When your helmet is set up for Bluetooth communications, it can link up with your smartphone so you can enjoy a number of luxuries while on your powersports craft. For example, you can have a clear conversation with a passenger and nearby riders, stream music or other audio, make phone calls, listen to the radio, or even receive and send text messages and emails.
In this article, we elaborate on these benefits, discuss how Bluetooth generally works, and point out how easy it is to add a fully-functioning Bluetooth communication kit to any existing helmet for less than you think. And if you need a new helmet altogether, we'll show you some integrated Bluetooth helmets with built-in receivers, microphone, and wiring. We recommend caution if you're considering using Bluetooth helmets in watersport applications, because the equipment is not fully waterproof.
Five Reasons Why You Need Bluetooth In Your Helmet
Today's advanced smartphones can run practically all of their apps using two-way voice prompts. Once the phone is paired up with your helmet's Bluetooth system, you can command it to do almost anything it's capable of just by speaking through your helmet microphone. And, any audio you can queue up from the phone can be transmitted to your helmet for enjoyment.
Note that some lower-cost Bluetooth setups usually allow only one function (music, intercom, phone, etc) to be used at a time - requiring you to toggle between audio sources using buttons on the headpiece. However, more advanced setups with "multitasking" do allow you to listen to two audio sources at once - permitting a conversation via the intercom function while music or other info is streamed.
Have A Conversation With A Passenger & Others Nearby
When you and a passenger are both wearing fully enclosed helmets on your heads, it's impossible to have a normal conversation. Forget gesturing with your hands, because you need them on the handlebars for safety. But if you're both wearing Bluetooth helmets, they can be paired together to have a clear, 2-way discussion in real time using the intercom function. If your helmet supports more than 2-way intercom operation, you can also connect with other nearby riders and have a group discussion.
Stream Music or Any Audio From Your Phone To Your Helmet
Queue up audio and tunes from your music library or from any app or website that your phone can access. And if you and a passenger both have Bluetooth helmets, you can enjoy listening to the same thing together using the intercom function.
Receive and Send Text, Email, or Other Messages
Turn on audible alerts for emails, texts, and other incoming messages, and you'll never miss anything important. And if your smartphone has the ability to take dictation and read messages aloud, communicating hands-free is easy.
Make or Receive A Phone Call
Hands-free is the key here, as you can answer incoming calls by voice prompt or with the touch of one button, depending on your phone. Likewise, dialing out is equally effortless.
Listen To The Radio
The majority of Bluetooth helmets feature headsets that can receive FM radio signals and play them in your helmet without the need to stream it from your phone - saving data minutes and prolonging battery life. So go ahead and enjoy a game, your favorite talk radio hosts, or some good music broadcasts. Some Bluetooth headsets offer CB radio communications as well.
Helmet Bluetooth Layout
It really doesn't matter if a helmet comes with Bluetooth already built in or the function is added later with a kit, things work the same way. First, a small "headset" piece mounted to the outside of the helmet serves as the brain of the operation. This unit is what pairs up with any smart "handset" source device (smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, etc) to establish back-and-forth communication. To keep things simple in this article, we'll refer to any handset source device as a "phone".
Big buttons on the headset allow easy fingertip control, and it's typically positioned on the left side of the helmet so the right throttle hand can stay where it needs to at all times.
For those who aren't as comfortable taking their left hand off the steering wheel or handlebars for the time it takes to use helmet-mounted control buttons, we've got auxiliary remote control devices which can be mounted anywhere you like. This means you can put them on your handlebars, a roll bar, your wrist, or even clip them to your clothing. These remote units do not replace the headset piece on the helmet, they simply serve as auxiliary pieces that transmit button commands.
With a built-in Bluetooth helmet, earpiece and microphone wiring from the headset run through a small, sealed hole in the helmet shell. While speakers are usually always tucked away out of sight underneath interior padding, the microphone piece may or may not be. Note that these audio components are easy to access should any of them ever need to be individually replaced.
When a Bluetooth retrofit kit is added, you don't have to drill a hole in the side of the helmet for audio wires. Instead, just run them underneath the helmet edge. Using included adhesive pads, mount the microphone and compact speakers inside the helmet wherever you prefer (some kits may come with earphone buds instead). We've also got kits where microphone and speakers are both part of a headset piece worn on the head in traditional fashion.
