Total and utter newcomer to helmet anything comms...

[King Rat]

As it says. I have never had a helmet comm of any type, but I was thinking of the new Beemer helmet and bluetooth system, until I saw all the bad reports on the helmets.

What is there out there that will connect with my Zumo to allow me to use my phone through the twat nav and possibly listen the music in the thing too. I have music on a card, but I have never listened to t because i don't have anything to hear it through! I just follow the pink line and look at the written prompts for using the electronic map that tells you when you have just missed the turnoff.

Any pointers for an affordable, simple and reliable system gratefully recieved. I am sure someone could short list a few for me to look at.
I did try typing "helmet phone" into google - and got so confused I gave up looking any further.

Ta.

 

[SilverFish]

I think the answer is 'it depends'!

1. Which version of Zumo do you have (they're are quite a few and that will dictate what options you have next)?
2. How do you feel about wires between your helmet, under you saddle, upto the Zumo..?
3. How comfortable are you with installing things into your bike - did you do the Zumo yourself?
4. Do you ride with a pillion often?
5. Do you want to be able to use a PMR Radio?
6. Do you have a regular riding mate who has a comm system based on either Bluetooth or PMR446?
7. Do you ride with in ear monitors?


I didnt know the current System 6 helmet had problems? I've had one for a coupole of years and its the best flip up lid I've ever had. I dont have the Bluetooth, but my old neighbour does and he says its the best comms fit he's ever had (he is an ex Police bike instructor for comparison).

The combination of a System 6 and BMW Bluetooth is pricey though, but that's the price you pay for a fully integrated solution. There are quite a few good quality Bluetooth headsets for biks out there now, but they're all (apart from Schuberths OEM kit) designed to stick on the outside LHS of your helmet. May not be an issue at all, but some dont like that.

I've had quite a few different types and makesof intercom myself over the years, and they're all fairly good at what they do - but some do have issues which are inherent in their design.

Regards,

Mike

 

[MotorbikeAdventures]

As it says. I have never had a helmet comm of any type, but I was thinking of the new Beemer helmet and bluetooth system, until I saw all the bad reports on the helmets.

What is there out there that will connect with my Zumo to allow me to use my phone through the twat nav and possibly listen the music in the thing too. I have music on a card, but I have never listened to t because i don't have anything to hear it through! I just follow the pink line and look at the written prompts for using the electronic map that tells you when you have just missed the turnoff.

Any pointers for an affordable, simple and reliable system gratefully recieved. I am sure someone could short list a few for me to look at.
I did try typing "helmet phone" into google - and got so confused I gave up looking any further.

Ta.

Mike makes some very good points! I fit Autocoms and G4 Scala along with other bits and find excellent sound through a Logic autocom unit hard wired to your sat nav. As Mike said depends on if you mind a wire from your helmet to the bike? I have found the best system so far is a Logic or Super Pro hard wired to a Garmin 660 or a 550 with music and telephone running through your Garmin along with a set of Ultimate ear custom moulded ear plugs! The ear plugs can be changed so you have a autocom headet with speakers in the helmet but not all helmets allow for speakers so ear plugs solve that problem.......

If you need to talk anything over or look at some systems, ear plugs etc you can view @ www.motorbikeadventures.co.uk i have put a couple of vids on the site to show what an Autocom looks like.....

Regards

Mick

 

[FERRET]

Ive used one of the early Cardo Scala bluetooth headsets which allows mobile phone connectivity and instructions from your Garmin via Bluetooth, no wires.
I have found it great for these two options, nice and clear and concise, you can also listen to music from your Garmins card however it is not in stereo, you can hear it very clearly but sound quality in mono isnt brilliant. The early Cardo Scala (like mine) didnt allow you to connect your mp3 to the system which the new ones do, and i beleive if you plug your mp3 in it is in stereo.

I have now upgraded to an autocom system purely so i can listen to the music in stereo and also not having to remember to charge the Cardo Scala headset(it lasts about 9hrs on one charge)

Hope that is of assistance

p.s i have a Cardo Scala Team Set for sale (rider and pillion) if interested.

 

[Larne]

I can also recommend the Autocom route. I have an older system, the Easy Plus, which is now onto my second bike. I connected the power through to the canbus connector which solved any issues with cutting into the bike electrics. Sure you have to plug your helmet into the bike but having previously had a bluetooth helmet system where I was always forgetting to charge the battery I find the wires much less inconvenient as at least it works when I want it to.

I use a smartphone with SatNav and MP3 capability connected to the Autocom via Bluetooth but you could easily wire in your SatNav so long as it does support a wired connection - not all do. The Autocom units support lots of different units connecting in together.

The only other issue with the Autocom is how you get the feed into your helmet. Custom earplug monitors are probably the best way to go but are expensive. If you are going to fit a headset into your helmet make good and sure that you have the space to get it in there (need nice big cut-outs for the speakers). It can be a bit fiddly and if you can afford the in-ear phones that is certainly the easiest way to do it.