Tried and Tested: FreedConn BM12 Helmet

Summary

• The FreedConn BM12 helmet is an affordable option for those who want a fully integrated intercom system.
• The build quality of the helmet is lacking, but it offers features and design comparable to other modern helmets.
• While the helmet may not provide the best comfort or protection, it is a good choice for those who want to test out a communication system without spending too much money.

FreedConn Electronic Co. is primarily an intercom device manufacturer based in China’s Guangdong province. Since 2006, it has been developing affordable technology to connect motorcycle riders, drivers, and even skiers. In virtually any sport where a helmet and communication can improve the experience for the user, FreedConn could be of use. It features helmets with integrated systems from full face to open face and even motocross. It also has a series of standalone devices that can be attached to helmets for various uses, even boasting some as waterproof.

This week, we’re testing the model BM12, full-face with an integrated Bluetooth helmet, which seems like a steal for the price. It has the desirable dual visors for those constantly forgetting their shades, and it connects with two to three other riders for communication and offers connections to music. The real question is, how does the helmet feel, and will the communication device work well enough? Find out as we discuss the different components of the BM12 and decide if it’s worth the money you’ll save.

FreedConn BM12 Helmet First Impression

When I opened the FreedConn BM12 Helmet for the first time, it was immediately noticeable that the external structure of the helmet was a bit cheap. It appears to have a decent shape and design, but it doesn’t have the same quality and feel as a bigger brand-name helmet. At around $200, however, it is to be expected. Even though we won’t be testing its durability in an accident, the helmet does have a Department of Transportation (DOT) certification as well as the manufacturer’s quality control check sticker, leading us to believe that the ABS shell is sufficient in protecting your head at a reasonable impact.

The padding inside is somewhat disheveled, and the battery pack insert for the intercom system is awkward to access. It’s especially nerve-racking because the battery has a lot of brittle-looking pins; you should try to minimize the number of times you’ll be removing it after installation. It does have a little chin fabric flap, which will hopefully reduce wind inside the helmet. The strap has a quick-release buckle that doesn’t appear to have a great anchor point, should you ever need to lock the helmet to the bike.

Overall, for the price, the helmet looks decent. Sure, the matte black exterior seems to smudge easily, and its components all feel a little clunky, but for the price, it is worth looking further into it. What’s most important for a rider is determining if it’s comfortable to wear while riding.

How It Feels When Riding

Every time I slip this helmet on, I have to move my long hair to the right spot and pick the correct angle to jam my head in. The problem that this helmet has is everything inside feels a bit loose, not that the helmet is the incorrect size, but that the contents may have shifted during take-off. Not too big of a deal; you might have to jam some of the padding back into place every time you put it on. Once locked in, the quick-release buckle is a breeze, and you’re good to go. While riding, the helmet doesn’t feel bulky, and unless you take it above the speed limit, you won’t notice any buffetting or helmet wobble.

Visor

The internal visor has great coverage for the eyes; it’s not at all uncomfortable to cruise around with the main visor flipped up for additional air at lower speeds. This could also be thanks to the big rubbery obstruction near the nose area inside the helmet. The switch on the side to raise and lower it is in a nice spot, and it’s easy to adjust while riding. The main visor is clear, a little clunky going up and down, and the exterior comes without a protective layer from the manufacturer. It’s also a bit thicker plastic; it doesn’t negatively impact the visibility, but if you’ve ever thrown on a more expensive helmet, the quality is clear. There’s a decent little triangular anchor point where you can lift and lower the clear visor, but it’s positioned in a way that takes a second to find.

Ventilation

There are adjustable vent ports on the top and face of the helmet, which are relatively simple to open and close. The top has two vent holes designed to capture incoming air, and the bottom has four. At the rear of the helmet, there are also four little mesh grill vent holes that appear to remain open, which should reduce the amount of heat trapped in the helmet. While the switches have a very plastic feel, they seem durable enough as long as the helmet doesn’t fall on the right spot.

Padding

Apart from the bottom padding area, which moves around a bit if not locked into place, the interior is adequate. It’s a little concerning doing a knock test with a fist. A nicer helmet will have a quiet thud sound, but this helmet has a loud hollow sound, but at least it still doesn’t hurt. While wearing it, the padding feels like it’s soft enough, but it doesn’t give that cupping feel that really locks in a rider’s head. Some expensive helmets cradle the head in such a way that it doesn’t feel squished, but it’s also not loose. This helmet just adds foam until your head is stuffed inside. Is it safe? We assume so, but for comfort, it’s not the best.

Communication System

Getting the integrated intercom system set up is a little bit of a chore; as mentioned, the battery has a bunch of tiny pins that should be installed with great caution. The external wheel used for changing volume, selecting songs, etc., is not the most durable feeling device, but it works. Once it’s installed, you’ll have to read the instructions and figure out which system you just bought in the manual is minorly confusing. After a series of twisting and pushing, you’ll finally figure out how to enable Bluetooth and connect to your phone.

Listening to music on this system is almost unbearable to me. The audio is there and works in a pinch, but it has no bass whatsoever. There was one other glaring problem that might be a one-off manufacturing issue. The system that came with this helmet also had a constant buzzing sound. Switching over to the intercom system, the irritating sound didn’t go away, but the distance it would stay connected was impressive. It only disconnected at around 450 meters, compared to the advertised 500 meters, and when coming back into range, it reconnected automatically. It’s not clear how long you can stay disconnected before reconnecting, but for a short while, there was no problem. It even worked on an opposite street, with houses obstructing the field of view.

