Best helmet communication products according to redditors

I’ve used these for three years. Similar to what Ryan shows but cheaper and more figment options. His analysis is sound. I can hold conversations with my helmet on but don’t get fatigued with 600 mile days in the saddle.


Etymotic High-Def Motorsport Earplugs, Designed to Fit Under Helmets, Universal Fit Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_HNieBb8J46F8Z

I have these for music

I have these for track days

In reality the etymotic motorcycle plugs are good, but the ones that cost $1 from the hardware store are just as good. The headphones are the best I've found for riding though. I abuse them too...I use them snowboarding, snowmobiling, and on airplanes.

Edit* They are not the most comfortable for all, but work for me. Etymotic used to make the ER6i which were incredible because they were much smaller, but they stopped making them and my old pair finally fell apart from hard use.

i've been rocking these for a couple years now.
For $30, it's pretty stellar bang for your buck. I go to lots of club shows, raves and music festivals so these have been an absolute god send.

They are a necessity. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

You'll be able to hear more with earplugs as your hearing won't be as distorted due to how ungodly fucking loud shows are.

I just got these.
They don't muffle the treble and mids, but saves your hearing as long as you're not right in front of the monitors.

I like having the foam tips due to comfort and seal, but they sell a package without them that's a bit cheaper.

Something like motorcyclists use?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLNJ2HC

The stock GPS location is terrible, most people I know of have relocated it.

Full list of stuff I've done to mine:


Item | Source
---|---
Low Seat | BMW Dealer
Barkbusters | http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/Barkbusters-Storm-S7-Handguard-Kit.html
Soft Bag 3 | http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/BMW-Large-Soft-Bag.html
Crash Bars | http://www.nippynormans.com/engine-bars-and-sump-guards/wunderlich-engine-bars-red-r1200r-lc-r1200rs-lc
Nav Sun Shade | http://www.nippynormans.com/r1200rs-lc-2015-on/wunderlich-sun-shade-navigator-5
Paralever Crash Pad | http://www.nippynormans.com/r1200rs-lc-2015-on/wunderlich-paralever-slider-double-shock-r1200gsadvlc-and-more
Nav Mount | https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com/BMW-R-1200-RS-LC/Navigation-and-Communication/GPS-Mount-44015.html
Bar Risers | http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/322059901344
QL Evo Ring Keyless | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-r/353-sw-motech-quicklock-evo-tank-ring-bmw-r1200r-keyless.html
QL Evo Engage Electric | http://www.ebay.com/itm/252710540953
Radiator Guard | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/radiator-guards/3312-evotech-radiator-guard-bmw-r1200rs.html
Touring Windscreen | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-r/1440-puig-light-smoke-tall-touring-windscreen-bmw-r1200rs.html
Front Axle Sliders | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/fork-swingarm-sliders/540-sw-motech-fork-sliders-bmw-s1000xr.html
Switch Guard | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-gs/2813-wunderlich-sidestand-switch-guard-bmw-r1200gs-lc.html
SAE USB Plug | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HPBWTKQ
EZ CAN Accessory Manager | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NC2PVO1
Light Brackets | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171345535571
Baja Driving Lights | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191659737032
Baja Rock Guards | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZHUMDQW/
Headlight Covers | https://www.slipscreens.co.uk/bmw-r1200rs-2016-headlight-protector/
Frame Caps | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272909538960
Panniers | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-motorcycle-pannier-set-touring-r1200rs-k54-codeable.html
Inner Bag Left | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-r1200r-k53-innerbag-for-touring-pannier-left.html
Inner Bag Right | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-r1200r-k53-innerbag-for-touring-pannier-right.html
Crashbar Centre Support | https://www.procycles.com.au/product/wunderlich-center-strut-crash-bar/
Air Horn | https://www.adventuremoto.com.au/tt-sb-10100-b-denali-soundbomb-split-dual-tone-air-horn
Air Horn Brackets | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173029875672
Shad 58X Topcase | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/263536289358
Shad W0RS15ST Top Mount Kit | https://www.fastbikebits.com/product/3590/
Shad 58X White Lid | https://www.fastbikebits.com/product/4120/
Phone Mount | http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/161997388486
RAM Parts eBay thirdgearau | RAM-B-238U, RAM-B-201U-A, RAP-S-KNOB3U
RAM Parts eBay JA-GPS | RAP-S-KNOB3U x2, RAP-B-200-12U, RAP-B-230-1U

One neat thing about Scalas is that you can buy another microphone/headset (without the radio) for $60USD or so. So buy two more, that way you only have to mount the headsets once on each helmet. Then you can just swap the radios into place. Make sure you get the spare headsets that work for your radios.

