Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet

Table of contents

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet

19th pictures

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

1/19
Headwave has redesigned its TAG helmet speaker. MOTORRAD tried DAY 2 on various helmets and different motorcycles.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

2/19
TAG 2 is said to have become 20 percent louder and offer 40 percent more battery capacity. Volume control / mute buttons are also new.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

3/19
Even if the perspective is deceptive, the housings of both variants are exactly the same size. The weight is 144 grams each.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

4/19
However, TAG 2 has become much more flexible, which makes it even easier to attach a helmet.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

5/19
The module is simply attached to the back of the helmet shell using an adhesive pad. No cables have to be laid.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

6/19
In order to find the optimal sound image and the best sound distribution on your own helmet, various assembly points should be used “dry” to be tried out. All you need to do is press the TAG lightly against the helmet shell in the respective position.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

7/19
We tried numerous helmets and found that “softer” Fiberglass helmet shells tend to sound more pleasant than “extremely stiff” Helmet shells made from carbon fiber laminate, for example.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

8/19
The attachment tests have shown that many modern helmet designs no longer leave much room for the TAG to be glued on.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

9/19
Spoilers and ventilation openings restrict the mounting space.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

10/19
It gets extreme on sports helmets.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

11/19
The TAG sound is limited to mono due to the system.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

12/19
Incidentally, the subjectively best sound experience was provided by a jet helmet (Schuberth C1 Pro).

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

13/19
Helmet edge and spoiler – here the TAG2 only fits at the bottom of the helmet.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

14/19
Here, too, a (barely visible) edge limits the scope for assembly.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

15/19
With the help of a credit card, the TAG 2 can be dismantled without leaving any residue.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

16/19
TAG offers the Satechi Media Button (17.79 euros) as an optional control for the basic functions (volume, stop, song forwards / backwards).

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

17/19
Operating it with gloves, however, requires a high degree of accuracy

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

18/19
As a TAG user, you shouldn’t be shy, because the environment always listens to your own music program.

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Uli Baumann

19/19
Easy to use up to around 100 km / h, DAY 2 is given a clear recommendation for urban and rural road traffic.

accesories

Navis, communication, apps

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet

Tried Headwave DAY 2
Simply enjoy music under the helmet

The Berlin startup Headwave has revised its TAG helmet speaker for the 2020 season. TAG 2 is said to have become 20 percent louder and offer 40 percent more battery capacity. MOTORRAD tried DAY 2 on various helmets and different motorcycles.


Uli Baumann

07/20/2020

First of all, dry runs: In terms of weight – weighed 144 grams – the DAY 2 does not differ from the first generation. However, the increased flexibility of the new housing is clearly noticeable, which makes it easier to mount on a wide variety of helmet shapes. Even in the second generation, the TAG remained true to the principle of sound generation: While conventional loudspeakers stimulate a membrane to vibrate, TAG uses the helmet shell as a resonance body. To do this, the module is simply attached to the helmet shell using an adhesive pad. No cables have to be laid. A little tip for scooter riders or bikers who also pack their helmet in the suitcase or helmet compartment: Check whether the helmet with TAG still fits in the compartment or the suitcase.

Strong fluctuations in the sound

In order to find the optimal sound image and the best sound distribution on your own helmet, various assembly points should be used “dry” to be tried out. All you need to do is press the TAG lightly against the helmet shell in the respective position. We tried numerous helmets and found that “softer” Fiberglass helmet shells tend to sound more pleasant than “extremely stiff” Helmet shells made from carbon fiber laminate, for example. Heavily noise-insulated helmets also swallow audibly volume. The sound itself varies greatly. Depending on the type of helmet shell and the attachment point, the spectrum ranges from sloppy and pale to brilliant and powerful. However, the concert hall atmosphere never sets in. The equalizer settings on the smartphone also offer plenty of sound. Incidentally, the subjectively best sound experience was provided by a jet helmet (Schuberth C1 Pro). Our recommendation: Put the TAG on your own helmet in specialist shops “dry” try out. The bottom line is that the sound of the TAG does not come close to that of a high-quality integrated helmet system with conventional loudspeakers (Sena SC1M and SC1S systems served as test reference). Whereby the sound-spoiled ear canals are not satisfactory either. In addition, the TAG sound is limited to mono due to the system.

However, the attachment tests have also shown that many modern helmet designs no longer leave much room for sticking the TAG on. Spoiler elements, exhaust air openings or aerodynamic edges ensure limited installation options.


Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Uli Baumann

Easily assembled and disassembled again

The gluing must work at the first attempt, correcting is not possible. Correctly glued, the TAG is bombproof. If you need a second try – two adhesive pads are included (additional adhesive pads cost 16.79 euros in a pack of two). However: the TAG can be removed without leaving any residue with gentle force and an old credit card as “scraper”.


Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Uli Baumann

Sound only up to Tempo 100

Back to the sound: Because the TAG uses the helmet shell as a resonance body, not only the head under it, but also the environment and the pillion passenger are properly exposed to sound. If the TAG 2 still delivers a remarkable level of noise when the bike is stationary and the controller is fully turned up, it naturally drops on the bike as the speed increases. Up to 90 km / h there is still a lot of sound, from 100 km / h the TAG struggles hard to counter the driving noise. At the latest from 120 km / h on naked bikes, the enjoyment of music is definitely over. On motorcycles with fairings, this maximum limit is shifted by ten to 15 km / h, depending on the type.


Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Uli Baumann

The new, easy-to-use, four-level volume control directly on DAY 2 is a nice feature, but it is hardly required because you are always with it “Full throttle” Is on the way. The mute option, on the other hand, is really useful – who wants to attract attention everywhere with full drone.

Bluetooth contact with the smartphone works without any problems, although iOS devices usually allow themselves a second attempt before the connection is established. However, the TAG can only be paired with a Bluetooth source. If you want to listen to music and navigate, you have to control both via your smartphone.

offers

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Headwave Day 2 motorcycle helmet sound system, black

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Delivery time: immediate

€ 206.10
plus € 3.99 shipping


To the shop

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Headwave TAG-2, Sound System – Black

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Delivery within 3-5 days

€ 229.00
plus € 5.90 shipping


To the shop

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Headwave TĀG 2 sound system / Bluetooth communication system

Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet
Delivery time: up to 14 days

€ 229.00
plus € 3.49 shipping


To the shop

Enough stamina

The lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 800mAh guarantees a full day of music enjoyment (the manufacturer promises a battery life of up to nine hours). If you only want to hear navigation announcements, you could theoretically drive through 24 hours. It is recharged via a magnetic USB cable. TAG offers the Satechi Media Button (17.79 euros) as an optional control for the basic functions (volume, stop, song forwards / backwards).


Tried Headwave DAY 2: simple music enjoyment under the helmet


Uli Baumann

The accesses the cell phone control directly via a Bluetooth connection. The remote control can be easily attached to a tubular handlebar with the included clip. Alternatively, the button can be attached to the vehicle using an adhesive pad. The built-in button battery is supposed to ensure the function for two years. Operation with gloves requires the highest level of accuracy and when it rains the button is at war – in contrast to TAG 2, it is not waterproof.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to talk on the motorcycle, but just want to listen, the TAG 2 is the right choice. Usable music enjoyment is possible up to a tempo of 100 – i.e. in city and country road traffic – whereby the sound quality depends heavily on the helmet used and the mounting position. As a TAG user, you shouldn’t be shy, because the environment always listens to your own music program. Assembly is child’s play, as is operation. The price of 229 euros is not made of cardboard, but is 70 euros below the previous model.

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