Anyone using them? If so can you give me some feedback on how they are with still being able to hear surrounding sounds and so forth. A new job opportunity may be be coming up and as such my commute length will triple so the GS will be the main vehicle especially with spring/summer coming up.
I ordered the mount so I can put my Sirius on the bike, but wanted to get opinions/reviews of helmet speakers. Looking for a pair that sound good, but still allow me to hear horns/bike sounds/etc.
i got a set for Christmas but i don't know what brand they are. I had to remove a small amount of foam to fit them in my HJC.
Sound quality is good with no distortion but the wind drowns them out above about 45mph.
I bought a headphone amplifier that helps but I have to turn them up sooo loud to hear over the wind noise.
Perhaps if i had a quieter helmet or did mostly city driving they would be perfect but i find myself using my 25 dollar pair of in ear headphones more than the speakers.
I myself use the speakers that came from the Nike Ipod skull hat like this :
http://walking.about.com/od/hats/gr/nikehatphones.htm
I got it at the outlet store here in Orlando for $10. I took out the speakers and some double sided tape. It comes with what seems to be an 18" connector. Each one fits in the ear hole of my Shoei-rf1000 with room for my ears too. I will fold up the connector cord if I use my shuffle and clip it to my jacket collar and is easy enough to skip a song or stop if need be. If my shuffle battery is dead the cord will reach my tank pack where I hold the big I-pod in the mp3 case so it doesn't go flying down the road. What I like about the connector is it acts like a safety buffer to protect the device. I.E last year I had an incident on the bike where I fell off and the connector at the helmet just came loose not jerking my head or ripping out the speakers or the I-Pod.
As far as sound it is nice and crisp and you can adjust it to how you like it. For me it helps having the music I find with just "hearing" the wind noise I fatigue much faster but with music I'm not focusing on the annoying wind. I can hear cars and everything behind me and horns ambulances and what not.
I just can't see spending $300 for a set of speakers that with a little ingenuity can save $290! I got a lot of good comments when I stop at the shop or at Bike Nite in Old Town. Now if I had $300 just burning a hole in my pocket this is what I'd get!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QXYRJ0?smid=A153V4UXSY85Q9&tag=nextag-sports-mp-delta-20&linkCode=asn
Ugh, now I want it! Anyhow after I heal up after surgery I will post up some pics of my gear if you want!
Mary
That bluetooth helmet is cool, but for that much it better be snell approved and it doesn't say that it is. Cool, but not worth the money IMO if it doesn't protect your head/face.
I know it is DOT approved and says it is race ready. O'neal is a pretty good brand from other experiences. But, I paid $350 for my Shoei-RF1000 so this could be next on the list if some good reviews comeout!
Mary
I do NOT know about the speakers but when I ride I use headphones (plugged in to the GPS) and I think it's great.
You can still hear the outside sounds (just do not play music too loud), the sound quality is excellent, doesn't require any helmet mods, and they are comfortable.
I use Etymotic Research ER6i headphones ($75) from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Isolator-Earphones-Black/dp/B000BQSGMM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237953584&sr=8-1
($150 from the dealers website - don't ask me why dealer charges twice as much - I have no idea) -
Those headphones have even been introduced in SportRider Magazine as a great headphones for motorcyclists!!
cheers
Kamel
Koss KSC-75. Best open headphone under $100 beside Grados and sennheiser px-100. best part is they can be had for $15-20 shipped.
http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^sc^KSC75
(http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/05prodsbymodelal/KSC75/$FILE/KSC75_1.jpg?OpenElement)
the clips come off and then you have thin drivers that fit perfectly next to your ears in your helmet. Great sound, and you can hear everything around you.
Thanks for all the feedback. I will look into a couple of the items recommended here.
Quote from: kml.krk on March 24, 2009, 09:01:32 PM
I do NOT know about the speakers but when I ride I use headphones (plugged in to the GPS) and I think it's great.
You can still hear the outside sounds (just do not play music too loud), the sound quality is excellent, doesn't require any helmet mods, and they are comfortable.
I use Etymotic Research ER6i headphones ($75) from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Isolator-Earphones-Black/dp/B000BQSGMM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237953584&sr=8-1
($150 from the dealers website - don't ask me why dealer charges twice as much - I have no idea) -
Those headphones have even been introduced in SportRider Magazine as a great headphones for motorcyclists!!
cheers
Kamel
How is it when you put on/take off helmet? I tried using some cheap ear buds and I had a hard time keeping them in when I put my helmet on.
Quote from: Grommett2k on March 25, 2009, 04:47:30 PM
How is it when you put on/take off helmet? I tried using some cheap ear buds and I had a hard time keeping them in when I put my helmet on.
this is not an issue with ER6i because they have the new design three flange ear tip and therefore stay in your ear securely!!
it takes a little practice though to learn how how to put them in your ear properly (few times and you will be pro ;) )
cheers.
Kamil
PS. if you don't like standard size silicone ear tips or they are too large for you, you can try the smaller tips or very nice memory foam tips (all included in the package)
the er6i are IEM's which isolate sound. you really want to be able to hear sound around you when you ride. seems like a bad idea to me
Quote from: jrains89 on March 25, 2009, 08:38:54 PM
the er6i are IEM's which isolate sound. you really want to be able to hear sound around you when you ride. seems like a bad idea to me
I agree and don't agree at the same time. I am one of those people who like to hear surroundings while riding (that's why I use only one headphone ;) ) but there is number of people out there who use noise blocking earplugs or anything else to cut down the wind and traffic noise :dunno_white:
I still think that those headphones are great :thumb:
don't get me wrong they sound great, i have a pair. just wayyyy too sound isolating for riding imo.
listening in both ears is illegal in some states... like Virginia:
§ 46.2-1078. Unlawful to operate motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped while using earphones.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on the highways in the Commonwealth while using earphones on or in both ears.
