Comms system or molded earphones?

mattieb

Ok so it's time for a new helmet and I can't decide which way to go. I've been wearing a Shark Evoline for the last 3 years and while it wasn't bad I'm gona go for something a bit lighter and quieter.
I also wouldn't mind a built in comms system like the the Nolan helmets for listening to music (don't slate me). So I kind of have my eye on the Nolan N86.
I'm kind of tempted to go the route of moulded earphones instead but that would mean loosing the functionality of a comms system (volume control etc)
Any thoughts?

unclebill98

I've no experience with comms systems on bike. I just use my iphone in a case thats held to magnets on my tank. However I do use custom moulds.

I would never use them in a bilt up area. There can be -17db with custom moulds. Not great when trying to stay alive in a city/town. I'd also not buy online, these things can need small adjustments made after they are moulded and its impossible to really get that sorted without have the tech standing there.


ACS, Frank Cass, Hiding Hearing would be the best places to go.

rat_race

mattieb wrote: »

Ok so it's time for a new helmet and I can't decide which way to go. I've been wearing a Shark Evoline for the last 3 years and while it wasn't bad I'm gona go for something a bit lighter and quieter.
I also wouldn't mind a built in comms system like the the Nolan helmets for listening to music (don't slate me). So I kind of have my eye on the Nolan N86.
I'm kind of tempted to go the route of moulded earphones instead but that would mean loosing the functionality of a comms system (volume control etc)
Any thoughts?

I use custom moulds, left over from my drumming days, they're great. It's so much more relaxing, less-tiring and enjoyable to ride a bike with noise reduction, I find -- especially when doing motorway speeds.

You can change the level of dB they block out if you feel you can't hear enough. Go into a proper hearing specialist to have them made. Will cost between 150-200e, but last years, and offer long-lasting hearing protection. You can still hear a bit of wind, beeps, engines, etc...

I got my latest pair here: http://www.hearing.ie, about 4 years ago.

You can also turn them into what are effectively in-ear monitors, using an adapter to plugs into them rather than the dB filters. I bought this too and hook them up to my iPod, which is left in my pocket. So you hear all the music, without the outside noise. Sounds dangerous, but you just need to not be an idiot.

There are times though when you do want to easily turn music off/down, like if you're in bad traffic and want to be fully alert. For this, I use this: http://www.buyijet.com/top-products/inav-boss-v2-black-remote-ijet-2.html. Someone else here recommended that product to me a year or two ago. Still works a treat, no battery changes yet.

Great thing about all this stuff is it has more uses than just on the motorbike...bad side is it's more stuff to do before getting on your bike. But I love listening to music as I ride (responsibly). At this point I wouldn't enjoy a ride half as much without music.


Hearing.ie DO have motorcyclist-specific stuff: http://www.hearing.ie/protection_motorsports_bikers.html ... but they don't have filters, and hence you can't turn them into in-ear monitors. They do have a comm system that you could used for music maybe, though. Bit overkill for me though.


I thought about comms systems, etc, etc, but I thought that I'd use it so rarely it would not be worth it. Also, I'm not sure what it would be like listening to music through a comms system at high speeds.

What do you think of the Evoline? I was considering buying the latest version when it drops in price in a year or two. I don't really consider how "quiet" a helmet is...I would have thought they're all bloody loud at high speeds, despite what they're marketed as. Would be very interested in hearing about "quiet" helmets that work?

thecivvie

How much did you pay for custom made ones. I use earplugs but have toyed with getting customs. I have an autocom system on the bike with an iPod attached, suits my needs, music every time

rat_race

thecivvie wrote: »

How much did you pay for custom made ones. I use earplugs but have toyed with getting customs. I have an autocom system on the bike with an iPod attached, suits my needs, music every time

I think they're usually about €195, and that includes one set of filters of your choice. I use 25dB on the bike.

You wear earplugs while listening to autocom/music? I know another guy who said he does that. It must get loud. I never thought the quality would be decent at high speeds, but then again, I've never tried an autocom really...apart from some training I did years ago. And I've never really researched a "quiet" helmet, so no idea if they work or not!

mattieb

There are times though when you do want to easily turn music off/down, like if you're in bad traffic and want to be fully alert. For this, I use this: http://www.buyijet.com/top-products/...te-ijet-2.html. Someone else here recommended that product to me a year or two ago. Still works a treat, no battery changes yet.

That's very cool rat_race. If I could get something like that for a samsung galaxy it would be great with the moulded earphones.
Another Idea I was thinking of was to pair up the moulded plugs with a comms system and get the best of both, I'm kind of greedy like that, Haha Some systems have they're speakers on a 3.5mm jack plug so it would be fairly handy.

What do you think of the Evoline?

I can't really fault it too much other than the weight (1.92kg).
There are definitely a couple of features that on it that I'll be looking for on my next helmet, like the flip down sun visor and the quick release buckle.
I'm not too bothered about getting a flip up again because I found I didn't really use it.

galwaytt

rat_race wrote: »

I think they're usually about €195, and that includes one set of filters of your choice. I use 25dB on the bike.

You wear earplugs while listening to autocom/music? I know another guy who said he does that. It must get loud. I never thought the quality would be decent at high speeds, but then again, I've never tried an autocom really...apart from some training I did years ago. And I've never really researched a "quiet" helmet, so no idea if they work or not!

I regularly wear ear plugs with autocom or other kit I have and find that they improve the experience. Cuts out the high frequency wind noise but speech is clearer.

thecivvie

rat_race wrote: »

I think they're usually about €195, and that includes one set of filters of your choice. I use 25dB on the bike.

You wear earplugs while listening to autocom/music? I know another guy who said he does that. It must get loud. I never thought the quality would be decent at high speeds, but then again, I've never tried an autocom really...apart from some training I did years ago. And I've never really researched a "quiet" helmet, so no idea if they work or not!

Will have to have a look at getting a set.

Never had a problem at motorway speeds or windy days affecting the autocom through the ear plugs. Only reason I want to look at a set is because I use so many, I don't like reusing them after 1 use

Skill Magill

You could make your own for cheapness though, here's a post of mine in the hacking forum

Skill Magill wrote: »

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Here's how to do it

looks like you can buy it in Designist Designist, 68 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2

I'm defo gonna give it a go, sick of my earbuds falling out!

Not sure whether Designist still stock it though, amazon does though