Reddit mentions: The best powersports helmet accessories

One neat thing about Scalas is that you can buy another microphone/headset (without the radio) for $60USD or so. So buy two more, that way you only have to mount the headsets once on each helmet. Then you can just swap the radios into place. Make sure you get the spare headsets that work for your radios.

The way we handle it is, when a swap is coming up, the radio operator puts his radio onto the outgoing driver's helmet. The outgoing driver handles the last lap or two on the radio. Incoming driver gives his radio to the radio operator once he's in.

Things to let your drivers know about:

• If you're on the same lap as the next team, what their kart number is and whether you're gaining, how far ahead they are, by how much, etc.
  
• When they're about to be passed for position. Make sure your driver understands the difference between driving the defensive line and just blocking and shenanigans. But knowing you're in a battle for position is one of the very enjoyable things about these kinds of races. It should happen less and less further into the race, but ever now and then you're in a battle for the third step on your last stint and it's the greatest thing.
  
• Let them know when they're going to be overtaken, especially when the leaders are coming up. How big the pack is that's coming is also useful.
  
  Keep your eyes on your driver, and try to avoid distracting them in challenging situations, like when they are picking their way through some backmarkers might not be the right time to tell them their lap time. Some drivers won't even want to know their times, and only want warnings about stuff behind them. Others get bored and want to talk.
  
  Spend some time practicing how to power up a pair of radios, get them synchronized and operating. Get your radios sync'd 15-30 minutes before you need to go out, in case there's trouble. Nothing more frustrating than that.
  
  You probably won't be the only one there with Scalas. Apply permanent marker gratuitously all over them. Mine have my team name in like five different places, including several that are too small for fingers to touch usually.
  
  Other things to think about:
  
  Shelving - bring some collapsible metal wire shelves, or some other form of shelving. Tie-wrap it to your tent posts or whatever they give you. Nothing like having a place to rest your helmet.
  
  Staying dry - try to make sure everyone has a rain suit. Look for waterproof shoe or boot covers, bring extra shoes and socks. Extra gloves, or those nice waterproof alpinestars karting gloves. Bring two suits if you have them, your first one will be pretty nasty by the second half of the race even if it doesn't rain.
  
  Driver identification - sure, the track will be lit (one hopes), but it's nice to have some LED armbands or something that you can put on your driver so you can pick them out of the field.
  
  Comfort - make sure there is plenty of food and beverage and places to sit down for everybody and any friends that drop by.
  
  Intel - if you have enough people with enough time, you can keep an eye on what the competition has done, what their pit strategy looks like, are they saving stops until the end of the race, etc. If kart swaps are allowed, you can have people try and keep track of which chasses are faster and when they are available to swap into, though if everybody does this is becomes kind of a mad scramble whenever the fastest karts come in and can result in unpleasantness.
  
  And just to reiterate, know the rules and have good plans to follow them. If there are weight minimums, always have a little padding. Know the maximum stint lengths and get your drivers in before they go over. Some teams bring kitchen timers and set them as soon as the driver comes in. Know what is expected on pit-in and pit-out - you don't want to blow past a stop point on pit-in and lose a lap. Make sure your radio operator talks the drivers through things, their brains won't always be in pit-in mode coming off a 30-45 minute stint.
  
  Enjoy yourselves!

> the wife won't let me run an extension cord out the window for overnight charging.

Time for a new wife.

> How do I keep my head warm but avoid helmet fogging?

I once had a nice pair of ski goggles that were dual-paned, separated by a thin layer of EPDM (or something similar), with vents at the top, and bottom. Worked wonderfully when I was winter-biking. Something like this

> Are there good self-powered battery tenders I could hook the bike up to overnight to keep the battery topped off?

Battery performance diminishes with lower temps. Possible to add a booster terminal for a LiPo booster-pack?

> Am I putting too much stress on the starter?

I'm pretty sure the duty cycle for starters are based upon dissipation of heat (although there is probably wear&tear from friction). IIRC you want to avoid keeping it running for extended periods.

> Should I run a different oil to improve cold-weather lubrication?

Yes I think you'd want a lighter oil (the latter number in the oil mix should be -20, as -30 might still be at the edge of your usage range)

Just to piggyback off of that, I use [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521306631&sr=8-6&keywords=etymotic) for practice when playing music. These are $5 more than the standard fit ones, but worth it as you can try out three interchangeable ear pieces for the right fit. I had the same brand for a while, but upgraded to these because whatever, $25 is worth it. Also you don't get a bunch of bass muffle like the standard foam cheap ones. Strongly recommend from experience. Funny thing is that I had planned on going to IMAX for the movie and decided on bringing those now just in case based off of your comment. Thanks!

