Communicating with fellow riders when on the road can be quite hard as well as dangerous if you don’t do it in the proper way.
Using cell phones as a medium in such situations can lead to accidents. What else can you expect when your hand is busy holding the phone rather than the handle?
Does this mean that there is no safe way to keep your hands on the motorbike handle while conversing with your companions?
Not at all!
There is a way, and its name is a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet. This is not your average helmet, and you will soon learn why.
Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets 2018
Since choosing the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmet can be a challenging task, I have reviewed the top 10 motorcycle helmets for your convenience. All of these products have their own set of strengths and weaknesses, so it is up to you to decide which one you would prefer.
| Product Name | Intercom Range | Weight | Talk time | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILM Modular (Our Winner) | 1000 Foot | 1.8kg | 8 Hours | Medium | |
| BILT Techno (Best for the Bucks) | 1290 Foot | 1.3kg | 8 Hours | Medium | |
| IV2 953 Dual Visor | 1200 Foot | 2.7kg | 8 Hours | Large | |
| O’Neal Commander | 118 Foot | 1.8kg | 10 Hours | Small | |
| TORC TB27 | 100 Foot | 2.1kg | 8 Hours | Medium | |
| HJC CL-Max 2 | N/A | 2.2kg | N/A | Large | |
| TORC T10B Prodigy | 100 Foot | 1.8kg | 8 Hours | Medium | |
| TORC T14B | Unknown | 2.5kg | Unknown | X- Small | |
| Bell Qualifier DLX | N/a | 2.2kg | N/a | X- Large | |
| Origine O528B Pilota | 100 Foot | 1.5kg | 5 Hours | Medium |
1. ILM Modular Flip-Up – Full Face Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet
ILM has managed to offer its users the thing they desire the most in a Bluetooth helmet, which is a long range.
The first thing I noticed about the product was its claim of being usable over a range of 1000 feet, and it lives up to this claim. It does have its limitations such as those which arise from line-of-sight or elevation changes. However, even with these constraints, the fact remains that its rider-to-rider intercom system is usable over long distances.
It comes with a built-in Bluetooth 3.0 technology. The manufacturers have made sure that the users reap the most benefit out of the helmet and, thereby, have made the helmet to have 8 hours of talk time and 110 hours of standby before requiring a recharge.
The microfiber lining that is present on the inside of the helmet is washable as well so that no odor persists. The adjustable vents allow you to alter the ventilation system as per the requirements of the time.
The helmet also makes sure that you keep your hands on the handle. This is achieved by the one-touch control that makes answering calls and redialing an easy and doable task when driving a motorcycle.
- It fits perfectly.
- The quality is up to par.
- The audio system manages to overpower noise and is great even at high speed.
- The padding on the inside is not enough.
- There aren’t many size options.
2. BILT Techno 2.0 – Safest Motorcycle Helmet 2018
Those of you who are looking for helmets with low range but high quality might find the BILT Techno 2.0 to be worthy of your money.
This helmet is accompanied by a two-way intercom system. You can use the helmet to communicate either with other riders or with a passenger. This communication is possible up to 430 yards (that’s almost a quarter mile) rider to rider which is just great. One of the features I really like about BILT 2.0 is that Cena brings on board is the universal intercom protocol which means this will work with any Bluetooth device on the market today.
The included DWO-3 Bluetooth system renders the helmet capable of being used for making phone calls along with listening to the music on your phone. Additionally, the product comes with a GPS system.
When it comes to the quality of the helmet, BILT does not disappoint. The inclusion of polycarbonate in the construction of this full-face helmet has played a crucial role in making sure that the helmet does not overheat.
We all wish for a helmet that fits perfectly. After all, you want your protective gear to be secure in its position. To achieve this sense of security, this helmet has a safety fastener to make sure it does not fly off on impact.
BILT has also taken care of the comfort of its users. The interiors of the helmet are padded with high quality material to ensure that you are not at discomfort when on the road. On top of this feature, a sun shield is also included to make sure your vision is not impaired owing to the scorching sunlight.
