Advice and tips please re motorbike comms and Waze

[skullcandy]

Hi All

Im a complete luddite and whilst riding, I have never tried to hook up my mobile. However I have recently decided that I would like to receive warnings via Waze of speed cameras and also navigation prompts. I'm also wondering if Waze might be good for finding new good biking roads as I believe you can set it for motorcycles? I guess it would also be handy to answer the phone although Ive always gone out on the bike to escape that kind of thing.

I have always worn the yellow EAR Classic plugs so I guess I would need to get a custom mould for any earpiece. I use a Shoei XR1000 helmet and would hope I could continue to use that?

Anyway, Id love to hear of peoples set-ups and recommendations. Thanks

[R1 Dave]

I use a PackTalk Bold and wear a set of Custom Fit Guards earplugs with low pass filters. They cut out the wind and road noise but let the sound of the intercom through.

[vonhosen]

You don't have to get custom ear plugs, you just place speakers inside the helmet that come with the headset & use your regular ear plugs.

I've got a Sena 10C on one of my helmets & a Scala G9x on another.

[skullcandy]

Thanks very much Dave

[CoreyDog]

I use a Sena SF2 for exact same reasons, Waze and directions when needed.

Even with some cheap foam ear plugs in, can hear it clear as day. I do use the larger "HD" speakers that come with the SF2 though.

[R1 Dave]

vonhosen said:

You don't have to get custom ear plugs, you just place speakers inside the helmet that come with the headset & use your regular ear plugs.

I've got a Sena 10C on one of my helmets & a Scala G9x on another.

Fair point. I do find that regular foam plugs do cut out even more though, the low pass filters on the custom ones I find are better. A lot more outlay though so worth starting with regular ear plugs. I'm sure you can get non-custom plugs with low pass filters actually.

The absolute best option is custom ear plugs with speaker drivers built in but they're a lot more money and are a bit inconvenient as you've got the wires to contend with.

[vonhosen]

R1 Dave said:

vonhosen said:

You don't have to get custom ear plugs, you just place speakers inside the helmet that come with the headset & use your regular ear plugs.

I've got a Sena 10C on one of my helmets & a Scala G9x on another.

Fair point. I do find that regular foam plugs do cut out even more though, the low pass filters on the custom ones I find are better. A lot more outlay though so worth starting with regular ear plugs. I'm sure you can get non-custom plugs with low pass filters actually.

The absolute best option is custom ear plugs with speaker drivers built in but they're a lot more money and are a bit inconvenient as you've got the wires to contend with.

I've got pretty much all varieties possible, inc foam, custom moulded, custom moulded with in built drivers (bluetooth & wired).
Each have their own compromise to make, but there are options to suit all tastes, requirements & budgets.

[R1 Dave]

Indeed. I'm a bit jealous; I really want some of the custom ones with built in drivers!

I also missed the part in the OP about having to have custom plugs. As stated, the PackTalk range comes with speakers that stick to the inside of your helmet so you don't have to wear plugs at all if you don't want (but you should really, to protect your hearing).

Packtalk do two sizes, a regular set and upgraded JBL ones that are larger. Worth checking if there are cutouts in your lid for speakers and if so, what size. I suspect your Shoei doesn't have them; my Arai and Shoei helmets never did but my HJC RPHA11 does and it makes for a really neat fit.

[vonhosen]

What you do have to check out is that if you want custom plugs with in built drivers (wired) you need to check compatibility with the headsets units.
My Scala G9x will accept them (3.5mm stereo plug), but the Sena 10C doesn't as it only has proprietary fitments.

[black-k1]

I run a PackTalk Bold with normal foam earplugs. I have no issues hearing the Waze warnings from my phone.

[kennydies]

+1 on acktalk bold. Works very well, i use noise isolation ear buds with it. It works very well and is weather proof unlike the sena.