Got a new Bluetooth Helmet - O'Neal Tirade

[leftfield6]

Bought a new lid today.  Okay, technically I bought it last week, but it just came in today.  Cycle Gear had it in stock in black last week, but I wanted it in White. so i waited for it to be special ordered.  I know it's few dollars cheaper on eBay and a few other discount sites than at Cycle Gear, but I like supporting a local store, even if they are a franchise of a bigger company. 

Anyway, here's a web pic of the helmet, in white it definitely has a little bit of the StormTrooper look to it.



For comparison:



In just looking it over and playing with it, I'm impressed with the level of fit and finish.  It's charging up tonight, and I'll give it a test ride tomorrow.

[JB1290]

Nice looking lid. How much did it cost?

[nodaclu]

Saw this at Cycle Gear last weekend. I'm wanting to say it was $299, but I could be wrong. I know nothing about these lids, and was fascinated by it's unusual Bluetooth capabilities and setup.

I'm anxious to hear your impressions of the helmet out on the road. I really like it in white!!

[leftfield6]

Yep, $299 it was.  O'Neal helmets have, best I was able to research, a better than average reputation for being a good solid safe helmet, so that's the most important thing, but,yes, I bought it for it's Bluetooth capabilities.

For a few different reasons, most of which involve my parents who are in their 90s, I  can't afford to be out of touch for hours at a time.  The BT helmet will enable me to stick my iPhone in the tank bag, and not be worried about being off the grid.

I know many of you want to be "off the grid" when you're riding.  I understand, and I have that desire as well, but life is life, and right now I can't afford to totally unplug. 

The BT helmet will actually help me to get more seat time, since i will now feel much better about taking the bike on longer rides.

[noahnsteph]

I have a Vega V-Tune bluetooth helmet and like it so far.  I use my cell phone as my mp3 player and just put it on shuffle.  Answering and making calls is still a work in progress. I've answered several but I'm still working out the bugs in dialing out.  It's hard to hear the other person during a call at speeds of 60+ mph but I think once I get the Rifle fairing installed that should help considerably. 

I assume you can change songs and adjust volume on yours? I think the Vega retailed at $229 but I got mine used off craigslist from a guy who's wife bought it for him online and he wore it once, decided it was too big and set it aside forgotten till it was too late to return it so I got it for $120.

[leftfield6]

So, a few weeks into, I'm digging the helmet.  Bluetooth syncs perfectly with my iPhone perfectly, AND I've added the obligatory sticker.



Side view of my Stormtrooper White helmet

[SirSeanSean]

Now you just need to update your signature.

[leftfield6]

HI all, updating my review on the Tirade helmet.

FIT- I'm getting there.  It's still forming to my head, but no uncomfortable pressure points and I've worn it up to two hours with no discomfort.  I still like my older helmet's fit better, but it's likely that I was more used to it.

FINISH - No problems at all.  It is well made, and I've had zero issues with the quality of construction or quality of parts.

VISION - Impressed with the optical clarity of the faceshield, better than my old Scorpion lid.  Good peripherally as well.

VENTILATION - So far so good, but honestly it's cooling down now here in GA, so I really haven't given it the "summer in Atlanta" torture test.  I do tend to have a worse case of "helmet hair" when I get to the office now, so take that for what it's worth.

EXTRAS - Bluetooth works as advertised, syncs with my iPhone consistently.  Music streaming is good, but sound quality is so-so.  No bass, but then again I didn't really expect any.  As for phone calls, up until about 45mph they are actually GREAT.  My SOQS says it sounds better than the Bluetooth system in my car.  Above 50 or so, the windnoise takes over, and it becomes practically unusable, which is fine.  Main thing for me is that my "distinctive rings" from my iPhone play through the helmet.  Even at 70 mph I can hear when the SOQS calls (her ringtone is a riff from Bad to the Bone) or when my parents call ( Beethovens 5th, don't know why, it just fits), or when my boss calls (Star Wars Imperial March).  Those ringtones tell me to pull over soon and check in.

So, overall, I give it 4.5 helmets on a 5 helmet scale.  (I demerit .5 helmets for seriously bad helmet hair)

[Gramprie]

I just bought this helmet as well...the blue tooth synced easily, Fm works alot better then i thought it would, and  the fit was good. havent taken it out for the road test but that should be coming in a few weeks. 

[Hangster]

Looks very much like a Bell Star , if the air flow through it is the same you'll love it .

 Very sharp looking , Nice  

[Semperfiguy]

LF6, have you considered using a throat mic? Wind noise would'nt be a factor anymore.