The redesigned piece of gear boasts a D2 high-carbon steel blade. Not having a precise fit can affect the pressure on your ear, the fit of the helmet and, consequently, its ultimate function: safety. Its Koroyd honeycomb internal structure works like a car's crumple zone in an accident, so it self-destructs on impact, sucking up forces caused by deceleration. Sena offers a couple of advantages. Another modern brain bucket benefitting from MotoGP-derived technologies, the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon utilizes the same state-of-the-art Advanced P.I.M. Thankfully, I've learned a lot since those early days, and now my criteria for a good helmet goes way beyond just the outer shell design. This helmet has two shell sizes, with a 2XL-3XL version that could be a better helmet if you have a larger head. 2022Recurrent Ventures. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Shell Material: X-MATRIX 2 This affordable option from BILT comes with an integrated Sena DWO-6 Bluetooth v4.1 system. This practice gives you extra protection where you need it while reducing weight where you don't need it. They effectively protect you but won't be the most comfortable either. For Bluetooth functionality, it comes with an antenna, speakers, and a microphone preinstalled. The successor to Shoeis already immensely popular GT Air model, the second generation of this Japanese-made brain bucket is crafted around a multi-ply Matrix Advanced Integrated Plus shell with a more aerodynamic design, a molded air spoiler, and a multi-piece EPS liner. Shell Material: Composite Fiberglass Similar to regular helmet pricing, youll find Bluetooth helmets that range in price from about $150 to $800. The speakers in a Bluetooth helmet do not sit in your ear like earbuds or completely cover your ears like headphones. Tech: Bluetooth 4.1. Alongside the comm system itself, this moto gadget also features a supplementary LED tail and brake light that mounts to the back of the helmet. Origin: America. The shape is a little unusual in a long oval, but the extra space at the front and back is a lifesaver for those who need it. Need your moto helmet to also be a tripod? This makes it awkward, if not impossible, to use another system. From there, I focused on helmet manufacturers that are well-known and trusted. The cheek pads are formed to let your glasses hit your ears without causing extra pressure on your skull. What To Look For When Buying A Moto Comm System. Not interested in a comm system but still need a new lid? Shell Material:Polycarbonate In an effort to achieve a more precise and therefore effective fit, many of todays more premium helmet makers produce models in a variety of different shell sizes. You can customize the padding to get the perfect fit, which is a nice touch for maximum comfort. The R2 Traction also gets a chin spoiler to reduce drag and noise. There are admittedly motorcycle helmets that come straight from the factory with built-in comm systems, however, the reality is that with the exception of one or two models most of these lids are of extremely low quality, offer lackluster protection, and often subpar comm performance. Many helmets incorporate carbon fiber and other lightweight materials into the construction of the shell, which can reduce weight but also jack up the price. Unfortunately, this helmet doesn't come with the Bluetooth system itself, so plan to buy that separately. HICONSUMPTION was established by gearheads for gearheads as a modern day mens lifestyle publication, uncovering the greatest products in adventure, tech, gear, automotive, and style. Range: 1 Mile Ventilation & Noise: This area has always been a delicate balancing act, as airflow and ventilation are crucial to keeping the rider cool, though excessive wind can also be incredibly loud to the point where it can actually damage a riders hearing. Borrowing lessons learned making the German brands helmets for top Formula 1 racing drivers, Schuberths C4 Pro Carbon helmet is an extremely top-shelf modular model that packs an all-carbon fiber shell covering a specially-optimizedEPS foam liner with an advanced, sectional, multi-part design that maximizes shock absorption. The helmet also creates a lot of wind noise, starting at around 50 miles per hour. This means that you're probably going to feel like a mushroom head while wearing this helmet. On top of physical button controls integrated into the left side of the helmet, this model also sports a supplementary rear LED tail and brake light that helps to ensure the rider is seen by other drivers while out on the road. This comm comes with just about every modern feature and amenity one would expect from a market leader like Sena, with advanced noise control, a built-in FM radio, a Lithium polymer battery affording 10 hours of life, a 0.8-mile range, the ability to operate between temperatures of 14F to 131F, and Bluetooth profiles for hands-free control, advanced audio distribution, and audio-video remote controlling. The exterior of this 3/4 item features a design with