Head sets

[Glensummers]

Team, I have had my 2008 Goldwing for about 4 years. I have purchased some wireless Bluetooth headsets to try. I admit I have some hearing loss but I have been dissatisfied with the wireless sets. I am considering a wired set using the installed intercom system but have some concerns if it will be better or worse. I was hoping some of you that use it would give me your opinion. Looking at Amazon they have some Honda units for $200+ So I am not looking to waist money just needing some advice please.

[Prlwng]

There are some cheaper sets out there. The ones I prefer are jm. However, there are some cheaper sets. Some folks say they are better than JM.

Have not bought any for 10 years.

[kwthom]

Team, I have had my 2008 Goldwing for about 4 years. I have purchased some wireless Bluetooth headsets to try. I admit I have some hearing loss but I have been dissatisfied with the wireless sets. I am considering a wired set using the installed intercom system but have some concerns if it will be better or worse. I was hoping some of you that use it would give me your opinion. Looking at Amazon they have some Honda units for $200+ So I am not looking to waist money just needing some advice please.

It's somewhat known that certain older (read: inexpensive) Bluetooth headsets can't put out the audio power necessary for many older riders. This is because the louder you need to run them (to overcome hearing loss issues...), the shorter the battery lifetime is on them.

Depending on the brand and model, you might need to consider using an in-ear audio transfer, rather than using the speakers in the helmet.

Have a listen to this YouTube discussion on the topic (starting at 136 seconds...) for about 90 seconds...you'll get the idea.



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The idea is you're putting the sound at 'point-blank' range to your ear canal. This reduces the volume you need and maximizes the life of the BT battery.

Wired? Similar problem, though the amp on the bike can certainly drive the audio to levels that can cause pain, but that's if you get the earpieces aligned with your ears perfectly, which is challenging for many to get right.

I've actually got custom molded earpieces for mine...they work great!

[Solo So Long]

Many years ago, I had a custom earpiece made with a blade on it, that would hold the itty-btty, astronaut-style Plantronics headset, Uhura-style. This was great, back in the 1/2-helmet, short-sleeves riding days.

Fast forward a few years, and it's flip-up helmets. I still used the custom earpieces, with short cables which plug into a jack on the helmet Put in the earpieces, put on the brain bucket, plug in and the best audio you can hope for. Boom mikes are mounted to the helmet.