Review of the Element Bluetooth Helmet
#21
02-18-2009, 12:57 PM
You've obviously never ridden with my wife!
#22
02-18-2009, 01:05 PM
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Stereo Bluetooth DOES work quite nicely from the iPhone once you get that adapter plugged in. If you don't have the BT adapter, you can only get mono sound from the iPhone in Bluetooth mode (and even then, you have to trick the thing before it will play music through Bluetooth - Apple deliberately broke the Bluetooth stack because of battery drain issues). I bought a little pair of Bluetooth headphones and went through this whole rigamarole before I bought the adapter, after that it was very smooth.
As for the helmet, I'd be pleasantly surprised if it had stereo capabilities. Most Bluetooth headsets just come with the one earpiece.
I like the sound of the helmet. Intercom = good.
#23
02-18-2009, 01:06 PM
Bad, bad, bad idea. I to am a tech geek at heart, and follow the philosophy of "he who dies with the most toys wins", but I see nothing good from being able to talk on the phone while riding. I also have to keep a phone glued to my hip for work, and if it rings while I am riding, I find a place to pull over and call the person back.
#24
02-18-2009, 02:54 PM
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Heck, the iPhone doesn't support the A2DP Bluetooth profile. To get stereo Bluetooth from an iPhone you have to plug in a special adapter (which of course helps drain the battery faster).
Stereo Bluetooth DOES work quite nicely from the iPhone once you get that adapter plugged in. If you don't have the BT adapter, you can only get mono sound from the iPhone in Bluetooth mode (and even then, you have to trick the thing before it will play music through Bluetooth - Apple deliberately broke the Bluetooth stack because of battery drain issues). I bought a little pair of Bluetooth headphones and went through this whole rigamarole before I bought the adapter, after that it was very smooth.
As for the helmet, I'd be pleasantly surprised if it had stereo capabilities. Most Bluetooth headsets just come with the one earpiece.
I like the sound of the helmet. Intercom = good.
Stereo Bluetooth DOES work quite nicely from the iPhone once you get that adapter plugged in. If you don't have the BT adapter, you can only get mono sound from the iPhone in Bluetooth mode (and even then, you have to trick the thing before it will play music through Bluetooth - Apple deliberately broke the Bluetooth stack because of battery drain issues). I bought a little pair of Bluetooth headphones and went through this whole rigamarole before I bought the adapter, after that it was very smooth.
As for the helmet, I'd be pleasantly surprised if it had stereo capabilities. Most Bluetooth headsets just come with the one earpiece.
I like the sound of the helmet. Intercom = good.
Thanx
#25
02-19-2009, 09:38 AM
Road Warrior
When I'm riding I don't want to hear a phone and I'd never wear a full face cage. Safe perhaps, but kinda takes away from the true feeling of riding in the wind.
#26
07-27-2009, 10:54 AM
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Anyone know if this thing can be plugged into a cigarette lighter? I usually keep my iphone plugged in when I'm taking a long ride. I would do the same with this helmet if that's an option. If so, I just may spring for one.
#27
07-27-2009, 11:55 AM
+1 there. I spend a lot of time on call and ended up purchasing a Vemar Bluetooth for the same reason.
#28
07-27-2009, 11:56 AM
Heck, the iPhone doesn't support the A2DP Bluetooth profile. To get stereo Bluetooth from an iPhone you have to plug in a special adapter (which of course helps drain the battery faster).
Stereo Bluetooth DOES work quite nicely from the iPhone once you get that adapter plugged in. If you don't have the BT adapter, you can only get mono sound from the iPhone in Bluetooth mode (and even then, you have to trick the thing before it will play music through Bluetooth - Apple deliberately broke the Bluetooth stack because of battery drain issues). I bought a little pair of Bluetooth headphones and went through this whole rigamarole before I bought the adapter, after that it was very smooth.
As for the helmet, I'd be pleasantly surprised if it had stereo capabilities. Most Bluetooth headsets just come with the one earpiece.
I like the sound of the helmet. Intercom = good.
Stereo Bluetooth DOES work quite nicely from the iPhone once you get that adapter plugged in. If you don't have the BT adapter, you can only get mono sound from the iPhone in Bluetooth mode (and even then, you have to trick the thing before it will play music through Bluetooth - Apple deliberately broke the Bluetooth stack because of battery drain issues). I bought a little pair of Bluetooth headphones and went through this whole rigamarole before I bought the adapter, after that it was very smooth.
As for the helmet, I'd be pleasantly surprised if it had stereo capabilities. Most Bluetooth headsets just come with the one earpiece.
I like the sound of the helmet. Intercom = good.
Last edited by iceman336; 07-27-2009 at 12:57 PM.
#30
07-27-2009, 01:41 PM
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I've looked at the Element and will be seriously considering it for our next helmets.
1. 4 hour talk is pretty normal for cell phones, GPS run time, etc.
2. Being able to talk to the wife is better than tapping the knee and pointing.
3. I don't yak on the phone, but with teeanagers, a working wife, etc. sometimes they do need to get in touch while I'm out.
4. Music, GPS, etc. are Bluetooth capable so might as well take advantage of the connetivity.
5. I wear a full-face helmet anyway.
YMMV!
1. 4 hour talk is pretty normal for cell phones, GPS run time, etc.
2. Being able to talk to the wife is better than tapping the knee and pointing.
3. I don't yak on the phone, but with teeanagers, a working wife, etc. sometimes they do need to get in touch while I'm out.
4. Music, GPS, etc. are Bluetooth capable so might as well take advantage of the connetivity.
5. I wear a full-face helmet anyway.
YMMV!