Modular Bluetooth advice

[BashamR6S]

Looking for my first modular helmet and I figure I might as well get one with blue tooth as well...? Who's the best and best for value? Recommendations...a buddy of mine just got a shark and says he likes it. I've never really heard of shark prior to this. I've had 2 icon helmets, I've liked both for airflow and design but thinking more about comfort now...

Bash

[sleazy rider]

Head shape plays a big part in helmet selection and recommendations.  What brand and size are you wearing now?

[Dan K]

You can always add blue tooth to any helmet - don't limit your search to helmets with it built in.

I use a parrot that has been on both a Caberg Justissimo modular and my current Arai.

If I get a new track day helmet, then I'll shift it over to my Scorpion EXO-1000.  Lots of options, just do some research.

- Dan

[BashamR6S]

I currently wear a Icon Airframe (medium) fits well. I have speakers added currently for music purposes..but if I can get a lid with built in Bluetooth I can eliminate a wire. It might also be nice to be able to take calls instead of the calls interrupting my music and going to voice mail..

Bash

[Dan K]

You can add a bluetooth set up to any helmet so as to be wireless, take calls, get directions, and listen to music - all without wires.  Having it built into the helmet just means you limit your choice of helmet, and can't choose which bluetooth device to add.  You have options - why limit them?

[BashamR6S]

You can add a bluetooth set up to any helmet so as to be wireless, take calls, get directions, and listen to music - all without wires.
-Thats a great point, what Bluetooth kit would you recommend to use to build in? Or have you actually sent your lid out to have it built in?

Bash

[Cablebandit]

We're not talking built in to the helmet.  Buy a helmet that fits your head.  Then just attach something like the Sena SMH 10 to it.

[Dan K]

They attach with a clamp on the bottom of the helmet and have a small boom to put a mic near your mouth.  Comes with speakers, mounting systems, etc.

Some even come with a remote control for your hand grip (Parrot sk4000 - but I think it's discontinued...)

- Dan

[loadedmind]

Agree with the others.  My advice is to pick the best-fitting, most comfortable helmet, then add the bluetooth to it.  I currently own four helmets and will be purchasing another bluetooth system so I can have them on at least 2 of the four.  I have two Arai Vectors and two Shoei RF1000's because they fit my head better than most.  I've attached the Interphone F4 to the Arai (which comes with the two headphone pieces and the one mic).  If you're anal like I am about fitment, you'll have to dremel out a little place for the speakers and mic.  Just don't take too much out because, after all, the foam is supposed to protect you.  I just found that I couldn't live with the speakers jutting out as far as they are (which bothers me on longer rides) so I made a small indentation in the sides where my ears are to fit them.  Only had to shave about an 1/8th of an inch to get them to fit right.  Obviously your mileage may vary.  

I shopped for quite some time before I settled on the Interphone system.  Not only do they sound better than most, it mates with the iPhone and allows me to do it all with the one large button on the bluetooth device that attaches to bottom/side of the helmet.  If you go with this setup, holler at me and I'll PM you some extra tips about the setup that might help you.  

I answered a call from my sister the other day and she asked what I was up to.  I told her, what, you don't know?  She said, know what?  That I'm on my way home on the bike.  She said, seriously?  She thought I was at home already and really couldn't tell at all that I was going 70 down the highway.  You may not have the same results, but between my Arai sealing out the outside noise and the Interphone's mic, I guess it's the perfect combination.  I usually leave the volume turned down most of the way so the music is more background noise as I want to hear emergency vehicles coming.  

Here's a link to the product from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/BlueAnt-Interphone-Helmet-Bluetooth-Headset/dp/tech-data/B003YWV30M/ref=de_a_smtd

Product manual link from the vendor's website:
http://www.myblueant.com/downloads/manuals/interphone_f4_manual.pdf

Hope this info helps.

Edit:  I was just perusing the vendor's site and it looks as though they might be heading to discontinued status.  Just read an interesting article from webbikeworld.com regarding the Cardo Scala Rider G9 which will do everything the Interphone will do and much more.  However, this usually means a pretty hefty price tag.  I can't be sure what the future looks like for the Interphone F4 setup from BlueAnt, but I can't seem to get to a product page meant for this device which typically means the company intends to "End-of-Life" that product.  We'll see.  It's a shame, really, because it's such an awesome setup.  But I couldn't recommend something you may not be able to get support for, should something crap out on you.

[BashamR6S]

Well it seems to me that the smart move is to then just get a bluetooth that I can install myself. So now the question becomes...whos blue tooth system do you guys like the best? I just read that about the cardo scala G9, but no price listed... ive got some free time, so Ill shop the web now. But id still appreciate any recommendations.

Bash

[Cablebandit]

Sena.  /thread

[BashamR6S]

Sena.  /thread

Cablebandit saywhat?!?!

[Mastros2]

We're not talking built in to the helmet.  Buy a helmet that fits your head.  Then just attach something like the Sena SMH 10 to it.

I agree.  

[BashamR6S]

Do you guys know, how well do the blue tooth systems work on modular helmets? Im looking at buying a modular helmet but if the blue tooth systems don't attach well Ill stick with a solid full face.....
When they say 'attaches to most full face and 3/4 face helmets makes me wonder...

Bash

[Cablebandit]

They work fine.

[JReazor]

Do you guys know, how well do the blue tooth systems work on modular helmets? Im looking at buying a modular helmet but if the blue tooth systems don't attach well Ill stick with a solid full face.....
When they say 'attaches to most full face and 3/4 face helmets makes me wonder...

Bash

The mic on the Sena SMH10 and I suspect others, is on a flexible boom. You can raise the chin bar on a modular helmet and the mic will stay in place.

In other words, they work fine.

[BashamR6S]

Thanks blokes!

Bash