adding headphones to helmet

[z28flash]

Has anyone glued or attached headphones inside their helmets to use with something like an mp3? Or is it worth it to purchase a helmet with them already installed? I can use earbuds, but thought actual headphones would be nicer, though not sure about them getting in the way when putting the helmet on. As usual, all ideas are appreciated!

[wallygator]

Well I'll try not to sound like some old fart. but hearing your surroundings while riding is your second most important sense in line to keep you alive. It's help me out of a few jams ( no pun intended) Just food for thought

[LozTX]

Has anyone glued or attached headphones inside their helmets to use with something like an mp3? Or is it worth it to purchase a helmet with them already installed? I can use earbuds, but thought actual headphones would be nicer, though not sure about them getting in the way when putting the helmet on. As usual, all ideas are appreciated! I did that same thing with a hjc 3/4 helmet and some headphones from radio shack. It worked actually quite well. I attached the ear piece of the headphones with velcro inside the helmet. HJC also makes a helmet with pockets for speakers all you have to do is put the speakers inside the pockets.

[RRKR]

I tried to attach some old stereo headphones to my helmet, but they kept sliding off, and then that curly cord kept hitting me in the lip due to buffeting. Then I realized I could secure them with duct tape. But, everyone kept STARING at me, so I took them off. I'm just not very trendy I guess...

[backwoods]

I've been using some in-the-ear phones from radio shack, but haven't been very pleased with them. Thinking about something like these. Has anyone tried them?

http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/helmets/motorcycle-helmets-with-tunes-138501.php

http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/motorcycle_helmet.jpg

Not sure what to think about 'bone conduction' but wondering if it might hold better volume at cruise than audio headphones.

[Blade]

I've just purchased one of the Autocom systems (half price) so I'll stick those headsets in my full-face helmet, but you should at least know about the headsets from Clearercom for about $30. They're meant to fit right into the ear wells of your helmet and boast great sound quality.

http://www.clearercom.com/Helmetspeaker.htm

http://www.clearercom.com/images/speakers2.jpg

[z28flash]

Hey, thanks everyone for the info! I agree with wallygator, hearing the wind and sounds is part of the ride, but sometimes a little music helps out! I like the set blade spoke of, looks like it might work out well. Guess I'll try a set and see, and of course let ya'll know! Ride safe!!

[VT VTXer]

what kind of helmet is it? I put a set in a Shoei helmet about 8 years ago. The dealer told me how to do it. Removed the whole foam chin section that wrapped up to the ears. Peeled the material from the foam, inserted headphones, used masking tape to attach fabric back to foam, replaced foam piece into helmet, all done! Small wire stuck out on side with a jack, but kept it real short so I could tuck it into the liner of the helmet out of sight when not in use. in the end you couldn't tell there are headphones in there. Drop me a line, I could take some pictures if you want.

[z28flash]

I have several helmets, but the standard one I use is an Arai full face...there is a pocket right around the ears, so I think if I velcro in the earphones they might fit well there. If I use my half helmet, probably will just use earbuds, since I generally would use earplugs for the wind noise. I'll try to give an update soon!

[vfrmarc]

I have a Shoei RF 700 with headphones I installed - its a full face helmet. As you can see by my moniker, I used to ride a sport bike. The speakers came from a company in Canada called Collet Electronics. They are called Monster Blasters (I think). It's been a few years since I purchased them. Collet also makes RF communicator systems. I would look for their web site. Its been a few years but the speakers were about $30.00 and they come with a RCA stereo jack and extension cable. The Shoei is now my cold weather/rain helmet. Good helmets like the Shoei make it eaasy for you remove the liner and either carve out or find a place for the speakers. I hope this info helps you out. :lol:

[vfrmarc]

One more thought, my hearing has deteriorated over the years (too much loud rock and roll), so now I sometimes wear ear plugs when I ride. I got a speeding ticket this summer and when I pulled off my helmet and took out the ear plugs the cop threatened to ticket me for them also. I had no clue that they were not legal, still don't believe him, but your state laws may not allow ear plugs or in ear head phones, ear buds etc. so head phones that are part of the helmet will evade that issue. Good Lick :oops:

[markb]

Save your money on the ClearerCom. I bought a set. Great idea, but very poor quality of construction and sound. Further, while from the connector pictured, you'd be lead to believe they were stereo, the connector closer to the speakers is mono. Sound quality was extremely poor.

[Hellbilly]

I have taken apart a set of headphones and placed just the ear peices into peices of foam cut to fit the ear pockets of my helmet. Worked OK and could still hear surroundings well.

[Blade]

Save your money on the ClearerCom. I bought a set. Great idea, but very poor quality of construction and sound. Further, while from the connector pictured, you'd be lead to believe they were stereo, the connector closer to the speakers is mono. Sound quality was extremely poor.

