Headphones will be appreciated by motorcycle riders who like to listen to music while riding. These days, helmets equipped with Bluetooth technology allow you to stream music directly to your ears. However, you might be wondering why you need headphones when you can get a universal helmet instead—which is probably more expensive. So, are motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth worth purchasing?
If you require their many features, motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth are a worthwhile purchase. Helmets with built-in Bluetooth allow you to connect with other riders, listen to music, make and receive calls, and access GPS navigation. Just connect it to your smartphone, that’s all.
We will examine the characteristics of Bluetooth motorcycle helmets in this post. We’ll also go over how they operate and what factors to take into account before making a purchase.
Top Motorcycle Helmets With Wireless Bluetooth Technology
Bluetooth wireless motorcycle helmets – what are they?
Motorcycle helmets equipped with Bluetooth technology come pre-installed. They thus offer connectivity and wireless communication while riding. Motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth allow you to communicate within short range with other helmets, your smartphone, and woki-toki. You can also listen to FM radio or music and use GPS navigation.
Bluetooth wireless motorcycle helmets’ advantages
Motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth offer a number of benefits. They consist of:
Group communication via speakerphone
When traveling, group members must communicate to share crucial information, like meeting locations and schedule modifications. On a lengthy ride, they can also engage in less significant activities, like conversing with other riders.
Bluetooth helmets allow drivers to talk hands-free. Additionally, they enable them to converse without taking their hands or eyes off the wheel.
Interaction between the passenger and the driver
Investing in two Bluetooth motorcycle helmets can facilitate improved communication between you and your riding companion. It’s not necessary to yell words into thin air that they might not even hear.
Bluetooth helmets are particularly useful if the person riding with you is not experienced. Throughout the ride, you can instruct them or provide them with other pertinent information. It will be simple for you and your companion to converse when necessary without turning around if you are riding with someone.
Taking in melodies
Riding to music can help you de-stress and add enjoyment to lengthy rides. Although headphones have the same advantages, motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth function better. First of all, they deliver music to your ears in a way that doesn’t muffle the sound, protecting your hearing.
They also provide easy-to-use controls for the sound. Thus, you can avoid fiddling with your phone while operating a motor vehicle. You can even use voice commands to control your music with certain Bluetooth headsets.
Voice activation
As previously indicated, the majority of Bluetooth motorcycle helmets can be used with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. As a result, you can operate your smartphone entirely hands-free when cycling.
Moreover, you may change radio stations or music, as well as ask for weather updates, without touching the screen. You can also use voice commands to make calls, which will help you drive less distracted.
The ability to navigate using GPS
GPS navigation systems are compatible with Bluetooth helmets. This enables you to find riders while riding, know potential routes, and ask for directions. Additionally, you can maneuver through traffic. You won’t need to stop all the time to consult your phone or the map for directions if voice command support is available.
Comfort and security
You don’t need to purchase a separate helmet and intercom system because Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are two-in-one gadgets. Helmets with Bluetooth technology also improve riding safety.
If you get lost or come across another rider, you can use the GPS navigation system to find your way back. During a crash, you can also dial for assistance. Once more, voice control frees you from having to manually operate your phone, allowing you to concentrate more on the road.
The drawbacks of motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth wireless technology
Bluetooth motorcycle helmet drawbacks include:
Financial Factors
Motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth wireless technology are more expensive than those without. Ordinary helmets typically cost anywhere from $50 and $200. However, the price of a helmet with Bluetooth built in ranges from $200 to $500.
For cheap Bluetooth helmets, the price difference is negligible, but a high-end helmet will set you back a lot more than a standard helmet. Additionally, the cost of a Bluetooth helmet might not be justified for motorcycle riders who don’t need all of its features.
Potential diversion
The possibility of distraction is one of the arguments against riding while using assistive devices. Wearing a Bluetooth helmet can cause you to lose concentration on the road and hinder you from riding defensively. Both phone calls and music can be distracting. As such, wearing a Bluetooth helmet when riding can be risky.
However, because Bluetooth helmets can be used hands-free, they are still safer than manually operated helmets. It’s crucial that drivers utilize their Bluetooth helmets sensibly. Steer clear of lengthy or intricate conversations and always keep the volume low enough to hear traffic noises.
Battery life
The device’s battery quality is one of the problems you might run into. The built-in batteries used in Bluetooth helmets have an 8 to 20-hour battery life. Additionally, if you plan to use it all day, the battery life might not be sufficient.
