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Bluetooth for wired earplugs
- Thread starter 88bmwjeff
- Start date
Excellent point! FWIW, my Cardo Freedom 4+ has never run out of charge while on 18hr rides with streaming music most of the time. Same as my original very old Cardo's.
I tried plugfones but found S-Plugs much better quality! My plugfones tips wore out in less than a month. I will say that plugfone customer service is top notch. They sent me a package of tips quickly when I inquired about them wearing out and they offer a military discount. S plug does not.
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88bmwjeff
SF Bay Area
This point is well taken. With my phone attached to the bike, I didn't want to be tethered to my bike via the short cord on the earbuds. Plus, with the headset plug gone from most phones I would have to choose between the USB charging cable and earbuds.
No need to worry about charging and plugging in earphones at the same time. You can plug both in at once.
Iphone
https://www.imore.com/how-charge-your-iphone-and-listen-headphones-same-time
Android
https://www.androidcentral.com/best-usb-c-headphone-adapter
You can also get a wireless charger on the bike and then plug the earphones in. I use the Quadlock wireless charger. Of course neither of these will keep you from not being tethered to the phone. But.the options are available.
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Cardo + Splugs (wired ear buds)
I use Cardo devices and Splugs (wired ear buds.) Any wired ear bud would work, but most wouldn't be as small and comfortable as Splugs in a helmet. I have never installed any speakers in my current helmet, due to having too much road noise with a number of past speakers, now just plug my Splugs into the Cardo device, which has compatible plugs. Then, I use Cardo device as the hub for all other Bluetooth devices (GPS, phone, etc.) I have an R1200GS. My riding buddy with an RT, also uses Splugs, but he has a more complicated and troublesome connection that uses the bike's Bluetooth as central (because the RT has satellite radio, etc.) He has trouble with volume from the various connected devices.
Obviously a custom, professionally made ear bud would be optimal, but the Splugs work well enough. I tried some other cheaper ear buds but they were not as good. Splugs, at around $100, are ridiculously overpriced, but they work. That's the American way, supply and demand, sell something for as much as people are willing to pay for it. I have had a couple sets. The wires break after a while.
I use Cardo devices and Splugs (wired ear buds.) Any wired ear bud would work, but most wouldn't be as small and comfortable as Splugs in a helmet. I have never installed any speakers in my current helmet, due to having too much road noise with a number of past speakers, now just plug my Splugs into the Cardo device, which has compatible plugs. Then, I use Cardo device as the hub for all other Bluetooth devices (GPS, phone, etc.) I have an R1200GS. My riding buddy with an RT, also uses Splugs, but he has a more complicated and troublesome connection that uses the bike's Bluetooth as central (because the RT has satellite radio, etc.) He has trouble with volume from the various connected devices.
Obviously a custom, professionally made ear bud would be optimal, but the Splugs work well enough. I tried some other cheaper ear buds but they were not as good. Splugs, at around $100, are ridiculously overpriced, but they work. That's the American way, supply and demand, sell something for as much as people are willing to pay for it. I have had a couple sets. The wires break after a while.
88bmwjeff
SF Bay Area
Thanks about the Cardo devices suggestions, I will look into them. FYI, I love my custom-made earbuds with speakers. The custom earbuds block out so much road noise that the volume level is usually at or near the lowest setting. Plus, there's no issue about them fitting into a helmet. I think they're well worth the money.
michaelcurrin
Member
I also use the Cardo system with wired earbuds, usually vintage Etomotic ER 6s or Shure 425s. Been very pleased with that setup. Either set of earbuds cut out enough outside noise I can set the volume while stopped and leave it alone at speed. Also use the 425s when mowing and could probably work as shooting hearing protection.
I used the Shure 425's. They do sound great but the wire that wraps around the ears eventually broke from daily usage. Luckily, you can buy replacement wires as they detach from the speakers and those wore out too.
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kbasa
Well-known member
I used Etymotics for ages, but later moved to a Cardo system on my Schuberth, then to a Sena system in my Shoei. I wear earplugs and the sound is fine. Is it audiophile quality? No. Can I hear it without blasting it? Yes. Add in a remote control on the left bar and I have complete control over my music from my left grip.
I like that it's one less item to manage. I charge my phone and my helmet at night and even on long days, I've not had either go dead.
Charging my helmet or earphones while riding? Uh, no. I got rid of a perfectly fine Autocom when I had the opportunity to eliminate a tether that was connected to my head.
Either system, Cardo or Sena, is fine. Music sounds great and being able to talk with my wife without yelling is good for domestic bliss.
But for me, no more corded headsets or earplugs.
Also, y'all carry your phone in your pocket in the event you go off and the bike is a ways from you and you're injured and need to call someone, right? Being able to initiate two way conversation from your helmet even in non-emergency situations is a huge benefit. Example: Stop for gas, browse hotels on your phone, hit the phone number and make a reservation without having to take all your crap off of your head. Also, if you have a co-rider, they can do the same from the back seat while you're tooling down the road. My wife used to like to talk to her mom on long hauls from the back seat of our RT.
I like that it's one less item to manage. I charge my phone and my helmet at night and even on long days, I've not had either go dead.
Charging my helmet or earphones while riding? Uh, no. I got rid of a perfectly fine Autocom when I had the opportunity to eliminate a tether that was connected to my head.
Either system, Cardo or Sena, is fine. Music sounds great and being able to talk with my wife without yelling is good for domestic bliss.
But for me, no more corded headsets or earplugs.
Also, y'all carry your phone in your pocket in the event you go off and the bike is a ways from you and you're injured and need to call someone, right? Being able to initiate two way conversation from your helmet even in non-emergency situations is a huge benefit. Example: Stop for gas, browse hotels on your phone, hit the phone number and make a reservation without having to take all your crap off of your head. Also, if you have a co-rider, they can do the same from the back seat while you're tooling down the road. My wife used to like to talk to her mom on long hauls from the back seat of our RT.
Nope, mine is mounted. But I do carry an InReach in my pocket. That stays activated all year as I go hiking in no cell service Appalachians quite often.
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I bought Cardo Palktalks last summer for my wife and I. We both wear custom ear bubs.
As for running out of battery I bought a small battery pack, called a cell phone charger. When we stop for lunch I grab the battery pack, and couple USB cables and recharge the Cardos. Also the Cardos can be used while charging so I can stuff the battery in a jacket pocket and run the USB cable up to my helmet and recharge on the fly, although I have not had too. I keep the battery pack, a wall wort USB adapter and the USB cables in a small pouch so it is all handy when I want it.
As for running out of battery I bought a small battery pack, called a cell phone charger. When we stop for lunch I grab the battery pack, and couple USB cables and recharge the Cardos. Also the Cardos can be used while charging so I can stuff the battery in a jacket pocket and run the USB cable up to my helmet and recharge on the fly, although I have not had too. I keep the battery pack, a wall wort USB adapter and the USB cables in a small pouch so it is all handy when I want it.
