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[ftmyerscobra]

We live in South Fl. The wife and I have not been wearing Helmets. But that is going to change. Saw a good friend get hit last weekend. My wife rides on back most of the time, but on occasion she rides solo. I would like to have speakers so we can listen to music and I would also like to communicate with her and other bikes we ride with.

Thanks,
Ken

[timo482]

i use the hd helmet headsets. they are not great - but they work. they used to make it a total pain to add the plugs to the bike but now you can get add on headset ports pretty cheap. i got one headset with the bike - and have gotten two more off of fleabay for real cheap. the things wear out so i just put a new one off fleabay each time i get a new helmet or change anything.

there ARE better headsets - there are also bluetooth etc. im just cheap and the only time i can hear good is at home with the 7.1 and nobody around making any noise.

my hearing is not great so my wife and i use the intercom set to push to talk - typically she will just hold the button all the while we are gabbing - ill nudge it to say something and then she will hold it in so i can drive.

to

[Midnight Rider]

We live in South Fl. The wife and I have not been wearing Helmets. But that is going to change. Saw a good friend get hit last weekend. My wife rides on back most of the time, but on occasion she rides solo. I would like to have speakers so we can listen to music and I would also like to communicate with her and other bikes we ride with.

Thanks,
Ken

You just wished for a mouthful.  I personally like Flip Face Helmets, and IMO the 4 best helmets on the market are: Nolan N-104; Shoei Neotec; Schuberth C3; Shark Evo III.  There's some other good ones too.

Communicating to each other is not a huge deal, as you can do that with Bluetooth helmet headsets.  Communicating with other bikes, listening to music, etc. is another matter.  Do the people you normally ride with have CB's?  Lots of factors to consider when choosing how best to do what you're trying to do.

Whatever helmets you choose, make sure they fit your head shape.  A great place for helmet reviews, discussion of head shapes, communication devices, etc. is www.webbikeworld.com

[LovemyCVOgirl]

We just bought a set of bluetooth communication system's from Interphone 5.  Tried them out at a vendors show.  They worked real well in the building, so we got on the Internet and read a lot of great reviews about them. The set for two bikers came with attachments for 4 helmets.  We got our full face helmets set up and our half helmets.  Half helmets required ordering ear flaps with pockets for J&M communication co.  Anxious to try them on the road and then report back.  Out the door price for 2 bikers was $299.

[Eagle Eye]

I use the Shoei Neotec with J&M speakers and microphones.  They are somewhat expensive at 600.00, but worth every dime.  (What's your head worth?)  All my helmets have been Shoei, so I have no experience with other brands; aside from trying on in the stores.  Mainly because of the quality of materials and fit for my head.  Shoei in my opinion has the best quality feel and fitment of all brands.  The Neotec took care of the air flow problems of the predecessors.

The Bluetooth devices can't communicate via CB radio, so that limits their value to me.  When they work out that little detail, I may rethink my approach, because I'd like to lose the umbilical cord to the bike.  Why pay for a CB, if you're not going to use it?  It's one of the best means of communication with other bikes I know of.  Over the years, I've even communicated with truckers when out in the middle of nowhere.  It's helped a few times on long trips.

A good choice if you'd prefer not to go full face is the Shoei Platinum 3/4 helmet.  This will not provide the facial protection the full and modular units provide, but it will give you great head protection.  You can use the same J&M headset in both. 

Shoei helmets are superior in design, because they are fiberglass, like a surfboard. They will not split, but cave a little in a hard impact, providing a bit more of a cushion from the shock.  Other helmets are injection molded and will split.  JMHO on whether superior or not.  As an engineer, I believe they are.

Of coarse, other helmet brands are good, so there are lots of choices, but I wouldn't waste my money on the Bluetooth solution just yet.

Good luck deciding! 

[hdaliaconis]

My ridding buddy just bought a helmet made by Seer.  Prior to attending the Midwest Police Motorcycle Training School, I had never heard of Seer.  They make an impressive helmet for both police and civilians. Same product just different paint. It fits really well and can be adjusted to fit your head via removable inserts.  It also fits close to your head which I really like since I wear a small and most helmets fit me like an oversize mushroom!  I know looks are less important than function but the closer a helmet fits the less buffeting one receives. JMHO.  http://www.superseer.com/about.asp

[Midnight Rider]

When doing research for a helmet, get some idea of what kind of head shape you have (long oval, round, egg, etc)  Most helmets are "neutral", meaning they will fit "most" heads, but putting a long oval head in a neutral helmet won't work out too well.  Probably 80-90% of people have a head that will fit fine into a neutral shaped helmet, but you'll have "hot spots" if not.  Some of that can be "adjusted" with a bit of modification the to foam inside the helmet.  Arai is one of the very few manufacturers that actually makes helmet lines for different head shapes, but the types of helmets they offer are limited (no Flip Face).  Also, see if the manufacturer uses two, or three, shell sizes.  Many will use only two shells...one for S, M, L and another for XL, XXL, or some variation thereof.  Some of the ones who have three shells will use one for XS, S, M, another for L, and another for XL, XXL.  If you've got a small head in a large shell, you might look like a goober...