premium pinstriping thats offered in a trio of color options while the interior has been treated to an attractive diamond-quilted liner. The good news here is that more and more of todays comm systems now rely on active noise cancelation tech to drown out unwanted wind noise and bolster call and audio clarity. It's compatible with Bluetooth systems and has ear pockets ready for inserting speakers. The outer shell is aerodynamic and constructed from an advanced integrated matrix of high-performance and elastic organic fibers to give you lightweight yet resilient protection. Full-face? Built from a combination of carbon fiber and aramid fibers, the K6 helmet is insanely lightweight, checking in at just 2.95 pounds (some helmets can weigh nearly twice that). The Sportmodular was designed in a wind tunnel to ensure it would be very quiet and have less drag/turbulence. Comm systems are also designed to be as lightweight as possible so they dont add unnecessary heft. What I can offer are the types of motorcycle helmets that come with Bluetooth integration and those are broken down into two types: Pre-installed and Bluetooth capable. HiConsumption is reader-supported. Note: Helmets listed below may be out of stock temporarily due to ongoing supply chain issues. The shell is a unique blend of fiberglass and aramid fiber molded into a design that reduces lift and wind turbulence. Battery Life & Talk Time: Another extremely important area to consider when buying a comm system is battery life, as this will limit the amount of talk time or music playback time you can get on a single charge. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks. Some are essentially plug and play, while others require an extensive installation process. Have comfort and convenience when wearing this modular touring helmet from Sedici. We like the micro-ratchet chin strap that's easier to operate while wearing gloves, as well as the integrated sun shield. Born out of a collaboration between Sena and ICON, the RAU comm system boasts advanced noise control, a built-in FM radio with ten station presets and an auto-scan function, a set of 38mm drivers, and a maximum range of 0.8 miles (when used in open and unobstructed terrain). Weight: 3.79LBS Technically, you could slap a communication system onto almost any helmet. Luckily largely thanks to advancements with gadgets like smartphone batteries the cells in modern comm systems typically afford at least 12 hours of use before needing to be returned to a charger. Start riding, and you'll appreciate the directionally stable quality that reduces oscillating and buffeting, like aerodynamics on steroids. Range: 1 Mile Shell Material: Carbon Fiber Because shopping in this space can already be a somewhat intimidating process, weve opted to piece together this guide on the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmets, delving into the best comm-ready lids currently on the market, as well as each helmets accompanying comm. Switchgear is oversized to work with gloves and a Pinlock face shields heavy-duty detents hold firm when youve high-lifted the lid for extra venting. In addition to being made to seamlessly support Nexxs X-Com comm system, the X.Vilijord also comes with removable top and side action camera mounts. The same company also produces the more affordable Sena-developed HJC Smart 10B Bluetooth headset for only $140. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Read more. You'll be able to chat with up to 16 of your fellow riders for up to 17 hours straight. Cardo and Sena build the two leading Bluetooth helmet communication systems. Bell even left some extra room behind both visors for eyeglass wearers. It's scratch-resistant, protects from 99.9 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, and is anti-fog. Other highlights include an integrated drop-down sun visor, a pin-lock-equipped face shield set on HJCs RapidFire III shield replacement system, and a 3D-engineered, noise-reducing, ergonomic interior with a moto eyewear-friendly EPS design, plus a liner with quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties. The helmet features a 190-degree field of view, and five large front air vents keep your bean cooler on hot summer days or in stop-and-go traffic. This makes them ready for use right out of the box. Battery Life: 8 Hours And you wouldn't have to yell "Quiet on the set!" This helmet also boasts a complex, multi-channel ventilation system, a pin-lock-equipped extra-wide viewport visor, and a plush, fully-removable and washable interior with Coolmax fabric and antimicrobial properties. - One saved my life.). Their hands-off ability means you can keep your hands on the handlebars and in full control of your bike. You don't even have to be going very fast, and you'll start to hear that annoying wind whooshing sound. Cardo sells its PackTalk system; Sena manufacturers its own third-party units and builds the backbone of the proprietary system for manufacturers. Compatible with all of Schuberths C4 and R2 helmets, this comm features connectivity