Any high end Bluetooth helmet options?

Xbox said:

Love it

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Heh, you can't imagine all the trouble needed to end up with that conclusion.
I'm barred from all Paris' helmet sellers.

Braintrash said:

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Bottom line is go for the Scala G9. So far, the best, even though I like integrated stuff that you can't see.

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Pretty good video review of the G9 here Cardo G9 Scala Rider Bluetooth Communicator Review at RevZilla.com - YouTube

Thanks for the info everyone. I looks like slapping something onto a nice helmet is the best bet vs. me hoping someone will come out with an amazing helmet with Bluetooth integrated...

Def going to check out the Scala G9. I've heard a lot of people comment on how it'd be stupid to listen to music and ride etc etc. That may be the case at first guys but if you're riding into work 1hr each way all the time, it'd be nice to get some tunes when traffic is backed up in Chicago + I'm looking to buy a set of 2 (one for me and one for my passenger -OR- friend that rides along so we can communicate on longer rides)...

I can't tell you how many times I've rolled on the throttle and had a buddy riding with me spot a cop or vice versa...

Hey Braintrash, haven't used the Interphone have ya?

Be interesting to know how that and the Scala stack up.

Very hard question.

I have yet to try the Scala G9 myself, but the Interphone F5 is impressive. It is almost on par with the reports I got on the G9, and may even be better for background noise reduction.

But, its look is kinda old. The G9 feels more high-tech (even if it's not really high-tech; bluetooth remains ...... tech) and has some more features, beginning with the social network feature which is impressive, even to somebody like me which doesn't have a MySpace account nor a Facebook one or anything else. I am even stopping my Twitter account with six tweets in two years. Still, I just think I will love this, especially on the road, beginning alone, and then tripping with peeps I didn't knew about before and having more fun.

The F5 might feel more sturdy, and looks like more durable. But I don't trust the maker for very nice firmware updates, while Scala have a very good history addressing issues with firmware updates and adding features for free.

In the end, I would say the F5 is the thing you get with a BMW S1000RR : not the most high-tech, but something robust and working.

The Scala is more for the Panigale : it's looks high-tech, refined, and more advanced, but may also seem more fragile because it looks high-tech.

The bottom line being you can't technically go wrong with either of them; it's just a matter of spirit.

I have the Sena SMH10. Its OK, but not perfect. I think the best solution will be the helmet manufacturer integrated solutions. But I don't like any of the helmets that have it at the moment.

PaddockStand said:

I have the Sena SMH10. Its OK, but not perfect. I think the best solution will be the helmet manufacturer integrated solutions. But I don't like any of the helmets that have it at the moment.

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+1

Don't own one myself, but have used a bud's G4 a fair bit when we go on weekend ahh, rapid tours. He does listen to music on the thing which doesn't interest me, but the bike to bike intercom lets the rider in front know of anything he needs to, and if you need more range you can use it as a BT headset to stay in cellphone contact. So if you're out with similarly-equipped friends you can chat like you were sitting next to each other in the same car. Great for getting a heads-up on things, plus giving your mates .... over their bad lines while you're following!

My Choice

PaddockStand said:

I have the Sena SMH10. Its OK, but not perfect. I think the best solution will be the helmet manufacturer integrated solutions. But I don't like any of the helmets that have it at the moment.

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Greetings- Based on all the reviews and videos I have watched the Sena has been the top pick, even over the G9 (yes I am sure its opinionated) but was curious of what you DID NOT like about the SMH10 since I was thinking of buying a set of two. You can either PM me these details or post here for all.
Thanks man.

I don't have any decent bluetooth helmet recommendations, but my girlfriend and I use the Chatterbox xbi2 with our Shoei RF1100's and the sound is clearly audible. We can talk to eachother about 1500 feet apart, but once you get out of line of sight, it starts to break up. Music is loud as can be and you can still get the GPS directions and phone calls to your helmet if you want too. I have the stock pipes on my 1199 still and she has a CF Yoshi on her Kawi. With both of our bikes as loud as they are, we can still hear eachother fine at freeway+ speeds.