- Huge intercom range .
- You are free to choose from a variety of color options. This allows users to personalize their gear.
- Padding is removable and easily replaceable.
- The light weight of the helmet makes it comfortable to wear for long journeys.
- None whatsoever.
3. IV2 953 Dual Visor – Best Modular Motorcycle Helmet
A helmet mic, a receiver and an optional Bluetooth integration system – IV2 offers it all and has been able to provide a holistic solution to all motorbike drivers.
When reviewing this helmet, I found its interior to be one of the best on the list. Its lining was perfect in all sense. Whether it be EPS impact absorption or a soft padding, IV2 has it all.
It consists of a modular design that makes one-handed removal of the helmet possible. This push-button technology is a source of convenience for all those who find themselves struggling every time they have to convert the closed face helmet into an open face one.
The visibility provided is ensured by the addition of a visor along with a fog-resistant shield. This shied is also scratch-resistant which enhances its longevity.
The helmet is capable of supporting Bluetooth 3.0 technology. This means you can communicate with four other riders simultaneously if they are within a range of 1200 feet. Although this distance itself is quite impressive, what’s even more admirable is that while most other products have the capability to connect with just one phone, this unit can do so with two.
- The impact absorption technology along with the high-quality thermoplastic shell makes this helmet a great protective gear.
- The Bluetooth unit is equipped with value-adding features.
- It is a stylish helmet.
- It is quite heavy.
- The Bluetooth unit is not installed.
4. O’Neal Commander – Best Motorcycle Helmet For Small Head
You might be familiar with O’Neal since it is quite well-known for its flashy ads and a funky image. This product carries this legacy forward but also adds quality performance to the mix.
When it comes to responsiveness, only a few other helmets can match the performance of this product. The O’Neal Commander Helmet comes with Bluetooth 2.0. This technology allows the helmet to offer 10 hours of talk time along with 130 hours of standby to its users. This means you can cover quite a journey before the product will need to be recharged.
When it comes to offering a high range, O’Neal gets it down to the tee. The 118-foot range for rider-to-rider communication has been lauded by customers. You can also use the Bluetooth to answer calls, navigate and listen to music.
The manufacturers of this vibrant helmet understand that customers wish for aesthetics and style in all their accessories, even in protective gear. Hence, the helmet succeeds in delivering a stylish look owing to the combination of a yellow and black exterior. To guarantee that the pleasing aesthetics stay intact for a long time, it features an anti-scratch material.
- It is affordable.
- The customer support is excellent.
- The battery duration is excellent.
- The ventilation could be better since it tends to get foggy at times.
- The dropdown visor gets stuck quite often.
5. TORC TB27 – Another Full Face Modular Helmet
Heavy helmets are not cut out for long trips, which is why TORC has offered a great solution to all of us who crave for a lightweight product. This full face modular helmet is among the best ones on this list.
The exterior of the helmet is made from a strong yet light material which has allowed it to be both lightweight and durable. The stability of the helmet is excellent, so regardless of how windy it gets or how fast you drive, the Bluetooth helmet will stay on at all times.
It comes with a Bluetooth 2.0 technology that lets you use the product to receive and send calls as well as listen to music.
When it comes to visibility, this helmet has taken an array of steps to guarantee that your vision remains clear regardless of how long the trip is. This is made sure by the fact that the visor is both scratch- and fog-resistant. Also, the product provides visibility under the glistening sun by featuring a drop-down shade visor.
- The use of alloy in the construction of the product has made it strong and, therefore, ideal for safety reasons.
- It succeeds in absorbing impact.
- The ventilation offered is up to par.
- The Bluetooth system works flawlessly at low speeds.
- The rubber of the chin piece has a tendency to get dislodged when you remove the helmet.
- On high speeds, the Bluetooth system does not work properly.
6. HJC Solid CL-Max 2 – Best Sports Bike Helmet with Bluetooth Built in
HJC Solid has strived to provide performance as well as convenience to customers through its Sports Bike Helmet.