New Helmets With Bluetooth Built In
If you need a new helmet because the old one's had too many knocks, or because you're just getting into powersports activities, now is an ideal chance to get a truly modern helmet capable of serving modern needs for years to come. Or, in other words, a new helmet that comes with Bluetooth already built in. First, we'll recommend a quick read of our related article What Types Of Powersports Helmets Are Available to gain an understanding of which basic helmet design would be best for your intended use.
If you're interested in full-face helmets that offer the most complete protection, we've got Sena's line of Momentum fiberglass Bluetooth helmets available in three equipment levels. For best value, the entry-level Momentum Lite Bluetooth Full Face Helmet includes smartphone linkup, FM stereo reception, 4-way intercom, remote control compatability, and an above-average 1 mile range. It does not offer multitasking.
For midrange capability, the Momentum Standard Bluetooth Full Face Helmet adds multitasking, and upgrades the intercom function to 8-way use. And if you really want a safe and comfortable riding experience, the Momentum Intelligent Noise-Control Dual Bluetooth Full Face Helmet adds Sena's advanced "Noise Control" software. What this does is create alternative sound waves that cancel out lower-frequency wind and engine noises. Without that kind of drone to block everything else out and give you a headache, higher-frequency sounds such as car horns, emergency vehicle sirens, and voice conversations can be heard a lot more clearly.
If lower-risk powersports needs are served with a half-shell helmet, we've got Sena's Cavalry Bluetooth Half Shell Helmet with Bluetooth Communication. It includes FM reception, 4-way intercom, remote control compatibility, and a half-mile broadcasting range. But most importantly, it provides the benefit of Sena's advanced noise control discussed earlier. With the high level of wind noise inherent in this type of helmet, noise reduction is more a necessity than a luxury.
Retrofitting Existing Helmets With Bluetooth
As we mentioned earlier, Bluetooth communication kits make it easy to add Bluetooth to any existing helmet. While the layout of the equipment you add may vary between kits, all of them will include a headset for the outside of the helmet shell, a microphone, speakers, and all necessary wiring.
For value and basic function, Sena's 3S Bluetooth Headset & Intercom provides 2-way intercom operation, excellent battery life, and a range of 220 yards. What's left off at the base price level is typical, as it doesn't feature voice command operation or FM radio.
If you switch between more than one helmet and don't want anything that's permanently installed, you'll appreciate the Sena Expand Long-Range Bluetooth Intercom & Stereo System. Because all components are integrated into a single headphone piece, it can be worn on your head underneath any helmet - or used when you're not wearing your helmet. Among other features, this kit includes 4-way intercom function and a half-mile reception range.
Moving up to more advanced capabilities, the Sena 30K Intercom Dual Communication System offers longer range of over a mile, and can intercom with many additional Bluetooth users. Cardo's Scala Rider SmartH Communication System is a full-feature helmet kit with an advanced transmitting range of 2.2 miles.
If the existing cheek pads in your helmet are degraded and grimy, why not replace them entirely with the Sena 10U Communication Cheek Pad System. This kit includes two universal-fit cheek pads that contain a built-in microphone, battery, speakers, and antenna - so there's no wiring or headset piece visible outside the helmet. Easy-to-reach control buttons are located along the bottom edge of the left cheek pad.
Remote Controls
Remote control button assemblies allow you to relocate fingertip control for various headset functions from the side of the helmet to a more convenient location on your handlebars, wrist, roll bar, or other spot. As noted previously, these remote controls do not replace the headset on the side of the helmet, they serve merely as auxiliary pieces which transmit basic button commands.
If you prefer handlebar or roll bar mounting, we've got the Sena Handlebar Remote and 4 Button Remote For Bluetooth. The Sena Wristband Remote is worn like a watch, and their compact 3 Button Remote For Bluetooth is designed for clip-on use.
In our Powersports Communication section, we've also got individual components such as microphone covers, speakers, earbuds, protective covers, mounting accessories/brackets, clamp kits, and cables of all kinds. Take a look through, and you're sure to find something useful. And if you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer your calls seven days a week!