The Bottom Line
Pros
- Impressive sound quality; most people on the other end can't even tell you're on a bike!
- Light weight and quality construction
- Simplicity of one-button control on the left side, enables the right hand to operate throttle
- Want peace? You can always turn it off
Cons
- Expensive
- Some static is occasionally audible, even without a phone call in progress
- Potential for dangerous distraction is high
- Purists will disdain that the last bastion of escape has been been spoiled
Description
- MSRP: $599.00
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- DOT-approved
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Composite fiber exterior
- Linkable to GPS units and other Dainese Bluetooth helmets
- Absorbent polystyrene foam shell with low-density central insert
- Hypoallergenic fabric padding with removable, hand-washable padding
- Channeled ventilation system
- Visor swapping doesn't require tools
Guide Review - Dainese Airstream Course D-Nect Bluetooth Helmet
There’s a time and place for everything, and for some, there’s even a time for a cell phone conversation while riding a motorcycle.
I spent several months testing Dainese’s Airstream Course D-Nect Bluetooth helmet, which looks like an ordinary (albeit stylish, matte black) helmet on the outside; apart from a small button on the left that blinks with a blue light when it’s on, you’d never guess the unit was Bluetooth-equipped.
The simplicity of the single button control can be frustrating at first, but gets easier once you get the hang of how long to hold it for different functions. With your right hand on the throttle, it takes a quick push of the button to connect with your phone (in my case, a BlackBerry 8830 on the Verizon network.) There’s never any need to access the actual cell phone; after pushing the button or a second or so, it activates the phone’s voice dial system. Say “Call home,” and the system confirms the request then dials. Press the button again for a couple seconds, and the helmet tells the phone to hang up the phone call. The button can also control the helmet’s volume (which, even in its quietest setting, is rather loud.)
An internal battery recharges by plugging into a wall socket that attaches via a small zippered part, and though there isn’t an officially listed talk time, I was able to hold a phone conversation for over an hour on a long ride.
The helmet’s most impressive feature is its sound quality. Though there’s occasionally some static that takes getting used to, people on the other end of a phone call regularly remark that they're surprised to find out that I’m on a bike. The D-Nect also feels remarkably lightweight and fits comfortably; though it demands an extra measure of caution to operate, the Dainese Airstream Course D-Nect helmet is an excellent solution for those who need to be connected at all times.
