Solo Bluetooth Helmet Speakers - Cardo Freecom ?

[KTMsm]

I want Bluetooth speakers in my helmet for music & nav (not bothered about the phone although it might come in handy)

I've tried in ear buds but they don't seal the wind noise well enough

I ride solo so don't need comms

I've seen cheap Chinese stuff from £8 but would like something that just works so is the Freecom the best option or can I just stuff some speakers in and maybe use a handle bar remote ?

I'm sure there was a similar thread but I can't find it

[Jazoli]

Freecom's are great, get the one with the JBL speaker upgrade, recommended by me.

[dutters]

I have the Freecom 2+ (bought the duo for my brother and me) and its is ok. I have had one call on it and the quality was supposedly good. Make sure you have the speaker cut outs in your helmet as well. I had to melt some foam away to get them to fit in my HJC C70.

[acricha3]

I recently bought the Cardo Spirit HD for exactly the same purpose.

Have to say, very impressed, Bluetooth works flawlessly, speakers are clear (not JBL) and the kit/accessories seem well made. I'm sure the Freecom is no different, seems like Cardo make a good unit!

Only problem I have is I haven't quite worked out all the button sequences to get it to switch modes etc. Not a huge problem as it integrates with my Google Assistant so I can just use that to switch tracks etc

[MDUBZ]

Having looked at some really expensive moulded options I ended up going a bit heath robinson..

A Bluetooth module from Amazon £12
Lowest profile i could find (Sony) headphones £9
Replaced the in ear bits with the spare silicon fittings that came with some motorcycle ones

Really comfortable and cuts out wind noise, crystal clear music and nav even at lowish volumes.




Edit: I have an integrated sena in 1 helmet which is very good also but wanted a cheap option that I could easily swap across lids

Edited by MDUBZ on Friday 9th June 12:16

[KTMsm]

Thanks all - how do they handle playing music and nav instructions ?

I use nav most rides so although I never considered it, that's actually a key function

Is that done via their app or your phone ?

[MDUBZ]

A Bluetooth headset will stream audio output from the device it’s connected to. If the device supports music with nav e.g. waze and google maps via a phone do (you can adjust nav notification volume in the app) you can listen to music and the nav will pipe up when it has a notification. I’ve not tried to connect multiple devices e.g. a dedicated nav and a music device. I can connect my phone to multiple devices for out put e.g. phone module and radio in a car, but not tried to have simultaneous connections coming into a receiver.. not sure that works without needing to switch between the 2 sources.

Edit: Bluetooth 4.0 and above should support this.. it will depend on the headset software as to whether the feature is supported.

Edited by MDUBZ on Friday 9th June 13:20

[Speed addicted]

Jazoli said:

Freecom's are great, get the one with the JBL speaker upgrade, recommended by me.

Me too, amazingly clear after an older interphone unit.
The intercom range is quite impressive with seamless reconnecting if you do get too far away.

[sprinter1050]

I have a Cardo set too..perfectly happy with it. Good for bike to bike or pillion if paired correctly.Picks up its own radio (not brilliant for some stations) but picks up music off mobile phone via bluetooth & same with sat nav apps off phone, Waze, Google maps & phone calls to.Never used it for outgoingcallbut believe it can do.
Still need ear plugs but can easily hear paired rider,music,sat nav etc. Bit fiddly wiring & clamping unit to edge of helmet but later models seem easier.

[KTMsm]

Decided to borrow my daughter's Bluetooth earpieces to see what motorcycling is like with music and audible navigation

I should have done this ages ago

Navigation is 100x easier and far safer than having to keep looking down at the phone

Although I knew the earpieces weren't the answer as they don't block out enough noise and were a pain when putting the helmet on and off - I'm buying the Cardo Spirit HD