The way we handle it is, when a swap is coming up, the radio operator puts his radio onto the outgoing driver's helmet. The outgoing driver handles the last lap or two on the radio. Incoming driver gives his radio to the radio operator once he's in.

Things to let your drivers know about:

• If you're on the same lap as the next team, what their kart number is and whether you're gaining, how far ahead they are, by how much, etc.
  
• When they're about to be passed for position. Make sure your driver understands the difference between driving the defensive line and just blocking and shenanigans. But knowing you're in a battle for position is one of the very enjoyable things about these kinds of races. It should happen less and less further into the race, but ever now and then you're in a battle for the third step on your last stint and it's the greatest thing.
  
• Let them know when they're going to be overtaken, especially when the leaders are coming up. How big the pack is that's coming is also useful.
  
  Keep your eyes on your driver, and try to avoid distracting them in challenging situations, like when they are picking their way through some backmarkers might not be the right time to tell them their lap time. Some drivers won't even want to know their times, and only want warnings about stuff behind them. Others get bored and want to talk.
  
  Spend some time practicing how to power up a pair of radios, get them synchronized and operating. Get your radios sync'd 15-30 minutes before you need to go out, in case there's trouble. Nothing more frustrating than that.
  
  You probably won't be the only one there with Scalas. Apply permanent marker gratuitously all over them. Mine have my team name in like five different places, including several that are too small for fingers to touch usually.
  
  Other things to think about:
  
  Shelving - bring some collapsible metal wire shelves, or some other form of shelving. Tie-wrap it to your tent posts or whatever they give you. Nothing like having a place to rest your helmet.
  
  Staying dry - try to make sure everyone has a rain suit. Look for waterproof shoe or boot covers, bring extra shoes and socks. Extra gloves, or those nice waterproof alpinestars karting gloves. Bring two suits if you have them, your first one will be pretty nasty by the second half of the race even if it doesn't rain.
  
  Driver identification - sure, the track will be lit (one hopes), but it's nice to have some LED armbands or something that you can put on your driver so you can pick them out of the field.
  
  Comfort - make sure there is plenty of food and beverage and places to sit down for everybody and any friends that drop by.
  
  Intel - if you have enough people with enough time, you can keep an eye on what the competition has done, what their pit strategy looks like, are they saving stops until the end of the race, etc. If kart swaps are allowed, you can have people try and keep track of which chasses are faster and when they are available to swap into, though if everybody does this is becomes kind of a mad scramble whenever the fastest karts come in and can result in unpleasantness.
  
  And just to reiterate, know the rules and have good plans to follow them. If there are weight minimums, always have a little padding. Know the maximum stint lengths and get your drivers in before they go over. Some teams bring kitchen timers and set them as soon as the driver comes in. Know what is expected on pit-in and pit-out - you don't want to blow past a stop point on pit-in and lose a lap. Make sure your radio operator talks the drivers through things, their brains won't always be in pit-in mode coming off a 30-45 minute stint.
  
  Enjoy yourselves!

Forget about that headset completely.

Grab these headphones and a mic like this one

I wear very similar plugs. Never leave home without them.

Etymotic High-Def Motorsport Earplugs, Designed to Fit Under Helmets, Universal Fit Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TQMqDbNXSG023

Well just my 2 cents, I bought the Torx speakers off Amazon, $70. 3M adhesive to stick it inside the helmet, they're super thin and have great bass for such tiny speakers. Then I just taped a cheap waterproof mp3 player to the outside of my helmet. I just switched from earbuds cause they'd always shift and fall out. But hey, whatever floats your goat. I could throw up a picture if you want to see what I'm talking about.

