Helmet Communication Systems Roundup

Powersports adventures are even better when they are shared with family and friends. One of the best ways to share an experience is to be connected by a helmet communications system.

Whether you are on a motorcycle or a snowmobile, driving a side-by-side or riding an ATV, there are now a bunch of sophisticated options for helmet communications systems to help you stay in communication with your passengers and fellow riders in your group.

One of the primary benefits of connected riding is safety. Riders in a connected group can help alert each other to obstacles and adverse conditions. Experienced riders can help set a safe pace, and offer real-time feedback to less experienced riders. In the event of an accident or crash, riders can quickly rally to help the downed rider.

Another benefit is helping to keep the group together. Lead riders can communicate upcoming turns, even if the group gets strung out beyond visual contact. This can be especially helpful in the snow and in the desert, where visibility is frequently compromised by whiteouts or dust clouds.

Perhaps the best benefit is the added fun in communicating. You can point out a beautiful mountain vista, or a cool rock formation, or a herd of deer in the distance. You can share jokes and conversation. You can use your helmet communication system to pipe in your own personal soundtrack. It’s up to you.

Here are a few of the best options I’ve found for helmet communications systems.

Cardo Systems Packtalk Bold

Packtalk Bold is a unit that mounts on the outside of your helmet, with in-helmet speakers and a microphone. It uses a technology called Deep Mesh Communication (DMC) to connect to other riders’ Packtalk Bold units. You can connect up to 15 riders in a mesh, giving you intercom communication for up to 1 mile between riders and up to 5 miles for the whole group. It’s simple to set up a mesh, and riders can leave and rejoin easily, without having to reset the whole mesh. Packtalk Bold can also communicate with other Bluetooth-enabled helmet communicators, even those from other makers – though not in DMC mode. The system uses hands-free voice command operation, and features Bluetooth smartphone pairing, FM radio, and JBL sound for superior stereo audio reproduction. Individual units list for $339.95.

Sena 30K

Another excellent communicator that mounts on any helmet, the Sena 30K intercom uses a mesh-network system similar to the Cardo Systems model with the capability of adding up to 16 riders in a five-mile range. Additionally, the 30K can create a mesh within a one-mile range with unlimited riders – great for a big group ride, tour or instruction session. The 30K can also pair with Bluetooth headsets, and can communicate with both the mesh and Bluetooth participants at the same time. Phone, FM radio, GPS prompts and music playing capability round out the feature list. Individual units list for $329.00.

J&M Elite BT-04

J&M Corporation is one of the oldest purveyors of helmet communications systems. Their latest universal unit for full-face helmets is the J&M Elite BT-04. Like the Cardo and Sena units, it mounts on the outside of the helmet, with speakers and a microphone inside. The BT-04 is a Bluetooth headset, capable of joining mesh communications with Sena and Cardo, and also communicating with most other Bluetooth units. You can connect your smartphone to it with Bluetooth, or a music player via an AUX input. Individual units list for $339.99.

Beyond these established, trusted brands, there are plenty of other options – some less expensive, some more expensive. Installation is pretty similar and straightforward with each of these systems, and most don’t require any permanent alteration to your helmet. It shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, if you’re handy. You can also move the system back and forth between helmets it desired – you can even buy extra mounts, speakers and microphones to make the swap a snap, if you’re a multi-helmet guy like me.

You can also find some vendors and brands who sell helmets that come with a Bluetooth communication system already installed or even built-in. Just be careful that you’re getting a good-quality DOT-approved helmet along with the electronics. After all, communication is secondary to helmet safety.