. Ha.
- The zipper pocket. Okay it's love-hate. Sometimes I need a pen right now and I have to unzip it.
- The hole in the center top of the paper. Their gimmick to get you to buy even their blank pages. If you want blanks, measure the size and go to Kinkos and have them drill a hole in some paper at the appropriate location. Just give them a blank as a template. It'll be cheaper than buying it from Zuluworks. But you want the hole. The clip will hang on to anything put under it, but the post the hole in the paper goes on to will just wrinkle the top of whatever you clip to it.
- You'll need something else to hold charts if you don't hand hold those and fold them your own way, without them being on something. Personally I use the pax side seat belt when solo or shove them between the seats but if you want it on your lap, this board isn't going to hold them. Too small. I find that a plus. Just sayin'.
- Oh that zipper again. They need to use a YKK or quality zipper. The little zipper handle is too small and the zipper itself is a little wimpy. Mine has held up for years and years but I won't buy bags and things without the bigger and higher quality YKK zippers or similar quality when available. Not available on this thing so I survive without it, but it's cheesy. Big fat zippers are better.
(Same problem with my original Brightline version 1 that's now an orphan -- that won't die. Like their new stuff better but they didn't take care of original customers who made their name for them, so I just keep beating up the original with cheap zippers and pulls. It's hanging in there so far, too. Old guy, old stuff I guess.)
Looking at today's models, I'd get the mini Z.
Even the modest Standard size takes up too much lap space now that I have an organization scheme of my own.
None of their models is big enough to draw a chart line on if you need to do that. I had a regular giant clipboard for that for years.
Don't carry it anymore. iPad draws a better line than I ever did.
I like their flight form but one could just as easily write CRAFT on a blank page and then scribble whatever else you like.
If you're organized you don't need their form, but it is very thorough all the way down to a place for a pattern entry drawing.
I find in reality I fill out only about 50% of it at familiar airports but away from home there's some nice reminders on the 3-in-1 form.
They didn't have Zulucards back when I got mine and I see little need of them. Stuff you should already know mostly.
They also didn't have the deluxe version when I bought mine and that clip hinge doesn't look nearly as strong as the regular one. And the post for the paper hole isn't there. But maybe that's a plus for some.
Never used their Navlog. I print those from the computer or Foreflight these days. Used to like the large 8.5 x 11 ASA ones when I wanted a manual one. Can't say if I like theirs or not. Never ordered nor used them. They may have sent some originally. If so they've long since been round filed.
Had something I already liked. And I can do waypoints on a blank page with times and fuel burn and such without a form, if pressed.
The stuff on the 3-in-1 acts as reminders at times but it's no big surprise that a flight consists of waypoints, headings, times, and fuel burn so the Navlog wasn't that useful to me.
Have beat the hell out of mine. It just keeps working. Have thought about cutting the leg strap off completely.
Updates I'd like:
- Put a loop on it somewhere so I can clip it to things with a carabiner or just put a piece of paracord on it for when it falls somewhere and I don't want to dig around for it.
- Make it in the "tacti-cool" Flat Dark Earth color so popular these days.
- Heavier real Cordura fabric would be nice. But hell, I haven't worn any holes in it throwing it around the cockpit or in the flight bag... Heh.
- Put a business card window pouch on the outside so if I drop it somewhere it might find its way home.
- Make the leg strap removable or a clean option with no strap.
All minor stuff. I like it. It's completely functional and durable and it works for me.
