Thanks all for the replies. Lot of good choices.

For now, I'm going to keep this simple with ear buds and not change the head unit. I like the intercom systems, but the choices are limited for a half helmet.

The buds that are tethered to the neck gizmo make sense to me to keep them from getting gone on the road. The Skull Candy brand looks good with decent battery life, priced right. Not sure what taking a call on the road would be like for the caller, but that's kind of a secondary thought here anyway.

Thanks again!

 

Been looking at these as well. I've been considering the JLab Epic 2. I currently use an Etymotic HF5 and has been great for sound and tuning out outside noise.

 

I use Taotronics Bluetooth Earbuds I bought off Amazon for under 50 bucks.
Noise Cancelling as well as Noise Isolation is important, you don't want to just add more noise into the mix. It allows you to enjoy the music without having to crank up the volume to the point you get ringing ears. Also reduces wind noise from the half helmet.
Mine have the cord designed to wear behind the neck with the controls a couple of inches down from the right earbud. This works well for reaching the three raised button controls. They came with three different size ear hooks and rubber pieces to get a good fit. Honestly, not good for phone while riding, but decent for music.
I wear them under earmuffs when pressure washing too.
Battery lasts a long, long time.
What ever you choose, I highly recommend Noise Cancelling as well as Noise Isolation.

 

Just a thought, I use the bluetooth with the lanyard between the two sides. just incase one falls out I might have a better chance of not losing it.

 

They also make noise canceling ...... foam (what ever they are called) to replace the ones that come with ear buds.
They work good (my desk is in a factory setting and is anything but quite).

 

i love my powerbeats2 . i have 2 pair. i think they are great and use them every day all day. a bit pricey but i love the sound and quality

 

I use Sena's SPH10H-FM with my half helmet, they have good sound with my samsung S5 phone. Your helmet has to be a true half helmet with the Y strap.

 

Illegal where I live...

http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.480

The Washington State Patrol has adopted the following laws or Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) which outline the requirements for equipment:

WAC 204-10-045 states that "hands-free cellular telephone devices may be used by motorists while driving motor vehicles as long as the use complies with RCW 46.61.667. Listening devices that include an earpiece must cover or be attached to only one ear."

WAC 204-10-021 - This law adopts the federal standards, including the standard for motorcycle helmets. WAC 204-10-021 states in part that "The Washington state patrol adopts by reference Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 571 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and any amendments thereto for vehicle equipment standards unless otherwise prescribed under state law. The FMVSS as outlined in Title 49 CFR 571 are as follows: 43. 218 - Motorcycle helmets. Therefore, in order for headphones to be approved for use on motorcycles, they should be built into a USDOT approved motorcycle helmet which is intended for use on the highway and can only cover one ear.

But to each his own...

 

More great thoughts here....thanks!

I'll look into noise cancelling for sure since I currently use foam ear plugs while riding for wind noise.