dbbarron

Hi - looking for a helmet with comms built in for use at HPDEs. Tired of non-working Chatterbox-type inserts into my helmet.

As helmet is only for HPDE use at 20min sessions or so, I don't really need super light carbon, air system or the like.

Can someone provide some recommendations.
Are adapters needed for different comm systems or are there standards?

db

Deadeye

Roux helmets. Check with Linda at Apex Performance. Got to try mine out at Palmer this weekend and it worked well with their new intercom unit.

dbbarron

How does compatibility work with other systems? Are there adapters and/or standard connectors?

RickBetterley

Stilo is my choice

Matt Romanowski

You can also send a helmet to someone like Speedcom and have it wired. You'll have to wear earbuds though. The sound will be awesome.

LuigiVampa

Can't go wrong with Stilo, which is what I have, but Roux looks good so far.

ShakeNBake

Get a Stilo composite, it's lighter than most other Carbon helmets.

I had a carbon roux briefly. It's VERY heavy, over 4lbs, and the build quality is not in the same ballpark as my old Simpson, or a Stilo (IMO).

will968

You can also add a Chatterbox kit to your helmet for -$30

http://www.stableenergies.com/Chatte...nfo/CBTP2FFHS/

Yes, you'll need an adapter for the other types. Assuming you want to connect to your instructor's comms; who is likely using Chatterbox.

http://www.stableenergies.com/Chatte...s/products/37/

linzman

Chatterbox was the old go to for most instructors, because it was relatively inexpensive, but many had reliability issues with it. There are newer systems just starting to appear which seem more durable, but are a bit pricier. The problem you will run into as a student is that there are different standards, and you will likely need adapters. There are Nascar, Imsa, Stilo (same plug as IMSA but wired differently), and old 5 pin and new 1/8" headphone type plug Chatterbox connectors out there, and you never know what the instructor will have for his communicator The adapters aren't cheap enough to just buy one of each,

Qwickrick

Love my Stilo. Getting my new Track-con communicator today. Used one at LRP last week with Simon and very impressed.

dbbarron

Thus far, all PCA instructors I've had have used Chatterbox. I have not specifically checked if the 'new' connector or the 'old'. This weekend, I had a pro coach who used Stilo. Is there a lowest common denominator for those 3 systems or reasonable adapters?

db

Matt Romanowski

I was using a Peltor intercom, but it's not available anymore.

ShakeNBake

i think that chatterbox is going to become less popular now that there are more options, and especially because of the popularity of Stilo Helmets and electronics. You can't go wrong with retrofitting a stilo headset into your helmet (you can find these kits for reasonable prices in Ireland right now) or buying a stilo helmet with electronics installed (again very reasonable prices across the pond right now), and then using an adapter cable for intercoms requiring the IMSA wiring standard or chatterbox. You cannot use a chatterbox headset with any serious intercom. It's a 3-conductor setup that shares the ground between the mic and speaker, so it won't work with a fully amplified 4-conductor setup that is used in Stilo, Trac-com, or IMSA intercoms. I could be wrong on that point - but I could not get it to work with a Rosso or Stilo intercom.

NaroEscape

Interesting....I have a Roux and love it. And mine is the inexpensive Fiberglass one. works great, is actually lighter than my old Simpson and even has water bottle hose...which I never thought I used but did at the Watkins Glen AER race and loved having it. I like not having the wire hanging from the helmet too - I ripped off/broke wires on 4 over the years...

CosmosMpower

Stilo