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Although it’s your best means of protection, having your head confined in a helmet can get lonely sometimes. But, with the help of Bluetooth technology and your smart device, a simple motorbike helmet will be able to communicate with other bikers, take calls, play music, provide navigation, and so much more. To help you narrow your options from the wide catalogue of Bluetooth motorcycle helmets out there, this article will guide you on how to spot the good ones.
To go directly to relevant Bluetooth motorcycle helmets, click on the images below:
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Benefits of using a Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet
Owning a Bluetooth-compatible helmet yields plenty of advantages. In general, it will give you more freedom and ability to stay involved on your motorcycling journeys.
For example, if you’re riding in tandem, having two Bluetooth motorcycle helmets will allow you to communicate with your passenger with much clarity and minimal outside interference. This is especially useful when you wear a fully-closed helmet.
The same goes for communicating with other riders you’re with. If you and your friends all have Bluetooth helmets, each one of you can stay on the same page, particular in terms of directions and any sudden change of plans.
However, wireless and hands-free communication is not the only benefit that Bluetooth provides to your helmet use. With it, you can readily turn your helmet into a multimedia source. Nothing beats tuning on the radio or listening to your favorite music playlist while riding alone.
Aside from the abovementioned uses, Bluetooth-enabled helmets also contributes to better GPS navigation. Although dedicated GPS devices is not new to motorcycle helmets, their known issues like static noises, wind interferences, and limited range, among others, make them obsolete compared to the enhancements that Bluetooth brings into the fold.
Thanks to Bluetooth, GPS navigation with your helmet is clearer, faster, and louder, than ever before. Furthermore, turn-by-turn navigation with voice inputs, are features you can only get from a Bluetooth-compatible GPS device.
Are Bluetooth motorcycle helmets safe?
Just as previously explained, Bluetooth emits wave signals in order to wirelessly connect to your chosen electronic device. Normally, such waves are harmless to the human body, granted its intensity is mild.
Fortunately, the level of microwaves produced by helmet-intended Bluetooth devices is roughly the same, maybe even less, as the amount that your average smartphone gives off. Additionally, the main components of such devices are usually located outside the helmet, or at least separated from your head by a protective wall. Therefore, they are perfectly safe to use.
Types of Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets
When it comes to Bluetooth compatibility on this protective gear, you only have but two options. One is the pre-installed variety, the other is the helmet-capable sort.
The former, like the name suggests, are Bluetooth devices that are already bundled with the motorcycle helmets, and can connect to your compatible gadget right away. The latter on the hand needs to be installed on a compatible helmet model. Choosing between these two will mostly depend on your current equipment and riding setup.
To know which one is ideal for you, here’s a comparison of the two:
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Pre-installed Bluetooth system
Like mentioned above, this type already comes with its own helmet. Although they are a bit pricey, their lack of any additional installations makes for a very efficient usage. Plus, the models belonging in this category are usually made with top-quality and premium materials, so they are definitely worth the investment.
Moreover, motorbike helmets that comes pre-equipped with Bluetooth systems are quite proficient in hiding the involved components and parts. This leaves such helmets without any unnecessary bulk that could affect their appearances. If you want a user-friendly and straightforward entry to the world of Bluetooth motorbike helmets, then focus on this group.
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Helmet Capable Bluetooth system
Unlike the other class, this one needs some form of installation. Depending on the Bluetooth device and the helmet, the custom-fitting process may vary between something as easy as clip-to-attach, or as time-consuming as screwing holes.
Albeit it requires a more sophisticated prep-work, having the option to make your own beloved helmet into a Bluetooth capable gear certainly makes this type enticing. So, if you’re not ready to let go of your favorite helmet just yet, but would like to experience the benefits of Bluetooth on the road, look into your options under this category.
Some separate Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms (for instance from Sena or Scala) can be installed very easily in your new helmet.
Things to consider when buying a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet
By now, you’re probably more acquainted on how this type of equipment works, the benefits of its technology, and the typical forms it comes with. Thus, it’s time you get familiar with the other factors you need to consider in order to find a good representation of this item.
Things to consider:
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Price
Price is a constant factor with just about any product, which is why you should always have a budget range, and not just a singular amount. You’ll never know when that limited deal might come your way. And if you only have one exact price, you might miss out on it.
When it comes to this kind of device, the variation in cost, like described above, comes down to what type you’re going for. If you want the bundled Bluetooth helmet, then prepare to spend more. But, if you already have a compatible helmet, you can just buy and install a separate Bluetooth motorcycle intercom, at a much cheaper rate.
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Range
This factor is given more emphasis on wireless technologies. But, unlike other communication or signal radio devices, the Personal Area Network (PAN) for Bluetooth is quite restricted in coverage.
Such network is what determines the maximum reception range of a Bluetooth gadget, which can vary from 33 ft. up to more than 2,300 ft. So, choose depending on your typical riding setup.
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Used or Brand New
There is no shame in using a secondhand Bluetooth motorcycle helmet. If you know someone selling their old one, grab the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with it, without spending too much. But, if you have the means, then it would be better to just outright buy a new model.
What is Bluetooth?
A good knowledge foundation is key to being a good shopper. Therefore, it’s only fitting that you at least first learn what Bluetooth really is. If you already know a lot about it, then by all means skip this part. Otherwise, knowing what type of technology is playing part in your motorcycle journey, is ideal for your overall safety and proper product handling
Bluetooth, by definition, refers to the short-range and wireless interconnection between two compatible devices via wave signals. These devices can range from computers, to phones, and other electronics.
This technology is used for many things, ranging from simple exchange of files to wireless communications. But for motorcycle helmets, it does more of the latter, along with some multimedia functions such as music playback. However, the two communicating devices must stay in optimal proximity in order to avoid lags and poor feedbacks.
Now you can go out there and make an informed decision when buying a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet. It’s important that you invest in a superior quality Bluetooth motorcycle helmet since it’s not just for communicating on the road, but also for your safety.