Bluetooth earphones that are comfortable in a helmet

[Discendo Discimus]

I know, I know - I should be buying a Cardo Packtalk Edge or something but I really can't stretch to that at the moment (I'll wait until Christmas).

In the meantime, can anybody recommend some bluetooth earphones that are slim enough to easily fit into a crash helmet without hurting? I can get my skull candy buds to work but they often get caught when I put the helmet on, and sometimes fall out my ear while I'm riding.

Ideally I'd like something that velcros to the helmet lining. If anybody has any suggestions that would be great.

[RizzoTheRat]

I've never got on with ear buds in a helmet, something always ends up touching the helmet and you get noice from the vibration.

Not quite what you're after, but I used to use an Autocom intercom, with a wired headset and thin speakers that fit in to the helmet, a bluetooth module that let my satnav talk to it, and a PMR radio to talk to my mates .
With everyone going to bluetooth intercom systems these days nobody uses wired headsets and PMR any more so I'd have thought you ought to be able to pick up a cheap one second hand.

[andburg]

RizzoTheRat said:

I've never got on with ear buds in a helmet, something always ends up touching the helmet and you get noice from the vibration.

This, problem is they all have touch controls so stick out to be touched/pressed and despite trying with multiple helmets all have vibrated like buggery and given their own metallic ringing noise

[KTMsm]

I tried a few and none of them worked, particularly blocking enough road noise without the volume being excessive

Can't believe there's much difference between a decent set of them and a Chinese set of bluetooth helmet speakers

I went for the cardo spirit HD, I think it was only £100ish

[Cylon2007]

I don't now use earbuds but used to and I always used wired earbuds with a plug in Bluetooth receiver as these worked better. I have a friend who rides pillion and she always wears earbuds but again wired ones as they work better.

[Discendo Discimus]

Ok, so it looks like I'm going for a Cardo something-or-other. I forgot that most of the bluetooth earbuds have touch controls - nightmare!

It's very unlikely I'm going to be using it as an intercom as I rarely ride with others. I'll be using it to play music and make phone calls so is this a bit overkill?
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

If there is a cheaper version with the same quality speakers that will do what I need I'd be interested to hear your opinions.

[Discendo Discimus]

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

I think we have a winner. Would prefer DAB radio so I can listen to Nick Ferrari on my commute but I can compromise given the price.

[740EVTORQUES]

These work very well, and if you get the version with 2 drivers per ear the sounds quality is excellent. You need to get an impression of your ear canals made by your audiologist (Specsavers/ Boots do it for around £25) and they block outside sound out very well. I went for the wired ones to save mucking about with recharging.

https://ultimateear.com/product/driver-comms-pro/

[RazerSauber]

A vlogger you may have heard of called Username Kate uses Custom Fit guards. I think they're just the earphone bits rather than the full comms package though. I think she uses a Cardo something or other for the rest of her communication when riding in groups.

[KTMsm]

KTMsm said:

cardo spirit HD, I think it was only £100ish

[Discendo Discimus]

KTMsm said:

KTMsm said:

cardo spirit HD, I think it was only £100ish

I've placed an order, thank you for those who replied. I look forward to having something to listen to other than my own thoughts whilst on a ride

[Benjy911]

Not helpful now you've bought one, but in case anyone else is looking for a cheap alternative.

I used an Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver (£20) which stuck on the back/bottom of the helmet with double sided tape, and then I used Koss "Porta Pro" On Ear Headphones (£35), that I dismantled so it was just headphones and a cable, these were stuck inside the helmet near my ears and it worked great for streaming from the phone.

[Discendo Discimus]

Benjy911 said:

Not helpful now you've bought one, but in case anyone else is looking for a cheap alternative.

I used an Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver (£20) which stuck on the back/bottom of the helmet with double sided tape, and then I used Koss "Porta Pro" On Ear Headphones (£35), that I dismantled so it was just headphones and a cable, these were stuck inside the helmet near my ears and it worked great for streaming from the phone.

The Mrs might still want to listen to some music when riding pillion, so further suggestions are still welcome
Sounds like a neat solution.

[conkerman]

I used to use Shure SE215 and Mee Audio M6/Pro and a Sony SBH 20/24 bluetooth receiver.

I bought a Eono bluetooth remote that I attached to the bars.

I also have a SRL2 Mesh in my lid but still need top wear plugs so I don't damage my hearing more than I have already.

[Omaruk]

Itchy boots uses this https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

[MrsMiggins]

I used to use a cheap interphone unit to connect phone, satnav and helmet (didn't need bike to bike) and it was much better than either of the sena units built in to the Shoei and Schuberth lids I have now. Better sound and fewer connectivity issues.

[SteveKTMer]

The Packtalk Edge with the larger 45mm JBL branded speakers is really very good for a bike bluetooth system. I even turn the volume down sometimes in town. It's still not a patch on proper headphones, but with earplugs in I can hear music very clearly.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

https://www.plugfones.com/product/basic-pro-blueto...

I use these. Proper ear protection and very good audio. Can hear music or audio books no problem at motorway speeds. My lid is a £100 HJC sports helmet so not quiet

[Vantagemech..]

One thing to watch out for is where the speakers mount in your lid. I went from an AGV Boston flip where the sound from the standard speakers with the cardo was fine. I then bought a Bell Bullitt and purchased the HD upgrade kit which I fitted. To my disappointment the speakers are no where near my ears and all sorts of adjustments failed to get them into a decent position. So I now wear a cheap (£20) pair of 3.5mm in ear's which helps with the noise from the helmet and a better sound, tucking the excess lead under the lining of the helmet. Sure its a bit of a faff putting them in each time but the sound and noise reduction is better. Mate of mine went the whole hog and had his earplugs custom made for £100+ but swears they are worth it, but with the noise of my lid and years of motorsport damage I cant see the point.....

[Bomyed]

KTMsm said:

I tried a few and none of them worked, particularly blocking enough road noise without the volume being excessive

Can't believe there's much difference between a decent set of them and a Chinese set of bluetooth helmet speakers

I went for the cardo spirit HD, I think it was only £100ish

I ordered the Cardo Spirit HD this week from:

https://jsaccessories.co.uk/product/cardo-spirit-h...

fitted today (I just followed the YouTube instructions) and it seems great so far, if the weather's ok in sunny Dudley tomorrow I'll give it a proper test.