One of the best features of this product is its single-button face shield and chin bar release. Anyone who rides a motorcycle will be familiar with the hassle it takes to remove it. This is why this single-button feature serves to be a breath of fresh air for all users. Also, the inclusion of a molded polycarbonate shell further makes the helmet lightweight and, hence, comfortable to wear.
One of the things that I dislike about riding motorcycles is that it exposes you to the sun. By the time you reach your destination, your skin is ashy and burnt. HJC provides a face shield that is equipped with UV ray protection so that it protects you not just from accidents but also from nature.
The ventilation system of the helmet is satisfactory. Rather than merely allowing air flow from the front, it also provides this feature from the back so that the chances of the helmet getting too hot are eliminated.
Additionally, the tool-less shield replacement system is an exemplary addition to the helmet. I found this system to convert the whole ordeal of removing and replacing the shied into a piece of cake.
- The availability of colors provides room for choice.
- It comes in various sizes, so the chances of finding the perfect fit are high.
- The sunshade manages to filter out almost 95% of the rays entering the helmet.
- It does not come with a Bluetooth unit.
- It does not cancel noise completely.
7. TORC T10B Prodigy – Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet
Are you worried that your Bluetooth helmet cannot withstand the extremities of the weather? If so, you might want to include the TORC T10B in your life.
The distinct characteristic of this product is its resistance to water. Even if it is raining cats and dogs, you don’t need to worry about the durability of the Bluetooth unit or the quality of the connection. Both are taken care of by TORC.
The Bluetooth 2.0 embedded in the helmet lets you communicate with a fellow rider or passenger. However, there is a catch. The other party has to use a Blinc-enabled helmet for this communication to occur. Many of you might find this to be an unfavorable requirement.
When it comes to providing quality sound, the product manages to deliver clear and consistent performance. This is achieved by the inclusion of two speakers along with a mic which cancels noise. The volume of the speaker adjusts itself based on the noise of the surrounding, so the helmet requires minimum input from you. All you are required to do is focus on the road as you receive calls and stream music.
- The intercom system has an extended battery life of eight hours.
- The 100 feet range of the system is good enough to ensure smooth rider-to-rider connectivity.
- The fog-free sun shield allows this helmet to be usable in all types of weathers.
- The loudness of the Bluetooth is not satisfactory at times.
- There is no choice in design or color, which means you won’t get any personalization options.
8. TORC T14B Mako Nuke – Best Bluetooth Integrated Helmet Under $200
Heavy-duty helmets have their benefits, the most vital of which is the ability of such protective gear to ensure that your skull remains unharmed if an accident were to happen. The TORC T14B is one such heavy-duty product you might like.
Those of you who have used TORC helmets would know that the products of the brand are quite big when it comes to size. This is the case with this helmet too. Hence, if you want a perfect pick and are in doubt between two sizes, pick the smaller one.
The interior of the product is lined with quality material. This lining absorbs all the moisture, thereby making sure that the helmet doesn’t start exhibiting a foul smell. This is further guaranteed by the removable and machine-washable nature of the lining.
The dropdown visor of the T14B succeeds in correcting the flaw of many TORC helmets, i.e., it does not get stuck when you adjust it. This improvement, when added to the scratch-free shield, allows for superior visibility.
- It absorbs impact, thereby providing the necessary safety functions.
- The dual visor aids in improving visibility.
- The design of the helmet is funky and attractive.
- The helmet is quite heavy.
- The ventilation system does not provide adequate airflow.
9. Bell Qualifier DLX – Street Bike Bluetooth Helmet with Noise cancellation
Lightweight, secure and quality Bluetooth – the Bell Qualifier has all the right features and has received favorable reviews from the masses.
Its construction and the various components included in the shell have allowed it to offer users a noise-free solution to their communication problems. The polycarbonate material used in the shell has made the product lightweight, while its design eliminates the noise of the wind.
The interior padding is not only breathable but also anti-bacterial. This characteristic ensures that your helmet does not become a breeding ground for diseases. The padding is also contoured so that you are as comfortable as possible. I loved that both the pads and the lining could be removed for washing.