Furthermore, using many functions at once still uses up battery life. It can be inconvenient to carry a charger, and you might not be able to find a charging station while out on a motorcycle.
Restricted scope
Your communication range with a motorcycle helmet equipped with Bluetooth is between 500 and 1 km. Even though most riders might find this range sufficient, there are situations when you’ll want to communicate farther. Group riders who are dispersed over a larger area, for instance, will require additional coverage.
Mesh network technology, on the other hand, is available in some more sophisticated models and can increase the number of connections and communication range. However, these models are frequently more costly.
Technical problems
Technical problems could also be an issue for you. You won’t be able to take it out of your helmet if your Bluetooth system breaks. As a result, you’ll have to mail the helmet in for repair, and you might have to ride without it for some time if it’s your only helmet.
Certain Bluetooth helmets are also incompatible with different brands of helmets. As a result, you will be unable to communicate with other riders who are wearing helmets of a different brand. Make sure the one you purchase is compatible with any brand to steer clear of this.
Things to take into account when selecting the best Bluetooth wireless motorcycle helmet
You might decide not to get a Bluetooth helmet after weighing the benefits and drawbacks. We’ve set aside this section for you if you believe these helmets are worthwhile purchases. The following elements should be taken into account when selecting the ideal Bluetooth motorcycle helmet for you:
Budget
Make sure not to go over your budget if you’re on one. Even though more expensive helmets with Bluetooth wireles technology might have more features, a less expensive helmet will usually suit your needs. However, even if you have a tight budget, avoid selecting inferior helmets because the trade-off won’t be worthwhile in the long run.
Safety and legality
Before purchasing a Bluetooth helmet, you should become aware of the local laws in your area as they may not always allow them. The main purpose of wearing a helmet is safety. As a result, confirm that your Bluetooth helmet complies with safety regulations.
Every region has a different safety standard. Yet, a safety sticker typically certifies that the helmet satisfies the requirements. Verify that the helmet you plan to purchase has the appropriate safety sticker on it. Make sure the used Bluetooth helmet you select is free of cracks and other structural issues. If so, wearing it is no longer appropriate.
Attributes
Even though a helmet has many features, you might not require all of them. To save money, it is therefore preferable to purchase the ones with the features you require. Determine the number of passengers who can connect to the intercom as well. Understanding this will enable you to choose according to the size of your group.
Reviews and brand reputation
You must ensure that the helmet is of high quality in addition to keeping an eye on your budget. For this reason, taking the brand’s reputation into account is wise. To determine which brand is superior, read customer testimonials and online reviews from websites. The Sena Stryker Mesh Helmet is an excellent Bluetooth helmet to keep an eye out for.
Noise Filtering
Motorcycle helmets equipped with Bluetooth technology that can cancel out unwanted noise are a great choice. Nevertheless, ensure that the helmet does not mute vital noises such as emergency sirens and automobile horns.
You have other options to think about if integrated Bluetooth wireless helmets aren’t your thing
The following gadgets offer comparable advantages:
Bluetooth headsets are optional.
A standard helmet can be made Bluetooth-enabled with an optional Bluetooth headset. They work similarly to Bluetooth helmets, but they are separate accessories that you mount on your helmet.
Purchasing a Bluetooth helmet is less expensive than purchasing a helmet and an extra Bluetooth headset. Additionally, creating a Bluetooth helmet from scratch takes more work.
However, the most affordable way to add Bluetooth to an existing regular helmet is to purchase additional headsets. If you already own a helmet, it’s less expensive than purchasing a new one.
Systems of wired communication
In-ear headphones and wired headphones are components of wired communication systems. Wired systems utilise cables, in contrast to Bluetooth headsets that offer wireless connectivity. Additionally, while riding, cables can be uncomfortable and distracting.
Wise Watches
To answer calls and receive notifications, you can pair your phone and smartwatch. You can also use GPS navigation and manage your music with it. Fortunately, voice commands are supported by certain models, so you can use it hands-free.
In summary
Motorcycle helmets with built-in Bluetooth come equipped with a system. As a result, one device has both Bluetooth intercom and helmet functionality. With these smart helmets, you can talk to other riders and listen to music hands-free, which makes riding more enjoyable. To determine your location, GPS navigation is another option. Motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth cost more than standard helmets. However, if you need a versatile helmet, they are worth the purchase.