Etymotic and Shure Earphones, I think the Flange is the best thing they make. Wet it slightly with your mouth and stick it in.

The half-circle foam compression things, unless you have ears that perfectly fit their 3 sizes, you're gonna start having pain after a few hours. Flange is passive enough to not cause pain.

Also, flange isn't the most sound isolating but I'd argue on the open road, you don't want to isolate every sound. It's good to let some in.

Another positive to the flanges, the foam ones need to be replaced every 3-12 months depending on how often you wear the earphones. The flanges just need to be regularly cleaned and they will last a very long time.

---

For people who just want good ear-plugs, Etymotic has great ones - https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505766767&sr=8-5&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

My first set of gear was the First Gear Kathmandu jacket,pants and boots. The pants and boots lasted about one season. I got leaks in the toe and crotch...not worth the money.

I decided to upgrade before last winter and went with the Rev'it Neptune 2 jacket and pants, TCX gtx boots, and Rev'it Kodiak gloves. For as much as it rains in the winter and spring here I find the Gore-Tex worth the extra money. The thermal layer in the Neptune suit is ample and I never found my body or legs cold while riding at 0530 in temps at about 32-34F. However, I did find that my fingertips would get chilled. I do use heated grips and have Bark Busters to cut the wind but the low 30's is cold no matter what. I must note that the TCX boots are also solid and quite warm my toes were only chilled once last winter.

Besides the typical riding gear I'd recommend a pin-lock visor. The damp and foggy mornings can be a bit rough and if it wasn't for my pin-lock I'd have been blind. I also recommend buying a thumb squeegee. These do nicely! I'll further recommend wearing Under Armor cold gear or something like it. A good base layer is, imho, essential to winter comfort.

​

Edit:: My NUMBER ONE piece of gear is my merino wool buff. I never ride without it. Keeps the neck and face warm in the winter and wicks away sweat in the summer. Worth every penny!

I used to praise Sena products, but lately I have become aware of significant design/engineering flaws. I will probably never buy another Sena product. My current Sena is on its last legs, battery only holds about 2 hours of charge, if I don't use the comms function, only music (Bluetooth).

It seems the most popular non-Sena product these days is the Cardo scala

This is nice as it uses "walkie-talkie" technology, and the range is amazing. Specs say range is about 5 miles, but I was on a trip last summer, and someone was using it from 14 miles away, although there was direct line of sight. My Sena is good for about 900 feet, but only with direct line of sight.

Well I accept the fact that I'm going to have to take my helmet off for certain things. My solution was find a way to remove the helmet without removing the gloves. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MQCY7C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 fit the bill nicely. Thankfully I haven't had an accident test, but it's held up well to a year of use so far. The actual engagement is metal on metal inside of a plastic sheath. Overall I'm confident that in the event that helmet meets pavement, this won't be my failure point.

> Details? That's a great idea.

I put these: http://www.amazon.com/Tork-Motorcycle-Helmet-Speakers-Control/dp/B004I6HOQA?ie=UTF8&keywords=helmet%20speakers&psc=1&qid=1465496317&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2-spons

They get rid of the tinny highs, and give better bass (not crazy, but good enough). And pretty clear up to about 60 mph in my Arai.

I just spliced the existing speakers, and soldered in these. You may also be able to use the 1/8" adapter to hook them up, but I haven't had any problems after soldering mine!

Disposable earplugs are ok, but I got these and they were well worth it over the disposable ones. You'll be able to hear distinct noises better than foam ones (like car horns), but wind noise is reduced to a comfortable level and not overwhelming.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Def-Motorcycle-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484201583&sr=8-4&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

Oh, and get something to wipe your face shield with. I have a pair of Held gloves that have a wiper built in but I also have some that slip over any glove that work well.

Frogg Toggs are great. I wear them over my ridiculously expensive BMW gear because they're cheap, easy to put on, and just plain work. I have a larger set that I wear over a back pack.

Get some Rok Straps and you can secure stuff to the pillion. Maybe even a luggage rack.

Well just my 2 cents, I bought the Torx speakers off Amazon, $70. 3M adhesive to stick it inside the helmet, they're super thin and have great bass for such tiny speakers. Then I just taped a cheap waterproof mp3 player to the outside of my helmet. I just switched from earbuds cause they'd always shift and fall out. But hey, whatever floats your goat. I could throw up a picture if you want to see what I'm talking about.

Edit: Here's the speakers, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421344123&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Shop press 11 grand, totally worth it

Single shield screw 10 grand, so should not be.

A good dish rack priceless...to me :)

Over 10K? Fancy!