That sucks. I've wanted to buy a pair since earlier this year (but I just ordered the Autocom communicator so it's a moot point for me now). It is really strange however that their website very specifically states they are "stereo,"* yet you say they are mono (I'd have to wonder why they would sell them in that configuration and why the discrepancy)... Since it does state this and it is not what you received I hoped you sent them back for a full refund. I mean gee, being stereo headphones are their entire reason for being! :shock:

Anyway, THANKS for "beta-testing" these for us. This is what makes this forum great - riders helping riders.


*[FROM CLEARER.COM'S WEBSITE:] "These compact helmet speakers are high volume, thin bodied speakers designed specifically for in helmet use providing great sound quality. These stereo speakers which plug into any personal AM/FM radio, tape, MP3 or CD player are thin and comfortable when mounted inside your helmet. Just press them into your helmet's ear pockets or hang them directly to the helmet lining using the provided Velcro pads." [Emphasis added.]

[BobMador]

Save your money on the ClearerCom. I bought a set. Great idea, but very poor quality of construction and sound. Further, while from the connector pictured, you'd be lead to believe they were stereo, the connector closer to the speakers is mono. Sound quality was extremely poor.

That sucks. I've wanted to buy a pair since earlier this year (but I just ordered the Autocom communicator so it's a moot point for me now). It is really strange however that their website very specifically states they are "stereo,"* yet you say they are mono (I'd have to wonder why they would sell them in that configuration and why the discrepancy)... Since it does state this and it is not what you received I hoped you sent them back for a full refund. I mean gee, being stereo headphones are their entire reason for being! :shock:

Anyway, THANKS for "beta-testing" these for us. This is what makes this forum great - riders helping riders.


*[FROM CLEARER.COM'S WEBSITE:] "These compact helmet speakers are high volume, thin bodied speakers designed specifically for in helmet use providing great sound quality. These stereo speakers which plug into any personal AM/FM radio, tape, MP3 or CD player are thin and comfortable when mounted inside your helmet. Just press them into your helmet's ear pockets or hang them directly to the helmet lining using the provided Velcro pads." [Emphasis added.]


Blade... I just got my set of headphones and installed them in my full face helmet. I haven't had a chance to use them yet though. I'll let you know when I do and how I feel about them.

[Blade]

Blade... I just got my set of headphones and installed them in my full face helmet. I haven't had a chance to use them yet though. I'll let you know when I do and how I feel about them.

Thanks Bob (the Clearer.com's right?) -- I'd certainly be real interested in another opinion. Thanks in advance for sharing.

[BobMador]

Thanks Bob (the Clearer.com's right?) -- I'd certainly be real interested in another opinion. Thanks in advance for sharing.

Yup, those are the ones!

[tejasvtx]

Save your money on the ClearerCom. I bought a set. Great idea, but very poor quality of construction and sound. Further, while from the connector pictured, you'd be lead to believe they were stereo, the connector closer to the speakers is mono. Sound quality was extremely poor.

Glad I saw this post, I saw these on ebay today for 19.99 starting bid, started to bid on them and then I remembered this. Awhile back, I bought the HJC Chatterbox mini stereo and it was fine, but only had radio and it was hard to adjust on the run. I bought and mp3 player and used the in helmet speakers from the HJC set up, but at highway speeds it was hard to hear. I just bought a CMoy amp on ebay to boost the volume as recommended by some members on here.

[CasperVTX]

I tried my MP3 player with just normal earbud speakers with both a half and full helmet. Using either helmet would require turning up the volume so loud I'm afraid I'll eventually damage my hearing.

It's not that it seems loud when your rolling down the highway, but it's incredibly loud if you're sitting at home with the volume at the same level. That's something you need to consider. I may try some better earphones, but I'm thinking I'll scrap the whole idea.

Side note: the volume was still never loud enough to drown out sirens or other cars. Every time a car would pass, I'd hear it over the high volume of the MP3 player.

[BobMador]

Hey Blade,

Sorry I took so long to give you my opinion on these headphones, but this is the first time I've had the chance to ride since I installed them!!

Any way, I was only able to ride through "po-dunk" Oak Harbor and I liked them.

I thought they were stereo, but I'm no expert... I guess it could have just been two-channel mono.

Whatever. My only complaint would be that the sound wasn't all that loud but I doubt it was the fault of the headphones. More likely my mp3 player wasn't cranking out enough volume!

[Blade]

Hey Blade,

Sorry I took so long to give you my opinion on these headphones, but this is the first time I've had the chance to ride since I installed them!!

Any way, I was only able to ride through "po-dunk" Oak Harbor and I liked them.

I thought they were stereo, but I'm no expert... I guess it could have just been two-channel mono.

Whatever. My only complaint would be that the sound wasn't all that loud but I doubt it was the fault of the headphones. More likely my mp3 player wasn't cranking out enough volume!