to a dedicated smartphone app, an FM radio, music sharing, pairing with up to four riders, and a battery with 14 hours of talk time and up to a week of standby time. But its also a modular helmet with a hinged chin bar, so its extra comfortable for ADV riders who want to swing open a lid to get a swig of water without removing the helmet. However, you don't have to worry about installing anything. Materials & Construction: The single biggest factor that determines a helmets overall quality and the level of protection it affords is the materials used to make it, more specifically, the construction of the shell and its underlying, impact-absorbing liner. When you do ride, both the venting and the shell of the Klim are shaped to reduce wind noise. The sleek design of this helmet hides the microphone in the brim. The size and quality of the speakers will dictate the sound quality produced. Fit: The helmet should fit snugly and comfortably on your head with the eye port starting above your eyebrows. Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, wisdom of the crowd assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. A Bluetooth-equipped helmet can be an essential piece of motorcycle safety tech, whether you're staying in touch with your posse or getting turn-by-turn directions from a paired phone. Tech: Bluetooth 4.0. I also considered what riders who bought the helmet thought to get a real-world sense of how the helmets performed and my personal experience with owning a variety of motorcycle helmet brands. Tech: Bluetooth 4.1. Technology is the integration of a communications system, built-in antenna, microphone, and speakers. Range: 1 Mile Then be sure to check out our more robust guide to the best motorcycle helmets you can buy for an in-depth look at two dozen of the finest brain buckets currently in production. Battery Life: 14 Hours This is quite possibly the finest daily-use, all-arounder helmet that money can currently buy. Origin: United Kingdom. Origin: Japan. Using carbon fiber construction tech developed for Moto GP, its almost as light as the AGV K6, weighing just 3.06 pounds. Audio Quality: Because the entire purpose of a comm system is to allow its user to listen to music and GPS directions or take phone calls, audio quality is unsurprisingly extremely important. After 45 minutes, my forehead was bright red and I had a headache. Inside there are 3D Max-Dry pads and an emergency quick release system. The best helmets for keeping in touch with other riders, taking calls and receiving turn-by-turn navigation prompts. The RAUs Lithium polymer battery can be fully replenished after 1.5 hours of charging and offers 13 hours of talk and music playback time. Additionally, check the placement of your speakers. You can chat with up to four people at a time for up to eight hours, share music, speed dial, and phone conference. Hugely benefitting from a number of major advancements over the last few years alone, motorcycle communication systems or comms have become an increasingly essential piece of riding kit, especially as smartphone connectivity becomes an ever-more integral part of our daily lives. This is also an extra versatile ADV lid, with a quick-change function to ditch the visor and swap to a street look in an instance without tools. Sena Momentum Evo Bluetooth-Integrated Helmet. The actuator to work the face shield is located right where you would install any other system. Range: N/A Weight: 3.91LBS My biggest problem with this helmet is that it only comes in two shell sizes and lacks further venting. The speakers are underpowered, the microphone is far away from your mouth, and there are only two buttons for controlling everything. It achieves 14 hours of run time, connection with up to four other riders, and a range of 1,600 meters. The shell is made of fiberglass, is DOT certified, and has a nylon strap D-ring retention system. Weight: A lighter helmet will generally be more comfortable and cause less neck strain. They can be difficult to catch with your gloved finger. Mesh systems also allow users to select from one of a myriad of specific mesh channels not unlike using channels on a walkie-talkie. Can't decide? Modular helmets can be loud because the split that allows the chin bar to swing up can introduce turbulence. Sena makes AGVs comms system, called ARK; the Sportmodular can be upgraded to use it for around $280. A: Depending on the helmet, the sound quality can vary from not great to fantastic. Best of all, pairing a dozen mesh comm systems is no more difficult than pairing two unlike Bluetooth systems that each have to be individually connected/reconnected each time. All Rights Reserved. You can also easily upgrade later on. And while riders always have the option of strapping an aftermarket comm system onto their helmets chin-bar, these devices lack the clean aesthetic, neat integration, and convenience of helmets with preinstalled comms, or brain buckets that can be fitted with comms that were custom-designed specifically to integrate into a particular helmet model.