- The breath deflator renders the need of constantly cleaning the shield unnecessary.
- The matte black finish gives the helmet a royal look.
- Other color choices are available.
- The sizes are too tight.
- You need to spend extra money to buy a Bluetooth unit.
10. Origine O528B Pilota – Best Budget Helmet with Bluetooth
This helmet is different from other products on this list because it is a ¾ helmet which is commonly used with scooters. However, the quality of the product along with its aesthetics is nothing short of exemplary.
The product comes with 3.0 Bluetooth, so you can expect to benefit from all the great features that accompany the Bluetooth technology. This ranges from rider-to-rider communication to attending phone calls.
The double D-ring fastener also makes sure that the helmet securely fits and does not tumble off on impact. This fastener, thereby, plays a role in keeping you safe from harm. The helmet comes in a variety of colors as well, which gives autonomy to users.
- The retro style of the helmet is appreciated by many.
- It is comfortable to wear.
- It fits nicely.
- The Bluetooth controls are not user-friendly.
Buyer’s Guide – Things to Look For When Buying a Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet
All purchase decisions need to be made after thorough consideration of various factors. Since a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet can be quite pricey, don’t make the mistake of picking just any product from the market. Instead, make sure you put some thought into it.
Number of Riders
Which motorcycle helmet is the best for you will depend on what you wish to gain out of it. For starters, decide how many riders do you want to stay connected with on the road. This decision needs to be made before purchasing since different headsets allow you to connect to varying number of units. You don’t want to get stuck with a product that only allows you to connect to one rider when you need three.
Additionally, the number of people you wish to connect to governs the range of the product. For instance, a range of 500 yards might be more than sufficient for small groups but not for large ones. Hence, count your travel buddies before you go shopping for the best Bluetooth helmet.
Where You Will Be Using the Helmet
Do you plan on going on an adventure on your motorcycle where open fields surround you? Or do you need a helmet for the city? Where you will be riding also governs the type of product that is ideal for you.
This is because an open field which does not have a lot of obstructions will not require as much range as when driving on a busy city road. Similarly, if it rains a lot in the city you live in, your Bluetooth helmet should be one which can resist water.
Look for Voice Prompt Feature
The whole point of having a Bluetooth helmet is to enjoy a handsfree solution to your problem of communicating with others and navigating directions. Therefore, if a given helmet needs to be manually set to make calls or change settings, this benefit is severely compromised.
Thus, make sure you look for helmets that come with voice prompts. At the end of the day, a helmet is supposed to keep you safe and a voice prompt helps in this endeavor.
High-Quality Sound Is a Must
The extent to which a given product is able to cancel noise and whether it provides you with crisp and clean audio are what makes or breaks a motorcycle helmet. You need to make sure that the product you select has ab enhanced sound system. This is because, at the end of the day, if the quality of the sound is not good, none of the features of the Bluetooth helmet mean much.
Set a Budget and Do Your Research
Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are generally on the pricey side, but even within this premium range, you will find items that are too expensive and some that are somewhat affordable. You are required to set a budget from the get go and sift through the products accordingly. If you don’t do so, you are bound to get confused with the number of options.
Also, while there is a trade-off between price and quality, not all premium items have features that justify their high cost. Be wary of such items. Don’t just assume that the quality of a helmet will be good because it is expensive. Do your research and read Bluetooth motorcycle helmet reviews. Then analyze whether the price is a reflection of the quality of a given item.
Choose The Required Additional Features
There is an array of Bluetooth motorcycle helmets on the market. Most of them differ from one another depending on the additional features they provide. Not everyone sees a use of all of the available features. Therefore, rather than investing in a premium product that has features you don’t need, make a list of all the add-ons you would like your helmet to have.
Some of these additional characteristics can include the following:
This might be perfect for all the adventurers out there. For those of you who are purchasing a Bluetooth helmet to go on a fun excursion with your buddies, a camera can be an excellent addition.
Bluetooth helmets that have a camera attached to them allow you to record the happenings of your road trip. Whether it be time-lapse footage or with music, you can have it all if you have the extra bucks.