For the purpose of this section, "earphones" shall mean any device worn on or in both ears that converts electrical energy to sound waves or which impairs or hinders the person's ability to hear, but shall not include (i) any prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing, (ii) earphones installed in helmets worn by motorcycle operators and riders and used as part of a communications system, or (iii) nonprosthetic, closed-ear, open-back, electronic noise-cancellation devices designed and used to enhance the hearing ability of persons who operate vehicles in high-noise environments, provided any such device is being worn by the operator of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or more. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the driver of any emergency vehicle as defined in § 46.2-920.
(Code 1950, § 46-219.1; 1950, p. 882; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-202.1; 1989, c. 727; 1993, c. 126; 1997, c. 36; 2001, c. 834; 2002, c. 254.)
Quote from: kml.krk on March 26, 2009, 10:58:30 AM
Quote from: jrains89 on March 25, 2009, 08:38:54 PM
the er6i are IEM's which isolate sound. you really want to be able to hear sound around you when you ride. seems like a bad idea to me
I agree and don't agree at the same time. I am one of those people who like to hear surroundings while riding (that's why I use only one headphone ;) ) but there is number of people out there who use noise blocking earplugs or anything else to cut down the wind and traffic noise :dunno_white:
I still think that those headphones are great :thumb:
Earplugs and earphones are totally different. I wear earplugs because the wind noise on the freeway is very loud and will damage hearing over time. The earplugs I use make everything quieter, but don't prevent me from hearing things. Even if you don't worry about your hearing and are willing to turn the earphones up loud enough to hear music over wind noise, music is distracting and it is possible you'll get in to trouble because you didn't perceive a hazard fast enough to do anything about it. I'm willing to take the risk in my car with seat belts, air bags, traction control, ABS, and crumple zones, but not on my bike.
I don't understand why people like to listen to music on a bike. Its distracting and just being on a motorcycle is fun enough. I don't need to risk my life any more just to give it a soundtrack.
Plus its just one more thing to worry about. I hate fumbling with wires, I just want to hop on my bike and RIDE! :D
Quote from: Bluesmudge on March 26, 2009, 01:45:40 PM
I don't understand why people like to listen to music on a bike. Its distracting and just being on a motorcycle is fun enough. I don't need to risk my life any more just to give it a soundtrack.
Plus its just one more thing to worry about. I hate fumbling with wires, I just want to hop on my bike and RIDE! :D
Exactly. Also, my cage's stereo system is way better than helmet speakers will ever be.
Quote from: Bluesmudge on March 26, 2009, 01:45:40 PM
I don't understand why people like to listen to music on a bike. Its distracting and just being on a motorcycle is fun enough. I don't need to risk my life any more just to give it a soundtrack.
Plus its just one more thing to worry about. I hate fumbling with wires, I just want to hop on my bike and RIDE! :D
Hours in the saddle, alone, on a highway, and it might be more dangerous to NOT listen to music. Mind will wander, you will die.
That's what rest stops and snacks are for. Besides, the GS only goes, what, 200 miles before it is time to start thinking about getting gas? This forces you to take a break every 3 hours or so no matter what. Its not like driving some giant truck with a gas tank big enough to drive 12 hours straight without stopping...
My mind wanders every 11 seconds or so... And anytime I pass a hot lady.
Yeah, but why risk it and cause more wandering when your favorite song comes on? Some day you'll be riding down the road, need to switch to reserve, see a really good looking woman in the next lane over just as the chorus to your favorite song comes on and the truck in front of you slams on the brakes because he sees a squirrel in the road... Driving is distracting, riding potentially more so. Most motorcycle gear is about removing distraction as much as it is impact protection. You wear a windproof jacket to keep warm. You wear clothing that doesn't flap around and drive you insane. You wear eye protection to keep your eyes from drying out and watering. Why go through all the trouble to minimize distractions then go adding some back?
I listen to my ipod because unfortunately in Kissimmee there is a stop light every 2 minutes and listening to all the Mexican music from the loud cars drive me insane! I even found when driving on the interstate I'm more distracted because of the irritating wind noise. All of the ear plugs I try don't fit right and irritate me and then I'm distracted.
When I get healed up from this shoulder surgery I'll get over to where my helmet is and give some pics as to the Nike set up. I talked to a couple of OPD guys where I work and they said it was legal because it was not "in" my ears. And thought it was pretty ingenious esp with the shuffle because it all can come off with one smooth motion.
With me I tried ear buds but the way my helmet goes on they were always popping out and were illegal. If I use my Ipod classic I can look down and see what's on. but I'd rather have the shuffle I only put "riding" music on it anyhow.
Mary
My earplugs are custom. They are super comfy and I can wear them for hours at a time without being irritated by them. Totally worth the $75 I paid for them...
I prefer the speakers set up on my fairings. I tune in to radio stations that carry traffic for my morning commute. For any longer highway jaunts I just wear regular ear protection.
I don't know about riding and listening to the music because I don' do that :) I only use the headphones I mentioned with the GPS unit
Sorry these pics aren't as good as I'd like them to be came from my phone didn't have my digital camera with me. Hope these get the idea across!
(http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr264/Toogoofy317/0328091156-00.jpg)
(http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr264/Toogoofy317/0328091156-01.jpg)
(http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr264/Toogoofy317/0328091158-01.jpg)
Mary