Suggestions for Bluetooth helmet or headset?

[Serk]

I know I can do some general googling on this, and will, but figured I'd ask here too... My Chatterbox Bluetooth setup is getting cranky and not working so well, time to start looking for a replacement. What are all the cool kids using these days for bluetooth audio in their helmets? I don't care about bike to bike communication, I just want to get music from my phone to my helmet.

Thanks for any input!

[Gryphon Rider]

I have used a Scala Rider G9 pair for a few years now, and I love them.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy any Cardo Systems product that has the features I'm looking for.  They have a unit, the Qz, that does exactly what you describe, for $140 retail on their site.  I'm sure you can find deals, like anything else.

Something to note is that you can plug your own speakers or earbuds into it.  I do this for longer rides and my ear buds provide some hearing protection as well.

http://cardosystems.com/portfolio-item/scala-rider-qz/

[Valkorado]

If you don't want to shell quite so much and you want a really decent unit, the kie does the job nicely.  I really love the glove friendly operation and sound quality. I have a headset mounted on both my half and modular helmets -- I just switch the unit itself back and forth.  Also use for intercom when two up.  It really is good bang for the buck, you can search and find many positive reviews.  The ONE thing I don't like about is the charger looks like a micro USB but it isn't, it's some proprietary USB charger I haven't seen before.  Could be a bitch to locate one if damaged or lost.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TORC-KIE-BLUETOOTH-HJC-ARAI-SHOEI-VCAN-BELL-SUOMY-ICON-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET-ADD-ON-/111537383712?hash=item19f8256920

[indybobm]

I bought a unit from China that worked for me. The price was right and surprisingly it has worked as advertised for over two years. Admittedly I do not ask it to do too much. It has great range, ~1200 meters, supports up to 6 riders, plays MP3s from my phone via bluetooth, answers incoming calls. and is supposed to be able to listen to an enabled GPS although I have not tried that. The noise cancelling mic really works. I have an open face helmet and when I am answering a call people cannot believe I am on the bike.

As far as recommending it I can only say that It has worked for me. At $51.00 with free shipping, I took a chance.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261194823704?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[dreamaker]

I always wondered if those Bluetooth units, have any health repercussions, by wearing them for long periods.  There was a Helmet company that contacted me to do a survey, and possibly,  test their full head helmet, with everything it, except a micro wave oven. But I didn't make the cut, and afterwards thinking about it, I was kind of glad I didn't make it. From what I recall, it had Bluetooth, rearview camera, I think phone, GPS, and maybe even WiFi, not sure about that. But thinking all the radiation wrapped around my head for long period of time, I don't know. I am not the kind of guy that waits to get hit in the head with a 2x4 to understand some thing may not be safe. I have a Cardo Scala and wondered about that.

[scooperhsd]

The Sena units are good too.

[Pappy!]

I started out with the Scala Rider G9 set for Lesa and myself. Liked it a lot. It had all the features from Bluetooth for phone and GPS to stereo radio and multi-rider intercom.
I switched over to the Sena 20S units. Initially I did not like them but now that I have the bugs out of them they are just as good as the Scala sets. The voice command is a bit better on the Sena. Both systems use the speaker wire for the antenna so the FM stereo reception isn't stellar but pretty good. Intercom systems on both brands work well. I will say that the Sena units stay paired better than the Scala units did. Battery life on both is great....will run the units all day long. Both sets seem to be great at keeping water out of them in hard rains.    Hope this helps!

[Misfit]

Shuberth C3 with built in bluetooth. Not cheap but great value. 

[Jopson]

I have used a Scala Rider G9 pair for a few years now, and I love them.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy any Cardo Systems product that has the features I'm looking for.  They have a unit, the Qz, that does exactly what you describe, for $140 retail on their site.  I'm sure you can find deals, like anything else.

