Using Helmet Communicators – 8 Buying Tips
I am a big fan of using helmet communicators
Helmet communicators are fast becoming a common accessory for motorcyclists these days. I’ve been using helmet communicators with my wife and friends for many years. We really appreciate using them for long distance two-up touring rides. We’ve discovered that we both just love talking all day! You know…it’s rare to have much relaxing time at home just to talk. But when we’re on the bike, we can enjoy talking virtually all day long! Not about news, or decisions, but about our day, the beautiful scenery, the people we met and those thoughts that only come when out on the open road. I prefer the wireless models because I am not a fan of plugging my head into my bike while riding. Plus, we can also use with our dirt bikes and ATVs for bike-to-bike communications very easily. Having comm’s just makes me feel better when I can offer quick riding advice while on the trail. You see…I grew up riding dirt bikes and Linda is fairly new to the sport. “Stop at the top of that hill, ok?…” Now that definitely beats climbing down that cliff to drag the bike back up the hill… Oh…Linda was fine… 😉 😉 How many times have you wanted to tell someone to ‘stop at the next exit’… or ‘hey, isn’t that a beautiful view over there!’.
My ‘ol trusty helmet communicator
Was a Cardo Scala Rider dual headset that I bought when it hit the market back in 2005. Linda and I continually used it until this year (2015) and it was flawless. Battery life is still good for a full riding day! Here is a photo of my old model. The boom mic is built in and cannot be swapped or used with an internal mic. This one provided me with many years of trouble free communication bliss. And it continues to works just like new! Perfect sound, loudness, battery life, and is very rugged. I use a full-face helmet and it tucks in real nice and sleek. I plan to use it for off road riding and to share with friends.
I recently upgraded to a new unit so that I’d be able to connect my GoPro camera wirelessly to my helmet communicator microphone. In addition to the trick GoPro adapter, the new Sena 20S is also fully configurable via smartphone, as many of the newer models are. Configuration is simple, fast and easily doable while on the road. Bluetooth 4.0 is for talking uninterrupted and allows me to continue talking with Linda even while the GPS is trying its best to interrupt. Bluetooth 4.0 purports to help marriages and friendships… 😉
Hey pull over right over there! …ok…
Prices haven’t changed that much in 9 years
But the choices have grown. The capabilities and features are amazing. You’ll be able to have rider to passenger intercom, bike-to-bike communications, music, smartphone configurator apps, extended talk and standby time, easy to use controls, clear sound, noise cancelling, you name it. But you still want to be selective when choosing yours.
8 Tips for choosing your trusty helmet communicator or intercom system
1. Find one that Matches Your Style – See how other people are using theirs. Some people use helmet communicators exclusively as a personal connection to their smartphone or GPS. Some just want to talk with their passenger while touring. Others will talk to other riders in their group.
2. Buy One that is Built into your Helmet – Or as a separate add-on. Personally, I like it separate so I can swap helmets easily. Some models come with multiple mounting hardware setups so you can setup more than one helmet.
3. Group Riding and Bike to Bike – Find out what other people in your group are using. Sometimes it’s much easier and even required that everyone in your group is using the same gear. Group connections can be easy or extremely difficult, or even impossible depending on your units. If you are buying for bike-to-bike communications, then check particular distance limitations. You’ll need to stay within that limit for communications to work.
4. Think About the Controls – Some of the buttons are glove friendlier than others. This is really important because you don’t want to add anything to your riding experience that takes your mind off the road or is frustrating to use. Don’t forget about the volume control. Nothing worse than getting blasted in the ear while riding…
5. Ease of Configuration – As long as it’s easy to use… you’ll use it. So what if it can do a hundred different things? If it’s not easy to use, will you use it? If the brand includes the ability to configure via a smartphone app, it will be so easy. You may actually make use of all of those features.
6. Buy Two – Most manufacturers have a reduced package price when you purchase a pair. It’s hard to communicate with just one.
7. Cell Phone Calls – If you’re planning to answer phone calls while riding, and I am not recommending this, make sure that you can do it easily. The other important thing to remember here is that built in noise cancelling is important for cell phone use.
8. Read a Lot of Blogs – and find out what people like and don’t like. It’s really more of a usability thing than a technical choice.
A few popular choices are Sena, Cardo Scala Rider, Chatterbox, UClear, Schuberth (integrated), and a number of bluetooth only helmets too. Watch for my Sena 20S full review on www.MotoForever.com.
Now go and ride!
MOTOForever!