These are the ones I have. I like the foam eat tips the best, and they are pretty discrete. If you want them to be more discrete you can take off the plastic pull tab. And it has an additional cord to attach if you want to keep them together.

I bought this for my Icon Alliance best $7 I've spent on my helmet! You might need to tweak/cut it a bit, I had to as well. It's pretty universal.
http://www.amazon.com/Icon-Chin-Curtain-Variant-Helmets/dp/B0068EO8CI/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

You should consider Frequency reduction values table. I made a little research on this theme, asking vendor for the frequency tables. Here is the table for ~$20-30 earplugs for musicians:

Vendor \ Average reduction Value | 125 HZ | 250 HZ | 500 HZ | 1000HZ | 2000HZ | 4000HZ | 8000HZ
---------|----------|----------|---------|--------|--------|---------|---------
Crioxen Earplugs | 15.1 | 15.4 | 17.1 | 19.9 | 26.9 | 17.7 | 29.9
ER20XS Earplugs | 14.5 | 14.2 | 17.1 | 21.1 | 25.3 | 20.5 | 23.3
Eargasm Earplugs | 14.7 | 14.8 | 16.8 | 20.3 | 24.3 | 21.4 | 25.7
Reverbs Earplugs | 14.1 | 13.9 | 15.2 | 18.7 | 22.2 | 18.3 | 22.1
LiveMus!c Earplugs | 13.5 | 13.5| 14.5 | 17.9 | 23.1 | 18.2 | 20.1
Surefire Defenders | 12.7 | 12.9 | 13.2 | 16.8 | 19.9 | 19.2 | 19.1

It can help to prevent .
You can find some other comparison for earplugs for gigs.

Well kind of like sunglasses, HJC dark smoke helmet shield

Easy to swap in/out of my helmet, amazing for commuting when riding into the sun, don't even think about it. Cheap too for $24.

I live in Seattle and ride every day there isn't snow on the ground, which is most days, so that means a lot of riding in the rain.

I run Dunlop Q3's. Fantastic tires, really sticky, even in the rain. Mine have 5000+ miles on them and still look pretty good, but all I do is commute and don't ride very aggressively.

You'll also want to think about your helmet fogging up. Some brands of helmet don't fog much in the rain and cold. I have a Shoei that just looks at a puddle and fogs up, so I got a Pinlock insert for it, which works pretty great. I find that just turning my head to clear my visor is absolutely useless at speeds less than 60 mph, so I highly recommend gloves with a built-in visor wiper, or something like this you can add to your existing gloves. I DON'T recommend Rain-X or something on visor because depending on what it's made of, it could ruin it.
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Accessories-Finger-Visor/dp/B0022ZJTKS

Riding in the rain is not so different from driving in the rain. Just go a little more slowly, leave plenty of braking distance, and start braking earlier than normal. You don't have to avoid puddles, especially if they're only half an inch deep. The narrower profile of motorcycle tires actually makes hydroplaning less likely compared to a car, but you should still slow down a little.

The most important thing is warm, waterproof gear. If you're shivering and unable to concentrate or properly control the clutch and brake levers, that's far worse than bad tires or a foggy helmet.

I've been happy with the basic and cheap music (also intercom) system I'm posting below. I don't need intercom but wanted music. Cant beat $50 that works well.
I also decided to go the budget route for a cam system. I wanted something that would automatically record when I ride as I didn't want to have to think about it or run out of space on something that doesn't erase it. And I figure for insurance I should have front and back. I can't vouch for it as I get the system today. But the reviews are good. Just my two cents on a couple of things to think about on the camera front. Link below too for what I got.
Sound : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYSN5VC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Dash Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H3RPSDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AibyDbW5SP8QZ

i've been rocking these for a couple years now.
For $30, it's pretty stellar bang for your buck. I go to lots of club shows, raves and music festivals so these have been an absolute god send.

Money well spent. Perfectly legal as they're in-helmet "speakers", not headphones. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA?pc_redir=1406505215&robot_redir=1

They are a necessity. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

You'll be able to hear more with earplugs as your hearing won't be as distorted due to how ungodly fucking loud shows are.

I just got these.
They don't muffle the treble and mids, but saves your hearing as long as you're not right in front of the monitors.

I like having the foam tips due to comfort and seal, but they sell a package without them that's a bit cheaper.

One like this should work fine! (look for one that adapts to the shape of your helmet) :)

These have been reported to be quite good. as long as you dont have a monsterously large phone, and you dont mind the fact that you cant charge it in the case, it's quite good.

If you want to go slightly cheaper, the Scala Q2 sets are very good as well.