Edit: Here's the speakers, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421344123&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

> Details? That's a great idea.

I put these: http://www.amazon.com/Tork-Motorcycle-Helmet-Speakers-Control/dp/B004I6HOQA?ie=UTF8&keywords=helmet%20speakers&psc=1&qid=1465496317&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2-spons

They get rid of the tinny highs, and give better bass (not crazy, but good enough). And pretty clear up to about 60 mph in my Arai.

I just spliced the existing speakers, and soldered in these. You may also be able to use the 1/8" adapter to hook them up, but I haven't had any problems after soldering mine!

Here: https://www.amazon.ca/Etymotic-High-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard-Polybag/dp/B00RM6Q9XW/


Also this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY

These are the ones I have. I like the foam eat tips the best, and they are pretty discrete. If you want them to be more discrete you can take off the plastic pull tab. And it has an additional cord to attach if you want to keep them together.

Etymotic as others have suggested. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, just get regular foam plugs from CVS or something. They're like $5 and come with 20 pairs.. or buy them in bulk 3M foam plugs

Meh, I guess I remember it being more expensive. Here's one for $10.

32X system connector cable

Tork X-Pro Motorcycle Helmet Speakers (with Volume Control)

http://amzn.com/B004I6HOQA

The dangesr of wind noise are known. Personally I wear earplugs.

I had XSound J Helmet Speakers (IAXSJ)
The plug did not hold up very well and they have failed.

Just ordered these to give a try.

with earplugs in it is enough to kill the wind noise and actually let me hear the speakers. Also it would be hard to get the tunes so loud as to be a distraction.

Did you get these?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA?pc_redir=1409406127&robot_redir=1

Would one of these work?

Sena SMH-A0304 Helmet Clamp Kit for Earbuds with Attachable Boom Microphone and Wired Microphone

Bluetooth Headphones, ZEALOT H1 Wireless Bluetooth Sports Earphones Neckband Headset In-ear Headphones Earbuds Earpieces

Plantronics MX250 EarBud 2.5mm Headset

http://www.amazon.com/Scala-Rider-Cardo-G4-SRG40002/dp/B0036HHRU0

Until such time as some sort of standard for mounting a Bluetooth module in/on a helmet exists, you're far better off getting a helmet that fits and has the features to meet your needs, then attaching an external Bluetooth comm device.

Buying a helmet with an integrated Bluetooth means you're locked into the same brand of helmet in order to re-use the radio on your next helmet, or you're going to have to buy another Bluetooth unit with your next helmet.

Wife and I are on our 2nd set of Senas, the model 10S, I previously had a set of 1st gen SMH-10s with round power plugs, now we have the mini-USB version w/ upgradeable firmware. I plan on moving the current units to our next helmets, as I expect them to outlast our helmets, and they're not cheap.

Close, same idea, but it is a Cardo Scala.
https://www.amazon.com/Cardo-Bluetooth-Motorcycle-Essential-Communicator/dp/B01NBI9E9G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1526564309&sr=8-6&keywords=cardo+scala

i carry these in my pockets for all occasions. dinner, school, lunch, snack, playtime, nap time anytime really, when I find it all unbearable.

Just to piggyback off of that, I use [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521306631&sr=8-6&keywords=etymotic) for practice when playing music. These are $5 more than the standard fit ones, but worth it as you can try out three interchangeable ear pieces for the right fit. I had the same brand for a while, but upgraded to these because whatever, $25 is worth it. Also you don't get a bunch of bass muffle like the standard foam cheap ones. Strongly recommend from experience. Funny thing is that I had planned on going to IMAX for the movie and decided on bringing those now just in case based off of your comment. Thanks!

I picked up a pair of Etymotic Earplugs for an EDM festival here in Toronto. It's the first time I've worn them, and you can't even tell they're in.

