The Dainese Airstream Course D-Nect (left) and the Nolan N102 N-Com. *

Photo: Thomas Hannich * Riding a motorcycle while talking on the phone is just plain dumb. But if you really must take that call, Mr. President, please consider a Bluetooth helmet. Some connected headgear can even tie in to your GPS and MP3 player, pausing tunes for directions on long trips. Might we suggest "Freebird"?

Nolan N102 N-Com

$740

Every new N102 works with Nolan's N-Com connection kits, so if you're not ready to ride into debt, you can get the base helmet for $350 and add Bluetooth when the next paycheck rolls through town. Modular models like this — where the entire front flips up to expose your face — are in vogue only with the AARP set, but as the demographic profile of the classic Cadillac owner proves, old men know how to live it up: This incredibly nerdy brain bucket is also incredibly comfortable and incredibly capable.

Wired: More hookups than JDate: Bluetooth, intercom, even a 3.5-mm jack for your iPod. Quick-release chin strap is mega-convenient. Flip-front easily accommodates bifocals. Volume control. Tough paint hides scratches well. Can I get this Geordi La Forge-style flip-down sunshade installed on my skull?

Tired: Noisy, but all modulars are. Microphone boom requires constant relocation when taking the helmet on and off — and apparently makes you sound like you're trying to eat it. Can't we get some Bluetooth stereo? Fulfills its destiny as the Winnebago of the helmet world by being one of the largest headpieces on the road.



Garmin Zumo 550

$964, garmin.com

The fullest-featured, most motocentric GPS on the market, the Zumo 550 can do it all: MP3 player, Bluetooth integration with your cell phone, traffic monitoring (optional), satellite radio (optional), and many other functions to explore before you hit the road. It's also water-resistant, so if you're brave enough to ride in a deluge, your GPS will be there to guide you, turn by slippery turn.

Wired: Left-hand-mounted hard buttons give quick access to zoom, volume, and ... uh ... "square"? (It's the compass.) More mounting options than a [bleeep!]: brackets for your car and bike, plus the wiring for both.

Tired: Text-entry screen is alphabetical instead of QWERTY, which is just A-B-C-Dumb. Battery life tops out at about two hours. Optional features can rack up quite a bill — and the Zumo is already expensive.

Dainese Airstream Course D-Nect

$599, dainese.com

The Airstream Course is Dainese's premier skull shield, sharing its shell with the models pro racers use; the D-Nect version adds Bluetooth. Despite it having fewer connectivity options than the Nolan, we found ourselves grabbing the Airstream more often. Why? It's simply better at its primary job: motorcycle helmet. It's lightweight, comfortable, and quiet. No, it won't jack into your MP3 player, and yes, the interface is maddening — but after a few hours in this composite sanctuary, we really didn't feel the need to call anyone to complain.

Wired: Gorgeous lines draw more compliments than a playoff ring. Outstanding ventilation and polystyrene foam liner keep your head cool — until someone cuts you off. Top-mounted spoiler stabilizes your noggin at speed. 1-900 operators reported excellent sound quality. Rear reflective patch makes up for the too-stealthy matte paint job.

Tired: Limited techno-functions: All it does is pair with your cell phone or GPS. One-button interface responds only to Dainese's Morse Code-ish tap-language. Available in any color you like, so long as it's black.



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