I state that the market offers a fairly wide choice of helmets already equipped with integrated intercom systems, even with discrete if not excellent features.

While the external mount intercom market we have a much more variable choice, models, price, performance.

I state, helmets with integrated intercom are certainly more beautiful not having the external unit visible.

Intercom for motorcycles integrated in the helmet.

Positive points intercom integrated into the helmet.

  1. Aesthetic factor.
  2. Aerodynamics.
  3. Acoustics. *

Negative points intercom integrated into the helmet.

  1. Price.
  2. Constraint.
  3. Longevity.
  4. Performance - functions.
  5. Warranty - assistance.

We begin to see the positive points:

Aesthetic factor as per the premise are certainly more beautiful, designed to accommodate a dedicated intercom.

Aerodynamics, the helmets are designed and tested in the wind tunnel already with the provision for an intercom, thus minimizing aerodynamic interference, essentially quieter at high speeds.

Acoustics, the intercom devices being designed for a helmet model do not neglect the correct positioning of the earphones, consequently they have an excellent acoustic performance.

* if we are talking about very expensive models.

Negative points:

Price, they cost a lot in relation to the model and / or performance of the integrated intercom, this is deliberately studied by the manufacturers of Bluetooth communication systems, as the manufacturers of helmets do not build intercoms for motorcycles, but with commercial agreements with the manufacturers of intercoms study one or two components to be integrated into their helmets, but which are not and never will be the TOP of the range, but the price you will pay for the integrated intercom will be the same as the top of the range with external mounting.

Constraint, by purchasing an integrated model you are bound to keep the same helmet for years as you are bound not to leave the helmet in the motorcycle if you go for a walk, even to recharge the system we must bring the helmet near a power outlet or use a powerbank.

Longevity, an integrated system has a rather short life, as it is an integral part of the helmet, which as we all know has greater wear, even the fact that you often change helmet model, either by color or type of helmet.

Performance - functions, this is a purely economic relationship, at the same price as an excellent integrated system we find a mid-range model of intercom systems with external mounting.

Warranty - assistance , this aspect could ruin our holiday, the integrated systems are normally sold directly by the helmet manufacturer, structurally they are built "all in one" in the sense that all the components are connected together without having the possibility of being able to them replace. Normally only the microphone has a connector connection so you can replace it. This problem means that for a simple failure, the entire helmet must be sent for assistance.

There are many other negative aspects that will be described in the positive considerations of non-integrated intercom systems.

Intercom for motorcycles with external unit.

Positive points intercom with outdoor unit.

  1. Price.
  2. Longevity.
  3. Constraint.
  4. Performance - functions.
  5. Acoustics.
  6. Modulability.
  7. Warranty - assistance
  8. Distribution

Negative points intercom with outdoor unit.

  1. Aerodynamics.
  2. Aesthetics.

Positive points intercom outdoor unit:

Price, much cheaper than integrated systems with the same characteristics. With a greater choice between brands and models.

Longevity, we have customers who have been using the same intercom model for over 10 years, despite having replaced several helmet models. I do not deny that this factor greatly benefits us in the sale of audio kits and related accessories, in order to adapt or improve the intercom system in possession.

Constraint, The trend of motorcycle communication tends more and more towards communications between conference motorcyclists, whether they are two motorcycles or four or larger groups. For over five years, systems for the motorcycle conference of the four famous brands have been marketed, correct communication takes place only and always between the same brand, (example, Cardo speaks with Cardo, Midland speaks with Midland, Interphone speaks with Interphone, Sena speaks with Sena) so if we are approaching conference communication before purchasing an intercom system we must investigate the systems in the possession of our friends which can be Sena, Interphone, Midland or Cardo and adapt to their brand and their system or higher. Furthermore, the possibility of being able to remove the external unit brings considerable advantages including recharging the unit without wearing a helmet, leaving the helmet in the motorcycle (if it is stolen you have saved 70% of the value of the intercom) and last but not least the possibility to carry out periodic maintenance refills in the winter period, without having bulky helmets inside the house.

Performance - functions, with the same model of integrated intercom or external unit, the external units have greater characteristics, more autonomy, a greater communication distance.

Acoustics, even if good integrated systems have excellent acoustics, we can also get it with external unit systems, now all manufacturers provide simple accessories that are used to improve assembly and obtain high acoustic performance, as well as earphones in very very lending trade.

Modularity, With intercom systems with external units we can have 5 or more helmets and always use the same intercom, or we only change the helmet but the intercom always remains the same.

Guarantee - assistance, much better, leaner and you won't be left without a helmet, and the advantage of the availability of spare parts for products out of guarantee. Try to see if any of the integrated systems can find spare parts? What if it breaks after two years?

Distribution, global spread all over the world.

Negative points:

Aerodynamics , regardless of the intercom model with external unit, there are noisy and less noisy ones, but the fact remains that some aerodynamic rustling is heard, then a lot depends on the soundproofing of the helmet.

Aesthetics, here too we have some good and bad ones, long-limbed and bulky, but there are always appendages applied to the helmet.

In conclusion they are all excellent products, it mainly depends on how deep your pockets are $, economically speaking the external system wins over everything, but if this is not a problem the integrated system is more beautiful :)