Helmet Frustrations
Helmet Frustrations
Im trying to understand how the current trend in motorcycle helmets - make a proprietary headset designed to integrate into the helmet is good for the consumer. I bought a Shoei Neotec 2 helmet. I also bought the Sena SRL headset (a Sena 20s evo unit) designed to fit into the Neotec 2 helmet. Everything was fine until I upgraded my GT boom box to the new GTS radio. To get full functionality from the system I needed to change my headset to a Harley stamped Sena. I sold the SRL and bought the H-D stamped Sena 30 K. The problem is that it is extremely difficult to install any headset apart from the SRL into the Neotec 2 helmet because of the way the helmet is designed. So you are left with a very expensive, high quality helmet exclusively paired with a out of date headset. If youre a Cardo user - youre also out of luck. Shoei isnt the only manufacturer doing this, Schuberth is doing the same thing. Im desperately trying to find a quality helmet that is not wedded to a proprietary headset - with little luck. Im actually just complaining in this post, there is no solution, it is the way it is. But, to save yourself a good deal of frustration make certain the new helmet you buy will accept the headset you want to use.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 16
From: North Texas
Have you considered the Sena Free wire and running a SRL2 through that? I know you already sold it, but from what I understand it is an option (that I am considering). Really like the idea of the integration of the Sena and the Shoei..
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
I can easily understand your frustrations. What you describe is one of the reasons I decided not to try to integrate anything with made for solutions and went the route of things being compatible only.
Not that youre likely to consider investing even more at this point, but the Arai Signet helmet and Cardo PackTalk Bold work very well together. However, I didnt care if things integrated into the GTS system.
Lastly, having more than one bike I wanted something that work on each of them.
I hope you are able to sort out something that doesnt break the bank and works as you need it to. Good luck.
Not that youre likely to consider investing even more at this point, but the Arai Signet helmet and Cardo PackTalk Bold work very well together. However, I didnt care if things integrated into the GTS system.
Lastly, having more than one bike I wanted something that work on each of them.
I hope you are able to sort out something that doesnt break the bank and works as you need it to. Good luck.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 304
From: Providence Forge, VA
Im trying to understand how the current trend in motorcycle helmets - make a proprietary headset designed to integrate into the helmet is good for the consumer. I bought a Shoei Neotec 2 helmet. I also bought the Sena SRL headset (a Sena 20s evo unit) designed to fit into the Neotec 2 helmet. Everything was fine until I upgraded my GT boom box to the new GTS radio. To get full functionality from the system I needed to change my headset to a Harley stamped Sena. I sold the SRL and bought the H-D stamped Sena 30 K. The problem is that it is extremely difficult to install any headset apart from the SRL into the Neotec 2 helmet because of the way the helmet is designed. So you are left with a very expensive, high quality helmet exclusively paired with a out of date headset. If youre a Cardo user - youre also out of luck. Shoei isnt the only manufacturer doing this, Schuberth is doing the same thing. Im desperately trying to find a quality helmet that is not wedded to a proprietary headset - with little luck. Im actually just complaining in this post, there is no solution, it is the way it is. But, to save yourself a good deal of frustration make certain the new helmet you buy will accept the headset you want to use.
Go with a Shark Evo One 2 or a Ruroc helmet. They do not have a built in communication device but they both have recessed spots inside the helmet for speaker placement.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 2,861
From: IL
This is what I did.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 920
Likes: 897
From: Upstate NY
I consider myself pretty adept with technology. I run a computer all day long, I deal with govt databases/comm systems and such, so Im no technophobe.....
For the love of all that is holy, STOP trying to make your motorcycle a rolling bluetooth wifi cell phone headset intercom multi media projector. The ONLY time Im ever truly separated from my phone is when Im riding on my 2005, pre technology Harley. I cherish the time I get away from my phone. How in the ever loving hell can you pay attention to the road while dealing with all that extra nonsense? If you want to conduct a board meeting on your ride to work, do it in your cage.
In all seriousness- it sounds like you are having a hell of a time getting all your technology to work together. At some point, it will all synch up. (it will then be obsolete 6 months afterwards) . Keep plugging away, you will eventually get it to work.
For the love of all that is holy, STOP trying to make your motorcycle a rolling bluetooth wifi cell phone headset intercom multi media projector. The ONLY time Im ever truly separated from my phone is when Im riding on my 2005, pre technology Harley. I cherish the time I get away from my phone. How in the ever loving hell can you pay attention to the road while dealing with all that extra nonsense? If you want to conduct a board meeting on your ride to work, do it in your cage.
In all seriousness- it sounds like you are having a hell of a time getting all your technology to work together. At some point, it will all synch up. (it will then be obsolete 6 months afterwards) . Keep plugging away, you will eventually get it to work.
