Advice on Blue Tooth ear buds.

[John Schmidt]

I have a GPS for backup only, so far never used it for directions while travelling. I do have it paired with my cell phone and but it's impossible to hear while riding so don't use that feature. What I wouldn't mind having is a BT connection to listen to music sometimes that I can play through the GPS. Is there any suggestions on what you all have found to be effective without costing a load of cash?

[big poppa pump]

John, are you looking for a BT unit to go with a helmet or just a general BT headset?

[msb]

I have never used a headset or earphones, but just purchased the following Sena system   - mine made specifically for half helmets, and another regular one for my co-pilot. After 34 + years of riding 2 up I guess we finally decided talking back and forth isn't really that bad, and that for me a subtle reminder through the headsets about my speed or an upcoming hazard is a lot better than a swat in the back    Also wanted to be able to listen to music on longer highway stretches, where my exhaust typically drowns out the stock IS speakers.
So far, very impressed with the sound qualty and ease of use, and especially the comfort of the half helmet setup. Very good sound even on the highways, while still allowing me to hear sirens and the like.  I'm sure they're quite a bit less expensive in the US ....

https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/sena-sph-10hfm-bluetooth-headset-for-half-helmets-297708.html

[John Schmidt]

John, are you looking for a BT unit to go with a helmet or just a general BT headset?

Something to go with the half helmet I usually wear. About the only time I wear my full helmet with a face mask is if I get caught in the rain.

[big poppa pump]

John, I've tried a couple of BT headsets a couple of years back when I used to ride with half helmets. They were ok at low speeds, but once you go over 45-50 mph, they are barely audible. Additionally the noise suppression tech available on these headsets are not designed to handle highway speeds on a bike. I have the Uclear HBC 100 plus BT unit which I use with both my FF helmet as well as my 3/4 helmet. They do not have a boom mike that sticks out unlike other BT manufacturers and the sound quality as well volume is excellent. Plus, it's firmware upgradable which makes it compatible with other brand BT helmet communication systems as well. More info here...

http://www.uclear-digital.com/products/uclear-hbc100-plus/

You can use the high fidelity speakers that come with the unit on a FF helmet and buy a separate set of earbuds that connect to the BT unit for half helmets. I just bought a second set off eBay for a great price since my current unit is over 2 years old and I wanted a backup. There are only 2 units left.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282020475500?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Here are the earbuds for a half helmet

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UCLEAR-Universal-Long-Ear-Buds-Noise-Cancellation-for-half-helmets-/251983877338?hash=item3aab68d4da:g:JckAAOSwZjJU477k&vxp=mtr

[F6Dave]

I agree, a few years back the BT headsets had pretty weak speakers.  After upgrading my old Cardo Scala to a SENA I can say that has changed.  Calls and music are loud and clear at any speed.  In fact, you need to make sure you don't turn the volume up too high.

From the reviews I've read, and in my own experience, the SENA products are far ahead of the Scala headsets.

John, I've tried a couple of BT headsets a couple of years back when I used to ride with half helmets. They were ok at low speeds, but once you go over 45-50 mph, they are barely audible. Additionally the noise suppression tech available on these headsets are not designed to handle highway speeds on a bike. I have the Uclear HBC 100 plus BT unit which I use with both my FF helmet as well as my 3/4 helmet. They do not have a boom mike that sticks out unlike other BT manufacturers and the sound quality as well volume is excellent. Plus, it's firmware upgradable which makes it compatible with other brand BT helmet communication systems as well. More info here...

http://www.uclear-digital.com/products/uclear-hbc100-plus/

You can use the high fidelity speakers that come with the unit on a FF helmet and buy a separate set of earbuds that connect to the BT unit for half helmets. I just bought a second set off eBay for a great price since my current unit is over 2 years old and I wanted a backup. There are only 2 units left.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282020475500?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Here are the earbuds for a half helmet

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UCLEAR-Universal-Long-Ear-Buds-Noise-Cancellation-for-half-helmets-/251983877338?hash=item3aab68d4da:g:JckAAOSwZjJU477k&vxp=mtr

[Houdini]

+1 on the UClear, I bought one for use on my Standard and love it.  When my wife calls me when I'm riding she says she doesn't hear my exhaust or any wind noise and I can hear my calls and my music clearly.

[Marinakorp]

If you done care about phone calls... just get a decent set of BT earbuds ... oreferrably ones that are sweat proof (etc.)

I find that the earbuds don't stay in my ears well... and want to wiggle out and let wind noise in.

Otherwise, they work well for tunes and no noise while riding.

[Medina]

I use a knock off of the expensive ram mount
http://www.amazon.com/iForaa-Universal-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Adjustable/dp/B01DO8NSK8/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1463867068&sr=1-1&keywords=Bike+Mount%2C+Ipow+Universal+Cell+Phone+Bicycle+Handlebar+%26+Motorcycle+Holder+Cradle+for+iPhone+6+6%28%2B%29+6S+6S+plus+5S+5C+4S%2C+Samsung+Galaxy+S5+S4+S3+Note+2+Note+3+Note+4%2CNexus+5%2CHTC%2CLG%2CBlackBerry%2CBlack

over a thousand miles so far, and my phones never come close to falling off.

ear buds are a pain. be they wireless, blutooth, wired...getting the helmet on and off, hassle, and if they come loose/off adjustment, its like like having a beetle in your helmet

I use a great set of earbuds, that are wired, never a problem.
sooner or later I'll get a blutooth helmet, till then, this was a great safe cheap alternative

[Chrisj CMA]

Not that anyone cares, I see so many blatantly wearing them while riding, but ear buds are not legal in FL, but speakers in the helmet are fine

[Jess from VA]

Blue toothed ear buds.... sounds like some kind of weird Florida insect.

I had a bee crawl in my ear once.  At 70mph, it was kind of distracting, and creepy.