helmets / bluetooth / modular

Helmet choices are endless and really up to a choice of fit, followed by look. I seriously suggest you look at what fits you the best. I personally like the Shoei helmets because of fit and how quiet they are while riding. They also have a Pinlock system and transition lens system that works.

If you are going to install BT there are three main types:

1. Custom designed for helmet (fit in helmet and do not show on the outside) - Expensive and dedicated to that helmet.
2. Semi custom where the helmet has a side cutout designed for third party unit. Bell is the first to come to mind that has these. - cutouts when empty can be noisy at speeds
3. Side mount units. Most popular and least expensive. Plus can be easily moved from hemet to helmet. Downside it they are attached to side of helmet.

When getting a unit, be sure to ask yourself what is the primary purpose of the unit going to be FOR YOU.

I will use myself as an example.

The most important thing for me is speaker quality. I want to be able to listen to music, voice nav, or calls (I really don't like to talk on my phone while riding) as well as I would with a a comparable headphone system.

I DO NOT care about the number of people I can connect to while riding. 4 is enough for me. I don't tour in large groups.


Now you need to look at the helmet and make sure it have speaker holes that fit the speakers and or speakers can be comfortably mounted in helmet with head in helmet.


I personally run UClear Amp Go with Amp Pro speakers in in a Shoei X-14 helmet. Great (BEST IMHO) sound, clear nav, and mic system works well with calls.


SENA is probably the most popular brand. Cardo is another.

Start here and read reviews and check helmets out:

www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-bluetooth-communications

I use the Sena 20S www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-20s-bluetooth-headset It works pretty great as long as someone else has a Sena.

I listen to music when I ride and I have the Scala Rider Q1. I normally wear ear buds to block out wind noise and to better hear music and these allows an option to use helmet mounted speakers or plugging in ear buds. The output is a simple 3.5mm ear/headphone jack, so you can use whatever you like with them.

I bought the pack via amazon since it included two. Mounted one to my modular helmet and one to my full face. They talk to another as well, pre-paired in case you have a passenger that's using your helmet. They also clip on and off very easily in case you wanted to buy multiple bases for multiple helmets and swap them to and fro. Also in the case you leave your helmet on your bike, you can pull it off and put it in your pocket.

I use this helmet most of the time, I even use it when I ride my HARLEY streetglide. I have the Sena hooked up in its port on the side of the helmet and it works flawless. Crusing at 75 on the highway I can take a phone call from the wife and we can hear each other like we are sitting on the couch next to each other. Plus I Bluetooth connect it to my garmin gps and it talks me through all the turns and exits of a route with me having to keep a close eye on the gps screen. I have the gloss black and that came with a photochromatic screen which also works great.  

I rock an Arai Defiant Pro Cruise. Flows TONS of air for hot summer days, but a bit noisy. My Sena 20S is loud enough to hear with my foam earplugs in. My Schuberth C3 Pro is much quieter, but much too hot for summer riding.