Description of Giro 2008 Fuse Bluetooth Audio Helmet:
The Giro Fuse Audio helmet is a lightweight, high-performance helmet for riders who can't sacrifice peripheral vision, but want to ride to their theme song. A wide-angle cut creates a gapless fit with goggles, and doesn't compromise peripheral vision. That's handy when you're spotting landings, and hauling through the trees. In-mold construction fuses two Hardbody shells to the EPS liner (hence the name) for the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio. This helmet comes complete with Giro's standard TuneUps technology plus LINK technology. LINK allows you to plug in to your music and your cell phone at the same time, so you can stay in touch without fumbling. The built-in microphone lets you speak hands-free, and multiple phone jacks fit most any cell. *Black only. iPod and cell not included.–Vendor
I only wear a helmet to keep me warm and as a way to blast my tune; given the way I ski, no helmet is going to protect my noggen. This helmet is very warm and breaths nicely when you're pumping tricks and need to open the vents. The helmet is stylish and makes me look like a jet-fighter when my Oakley's are down.
My only complaint -- which is a big one -- is that the integrated speakers on this helmet suck; big time! I've come to prefer listening to posers on the chair lift over the intolerable sounds generated by these speakers. And as far as I can tell there is no way to replace them.
Bottom line: poor quality speakers not justifying the cost of this lid.
I got this helmet for Christmas last year after deciding that it was the best of what Giro had to offer. The ventilation is a big highlight. It has an adjustable vent and you can put plugs in the front vents if things get bitter cold. The lowlights are that it is a giant helmet and the audio is disappointing. When I wear it, I look like I am about to be shot from a cannon. The audio isn't great. I opted out of the bluetooth functionality immediately. My cell phone rarely works on the mountain and I prefer not to be taking calls anyway. To use it in an only mp3 player mode, I had to buy a cable from Best Buy. Having 3 feet of audio cord running through my jacket wasn't the best setup. I would only recommend this jacket if you absolutely need to use your phone on the mountain. If you are just looking for tunes, take a look at RED or Bern. They make a lower profile brain buckets with easy speaker ear pieces.
I like this helmet. It is light, fits well and is stylish. The vents are easy to adjust with gloves on. I have found the sound to be quite good and was surprised at how clear the phone was through the bluetooth. The only drawback is that the TuneUps ear covers are bulkier than the normal ones and so pushes on my ears. A little uncomfortable but not a deal breaker. On the plus side it keeps the speakers close to the ear for better sound.