Something to note is that you can plug your own speakers or earbuds into it.  I do this for longer rides and my ear buds provide some hearing protection as well.

http://cardosystems.com/portfolio-item/scala-rider-qz/

Another vote for the Qz here, bought mine for the ride to spearfish, nice little gadget, real simple to use. Think there's only 4 buttons, pairs up to my iPhone as soon as I switch it on every time, music is crisp and so are phone calls (speed depending
Didn't care much for the stick in speakers that came with it but are ok for inside my 3/4 helmet which I rarely use. I'm usually in my 1/2 helmet so I use some earbud headphones, cut a small hole inside the lining to run the wires inside the helmet. Unit can be swapped from helmet to helmet in less than a minute... Providing I remember where I left the damn Allen key!!

[Serk]

Thanks ya'll, keep the info coming, I've got a lot to sift through and percolate on... I can't believe how much this stuff has advanced in just the last few years since last I looked at it!

[Carl]

I went with the U-Clear system.  I liked the idea of a boomless system.  Please understand that I am a dinosaur when it comes to most technology.  Slow to adapt, slow to understand, etc.  The unit works pretty well when set up correctly.  The speakers and microphones are set up as one unit for each ear.  So the mics have to be pointed to the same point towards the front of the helmet.  They don't have to be perfect, but the closer they are, the better.

The spkr/mics fit easily in the ear wells.  Speaker volume is pretty good.  I've never had a problem hearing.  They are noise cancelling but  when not talking they do pick up wind noise from time to time.   Although they are supported,  I'm not hooked up to music or GPS so I can't comment on those.  The main reason I wanted them was for bike to bike comms.  For that they have worked very well.  With full face helmets,  they are really good.  With open face, it works well, but this is when the mics have to be spot on.  I understand they also have a set up for half helmets.

I've  tried to make it work with my phone.  Receives calls with no problem.  Making calls is more difficult.  It seems that I can't get my phones voice recognition to work very well.  Thats where the dinosaur part of me takes over.  I can dial out and talk.  I don't like to talk on the phone when riding or driving anyway.

For what I wanted the unit works very well.

Hope that helps.

[Hotrodwing]

 :cooldude:Love my SENA SMH 10.  my riding buddy an I have had these units 3 yrs now and they work great.  I may upgrade to the New SENA SMH 20 only because it has an FM radio and can interface with other brands.  Got mine at REVZILLA

[IamGCW]

Had the Scala 2's and went to the 9's.  Had several warranty issues with them and rather then ship them back I opened the unit finding really bad solder joints (half way through a 14,000 mile ride).  Cleaned up the joints and things worked.  Updated the firmware and things in our group went south.  We could spend a hour trying to connect them for a half hour ride.  They publish 8 connections, but the fact is only one at a time.  You can pair to 4 at once, which is nice once it works.  Range is good, once got a mile range line of sight (GPS measured).  Run time is about 9 hours.  You cannot charge them while using them.  The voice recognition is bad, processor is slow, and the FM is not the easiest to use out of the home area.

The Sena system has better options for me.  Charge while using, SR-10 mux unit, and some other capabilities.  My wife and I stream our music from the cell, both units do this.  Both allow you to buy extra helmet mounts for riders with more than one helmet.  I doubt anyone in our group will buy another Scala unit, our general opinion is they are outdated.

BTW Scala will not warranty units bought through Amazon or EBAY.

[NCGhostrider]

I am using Sena SMH 10 series.   There are different mounts / configurations.  You can pair with non sena devices.  I answer the phone while riding and no one realizes I am on the bike.  One big knob for volume.  Tap it to answer or sync with paired devices.  I even built an adapter and pair to my I/S.    Range is about 3/4 mile to another sena SMH 10.  Used them for some 10 hour days and still had some life, though the distance was decreasing.

Modified >>>

You can also listen to music or your GPS etc.  I did quite a bit of research concerning Bluetooth communications earlier this year.

Most work similar.

You pair to phone.  You can listen to music, your phone GPS, or just answer calls.  Most pair with another Bluetooth for helmet to helmet communication.

If phone rings,  it takes priority, i.e. rings thru whatever else is happening and you decide to answer.   With the Sena, you tap the large knob and it answers.  Once the call is complete, you tap to disconnect and the device returns to its last active function, i.e. playing music or talking to another helmet.  Connection to other headsets is made by tapping the large knob 2x, 3x etc to pair with the other devices depending on their "paired number."   It will also conference several units together at the same time.  That is nice for a small group ride.

