BT headsets?

[Junkie]

I do this with my Garmin.

what model?

what I'd really like is a music setup that'll attach to my helmet (I have a Sena mount) and not require any input - just have a play/skip button or something. Or bluetooth controls would be fine, as long as it's just to get it playing - I prefer phone in pocket, and would rather not kill my battery.

 

[mlm]

I got the Senna that integrates with my Shoei NeoTec. It's awesome. Always wear earplugs and it works fine with the volume up. It comes with a remote, but I never bothered to learn more controls than volume and turning on the radio. Anythin else I do on my phone. Best part is to answer an incoming call you just start talking

 

[vkb]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I think I will go with the Sena 10S due to it's simplicity.

Does anyone wear earplugs and also play music with the Sena speakers? i'd imagine that would be strange?

I've used Sena for years, first the SMH-10 and then the 10S. Have always worn earplugs. Works great, though I will say that the loudness is definitely dependent on how well you get the speakers lined up over your ear holes.

The 10S is the sweet spot in the Sena lineup. It's got the improved audio features that were introduced with the 20S, but keeps the cost down by leaving out the other advanced features that most people aren't going to use anyways.

Get the companion phone app for the Sena, makes it easy to change settings. Also, the 10S will show it's battery level on your phone.

 

[bikeama]

what model?

what I'd really like is a music setup that'll attach to my helmet (I have a Sena mount) and not require any input - just have a play/skip button or something. Or bluetooth controls would be fine, as long as it's just to get it playing - I prefer phone in pocket, and would rather not kill my battery.

I have a Zumo 660 now and I used an SD card on my old original Zumo.

 

[Hoho]

I have a Zumo 660 now and I used an SD card on my old original Zumo.

Same here, the downside is the Zumo only takes MP3s and is limited to a 16GB MicroSD card. But MP3 sizes will be enough for a LOT of music. I control the playback from the GPS connected to my headset via BT.

 

[jt2]

Does anyone wear earplugs and also play music with the Sena speakers? i'd imagine that would be strange?

I have a 30k, so YMMV, but I found that earplugs muffled the speakers to the point where it really didn't sound good at all.

Instead, I now use a good set of earbuds, coupled with Comply foam tips. Best of both worlds.

 

[stan23]

I have a 30k, so YMMV, but I found that earplugs muffled the speakers to the point where it really didn't sound good at all.

Instead, I now use a good set of earbuds, coupled with Comply foam tips. Best of both worlds.

I've got a pair of Etymotic ER4p IEMs for music, but unfortunately they are wired and while I can plug in my cans directly to my phone, I won't be able to use the UI on the dash on my bike to control the tunes. I know... first world.

I like the idea of answering phone calls (only so my wife can get a hold of me) So maybe as long as the speakers on the Sena are passable, I can use it every once in a while.

 

[mean dad]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I think I will go with the Sena 10S due to it's simplicity.

Does anyone wear earplugs and also play music with the Sena speakers? i'd imagine that would be strange?

My music actually sounds better with earplugs in. The sound is very tinny without them...could be due to the speakers themselves, or my ears. :dunno

 

[Krooklyn]

I use the Cardo Scala Rider-QZ with the Etymotic ER-6i. I tried to use the speakers that came with it along with some earplugs and I couldn't hear shit. So, out went the speakers and in went the earbuds.

 

[moto-rama]

Sena

Ive used a Sena SMH10 since they first came out. Pretty decent in helmet speakers, and very durable. I finally shorted out one speaker wire after i moved it one too many times.

I have a replacement in route as I write this.

Ive found the controls easy to use and the intercom feature easy to setup. I can take a call, using hands free and listen to music or navigation. I recommend. One set is 150 at several retailers.

 

[sfdj_tim]

Hey Stan, I've had the Sena SMH10, 20S, and now I'm currently using the 30K. Most in our riding group (same guys for more than 10 years) are all using the 30K. We've been doing multi-day trips over the past few years and it's pretty awesome.

Don't get the SMH10, it's the older technology. At the very least, get the 20S though I would highly recommend the 30K. The 30K can be completely set up through a phone app instead of using a PC or MAC. If you intend to do any trips with others, the range is much farther than the SMH10. The 20S and 30K are able to be paired through a phone app. The 30K can be paired with non-Sena units which is a nice upgrade.

Not that it matters in your situation but Sena was smart enough to retain the 20S helmet mount when they made the 30K. This means I didn't have to get extra mounts for different helmets.

If you have any questions, PM me.

 

[jt2]

I've got a pair of Etymotic ER4p IEMs for music, but unfortunately they are wired and while I can plug in my cans directly to my phone, I won't be able to use the UI on the dash on my bike to control the tunes. I know... first world.

I like the idea of answering phone calls (only so my wife can get a hold of me) So maybe as long as the speakers on the Sena are passable, I can use it every once in a while.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. The 30k has an earphone jack on it that disables the speakers - I think the 10S has one as well. I put in the IEMs in and plug them into the Sena, which then bonds with the phone/bike. Operationally, it is no different than using the speakers.

 

[Z3n]

I've got the 30k and 20S, for your use case I'd recommend the 20S. Plug the headphones directly into the 20S and manage your tunes and such that way.

 

[stan23]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. The 30k has an earphone jack on it that disables the speakers - I think the 10S has one as well. I put in the IEMs in and plug them into the Sena, which then bonds with the phone/bike. Operationally, it is no different than using the speakers.

Ahhh, got it!:thumbup

I've got the 30k and 20S, for your use case I'd recommend the 20S. Plug the headphones directly into the 20S and manage your tunes and such that way.

Ok, will look into the 20s. Gonna buy tomorrow

 

[Z3n]

Yea - the mesh network on the 30k is nice but has a high buy in cost, the 20S is compatible with everything you need to do, a little more proven / hardy / reliable, and cheaper overall.

Let's go for a ride sometime!

 

[stan23]

Yea - the mesh network on the 30k is nice but has a high buy in cost, the 20S is compatible with everything you need to do, a little more proven / hardy / reliable, and cheaper overall.

Let's go for a ride sometime!

We should! I even setup my adv bike for trackdays! Just logistically it's hard for me to get anytime to ride

 

[Titus58]

Anyone else with specific experience with the no-name Chinese brands? Which ones?
Just not in the cards for me to spend $150-$200 for a top unit when I'm not sure if I will use it.

There are a number of units in the $40-$70 range - I'm planning on trying one out and will post up my results.

T

 

[Slow Goat]

Buy once, cry once.

 

[HadesOmega]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I think I will go with the Sena 10S due to it's simplicity.

Does anyone wear earplugs and also play music with the Sena speakers? i'd imagine that would be strange?

I'm one of dem riders that doesn't wear ear plugs and I rode a couple weeks ago with earplugs for the hell of it and I couldn't hear my Sena SMH10 very well. I liked it much better without the earplugs, I use the music to drown out the windnoise and couldn't hear the music very well. That's my primary use for it music.

I'm planning on getting another helmet soon and i think I will be going with the 10S, it's like a newer version of the SMH10. I heard the fidelity is better than the SMH10 and I think it's louder. It also has a phone app you can use to program it. If you need it louder I have heard of people splicing in better speakers. I went from a SMH5 to a SMH10 and the 10 is much better, the speakers were better, the battery life is better, comms is better, and you can undock it from the helmet.

 

[tzrider]

Hopefully they’ll keep making them louder every few years, because you’re going to need it.