Thanks Bob for that test (which I just ready today). I was really hoping somebody would be "blown away" by the Clearercom's but based on what I've read in this entire thread I'm not feeling they are capable. I really want somewhat good audiophile sound from a helmet-installed headset, yet I don't want in-ear plugs. Anybody have any suggestions for a killer-sounding flat/Velcro-installed headset?

[Charmcity]

Just my $0.02 -- I installed Autocom headphones into my HJC full face helmet and am quite happy with them.

Installation was a breeze -- they have velcro on the back-side of each speaker and fit nicely into the ear cavity on the inside of the HJC. The Velcro has held them in place snuggly

The added benefit is that because they are snug but comfortable on my ears -- I have found that they act like a filter to wind noise due to their fit. I find that even when I am not using them the helmet is much quieter

[Blade]

Just my $0.02 -- I installed Autocom headphones into my HJC full face helmet and am quite happy with them.

Installation was a breeze -- they have velcro on the back-side of each speaker and fit nicely into the ear cavity on the inside of the HJC. The Velcro has held them in place snuggly

The added benefit is that because they are snug but comfortable on my ears -- I have found that they act like a filter to wind noise due to their fit. I find that even when I am not using them the helmet is much quieter

I've got the same setup: Autocom and their headset in the ear cavity of an HCJ helmet. I love the spoken word sound, but have you pumped good hi-fi music with an amplifier in them, and if so how do they sound? I have and I wasn't knocked out by the music. Opinion?

[Gbrady2]

Has anyone tried the handlebar mounted speakers, I'm afraid that with helmet speakers my concentration might be more on the music than on the road.......George

[pepsX]

ill put in my .02 cents worth on this.
I wear the head sets while ridding and listen to XM all the time.
you do know you dont have to turn it all the way up dont you?
I can still hear the cars comming up behind me and all the other road sounds too. I have it louder than just background noise level too.
Im tired of hearing... if you wear head sets, you cant hear a car comming. try it before you make that judgement.

[blaya04]

Rather than have a set of phones for your helmet and a set of phones for walking around, how about plunking down some hard cash for a REALLY good set of phones that works for both. I had also been considering using in-helmet phones but they all looked so darn cheap.

Went with a set of Shure e2c phones and really like them. They fit IN your ear so are not in the way of the helmet when putting on and taking off. The way they are constructed actually helps block out exterior noise so you can listen to music while riding without having to crank all the way to max (which by the way is pretty hard on the hearing if you are using standard earbuds). They cost quite a bit (list ~$109; Pricegrabber $72 shipped) but once you factor in spending $30 on helmet phones and another 30-40 on earbuds, you actually end up about even with superior phones that offer superior sound quality.

Anyways, just my two cents.

[Hydrazine]

What about these?

http://www.iasus-concepts.com/noise_terminator/nt2_new/images/xsound/xsound_product.jpg

http://www.iasus-concepts.com/noise_terminator/nt2_new/nt_xsound.html

[Gbrady2]

Didn't mean to light you up. I wouldn't tell anyone (except my kids) what to do on a bike, kind of goes against the reason I like to ride. I've been down 3 times and I give a lot of thought to anything that might distract me, it's a personal thing. By the way, I can't hear cars coming up on me now, unless they are honking, because my pipes are so loud.......George

[BobMador]

I just recently bought an Autocomm system (Pro-7) and it totally kicks the Clearercom speakers a$$!

When I was using the clearercomm speakers I had to use an in-line amp from RadioShack to hear the music at highway speeds.

With the Autocomm system I not only had to unplug the in-line amp... I had to turn the volume down almost all the way on my radio!

Of course that was in-city driving, but when I get on the highway I just have to turn up the volume only a little bit... I have more than half the volume to spare!

If you have the money... GET THE AUTOCOMM SYSTEM!!!

[Timmer]

I am in agreement with Blade on this. I have the Autocom system with their headset installed and I am not impressed with the quality of the speakers. Have a myfi and my cheap (under $10) home headset sounds a lot better. Bought the myfi so that I wouldn't have to buy an amplifier. Have pretty much maxed out the space under the seat with a rat's nest of wires with the leads for the Autocom the GPS, the cell phone, light bar, and the stebel horn. I'll prolly buy a cheap head set and swap out the speakers.

[nsanenerd]

I like the Eshure EC2 Earbuds, they are about $100 but they provide great noise isolation and great sound. The last time I road across the US in 03, I used these under a helment and it worked well for me. Regular ear buds, I had to turn up the volume on my minidisc player all the way. With the noise isolation earphones that was not the case. The problem is getting the helmet on and off could be painful. I switched to a Shoei full face and can't get the helment on without too much pain, I think I am about to switch back to a nolan style flip top but a Shoei brand. With the fliptop putting on the helment with ear buds in is much easier and much less painful.

Just my two cents.