Autocom. Which helmet?

[Mr Derek]

I have just got an autocom headset for my (non BMW) bike and it's agony when fitted in my Shoei XR1000. The speakers fold my ears over and dig into them. The system is plug and play for my bike so, as my helmet is 8 years old, a replacement is an option.
Does anyone know which helmets an Autocom headset fits. I can try them later to see if they fit me. The priority is the headset fitting. It must be full face and, sadly, probably not Shoei. Other forums have described an incompatability issue between Shoei and Autocom.
Any experience would be helpful but not just your favourite helmet without Autocom or open faced. I can't see how it would fit a flip front but if you do, suggest away.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RobertG]

I think a lot of people end up doing something like this*http://www.bmwrt.com/faq/install_helmet_speakers.htm
Also remove the covers and Velcro/sticky backing from the speakers, millimetres make a difference.*

It's not just helmet compatibility but, also the shape of your head and ears.*

Unless there is a really decent sized speaker indentation in the helmet you are likely to have it hurt your ears and it's amazing how painful it can be after a few minutes. More pronounced if you wear moulded ear plugs.*

 

[Roberto]

Strange. I've never had a problem?

Having said that I've never owned a Shoei.

Do you have big ears?

Currently I've got headsets fitted to the following

BMW System 6 Flip (Very comfortable and no problems at all.)
Caberg Hyper-X (Slightly more snug, but recesses for speakers)
Arai New Quantum (No problem at all)
BMW Enduro (No problem at all)

HTH
R

 

[Oldrat]

+1
Many helmets need a tiny bit of tinkering with, as heads vary so much.
Positioning of speakers/ mike is critical to obtain best performance.
Also consider ear bud speakers, which plug into autocom 3.5 socket in suitable autocom helmet loom.

 

[Mr Derek]

My wife says there's nothing wrong with my ears. I think the same about hers and she has the same trouble as me. Shoei XR1000 and the headset causes megapain
Which, of your many helmets is quietest? Which would you not buy again?
Does the Autocom fit everything except Shoei? I don't want to hack the inside of my helmet as I am a DIY numpty and will make a right horlicks of it.
Keep the advice coming please. The answer is out there

 

[Bugbear]

Which, of your many helmets is quietest?

Schubert S1 Pro is the quietest I've ever owned.

As regards fitting speakers (when they interfere with your ears) gently massage the foam in the area where they fit, a ball-pein hammer (the round end) works well - just hold the head in your hand and gently push in the foam.

 

[mcinlb]

My mate has the new Shoei Neotec with speakers fitted from an autocom. I think they have existing cutouts. Yes, I know its a flip front but a great helmet in his opinion...

 

[Rasher]

I would look for helmets where the manufacturers offer comms sets as they are more likely to have a good speaker pocket.

I bought an HJC R-Pha Max and then discovered it ain't got room for the speakers, I can get one side fairly good but the other side it needs to sit under where the chin strap connects which means you can't hear it and anywhere else and it digs in.

On my Schuberth S1 it fitted OK, but some of the foam needing grinding out a bit (The HJC has no foam in the speaker area) but this worked a treat.

For my next lid I will take an autocom speaker with me when shopping and check that firstly there is a speaker pocket and secondly the Autocom speakers will fit - the Nolan lids that can carry their own system look to have pockets about perfect for Autocom speakers.

Also beware of the recess for the tops of your ears, these are often perfectly round and can be mistaken for speaker pockets.

Put the lid on but do not do it up and you can slide your hand up the side and feel if there is enough room / pockets are indeed speaker pockets. The speaker needs to sit about mid ear height and a bit forward to clear where your ears poke out.

 

[hops]

Also

Schubert S1 Pro is the quietest I've ever owned.

As regards fitting speakers (when they interfere with your ears) gently massage the foam in the area where they fit, a ball-pein hammer (the round end) works well - just hold the head in your hand and gently push in the foam.

You can remove the lining and use the back of a hot spoon to make an indent in the foam.

 

[mikey5]

Schubert c3

in my c3 the autocom fits straight into premade indents in the helmet perfect fit in 5 mins theres a how to guide on this very site with photos

 

[red1]

Try an XR1100 as they have bigger space for headset

 

[Roberto]

My wife says there's nothing wrong with my ears. I think the same about hers and she has the same trouble as me. Shoei XR1000 and the headset causes megapain
Which, of your many helmets is quietest? Which would you not buy again?
Does the Autocom fit everything except Shoei? I don't want to hack the inside of my helmet as I am a DIY numpty and will make a right horlicks of it.
Keep the advice coming please. The answer is out there

The System 6 is the quietest of those I'd listed.. even with it being a flip.

2 extra cents: It is a couple of years old now and I'll be looking for a new flip in due course, so will see if that has moved on, otherwise I'll be looking at a Schuberth.

Good luck with it

 

[hatzyian]

Try an XR1100 as they have bigger space for headset

I've a XR1100, with Autocom ,no problems at all. The helmet has a recess where the speakers fit. My wife has an Arai Quantum, also the speakers fit fine.

 

[Deer Stalker]

I have Autocom fitted in a Shoei Multitech flip - the ear recess holes may this very comfortable

 

[SM46]

Autocom fitted to my Shoei Neotec & no problems with fitting or comfort

 

[Mr Derek]

Thanks, guys,

Looks like I will be in the market for a Neotec. More expense. I wonder if there will be any deals at the Bike Show