Good info. It's probably more of a "ease of use" thing with me. The Sena states it is much more user friendly with that big jog wheel, rather than trying to find the right volume switch like on the Scala. I wouldnt expect comm to be that far when you cant see each other. I would want the good music and audible clarity with BT hook up to anything (cell, GPS, mp3, etc) And my wife should be close enough to hear ok since she will be right on the back of my Tri !

I use custom ear buds and the only system to use is SENA. It's been flawless

Gunny Fitz said:

Greetings- Based on all the reviews and videos I have watched the Sena has been the top pick, even over the G9 (yes I am sure its opinionated) but was curious of what you DID NOT like about the SMH10 since I was thinking of buying a set of two. You can either PM me these details or post here for all.
Thanks man.

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I have the first gen SMH10 and I can't upgrade the firmware. Sena ran an exchange programme, but didn't publicise it. It was over before I found out, sort of sucks from a customer service standpoint. The newer version on sale now might be better as it can be upgraded to bluetooth 3 and support newer devices, but I can't comment on this. If you get one make sure it uses a micro USB port to charge and is one of the newer models.

One the whole its been OK. I'd recommend that you get the helmet clamp that lets you use you own ear buds and not the built in speakers, which are very difficult to position accurately and made my ears hurt. This was because they squashed my ears by reducing the size of the ear pockets in the helmet, but this depends in your helmet design. I have a set of custom made silicone ear plugs, with built in speakers, and they are much (x10) better than helmet speakers. I believe the SMH10 is still the only bluetooth headset that lets you use your own earbuds.

The jog wheel is both good and bad. Good because its easy to operate with a gloved hand, bad because I press in the jog wheel with my shoulder and operate an unintended headset function every time I look over my left shoulder. This issue probably only happens on sports bikes due to the riding position. Its also dificult to remember the varous button pushes to activate functions, unless you use it regularly. The size of the headset, mounted on the side of the helmet, also makes a lot of wind noise inside the helmet as the speed increases.

Once you have the headset paired, the audio quality is very good, but paring is sometimes difficult. Maybe better on the newer models.

The mechanical helmet clamp is robust but doesn't work with all helmets. The stick-on helmet clamp works well, but I keep breaking them while the headset is not fitted. On my Arai RX7 GP the stick on clamp is the only practical option.

I only have the one SMH10 and so i've never tested rider to rider. The problem is that everyone you ride with must purchase the same brand of headset for this to work. The bluetooth vox enabled PMR radios coming out now should fix this and give improved range. They work with any bluetooth headset and bridge between different brands of bluetooth headsets.

I've used the head set to make and receive a few phone calls on the bike, not something I like routinely do as I get on the bike to get away from the phone calls, but the caller at the other end didn't even know i was on a bike or doing 80mph!

MANY thanks Paddock! That is a perfect post of info. Another thing I read today is that the firmware updates CANNOT be done thru Mac, which is everything I own! It still leads all the reviews for best product though. I am going to check on the issues you mentioned and see if newest edition corrected them.

I am wondering if I can bluetooth it to my cell and use that GPS as voice turn by turn. I really would like a GPS but even the Garmin hasnt perfected its motorcycle version yet. All I really want to do is talk with my wife on back of my bike, listen to music on long rides, and perhaps take a call if need be. I have to admit that you talking with someone who cant even tell you were on a bike at that speed is impressive!

Tango Yankee man!

Sitrep So Far

So I installed the Sena in my helmet yesterday and must say had a tough time doing that correctly. Once on I synced it up to my cell phone which went smooth enough, desoute the manual saying you can BT it using Headset or Hands Free - I never saw these choices at all.
Tried it out in my living room with both making a call and listening to music via BT on Android phone. Both of these worked ok and were clear. Also hooked it to Ipod using the included wire and it also sounded pretty decent there too. Now the true test!

Went outside and got it all synced up and told my wife to call me on it. While driving I clearly heard the incoming call beep and pushed the take call button on the back. At low speed she said she could hear me fine and couldnt even hear the sound of pipes or engine AT ALL which i thought was wild. As I picked up speeds I began to have a hard time hearing her unless she spoke up loud- and even at 70 he said she couldn't even tell I was on a bike, hearing no engine, wind, or exhaust sounds. Thumbs up there!

After the call I went into music mode and must say I had a difficult time hearing the music even when both cell and Sena were cranked all the way up. Def not great quality stereo sound at all which pissed me off. I also tried using the cellular GPS function which is an audible turn by turn voice system which totally faded out under engine and exhaust noise. Very disappointing.