Now, this is something I highly advise you to look for in the product you buy. While having a vessel through which you can stay connected on the road has its perks, I believe having a GPS system that gives you in-ear directions about where you have to go is a much-needed feature. I would happily buy a Bluetooth helmet for just this reason, but then again, it depends on your preference
Types of Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets
When you peruse the market for a helmet which has the Bluetooth technology, you will come across two types of products. This includes helmets with preinstalled Bluetooth and helmet-capable Bluetooth devices.
These helmets are custom designed and include the Bluetooth technology from the get go. This means that you are buying a holistic solution and do not need to spend time installing anything. This convenience comes at a high initial cost of the helmet. However, since you have nothing to do with the installation process, the helmet tends to appear stylish and works perfectly rather than being subjected to human errors that may lead to an awkward appearance of the helmet or, in some cases, undermine the features.
For those of you who have been using a trusty brand or helmet for years, the chances are that you might not be keen about letting go of your comfortable helmet and trying a product you aren’t sure will provide you with the same comfort. This is where compatible Bluetooth devices may come in handy.
These devices can either be added to the side of the helmet or be properly installed with screws and bolts. Which of the two you are required to do depends on the device you invest in. These devices also come with a flexible boom mic. Make sure that the mic you choose is suited for the type of helmet you have. For instance, some tend to work better with full-face helmets than others.
When it comes to convenience and performance, I believe that preinstalled Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are much better than investing in devices and adding them to your current helmet.
It is true that stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, but the fact remains that if you invest in the best Bluetooth helmet, the chances are that you can enjoy both comfort and convenience. When you consider the various features offered by preinstalled Bluetooth motorcycle helmets, you are bound to agree that the money spent is worth it.
What Is a Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet and How Does It Work?
Motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth can be viewed as an intercom system for your journey. They perform all the basic protective functions of a helmet while offering you a way to communicate with others. The latter feature, which is made possible by the inclusion of Bluetooth technology, is available to users regardless of how windy or noisy your surroundings are.
You might wonder, how is a helmet able to achieve such a function? These helmets use short-range networking technology, also known as Bluetooth, to provide you with this communication feature. I won’t be going into too much detail on Bluetooth because, unless you live under a rock, you would already be familiar with this technology. It must be present on a variety of your devices ranging from mobile phones to desktop.
Why Do You Need a Bluetooth Helmet?
Some of you might wonder, why would you want to spend extra money on a Bluetooth helmet when you can protect yourself with any other conventional helmet? While it is true that any quality helmet can protect you from harm when disaster strikes, there is much more to Bluetooth helmets than their protective feature.
You need a Bluetooth helmet because of the various benefits that it provides. Here are some of the advantages you are likely to experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best one from these Bluetooth helmet reviews is a tough decision. This is because all of the products mentioned are good in some way or another, and all of them also have flaws.
This doesn’t mean that the other Bluetooth helmets are not worth your money. Your choice can be different than mine since you might prioritize other features that I might not.
Pick a helmet you feel strongly about. Rest assured that you will not be disappointed. Whichever product you opt for, do make a point of getting a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet. The world is progressing, and it’s time for you to follow.
Check Our Other Buyers Guide and Tech List :
Helpful info. Fortunate me I found your site by chance, and I am stunned by seeing the O’Neal Commander helmet it’s just awesome! I bookmarked it.
You can’t go wrong with O’Neal Commander!
Great insights in almost every review.Just owned a bike recently and I was wondering which helmet to pick. At least I found this article helpful. Keep up the good work!
No problem Bernard 🙂
Excellent article. I ride with an MC, and am looking for Bluetooth communication while riding. Do we all have to have same brand helmets? How would it work, and what’s the most people that can be connected at once? Thanks!!
Hi Rene,
You don’t need to have same brand helmets, watch this video to know more about how it works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdP1EEHPjS0.
Bilt-techno works very well for me!
🙂
Thanks, it is very informative
I am more than happy to help you.
This is really useful, thanks.
awesome review