+1


I've been shaving my head for 30 years and I use something like this.


https://www.amazon.com/WickIt-TM-Motorcycle-Helmet-Liner/dp/B00WV15RCM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=WickIt%21+%E2%84%A2+Motorcycle+Helmet+Liner+-+Skull+Cap+-+Doo+Rag&qid=1570493983&s=automotive&sr=1-1


It also helps with slick, bald man sweaty head when wearing a helmet.

I'm using an offbrand that uses adhesive, seems to work pretty well. This is the one:

Fog City Pro Shield Insert - Standard/Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VSTKHU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_9XRuAwili9IFA

There are a few brands that are basically the same.

I have one of these on my RPHA 10 and it works great

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MQCY7C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2BZMQRMGJSXA&coliid=I1Y05OBVMV9JPK

I wear very similar plugs. Never leave home without them.

Etymotic High-Def Motorsport Earplugs, Designed to Fit Under Helmets, Universal Fit Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TQMqDbNXSG023

if its this http://www.amazon.com/Predator-Replacement-Visor-Mirror-Helmets/dp/B00KPISLMQ then you need an amazon rewards visa to get 30 dollars off

Goes dark black in the sunshine, then clear at night. It reacts with UV just like transition glasses do. Expensive, but so worth it.

They're plastic sheets that attach to the outside of your visor, usually via a couple posts on the visor itself. They have tabs on them that you can just grab and rip off quickly to clear your vision. You see them on racers' helmets.

For example, I bought a visor like this and then packs of these for my helmet.

I've got a safety orange Biltwell Gringo with mirrored bubble shield that always catches drivers' eyes in the daytime and reflective eye decals on the back for nighttime riding. I've had people comment on them at stoplights. Also wrapped my leg guards in reflective paracord and stuck reflective black stickers all over my luggage racks. I light up like a Christmas tree when headlights hit me.

Here's one that I have used personally that was pretty quiet. Notice the extra webbing/padding right under the chin on the modular face piece (shows in the image where the face piece is lifted). This is what greatly reduces noise inside the helmet. http://www.amazon.com/Hawk-Dual-Visor-Modular-Motorcycle-Bluetoot/dp/B004UU1CV2/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1427482023&sr=1-1&keywords=modular+motorcycle+helmet

Etymotic as others have suggested. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, just get regular foam plugs from CVS or something. They're like $5 and come with 20 pairs.. or buy them in bulk 3M foam plugs

I have these for music

I have these for track days

In reality the etymotic motorcycle plugs are good, but the ones that cost $1 from the hardware store are just as good. The headphones are the best I've found for riding though. I abuse them too...I use them snowboarding, snowmobiling, and on airplanes.

Edit* They are not the most comfortable for all, but work for me. Etymotic used to make the ER6i which were incredible because they were much smaller, but they stopped making them and my old pair finally fell apart from hard use.

I picked up a pair of Etymotic Earplugs for an EDM festival here in Toronto. It's the first time I've worn them, and you can't even tell they're in.

I'm so glad I picked them up, and I take them to any concert I go to.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY

You can buy them as an attachment. But I'm not sure the reason it's not standard.

FYI your link is messed up - fixed

Can you describe how these are different from the standard Ety ER20 plus that are half the price?

i carry these in my pockets for all occasions. dinner, school, lunch, snack, playtime, nap time anytime really, when I find it all unbearable.

In case you've not found them:
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Accessories-Finger-Visor/dp/B0022ZJTKS

Did you get these?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA?pc_redir=1409406127&robot_redir=1

Here: https://www.amazon.ca/Etymotic-High-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard-Polybag/dp/B00RM6Q9XW/


Also this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY

You can try one of these - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WV15RCM/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_263_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6HGQXK505Y6C2P914CG3&dpPl=1&dpID=71oS9MSd4-L

Tork X-Pro Motorcycle Helmet Speakers (with Volume Control)

http://amzn.com/B004I6HOQA

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Def-Motorcycle-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484201583&sr=8-4&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B010C8HZSY

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations via PM

Here you go

https://www.amazon.com/Tork-Motorcycle-Helmet-Speakers-Control/dp/B004I6HOQA

I've got a set of those in my helmet and they're amazing. Pricey, but so worth it. The sound quality from those thin speakers is crazy! I run the wire down through my shirt/jacket and into my pocket plugged into a phone or mp3 player.

When I want to ride without using them I tuck the plug into the foam of the helmet and you wouldn't even know they're in there.

The dangesr of wind noise are known. Personally I wear earplugs.

I had XSound J Helmet Speakers (IAXSJ)
The plug did not hold up very well and they have failed.

Just ordered these to give a try.

with earplugs in it is enough to kill the wind noise and actually let me hear the speakers. Also it would be hard to get the tunes so loud as to be a distraction.