[cc rider]

I'm new to the touring world as of last year. Bought my touring dtc in the spring and love it. I have put 12k on it with 3 trips to florida and 1 to virginia beach. I would like to go west one day but still working. Im in NY. So, Im getting ready to get a new helmet. I have a gt air that is about 6 yrs. old. I have a shoei head(intermediate oval). I know the schuberth is a great helmet too, but I would rather go with the neotec even though I'd like to try the c5.
I was also wondering about the com systems. I have watched almost every video on the helmets and the com systems. I think I'm gonna go with the neotec 3. The thing is I hate that boom in front of your mouth. You would think they would have gotten rid of that and put something smaller in for a mic. I haven't seen a way around that, is there one? Anyway, I think the cardo got the best audio quality for music which is what i want it for. Its JBL vs harmon. They are both good audio companies though. I don't ride 2up currently or in groups. i might ride 2 up , but dont see myself in large groups anytime in the future. Did that on sportbikes once and hated it. Seems like you always have to stop for others for some reason. I'm mainly referring to the packtalk edge against the newer sena (forgot the model). The one thing I love about the sena is the integration with the shoei. I know everybody is complaining about that and still gets the cardo. That annoys the heck out of me too. I think I might get the cardo because of the audio quality. Money is not an issue. But, should I go with a different model since I probably wont use many of its features and wont be in groups. I want 1) audio quality and 2) slim as possible/integration. I know there is now way around the packtalk sticking out and the mounting is a pain since you have to avoid the sun visor lever, but Ive seen it done. I have no treally looked at any other models of the com systems. Thanks

 

[crossi92]

If audio quality is that important, it is to me too, then earbuds are the only way to go. I have a NeoTec2 with the Sena SRL-Mesh because of how it integrates with the helmet. I then sent the Sena out to have a 3.5mm earbud adapter installed and got a good pair of earbuds. Audio quality can't be beat in a helmet. As far as the boom mic, I was hesitant about that since I always had sportbikes with full face helmets and the small mic attached, but it has really been a non issue, and how else are you going to get a mic to work with a modular helmet?

 

[cc rider]

If audio quality is that important, it is to me too, then earbuds are the only way to go. I have a NeoTec2 with the Sena SRL-Mesh because of how it integrates with the helmet. I then sent the Sena out to have a 3.5mm earbud adapter installed and got a good pair of earbuds. Audio quality can't be beat in a helmet. As far as the boom mic, I was hesitant about that since I always had sportbikes with full face helmets and the small mic attached, but it has really been a non issue, and how else are you going to get a mic to work with a modular helmet?

Idk I have some headphones and the mic is a small slit in the casing where the ear pads go on. You don't even see a mic. Technology today

 

[biglefti]

I have both. My Neotec II is the same age as my bike, 5 years old. I decided to replace it with the C5 because of some of the features of the 50s system that is integrated with it. I've had buyers remorse for a couple of reasons. The C5 is louder and the 50s comes with what I think is a microphone issue that SENA doesn't seem too concerned about fixing. Were I to do it over I would get the new Neotec and the SENA 20s mesh unit. YMMV

 

[ReRide]

You will find people on both sides of the comm issue, but I have always felt Cardo has a great system, and SENA has really stepped up their products as well. I use foam ear plugs and the speakers that came with the Packtalk Bold system I have. I have the Shoei NeoTec II helmet, and it seems just fine. I have never spent the money to get a good pair of ear buds, but if i could hear the general traffic noise well enough while keeping the wind noise down, I might be in for some good ear buds.

 

[micah2074]

I use Cardo. No complaints. I had a schuberth c3. It was hot. Quiet but hot. It did save my life when a grandmother decided I wasn’t occupying the space I was occupying a couple of years ago. I didn’t buy another schuberth. Only because of it being so hot.

 

[cc rider]

I use Cardo. No complaints. I had a schuberth c3. It was hot. Quiet but hot. It did save my life when a grandmother decided I wasn’t occupying the space I was occupying a couple of years ago. I didn’t buy another schuberth. Only because of it being so hot.

What did you get

 

[micah2074]

HJC rpha90. It’s definitely cooler than the schuberth. Close in quietness too. The schuberth was a nice helmet and I have no doubt it kept me alive but in the heat I suffered. The HJC was better with the Cardo install as well.

 

[cc rider]

So you have a rounder head that kept you away from shoei? I think they are close but the schuberth is a little rounder. Idk why I'm even looking. I've always had great results with shoei. The quietness is very good on the gtair and the lining is super soft and comfortable. I'm just wondering what else is out there. I know , stick to what fits best though

 

[micah2074]

I didn’t get the shoei because it was on the heavier side. At least it felt that way to me.