Using Ipod with Helmet

[Bigdog]

has anyone found a good set up using your ipod with your helmet?  The regular ear buds that come with the ipods aren't great when using your helmet.  Thought maybe someone has stumbled onto something better....thanks

[SlowRoad]

I have an IMC intercom on my bike and use my MP3 thru it with a small amp. Works good for me.

[98 T]

I listen to XM radio when riding and I've had good luck with Shure E-2  noise-canceling ear buds.  They reduce about 20 -25 db of outside noise down when riding at freeway speed - so you really don't have to turn the music up very loud at all.   The Shure buds were not cheap... about $100.  They don't make my model any more but this looks like what's replaced 'em...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8460337&st=ear+bud&type=product&id=1184369372632


A cheap alternative that is not bad are the $20 Koss noise canceling ear buds from Aerostitch.  Decent sound, but the Shure buds are far better sound quality for the big price difference.

Loth

[ChromeDome]

Not sure of what model you have but on my Interstate I plug my MP3 player into the AUX jack and play through the speakers or the helmet headset (intercom). Only drawback is that if you have the integrated Honda CB that when the CB is in use (recv or talk) you don't hear the MP3.

Hope that helps.

[Wingman]

I'm not positive but I think the shure buds rely on a positive seal in the ear canal and don't do any active noise cancelling, however, all of the reviews on these buds say they are excellent for this application.

I have Sony's NC22. It is an active noise canceller and I can't say enough about it! I have used them for 3 years with positive results. Like 98 T, I don't need power amps to raise the level of the music above the ambient noise, because the noise is lower. The only drawback to these is the noise canceller which is attached to the wires.

I've tried most setups and I was never happy with big honkin woofers screaming at me from my handlebars or helmet speakers that are having to crank it up to overcome the wind noise, but that's just me. I have only one set of ears and I don't want to sacrifice them so soon. I either have earbuds in my head or earplugs.

This link is for illustration purposes only and isn't an endoresment of the vendor.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4252355&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=TBBTkwCjCVyBpAgf%20mwzygtCjCVRqCjCVRq

[Bob E.]

Back before I bought the handlebar mounted speakers from www.motorcycletunes.com, I had a cheap set of headphones that came with a cheap portable CD player (Audiovox, I think??)...total cost $14 at Target.  Anyways, these headphones were the typical dorky looking cheapo's with the plastic over-the-head band.  Well, I removed the foam padding from the ear pieces and was able to disassemble the headphone speakers from the plastic head gear.  this left me a very thin speaker mounted on a very thin plastic plate that protected the speaker.  Then I took my full face helmet and cut a slit in the lining near the ear pockets and slipped the speakers in.  I'll tell you, for $14 (including the CD player) this setup worked incredibly well.

[Bladedog]

I run my ipod through the audio input of my Chatterbox.

[Tonymorr]

I was really missing music on my trip to Georgia last summer so I popped into the nearest Wally World and picked up an MP3 player and some JVC Marshmallow earbuds. It's a stupid name I know but they actually are the most comfortable earbuds I've ever tried. I usually ride with earplugs and these block out the noise nearly as well. They sound pretty dam good in my opinion.

$14.88  !!!

[Psychotic Bovine]

i second the shure e2's.  I know Shure has a few other ones, now.  The main thing with the e2's is that they have to be inserted precisely to get good sound.  20-25 db of noise reduction, and 12 hour comfort (for me, my brother can't use his for that long).

They fall under the category of isolation earphones.

Anyway, here is a link that shows various models.
No endorsement on the site.  Just a good page that shows what's out there.

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/isea.html

[2tonevalk]

I ride with my Skullcandy ear buds.  They fit inside the ear canal.  I have a Nolan convertible helmet.  I dont have any problems with them.  They are pricey but worth the extra money to me. 
The website with bestbuy is below.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9251098&st=skullcandy&type=product&id=1218072202612

Ride safe
Robert

[ssober]

I found some cheapies at walmart with a volume control.  They have different foam and are the ear plug like in the earlier post.

[Bigdog]

Thanks  everyone I HAD NO IDEA that some of these things were available........THANK YOU.....