I'm so glad I picked them up, and I take them to any concert I go to.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY

I've been happy with the basic and cheap music (also intercom) system I'm posting below. I don't need intercom but wanted music. Cant beat $50 that works well.
I also decided to go the budget route for a cam system. I wanted something that would automatically record when I ride as I didn't want to have to think about it or run out of space on something that doesn't erase it. And I figure for insurance I should have front and back. I can't vouch for it as I get the system today. But the reviews are good. Just my two cents on a couple of things to think about on the camera front. Link below too for what I got.
Sound : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYSN5VC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Dash Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H3RPSDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AibyDbW5SP8QZ

Ive been thinking about getting one of these.

Looks like a cheaper alternative to some of the more expensive blue-tooth systems. I am kind of curious if anyone else has any experience with this or something similar.

FYI your link is messed up - fixed

Can you describe how these are different from the standard Ety ER20 plus that are half the price?

You should consider Frequency reduction values table. I made a little research on this theme, asking vendor for the frequency tables. Here is the table for ~$20-30 earplugs for musicians:

Vendor \ Average reduction Value | 125 HZ | 250 HZ | 500 HZ | 1000HZ | 2000HZ | 4000HZ | 8000HZ
---------|----------|----------|---------|--------|--------|---------|---------
Crioxen Earplugs | 15.1 | 15.4 | 17.1 | 19.9 | 26.9 | 17.7 | 29.9
ER20XS Earplugs | 14.5 | 14.2 | 17.1 | 21.1 | 25.3 | 20.5 | 23.3
Eargasm Earplugs | 14.7 | 14.8 | 16.8 | 20.3 | 24.3 | 21.4 | 25.7
Reverbs Earplugs | 14.1 | 13.9 | 15.2 | 18.7 | 22.2 | 18.3 | 22.1
LiveMus!c Earplugs | 13.5 | 13.5| 14.5 | 17.9 | 23.1 | 18.2 | 20.1
Surefire Defenders | 12.7 | 12.9 | 13.2 | 16.8 | 19.9 | 19.2 | 19.1

It can help to prevent .
You can find some other comparison for earplugs for gigs.

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Def-Motorcycle-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484201583&sr=8-4&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B010C8HZSY

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations via PM

Disposable earplugs are ok, but I got these and they were well worth it over the disposable ones. You'll be able to hear distinct noises better than foam ones (like car horns), but wind noise is reduced to a comfortable level and not overwhelming.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Def-Motorcycle-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484201583&sr=8-4&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

I used to praise Sena products, but lately I have become aware of significant design/engineering flaws. I will probably never buy another Sena product. My current Sena is on its last legs, battery only holds about 2 hours of charge, if I don't use the comms function, only music (Bluetooth).

It seems the most popular non-Sena product these days is the Cardo scala

This is nice as it uses "walkie-talkie" technology, and the range is amazing. Specs say range is about 5 miles, but I was on a trip last summer, and someone was using it from 14 miles away, although there was direct line of sight. My Sena is good for about 900 feet, but only with direct line of sight.

https://www.amazon.com/Sena-SMH10-Helmet-Clamp-Kit/dp/B00DSOUG1S

Survey say no - http://www.amazon.com/Sena-Locking-Type-Connector-Attachable-Microphone/dp/B00BTSH53W/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1463752769&sr=8-8&keywords=Sena+Microphone

http://www.amazon.com/Sena-SMH-A0302-Microphones-Bluetooth-Headset/dp/B003YCZ1F0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1463752769&sr=8-7&keywords=Sena+Microphone

Mounts look different, but running wires really isn't that hard?

I use one of these (just buy one instead of the multi pack) and a set of these and the sound is very loud and not too tinny.

Money well spent. Perfectly legal as they're in-helmet "speakers", not headphones. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA?pc_redir=1406505215&robot_redir=1

Here you go

https://www.amazon.com/Tork-Motorcycle-Helmet-Speakers-Control/dp/B004I6HOQA

I've got a set of those in my helmet and they're amazing. Pricey, but so worth it. The sound quality from those thin speakers is crazy! I run the wire down through my shirt/jacket and into my pocket plugged into a phone or mp3 player.

When I want to ride without using them I tuck the plug into the foam of the helmet and you wouldn't even know they're in there.

If you want to go slightly cheaper, the Scala Q2 sets are very good as well.