Helmet audio?

[RachelV]

Historically I've never listened to music while skiing, but I'd like to start. I am not a gearhead at all, so ideally you all could just tell me what helmet audio system to buy and that would be that. I am really just looking for something that's a decent value and good quality, and am willing to pay a little more for something that is well built and just works.

Which ones do you all use? Any particularly good / bad experiences with specific models? I have a Smith helmet, in case that changes things (not sure if audio / helmet tend to work best with you stick with the same brand, the way goggles / helmet of the same brand can).

 

[MissySki]

I have Outdoor Tech chips, they slip right into the zippered ear pieces of my Smith Vantage helmet. I love them!! Had them for around 8 or so years now and they just work. Last a super long time between charges, connects to my phone with bluetooth easily. I have no complaints.

I just use them for music when skiing solo at times, I don’t take calls/texts or anything with them so can’t speak to that functionality.

 

[santacruz skier]

Same as @MissySki ..... Have had them for many years but 2-3 yrs ago switched to wireless. I actually have taken calls on mine (sort of by accident)... you just press a button and answer. Never take phone out of pocket as no reason to.

 

[ski diva]

I have the Outdoor Tech chips in a Smith helmet, too, and absolutely love them. They're really simple to use and the sound quality is good. And as @santacruz skier says, you can use them to answer phone calls, which is pretty cool. Right now I'm testing a new system that combines an intercom with an audio system. I plan to review it in my blog in a week or so, so stay tuned......

 

[SallyCat]

Ditto on the chips. Just make sure your helmet earflaps have the little pockets for them.

The only downside for me is that my ears start to feel squished after a while, so I loosen my helmet strap on the chair. Oh, and they muffle people's voices a bit (when not playing music). But otherwise they are great.

 

[bsskier]

I’ve had Outdoor Tech in my Smith helmet for a few years but friend upgraded to a Smith x Aleck 006 system from the Smith site and loves the communication features.​

 

[Jilly]

Chips too. I'm only using it for communication.

 

[Peppermint]

I have Wildhorn Outfitters Alta Bluetooth helmet headphones and I love them. They fit nicely in my Smith Vantage helmet and have worked flawlessly with both music and phone calls.

 

[Ski Sine Fine]

I also have the Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 with a Smith helmet. My ears were squished, then I realized I can remove the helmet ear foam inserts. It’s been fine since. I only use it for phone calls and Siri.

 

[SallyCat]

I also have the Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 with a Smith helmet. My ears were squished, then I realized I can remove the helmet ear foam inserts. It’s been fine since. I only use it for phone calls and Siri.

OMG, that is a game-changer! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[RachelV]

This thread is going exactly how I hoped it would. I will spend 3-5 min googling reviews and then order some Outdoor Tech Chips. Thanks everyone!

 

[MissySki]

OMG, that is a game-changer! Thanks for the suggestion!

Haha I was wondering why it would be squishing your ears! Glad you got to fix that, should be much more comfortable now.

 

[santacruz skier]

OMG, that is a game-changer! Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm going to Tahoe tomorrow and my ears do feel a little squished. I thought the foam helps but now I'm removing mine!

 

[Jilly]

BTW - it was @SnowHot that told me to get them.

 

[ski now work later]

Brilliant idea to remove foam pads, I will have to try that! I bought a new Smith helmet (no incidents with the old one but I replace every 4-5 years for ultra noggin protection) and got the Alex 006 system. Haven't tried it out yet (while skiing) 'cause I haven't skied yet! I love having music available while I ski that's easy to turn down or off. I take photos of the instructions and put them in an iPhoto album for easy access so when the season starts I will know how to use them!

 

[santacruz skier]

So I removed the 4 in thick foam and omg pain went away! Thank you thank you!!!!

 

[MissySki]

If this many people had an issue with it, you should all write to the company to tell them to specify this in their instructions!

 

[lisamamot]

If this many people had an issue with it, you should all write to the company to tell them to specify this in their instructions!

lol, I am going to have to check and see if my Giro helmet has foam inserts in the ear flaps...when I got my Outdoor Tech I noticed my ears now feel a bit squished too.

 

[MissySki]

Am I the only one who was like “oh look, popping out this foam piece lets the Chip sit right inside like it was meant to be there all along??” Lol

 

[SkiGAP]

I just use plantronics backbeat FIT headphones under my helmet. Am able to press to turn them on and off, as well as going forward/back on the playlist, and answering the phone by pressing with my mittens on the outside of my hemet pads. Before testing that and seeing that it worked, I was close to getting chips...

I realize it's pretty basic, but it works, and they are the same headphones I use for working out anyway