Went back home and took Sena advice by adding the velcro pads to the back of the speakers to get them closer to my ear itself. They are almost out so far they irritate my ears. Went out for another ride and did not find this mod to be much help whatsoever. I am not impressed and wish there was a way to get more wattage in this system so music and voices can be heard louder and not drowned out by wind and bike noise. I hope they let me return this thing for at least a merchandise credit of some sort, even though the sales rep said they cant do that with electronic items. WTF over?
I didnt even hook up the other unit to my wifes helmet to try the intercom system, which was a primary idea when I bought this. Now I wonder if any other system has more volume to make this worth a swap of any sort.?

Needless to say I am not happy even though every review of this Sena SMH10 is off the charts. Yes it is easy to use with the jog wheel, I even changed tracks on the music with very simple touch/twist. But the volume is the main issue for me. Maybe I did end up losing some hearing between all the artillery, mortars, ied's and bombs over the course of my lifetime. Oh well. There is my reviews folks. Thanks for all your input and assistance!

PaddockStand said:

I have the first gen SMH10 and I can't upgrade the firmware. Sena ran an exchange programme, but didn't publicise it. It was over before I found out, sort of sucks from a customer service standpoint. The newer version on sale now might be better as it can be upgraded to bluetooth 3 and support newer devices, but I can't comment on this. If you get one make sure it uses a micro USB port to charge and is one of the newer models.

One the whole its been OK. I'd recommend that you get the helmet clamp that lets you use you own ear buds and not the built in speakers, which are very difficult to position accurately and made my ears hurt. This was because they squashed my ears by reducing the size of the ear pockets in the helmet, but this depends in your helmet design. I have a set of custom made silicone ear plugs, with built in speakers, and they are much (x10) better than helmet speakers. I believe the SMH10 is still the only bluetooth headset that lets you use your own earbuds.

The jog wheel is both good and bad. Good because its easy to operate with a gloved hand, bad because I press in the jog wheel with my shoulder and operate an unintended headset function every time I look over my left shoulder. This issue probably only happens on sports bikes due to the riding position. Its also dificult to remember the varous button pushes to activate functions, unless you use it regularly. The size of the headset, mounted on the side of the helmet, also makes a lot of wind noise inside the helmet as the speed increases.

Once you have the headset paired, the audio quality is very good, but paring is sometimes difficult. Maybe better on the newer models.

The mechanical helmet clamp is robust but doesn't work with all helmets. The stick-on helmet clamp works well, but I keep breaking them while the headset is not fitted. On my Arai RX7 GP the stick on clamp is the only practical option.

I only have the one SMH10 and so i've never tested rider to rider. The problem is that everyone you ride with must purchase the same brand of headset for this to work. The bluetooth vox enabled PMR radios coming out now should fix this and give improved range. They work with any bluetooth headset and bridge between different brands of bluetooth headsets.

I've used the head set to make and receive a few phone calls on the bike, not something I like routinely do as I get on the bike to get away from the phone calls, but the caller at the other end didn't even know i was on a bike or doing 80mph!

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Communicators

Anyone have comments on the Cardo Scala Rider Q3 communicator (don't require the top of the line G9X capability)?

Anyone using a noise cancelling/isolating (suppressing) in-ear speaker combo and if so what type?

Just did the latest firmware update to the Sena smh10- noise canceling is vastly improved...working great now...

I have the Scala G9. I mainly use it for GPS but will also listen to music when I commute on the bike. Sound quality is pretty good, I havent quite figured out the voice commands yet other than turning music on and off. I did notice that when I have my cell phone in my jacket pocket, the bluetooth will cut out if I have my RFID badge for work in between my phone and helmet.

Just about to purchase the Scala G9x prior to my trip around Germany later this year. Just bartering with a few companies to see if I can save a few beer tokens before I close a deal

Si1199 said:

Just about to purchase the Scala G9x prior to my trip around Germany later this year. Just bartering with a few companies to see if I can save a few beer tokens before I close a deal

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You'll be happy with it. Just take the time to learn the voice commands so you dont have to fiddle with the buttons while riding. I have had to pull over many times to change something on the Scala because I said the wrong command.