Sena Speaker Pockets

[pazzmore]

Very disappointed that I purchased a Sena 10S and just cannot find a good place to set the speakers inside my HJC IS-17 helmet. This is a low-cost helmet that I really like (I love the retractable sun visor), but it does not have integrated speaker pockets. Just a warning to anyone looking to get a Sena system, check your helmet first for available space.

Now, looking at the Bell Bullitt or something similar that advertises speaker pockets.. more money. Sigh.

[ITSec]

The same may be said in reverse.

If you plan to install a helmet communications system from Sena or anyone else, make a point of checking before you select your helmet. Some require much more modification than others. Other HJC helmets are well designed for such systems, particularly the Sy-Max series. In general, you have to go to mid-range rather than entry level to get these features in any helmet line (other than the premium brands).

Another good example of a problem that can be foreseen when selecting a helmet - some helmets with sun visors (Sedici for example) put the visor control slider right where Sena, Cardo and other units would normally mount.

[Sheepdog]

The HJC CL-17 has removable speaker pockets that allow speakers to be double-sided taped to the shell, vents well, has a removable liner, a Pinlock visor, is SNELL rated, and can be had for a song. If it fits (they lean toward rounder heads), this helmet is a great platform for a Sena BT system.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/helmets_and_eyewear/closed_face/hjc/cl_17_helmet.html

[wrbix]

Don't know that helmet, but styrofoam is easy to cut.

[pazzmore]

Don't know that helmet, but styrofoam is easy to cut.

I've been considering this. Razor blade? What's the best technique/tool for the job?

[pazzmore]

The HJC CL-17 has removable speaker pockets that allow speakers to be double-sided taped to the shell, vents well, has a removable liner, a Pinlock visor, is SNELL rated, and can be had for a song. If it fits (they lean toward rounder heads), this helmet is a great platform for a Sena BT system.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/helmets_and_eyewear/closed_face/hjc/cl_17_helmet.html

Sheepdog, my GF has that helmet and there are no speaker pockets that I can find... am I missing something?

[Sheepdog]

Your photo includes an ear pocket between the liner snaps (red). The liner has a flap that will cover the speakers.

[pazzmore]

Sheep,

I guess we're talking about different things. I'm referring to an actual pocket indentation for the speaker instead of just a pocket for your ear.

[Sheepdog]

That is definitely more "purpose-built," but there appears to be room in either.

[ITSec]

I guess we're talking about different things. I'm referring to an actual pocket indentation for the speaker instead of just a pocket for your ear.

There's positives and negatives to having the indentation already formed into the styrofoam. It does make installation simpler, but it places the speaker where the 'average' ear is positioned. Since helmet speakers are so position-sensitive in terms of volume and clarity, the pre-formed position may or may not suit you. Use it as a starting point, but don't be reluctant to try moving the speaker forward or back as required to get the best sound.

[Groover]

There's positives and negatives to having the indentation already formed into the styrofoam. It does make installation simpler, but it places the speaker where the 'average' ear is positioned. Since helmet speakers are so position-sensitive in terms of volume and clarity, the pre-formed position may or may not suit you. Use it as a starting point, but don't be reluctant to try moving the speaker forward or back as required to get the best sound.

 :1:

[Testarossa]

We paid about $100 for Gail's HJC CL16. The Sena speakers fit very nicely, held on the surface of the ear-pocket fabric by the thin velcro-style fastener provided by Sena.

[Bisbonian]

I too like to have the pockets in the hard foam of the helmet rather than just tucked in under the liner.
On the helmets I have tried without the pockets I can feel the speakers on my ears. Maybe not a big deal for a jog across town but it begins to hurt on extended rides.
I've been using Scorpion helmets for the past few years and all those I've worn had the pockets cut out in the foam. My GT3000 had plugs installed which I did not see at first.
It is likely the pockets are not in the exact right place for best sound, but they are close enough.

[pazzmore]

It is likely the pockets are not in the exact right place for best sound, but they are close enough.

My thoughts exactly. I'd rather the speakers be close than no speaker at all. My temporary solution is to use tiny earbuds plugged into the Sena. Not ideal, but it works.

[pazzmore]

I pulled the trigger on the Bullitt and love the thing. It took a little bit of TLC, but here's how I made it work best for me:

I have ears that stick out and this helmet was hell at first to put on and take off. Also it gave me a red ring (Payton Manning style) on the forehead after using it. I've fixed that.
1) I've learned how to put on/remove the helmet. Unlike my other helmets, this one requires putting on one side at a time. Turn the helmet at a slight angle and slide one ear in at a time. Then reach in and adjust them if needed before buckling.
2) There are two snaps on the front of your helmet liner for the forehead. Remove them if they cause discomfort. They just slide out. (Save em for later in case.) Then, you need to work the edge of the styrofoam liner with your thumbs. Just push on the edge and remove the sharpness from it. You won't be able to put much of a dent in it, but enough to smooth that edge out that sits against your forehead.
3) I've also (do at own risk) carved out the speaker indentations a little more for my Sena speakers. I found the speakers still hit my ears so I traced the speaker and then carefully removed a little bit more of the foam with an X-acto blade. Maybe 1/16".

ALSO... the new helmet REEKed of chemicals: it was the Bell logo patch on the top of the liner. To remove the smell, take some saddle soap to it and rub like hell until the cloth no longer comes up black. Then let it air dry and the smell will go away. I couldn't breathe mine was so strong.

Really comfy helmet. I will say, it doesn't feel as safe as my full face HJC, but i think that's because the field of vision is soooo much larger. This helmet actually allows one to eat or drink without removing. Also, glasses work well with the helmet.

some pics:
http://imgur.com/a/KIMvC

[Rusnak_322]

I used to get headaches with my Icon helmet. Hurt right at the front of my forehead. I used a big socket - like 35mm and just rolled the foam to give clearance. went from painful after 20 mins to all day good.

I had to replace the sena speakers in the helmet - I had a bad connection that would cut off the speakers randomly. Now I cannot get the speakers to not kill my ears. Again, I used to be able to wear the helmet 10 hrs a day with zero issues and now it kills after 10 mins. I moves them all around, and they are the exact same as what I took out. any tips to fix this will be appreciated. the Icon has a small ear pocket in the liner, I may try cutting that out and sticking the speaker right on the Styrofoam.

[pazzmore]

I think you need to use the Velcro (or thin double sided tape) and go directly onto the styrofoam. Don't cut those pockets out, use them as padding between your ears and the speakers. If that still doesn't fit right, break out the razor and make the mod that I did (at your own risk).