One common complaint is a lack of volume in some helmets or with some devices.  Positioning of the earpieces is crucial to gain maximum volume and fidelity.  I have to turn my Sena down because it can be too loud.  But, it took a few tries to get things where I liked them.

One of the 50 dollar products I tried from Amazon did not get loud enough to hear even with numerous attempts to position the earpieces.  It also had too many buttons and they were small.  I still have it, and will use it for another project later.  It did pair to the phone easily and functioned.  Cost wise, it may not be a bad choice. 

In my opinion, the wiring was very fragile compared to the Sena and I sent one back after I installed it in the helmet and noticed that the insulation was already failing on the wire.  It also had a non standard charging cable.  If you are traveling, having a common cord can be beneficial on the road. 

The Bluetooth world can appear complicated, and in fact, it is if you dig deep.  Keep in mind it is nothing but a small two way radio that has the ability to connect to devices and retransmit. 

I have a thread on the board that details some of my quest for on board communications with the I/S.   I am still very happy with my research.    I also use the Sena on my helmet that I ride the KLR with.  I installed a different mount on it, and the Sena just pops in when I need it. 


YMMV...  Good luck. 




Craig
NcGhostrider
99 I/S  
2011 KLR.  "The Thing"

[bagelboy]

I use the Torc full face Bluetooth helmet. It works so good, I bought one for my wife. Just pair it to your phone, which takes about 2 minutes, and your listening to music, your GPS, or I can call her if she's within 50 or so feet.

[WoodyFL]

+1 on the Sena SMH10. Great sound.

[kahnma]

Cycle Gear online sells many quality Bluetooth helmets for a great price. I purchased there Bluetooth Adventure helmet for my Enduro about 1 year ago and have been very happy with it. I would recommend checking them out and seeing if you find anything you like. They have great costumer service too if you need any help.

http://www.cyclegear.com/nav/cat1/biker/category/helmets/0

[dinosnake]

I know I can do some general googling on this, and will, but figured I'd ask here too... My Chatterbox Bluetooth setup is getting cranky and not working so well, time to start looking for a replacement. What are all the cool kids using these days for bluetooth audio in their helmets? I don't care about bike to bike communication, I just want to get music from my phone to my helmet.

Thanks for any input!

I'm in the same boat at you - I'm have been using a Chatterbox XBi2 for the past 5 years and I'm thinking about upgrading.

If your XBi / XBi2 isn't working well due to short battery life you can get replacements and do it yourself.  I changed my battery out in late 2013 and everything works fine.  I'm thinking of going to a new unit due to the complexities of my setup: I have a Garmin GPS with XM radio, the cell phone going through the GPS and then a separate MP3 Bluetooth music source (an old waterproof cell phone).  So I want at least 8 hours of continuous music (10 to 12 would be better, when I see the reviews for Bluetooth systems and they say that they got 2 to 3 days out of them, I say "You da@n wimps!"), AUX 3.5mm stereo input (Garmin won't feed the XM radio to Bluetooth, cable only) plus good auto switching.

Anyway, TL;DR, I'll be looking at many of them in person this coming weekend.  If you're interested I'll tell you want I found / discovered and post my thoughts.

[Serk]

I know I can do some general googling on this, and will, but figured I'd ask here too... My Chatterbox Bluetooth setup is getting cranky and not working so well, time to start looking for a replacement. What are all the cool kids using these days for bluetooth audio in their helmets? I don't care about bike to bike communication, I just want to get music from my phone to my helmet.

Thanks for any input!

I'm in the same boat at you - I'm have been using a Chatterbox XBi2 for the past 5 years and I'm thinking about upgrading.

If your XBi / XBi2 isn't working well due to short battery life you can get replacements and do it yourself.  I changed my battery out in late 2013 and everything works fine.  I'm thinking of going to a new unit due to the complexities of my setup: I have a Garmin GPS with XM radio, the cell phone going through the GPS and then a separate MP3 Bluetooth music source (an old waterproof cell phone).  So I want at least 8 hours of continuous music (10 to 12 would be better, when I see the reviews for Bluetooth systems and they say that they got 2 to 3 days out of them, I say "You da@n wimps!"), AUX 3.5mm stereo input (Garmin won't feed the XM radio to Bluetooth, cable only) plus good auto switching.