The controls are a bit finicky; they might become more obvious if you get used to the device over a longer period of time, but it wasn’t immediately user-friendly. Also, getting other Bluetooth intercom systems to connect is a lot of trial and error. Once connected, you have a constant and decently clear voice, and, again, for the price, you’ll be able to communicate quite easily.

Gloves

The helmet came with gloves. They don’t necessarily hurt the helmet’s overall review, but they’re not great. The knuckles were terribly small, and without being able to pick a size other than what comes with the helmet, these could be a hit or miss. They don’t seem very durable, though it was hard to give them a proper test as the fit was too uncomfortable to ride with.

Fit, Comfort, And Sizing Recommendation

The FreedConn BM12 even advertises that the sizing might be a little off with its integrated intercom system, suggesting that you move a size up if you’re between sizes. The helmet also only comes in sizes L, XL, and XXL, and we would absolutely suggest checking the sizing chart before assuming your size. The helmet fits like a pillow, but not necessarily in a good way; it’s a little soft, and while your head and face will be padded everywhere, it’s not exactly a snug fit.

FreedConn BM12 Helmet Vs The Competition

FreedConn BM12 Vs HJC i10

• 

  HJC i10

  Expert Opinion: The HJC i10 is the South Korean firm’s latest entry-level, full-face helmet, replacing the CL-17 in the sub-$200 category. Compared to the CL-17, the shell shape is a little more streamlined, and revamped passive and active venting offers improved comfort for all-day riding. HJC also fitted an enhanced visor and gasket. The i10’s nose-mounted visor latch helps create a tight seal with the helmet, reducing wind noise.

  Brand

  HJC

  Size Range

  XS – XXXL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Advanced Polycarbonate

  Model Number

  1502-637

  Weight

  3.8 lbs

  Price Range

  $174.99

  Price As Tested

  $174.99

  Certifications

  DOT and SNELL

• 

  FreedConn BM12 Helmet

  The FreedConn BM12 helmet is an inexpensive option for those who need a fully integrated intercom system with a helmet. The ability to pair with other Bluetooth helmets and connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices is as advertised. It has the features and design for ventilation as well as visors, which are comparable to other modern helmets. The overall build quality is lacking, but it provides an option for anyone interested in testing out this setup without breaking the bank. 

  Brand

  FreedConn

  Size Range

  L-XXL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

  Model Number

  BM12

  Weight

  ‎5.52 lbs

  Price Range

  $209.99

  Price As Tested

  $209.99

  Certifications

  ‎DOT Certified

The HJC i10 is a great example of a quality helmet within the $200 price range. It may not have the intercom connectivity built in like the FreedConn BM12, but it is a comfortable, well-known brand which takes pride in safety over gimmicks. Neither helmet is at the top of the line but, for the same price, it leaves questions about how FreedConn can afford to provide the extra features, while still providing the same protection. There are other options for adding a motorcycle Bluetooth headset to an existing helmet that aren’t too expensive, but if an all-in-one system is what you require, It’s hard to beat the FreedConn at this price range.

FreedConn BM12 Vs Shoei RF-SR

• 

  Shoei RF-SR

  Expert Opinion: The Shoei RF-SR motorcycle helmet is a handcrafted masterwork of minimal style and functional aerodynamic design. Its state-of-the-art ventilation system offers premium cooling and clear vision in various weather conditions. The lightweight construction and three-dimensionally shaped interior contour make a comfortable fit for long-distance riding.

  Brand

  Shoei

  Size Range

  XS – XXL

  Shape

  Intermediate oval

  Material Type

  Hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass with organic fibers and resin

  Weight

  3.66 lbs

  Price Range

  $479.99 – $669.99

  Certifications

  DOT Certified, M2020D SNELL Certified

• 

  FreedConn BM12 Helmet

  The FreedConn BM12 helmet is an inexpensive option for those who need a fully integrated intercom system with a helmet. The ability to pair with other Bluetooth helmets and connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices is as advertised. It has the features and design for ventilation as well as visors, which are comparable to other modern helmets. The overall build quality is lacking, but it provides an option for anyone interested in testing out this setup without breaking the bank. 

  Brand

  FreedConn

  Size Range

  L-XXL

  Shape

  Oval

  Material Type

  Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

  Weight

  ‎5.52 lbs

  Price Range

  $209.99

  Certifications

  ‎DOT Certified

The Shoei RF-SR certainly outclasses the FreedConn BM12 in every way that a helmet fits, feels, and protects. However, it comes at a price. Sure, it’s almost 2lbs lighter, handmade from fiberglass, and uses high quality materials, but it doesnt have the Bluetooth connections and costs more than twice as much. For some, comfort and protection are paramount when selecting a helmet, but if this doesn’t concern you as much, the FreedConn BM12 simply has more features.

Is The FreedConn BM12 Helmet The Right Helmet For You?

This helmet is perfect for somebody who wants to test out an intercom system without breaking the bank. It probably won’t replace your noise-canceling earbuds in terms of audio quality, but it’s a great opportunity for people to try out communications while on the road. You might find that you prefer to ride in silence and signal your passenger with hand gestures. It’s also an excellent secondary helmet for the occasional ride with your friends who want to communicate while keeping a nicer helmet for more serious or solo riding. As far as selecting a helmet goes, this is clearly a lower-tier helmet, and if you should choose between getting a nice helmet for safety and comfort or getting a helmet to talk to your friends with, we’d suggest the former.

Check Out The FreedConn BM12 Helmet At Amazon