Rubs chin thoughtfully.
This is a discussion on Let's talk earbuds/headphones for cruising! within the Cruisers forums, part of the Bike Talk category; Rubs chin thoughtfully....
Rubs chin thoughtfully.
I read an article about electric cars that were so quiet they had pa systems to play road noise to alert drivers of thier presence
In related news. I just picked up a set of Skullcandy Smokin' Buds for next to nothing ($11.00). I was in line w/Mrs. Intimid8er at Marshall's, Bell's, or something like that (they all blend together, especially when they're in the same plaza), and I spied the Skullcandy logo. This pair had an inline mic for phone use as well.
I already have Skullcandy products so I know what to expect. I checked the hz range on the back and realized they're not going to be a loud bud. When I got home, I tried them out. At first, I was skeptical, sounded like crap. My Sc Ink'd series sounded better. Didn't see what all the fuss was about these things. They didn't fit right. They were sliding out of my ears sitting still. Then I realized I had them in my jug handles all wrong. Took 'em out switched sides of my head and.........................................freaki n' wow! An amazing difference.
Bein' that they fit right into the ear, I'd never wear them inside a helmet. They isolate too much, but, they immerse you in the sound. However, I wouldn't dare wear them on a ride.
All that aside, a couple of weeks ago, I did notice in my local Cycle Gear store, that they had a Blue Tooth enabled helmet for $119. I tried it on. A little snug (@ XL size), and potentially a hot spot for me at the top of my head, but it seemed to be a decently built piece for the price. No Shoei, that's for sure, but to have built in radio/bluetooth functionality for that price.....I'd considered buying it, deconstructing the guts, and rebuilding it in the Shoei.
I bought a set of speakers that mount on the handlebars and I hook my mp3 player up to it. I got it on ebay last christmas 2010. Works great for riding to work but on the highway at 80 mph it's kinda hard to hear. I think it is much more enjoyable to hear the music while riding. I work with a guy that teaches the msf courses and he uses earbuds all of the time.
I bought JVC earbuds with ear hooks ($10 WM) because I couldn't keep my ipod buds in when I put on my helmet. If the JVC's come off when I put on my helmet, they are a pain to get back in. They work well without a helmet when wearing shades because no one will know that your wearing buds. I also bought some cheap helmet speakers on ebay and purchased a rechargeable plug in amp ($20) on ebay that's about the size of a Nano because the speakers weren't loud enough alone. That works ok except for low volume moments in songs. Then you have to use your imagination to play in your head until the volume picks up. Both choices still allow road noises so I'm not deaf on the road but I can't hear my wife talk to me at stops which isn't all that bad.