Anyway, TL;DR, I'll be looking at many of them in person this coming weekend.  If you're interested I'll tell you want I found / discovered and post my thoughts.

Yup, been using an XBi2 with the specialized HJC helmet for many years and love it when it works but replaced the battery a few times, replaced the unit itself once, and they keep getting where they just won't boot up anymore...

And yeah, I'd apprecaite any input from your research...

Thanks again! (Everyone!)

[Jersey mike]

Hey Serk,

are you looking for a new helmet & audio combo or just a new audio system?

I've been using the Nolan N104 modular helmet w/ the Nolan B4+ audio system for about a year now and it's great. I got the helmet first, then a few months later I installed the audio system which was simple and easy.

the audio system has FM radio and Bluetooth and other features too. The sound is great, BT links easy to my iTouch for music transmission and the battery lasts appx 6-8 hours depending how loud you like to rock on down the road.

The battery charges pretty quick so when I stop for lunch or rests I just plug in and let the battery charge while i'm away from the bike and have never had an issue with the bike battery. When you stop for the night it has a wall charger. Controls are simple and easy too and the system blends right in w/ the helmet.

Hope this helps,

mike

[BnB Tom]

+1 on the Sena SMH10. Great sound.

   And YES, one more approval vote for Sena SMH10.  AND I also got the Sena SR10 so I could link CB radio.  

   Got everything about 2 weeks before InZane XV.    Mounted the unit on my new 3/4 HJC helmet.  Worked perfect w/earbuds.  

   The only probs were 'user error'.  A little bit of learning curve... at least for me.  

   Of course the ride to SD included lotsa rain which the Sena products merely shrugged off!  

                                                         



 

[dinosnake]

OK, this may be a bit long...

I think the best way to start looking at these products is to list what you have and what you want done.  List your devices and requirements and then figure out what you need to have in terms of features and options to get things to work the way you need them to.

So, for me, I have: Arai Signet Q helmet, Garmin StreetPilot 2820 with XM antenna, supplying XM Radio / XM Weather / XM Traffic, personal cell phone (HTC One), cell phone acting as 'iPod' (Kyocera Hyrdo waterproof)

My preferred setup is to use the GPS, and therefore the HTC One syncs through the GPS which then acts a control hub for GPS and all cell phone operations.  The Kyocera is to only supply MP3, as you can't stream music from the HTC cell phone through the GPS Bluetooth connection.  ALSO: The 2820 has XM Radio but it does NOT send radio sound via Bluetooth; XM radio output is via cable connection ONLY.

So, what I'm looking for:

- minimum 10 hour battery life; 12 to 15 hours would be even better
- with shorter battery life comes requirement of charging while in operation
- 3.5mm cable input for XM radio
- LOUD helmet speakers
- ability to actually work with my devices
- MUST BE ABLE TO BE CHARGED AWAY FROM THE HELMET, my bike and an AC plug are not anywhere near one another.

I've got a much more complicated setup, and therefore a lot higher set of requirements, than most people I've been told.  The manufacturer's reps were kind of negative to my needs, as if they were so far out, but I think that getting something that works isn't completely unreasonable.  I looked at Sena, UClear and a few Cardos; we'll start with the Sena products.  ACROSS ALL SENA PRODUCTS I felt the following:

- seems well made
- super features
- excellent sound quality
- high tech
- expensive
- ...not super loud  

And that last one was, well, why I didn't end up buying one.  Wasn't loud enough for me.  But YMMV.

Sena 20S:



The most technologically advanced unit I looked at.  Lots of features, 13 hours battery life, handlebar remote control capable.

