I didn’t wait long after my disappointment with the Oneal helmet before I moved on to my next helmet. In fact while I was filling out the online return form, I was also ordering a Vemar Jiano Bluetooth helmet. It is more shiny shiny (see lingo moment – shiny shiny) than the Oneal Element, but at twice the price it better deliver.
Vemar Jiano
The fit
To size this helmet I measured my head and found my size on the Vemar helmet sizing chart. I was in-between sizes, so I ordered a size larger. The helmet has plentiful padding and a washable removable liner. It has an internal flip-down sun visor, and the strap is a quick release closure. For the Bluetooth system, this model contains a boom mic that presses against my face when the helmet is closed.
The Bluetooth
Pairing helmet with phone was easy. It uses the same super secret pairing code as most devices “0000” ~shhhhhh. The two button control system is minimal, non-obtrusive, and easy to use. Press and hold for two seconds to answer, or three to deny. The system alerts with tones and beeps to acknowledge the commands. When answering calls, while in motion, I could hear callers even at 60 miles per hour. Though it seems to depends on the voice of the caller and phone they are calling you from. I have a friend that is a low talker and couldn’t hear him even at highest volume while parked on the side of the road.
A2DP Bluetooth is supported for music playback. In fact, I can hear music better than callers. This system works well with an iPhone in fact it works just like headphones. When the music is playing and a call comes in the music fades out. When you hang up the call the music fades back in. Sound quality is a bit trebly, but the information from the Vemar site says that Sound quality in this helmet is not high fidelity.
The conclusion
Overall I like this helmet, it’s a keeper. The padding is high quality and the fit was right. Bluetooth is easy to use, but a little trebly. I like how configurable the ventilation is, but the ventilation and face mask create wind noise at high speeds. Additional plusses are the built-in sun visor and quick release helmet strap.
Now I can cruise the highway and race through curves with tunes in my ear. **grin Not that I would impair my hearing of traffic with occasional music in my ears grin**. Take calls (roadside use recommended) from friends and family, making the road less lonely. If solitude of the road is desired Bluetooth can be turned off. Heck coverage is a tricky thing. You never know when it may drop out 😉
