Communicators are awesome. We ride in groups so we can share our experiences with the riders closest to us. The communicators allow us to share those experiences in real time instead of trying to remember them over a cold one at the end of the day. Most communication systems also let us use our other devices like phones, GPS and music players in conjunction to have seamless integration between them all. There’s just one problem. Some of them have been known to be extremely obtrusive on the side of your helmet. They can get clunky and even create extra wind noise by messing with your helmet’s aerodynamics.
To solve this problem, many companies have gone the extra mile to eliminate those issues. Here’s a look at three motorcycle communicators that take different paths to allow you to keep your low profile while having all the advantages of the best devices.
Sena has really built a solid reputation with their line of motorcycle communicators, but the new SMH 10R is really changing the game for them. The “Jog Dial” has become so popular for users because it is incredibly easy to use. The only problem is that it makes the unit stick out from the helmet. The SMH 10R eliminates the Jog Dial completely and has low profile buttons in it its place. The battery is separated from the control unit and is mounted on the back of the helmet to cut down on size. The result is a communicator that sits tight to the helmet and almost disappears.
With the smaller size, you might be thinking that you will have to sacrifice features, but that isn’t the case with the SMH 10R. With it, you have all of the goodies that come with the best of Bluetooth. You get bike-to-bike or rider-to-passenger communication and you can even have up to a four-way intercom conference. You can also connect to your phone via Bluetooth to have hands free operation of your phone. When you have a phone call, you have the option of having it be a conference call with one other intercom participant. You can also connect to your GPS, MP3 player and other Bluetooth goodies. With the voice prompts, you never have to worry about pressing buttons. You can up to eight hours of talk time and seven days of stand-by and the unit can even be charged while in use.
This thing has many more features that won’t fit into this article and should definitely be on your communicator short list.
Nolan takes a slightly different route to achieve the most streamlined communicator. They have designed the N-Com B4 to work specifically for the Nolan N104 and N44 helmets. These helmets feature integrated mounting areas for the N-Com B communicator to mount as flush as possible. Like the Sena, the battery is separate from the control unit to give the side of your helmet a sleeker profile. Everything has a home and there is no guesswork when you go to install it onto your Nolan helmet. With the plug and play set-up, the communicator becomes part of the helmet.
This is a complete all-in-one Bluetooth communication system. That means you can connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone, GPS, MP3, bike-to-bike radio and are even able to connect to some bike’s existing audio systems. The built in radio has 6 built in presets so you can easily find the music that you want to listen to. The B4 has the conference phone call function with one other intercom participant, like the SMH 10R. If you are playing audio, it will automatically be excluded when a phone call comes in and will start up again when the phone call is done.
Of course, the drawback of this communicator is that it will only mount to the Nolan helmets, but if you are committed to the best communicator experience, the Nolan helmet and N-Com B4 communicator combination is hard to beat.
J & M Handlebar Mounted Audio System
And now for something completely different. The J & M handlebar mounted audio system might not even fit into the same category as the previous two communicators, but it is definitely worth a mention. Because it is mounted on your bars, you don’t have anything hanging off the side of your helmet. The only helmet mod needed is the microphone and speakers. With the system mounted right in front of you, you can make changes easily without fumbling on the side of your helmet. The unit is water resistant allowing you to forget about it all together, even if it starts to rain. All of the knobs and buttons were designed to be easy to use when you are wearing gloves to reduce fumbling around while riding. If you’re not a huge fan of having something on your helmet, this may be the communicator for you.
The J & M handlebar system has some unique features that most communicators will not have. One of these is the 40-channel CB radio. The kit comes with a CB antenna that mounts to your bike’s license plate. You also get a NOAA weather band radio so you will never get caught out in the worst storms. In addition to the CB radio, you get intercom communication between the rider and passenger. Also, you can connect to your favorite music device and get crystal clear audio.
The system does require you to have a corded headset, which might turn some riders off. Being tethered to the bike might be a turnoff for some riders, but the advantage of not having to mount the communicator to the helmet might be enough for you to choose it.
He continues to enjoy learning and sharing about powersports with others in his role as a Web Content Analyst and writer for Dennis Kirk, a role he's been in since 2015. You'll find articles written by Ryan that range from product overviews, how-tos, tech tips, lifestyle articles, and more.
When he's not writing about powersports, Ryan is often enjoying them himself. It doesn't matter if the machine has four wheels, two wheels, or a track, he finds enjoyment in it all.
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