OK, my thoughts:

Beautiful unit.  Large as a house, but at least the battery life is great.  The things that got me the most were cost and helmet clamp: it was the most expensive unit I looked at and the helmet clamp both extends below the rim of the helmet (even the clamp is large, but solid) and holds all the electrical pins for the interface to the helmet (see the gold contacts in the photo).  So constant setting and removing the unit in the clamp, every time I charge, might wear out the clamp, as per

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/sena-20s/review.htm

IMPORTANT EDIT: Read up on the 20S before deciding to invest in it.  Owner reports are very mixed - some people love it, some other people have problems ranging from complaints about too low output volume in music yet deafening volumes for system feedback beeps, to failed connectors.  

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Since I have an Arai, I can go with the Sena 10U, an internally-mounted intercom that becomes completely hidden inside the shell.



Problem?  You can't remove the batter to charge, it must stay in the helmet at all times.  Probably not a problem for most (wasn't for me until last year), but that's a deal-breaker now.  10 hour battery life.  Remote capable.

Super sano install, sounds like a standard Sena 10S which it is, in a way.  Also available for a few other helmet models.

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Sena 10S:



10 hour battery life, otherwise a good unit with very good features and good (but not great) volume output.  Remote capable.

Pretty good unit but not "exciting" in today's market, solid unit that is still holding its own.

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I looked at some Cardos but several different sales people, from completely different companies, weren't fond of them.  So I looked but they seemed out of contention.  Good looking but a bit plasticky.

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I surprised myself and bought one...a UClear 200



Why?  

Size: all the photos I took here I scaled to the same size.  The Uclear, if you can make out, is the smallest yet still retains 10 hour battery life.  Can't charge while in use, though.

Sound quality: LOUD.  And GOOD!!    Holy $@!&, good, and loud.  Louder than the Senas, put them to shame.

Remote



Unlike the Sena remote this doesn't get in the way of the clutch lever, it stays on the grip via a Velcro wrap that goes over the grip then the remote sticks on top of that.  Problem: I have small hands and the remote can get in the way of hitting out low-mounted turn signal.  Rotating the remote into a certain position removes that problem for me; I'm going to try to move the remote to sit between the control pod and the mirror mount, so as the leave room for the heated grip & controller I'll be getting.

Problems?  Getting the system to run precisely with my setup has been a learning experience.  Had to update the firmware, which did not go well (don't ask!) but once I debugged the problems it updated and the remote started working.  

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If you are OK with the volume, don't have a stupid-complex setup like I do, and are OK with the design and price...go with the Senas, I think.  I still may try switching to a Sena if the UClear gives me problems, but I can't use the Sena remote with the heated grips I'll be using so boo  

The UClear has AWESOME sound quality and super-easy install (no mikes for most people, they are built into the speakers!) and really small.  Very well priced system.

The Cardos seems OK, didn't listen to them.  Their cases felt a bit plasticky.

webBikeWorld has just covered the initial announcement of a brand-new series from Interphone, and the reps I was speaking to all spoke highly of Sena and Interphone as the best out there, so I may return the UClear and wait to decide what to do later.

I can say more later if you want.

[Pappy!]

With the Sena 20S you can simply tap the housing with your hand and the unit asks you what you want. You simply voice in a command and the Sena does it. What do you use the remote for? Seems like the remote takes your eyes off the road........

[dinosnake]

With the Sena 20S you can simply tap the housing with your hand and the unit asks you what you want. You simply voice in a command and the Sena does it. What do you use the remote for? Seems like the remote takes your eyes off the road........

At least with this UClear remote, just the opposite - it keeps my hands on the bars and my eyes on the road.  The remote handles track forward / back, volume up / down, play / pause, and phone answer / hang up.  This Uclear remote is very small; with the way it fits on the bar, my pointer finger just reaches over to tap the UP key and my thumb simply reaches over to tap the DOWN key.  I don't even have to move my hand.

I took a ride today exclusively to test the new stuff.  Problems with getting everything synced but this is the first time I've been able to keep my hands on the bars, they are usually all over my electronics during a ride.

[Grumpy]

I am using the Sena 10 also, great little unit. I have it paired to my Garmin and also my Iphone.
I listen to music through the Iphone, GPS over rides the music when it announces turns etc. Also have the phone setup where I do not have to touch any thing when some one calls, I just say hello and it connects.  I have had conversations at 70 mph with out any problems. I have used on several 500 to 600 mile trips and still had plenty of battery life left.