Hate to sound like a broken record, but go to Webbikeworld.  They have an in depth discussion on head shapes and how to properly fit a helmet.  They also include head shape criteria in their reviews, and their reviews are VERY thorough.  Revzilla also does some nice Video reviews of various helmets.  Those two sources about cover everything you want/need to know about helmets.  Revzilla is an excellent place to buy a helmet....no return fees and they will bend over backwards to make sure everything is right.  Their prices are generally very good too.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

When doing research for a helmet, get some idea of what kind of head shape you have (long oval, round, egg, etc)  Most helmets are "neutral", meaning they will fit "most" heads, but putting a long oval head in a neutral helmet won't work out too well.  Probably 80-90% of people have a head that will fit fine into a neutral shaped helmet, but you'll have "hot spots" if not.  Some of that can be "adjusted" with a bit of modification the to foam inside the helmet.  Arai is one of the very few manufacturers that actually makes helmet lines for different head shapes, but the types of helmets they offer are limited (no Flip Face).  Also, see if the manufacturer uses two, or three, shell sizes.  Many will use only two shells...one for S, M, L and another for XL, XXL, or some variation thereof.  Some of the ones who have three shells will use one for XS, S, M, another for L, and another for XL, XXL.  If you've got a small head in a large shell, you might look like a goober...

Hate to sound like a broken record, but go to Webbikeworld.  They have an in depth discussion on head shapes and how to properly fit a helmet.  They also include head shape criteria in their reviews, and their reviews are VERY thorough.  Revzilla also does some nice Video reviews of various helmets.  Those two sources about cover everything you want/need to know about helmets.  Revzilla is an excellent place to buy a helmet....no return fees and they will bend over backwards to make sure everything is right.  Their prices are generally very good too.

You are so right Terry.  I tried on multiple flip helmets and none of them felt comfortable until I tried the Shoei Neotec.  It fit perfect and was very comfortable in the store.  Now the true test will be how it feels going down the road but for $485 out the door, I knew that I could always Ebay it and get my money back.   

[Midnight Rider]

You are so right Terry.  I tried on multiple flip helmets and none of them felt comfortable until I tried the Shoei Neotec.  It fit perfect and was very comfortable in the store.  Now the true test will be how it feels going down the road but for $485 out the door, I knew that I could always Ebay it and get my money back.   

Damn, girl....that's a good price on a Neotec.  That'll be my next helmet, for sure.  Nothing but good reviews...

[RedEagle]

I am looking at Bell Mag-9 Sena it is set up with Bluetooth (extra)
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-mag-9-sena-helmet-solids

[CowboyBagger]

I've got the Schuberth C3 with the Cardo SRC headset.  Great helmet and the SRC system works really good for voice communication.  When listening to music, it sounds real tinny.  I'm considering some Schure ear buds and adding an earphone jack to the SRC headset.  I think that should solve my problem with music quality.

Schuberth is a front flip, lightweight and very well made helmet.  I would prefer one with a little more air flow.  Right now I just use it during cooler weather.  When it's hot, I wear a half helmet.

Cowboy

[Eagle Eye]

Hey Ken, you decided yet?  Share what you have learned.


Cheers,
Ken

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I've got the Schuberth C3 with the Cardo SRC headset.  Great helmet and the SRC system works really good for voice communication.  When listening to music, it sounds real tinny.  I'm considering some Schure ear buds and adding an earphone jack to the SRC headset.  I think that should solve my problem with music quality.

Schuberth is a front flip, lightweight and very well made helmet.  I would prefer one with a little more air flow.  Right now I just use it during cooler weather.  When it's hot, I wear a half helmet.

Cowboy

X2 Cowboy.  I love my Cowgirl half helmet when it is hot outside.

[CowboyBagger]

Ok Judy, I need a helmet like that!  If that's an XL you can start shipping it my way!

Cowboy

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Ok Judy, I need a helmet like that!  If that's an XL you can start shipping it my way!

Cowboy

Lol.  Now Cowboy, you know your wife would never let you wear this beauty but if you want one    Look on Ebay.  It is made by Rockhard called their Pantera series.  The best made and most comfortable helmet I've ever owned!  I think I picked it up for $80.