“UPDATE 6/25/24: I ordered 2 of the Bluetooth units with K1 style connector to ham/GMRS radio for my ham radio friend and I to take on an extended cycle ride. Our expectation was to be able to communicate with each other, hear GPS directions, make phone calls, and listen to music as we rode through the NE Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee hills. I ordered early and both arrived before the trip, but with some initial problems. I checked the equipment out upon arrival and their were problems with the radio communication. When hitting PTT on one of the units, only static was received. I did try multiple radios and troubleshooting and the found the problem followed one of the main harnesses. We were getting close to our departure date and I asked and Rugged Radios overnighted a new harness ahead to my friend's house in another town where we were to meet before we left. Planning was good, but it arrived a day late and we had to leave before it arrived. But, it was there when we returned. No fault of Rugged Radios support. They did their best to oblige. After our ride, I took all of the parts back home with me and found the harness was indeed the problem and the radios worked great after replacement. There was also an issue with one of the BT units. I again contacted Rugged Radio support and they offered to take it all back and troubleshoot for me, but I had already installed one of the units in my helmet and had done significant troubleshooting and they agreed to send me another BT unit. It arrived and everything works fine. Some additonal info: The radios require NO PAIRING and the BT unit doesn't even need to be turned on for the radios to work through them! The sound is nice and clear up to about 50mph on my closed-face helmet. If you are a licensed ham radio operator, the BT units work out-of-the-box with Baofeng UV-5R radios found on Amazon! These are cheap and work well. Please only use them on ham bands and only if you are a licensed ham radio operator. On testing, I get about 1/2 miles away from my home through a densly populated neigborhood before static becomes an issue. I'm very happy with the radio response and am sure that on the open highway we will get much better range. Also, I'm sure that adding proper 2m/70cm antenna mounted on the bike will increase the range even farther. Now for the Bluetooth Experience with a BMW 850GS with Garmin GPS: Unless you have a newer BMW with the TFT Screen, 'Wonder Wheel' controller, and BMW/Garmin GPS, please ignore my pairing instructions as it is specific to this equipment. Instead, pair the helmet to your phone as suggested by Rugged Radios. If you have it, the BMW 'Wonder Wheel' will allow you to control music and make phone calls without taking your hands from the handlebar... and you can see what you are doing on the nice big BMW TFT display. To add this feature, the phone should not be paired to BT Headset, but rather the TFT and GPS, which are also connected to the BT headset. Not straight forward, but it all works (for me, atleast) using the order below. The order for a current BMW Motorcycle with current BMW/Garmin GPS unit is: - Pair Headset to GPS unit - Pair GPS to Phone - Pair TFT(Bike display) to Phone - Pair Helmet to TFT Don't pair phone to Helmet.... GPS does this for you. When you turn on the bike and helmet, it takes a couple of minutes for all BT connections to speak to each other. On first use, it took about 5 mins for my phone book in my phone to sync with the TFT display and another minute or 2 for my music 'Media' to sync to the TFT display. Afterwards, I can take and make calls, listen to music and GPS, and can control it all with the 'Wonder Wheel' on the BMW. It all works great. One gotcha... you have multiple places to control the volume to the headset.... headset, phone, wonder wheel. Make sure none of them are turned all the way down or muted if you have problem hearing. My experience with initial quality was a little low and probably an anomaly. Rugged Radio's service has been outstanding. They were very responsive and sent me replacement parts with little hassle. The equipment works well with my BMW GPS, bike, radios, and phone. And the price is right. I would recommend and will definately buy again. Ken - K4EES”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 5 months ago

Ken, thanks for the detailed rundown! Sounds like your adventure through the hills was quite the ride—despite the hiccups. We’re glad our support team could help, even if that harness was playing hard to get. Great to hear everything came together in the end, and it’s awesome that your setup now works seamlessly with your BMW and all your gadgets. Appreciate the tip on pairing with the TFT and GPS—your fellow riders will find that super helpful! If you ever need anything else for your rides, you know where to find us. Safe travels and happy trails! 🏍️

Posted 3 months ago

“Here buying a second one because the first came apart, but they offer a value that is not present elsewhere for radio and Bluetooth. Wish battery was better then 6 hours. Makes those 14 hour days longer.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

Thank you for sharing your valuable feedback with us. We're really sorry to hear your first purchase didn't meet expectations, but are glad you've found our unique combination of radio and Bluetooth features offers unmatched value. We're continuously working on improving our products, including battery life, to better suit our customers' needs. Your insight is incredibly helpful as we strive to enhance your experience for those long 14-hour days.

Posted 8 months ago

“The fit inside the helmet was perfect! Good quality sound. Easy buttons on the blue tooth unit.”

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Posted 8 months ago

Awesome to hear the fit was spot-on and that you're enjoying the sound quality! Those easy-to-use buttons are definitely a win when you’re on the move. Here’s to many more rides with crystal-clear comms and effortless control!

Posted 3 months ago

“The charging ports on them seem like they’re gonna break off like the last one did”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 months ago

Thanks for the heads-up! We definitely want those charging ports to last. If you notice any issues, don't hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help keep your gear in top shape. Let’s make sure this one goes the distance.

Posted 3 months ago

“After trying many Helmet bluetooth units, this is the first one that I found, that was loud enough for me to hear in the wind. Really love this unit. Great product for the price”

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Posted 1 year ago

“We own several Rugged Radio item, customer service is top notch. However, after receiving 2 blue tooth bt2 devices and both being inoperable we are returning the kit.”

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Burton, Please call and talk to customer service so we can assist you in your needs! 888-541-7223

Posted 1 year ago

“I’m really impressed by the audio quality the speakers have! I ride a WR250R and at 70mph you can still hear the music really nicely. Installing it in my helmet was really straight forward. I’ve only made one call with it so far, but the person on the other side was blown away by the clarity and didn’t believe I was riding a motorcycle. Great product Rugged!”

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Posted 1 year ago

Wow, thanks for the amazing feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you’re impressed with the audio quality, especially at 70 mph on your WR250R! It’s great to know the installation was straightforward and that your call was so clear—it’s always awesome to surprise others with our clarity! Enjoy your rides, and don’t forget to tag us @ruggedradios in your adventures. Welcome to the Rugged Radios family!

Posted 2 months ago

“Excellent solution for radio communication and Bluetooth phone and music. The BT2 is light weight, has excellent sound and volume, better than my two Sena devices. I love the fact that the radio connection doesn't require the BT2 to be on, so I can save the battery for when I am listening to music. I have one on each of my helmets.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

Sounds like the BT2 is hitting all the right notes for you! Lightweight, great sound, and battery-saving to boot—what’s not to love? We’re thrilled to hear it’s outperforming your previous gear, and having one on each helmet? Now that’s dedication! Enjoy the rides, and keep the tunes and comms flowing.

Posted 3 months ago

CONNECT BT2 Bluetooth Headset for Motorcycle Helmet Reviews