BluArmor HS1 Helmet Bluetooth Device Review

After using the BluArmor HS1 helmet Bluetooth device extensively for the past two months on all my short and long rides, here’s what we think

If you're looking to transform your ordinary helmet into a smart helmet with connectivity features but find the helmet intercoms available in the market too expensive, then the BluArmor HS1 helmet Bluetooth device might be the best budget solution for you. Recently, BluArmor sent us their entry-level HS1 helmet Bluetooth device and here’s what we think after using it for 2 months:

What is it?

The BluArmor HS1 helmet Bluetooth device as the name suggests is simply a Bluetooth helmet device (not an intercom), which is priced at just Rs 2,999. In simple words, the HS1 works like an inbuilt helmet headphone. 

It features BluArmor’s in-house developed Dhwani speakers along with a flexible mic placed inside the button module. The HS1’s button module has 3 buttons to answer/reject calls, control volume and change songs. The middle button also works as a power button and needs to be pressed for 3 seconds to power it on/off, which is indicated by the blue blinking light.

The HS1 comes with an inbuilt 300mAh li-polymer battery and has Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It supports Android version 7 and above, and iOS 14 and above. Weighing just 63 grams, it is ideal for someone like me who always chooses a light helmet to avoid neck pain.

Installing The BluArmor HS1 In The Helmet

The BluArmor HS1 helmet Bluetooth device comes as a single unit in the box. Apart from the device, the box contains a mounting clip, a USB type-C charging cable, 1 velcro sticker for the mounting clip and two foam square spacers to adjust the speakers closer to your ears.

BluArmor claims that the HS1 is compatible with all helmets irrespective of their type and size. Installing the speaker on my MT Revenge 2 helmet was very easy, but placing the button module near the chin became a struggle. However, I got it done using some Jugaad and a double-sided tape. BluArmor recommends installing the button module horizontally near the chin for the built-in mic, but due to limited space in my helmet, I had to place it vertically. Fortunately, this didn’t affect its functionality.

How The BluArmor HS1 Performed?

I’ve been using the BluArmor HS1 extensively for the past two months on all my short and long rides, and it has truly impressed me with its sound quality. The audio quality is very good and I feel it is better than most Bluetooth earphones of similar price. The audio quality from the speakers is clear and has a good bass till the volume is at 80 percent, but it starts to crack a little beyond that. The music is even audible at triple-digit speeds at around 100-110kmph. The three buttons on the module are easy to use, even with gloves on, once you get used to their placement.

I have also used the HS1 during audio calls. The speakers work nicely under 70kmph, making sure the other person is clearly audible. However, at higher speeds, I had to slow down because of the wind noise in my helmet. This clearly is the helmet’s fault and depends on what helmet you are using. On the other hand, the mic on the HS1 is just okay and makes the other person on call hear you under 60-70kmph. 

Coming to the battery life, the 300mAh battery just keeps going on and on for weeks. BluArmor claims a 20-hour battery life and I was able to use it for about 18-20 hours on a single charge. Charging the HS1 requires you to connect the type-C charger in the module, and the green blinking light indicates that it is charging. But, because the module is non-detachable, you will have to charge it inside the helmet. The HS1 takes about 2 hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent.

In conclusion, the BluArmor HS1 is a reliable and value-for-money helmet Bluetooth device with impressive audio quality for just Rs 2,999. It is far better than the other non-branded and unreliable helmet Bluetooth devices available in the market at similar prices. So, if you are tight on budget and looking to get a new helmet Bluetooth device, then you should definitely check out the BluArmor HS1.