The manufacturer claims that this speaker system easily trumps competing models, offering a stellar performance and louder than average volume, which is exactly what you need in a speaker system that’s designed specifically for motorcycle riders.
However, when it comes to decibels, more isn’t always better. So, how do these speakers measure up to the competition and does the louder volume have a negative impact on sound quality? Let’s find out.
Our Verdict: If you’re looking for the loudest speaker system for your motorcycle helmet, then your search is over. While the speakers do offer a higher than average volume level, you’ll be somewhat disappointed in the sound quality, especially if you love to crank up the volume. Aside from the issue with distortion, the speakers are also twice as thick as the standard helmet speakers, so you won’t be able to use them for all types of helmets.
Instead, I recommend only using them with helmets that have a recessed space inside that’s designed to accommodate speakers. These speakers are built tough and offer a reliable performance, but if sound quality is the top priority then these definitely aren’t the speakers for you.
If you need speakers that are louder than average so you can listen to your favorite podcast or listen to GPS navigation instructions, then this is the speaker system you’ve been looking for.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
These speakers are designed by a manufacturer that really isn’t well-known compared to some of the other speaker systems that I’ve reviewed. However, these speakers caught my eye, simply because they earned a high user rating because they’re said to be significantly louder than other models in this price bracket.
The manufacturer wasn’t lying when it claimed that these speakers offer big sound, which is a must if you want to be able to listen to music while you ride. These speakers are also very versatile and can be used with other types of motorcycle helmet communication systems, if you want to upgrade, or you can use them with your smartphone or MP3 player.
These speakers are reasonably priced and a great buy if you’re on a tight budget, however, they don’t have what it takes to beat out higher-priced systems, yet they do offer the type of solid, reliable performance you’ll need when you’re on the road.
Our Rating:
- Low price
- Higher than average sound volume
- Easy installation
- Beginner-friendly
- Compatible with all types of smartphones and MP3 players
- Perfect for freeway use
Design
These speakers are best described as thick and heavily padded, which can be a problem if you have a motorcycle helmet that doesn’t have much extra space inside. Competing models that are designed for motorcycle helmet use often offer a slim fit design that makes them more versatile and gives you more options in terms of the type of helmet you should use.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer was a little shortsighted in this area. Instead of focusing on a sleek design they went a little overboard in terms of padding, which can make wearing these speakers uncomfortable unless you’re using the right type of helmet. Because of this, I’d recommend only using a helmet that has a recessed area that’s designed to accommodate helmet speakers. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of purchasing these speakers and having to upgrade to a helmet that’s compatible.
Installation
Like most models of helmet speakers, this set comes with an adhesive mount that you can use to install the speakers inside the helmet. Installing the speakers is as simple as peeling off the adhesive and sticking the speakers in the right spot. Remember, the closer the speakers are to your ears, the better the sound quality.
The sticky adhesive allows you to remove the speakers and place them in other helmets if you want to switch up the helmet you use for the day. Keep in mind, the adhesive will wear out over time if you change helmets often. If you run into this issue you can order replacement mounts directly from the manufacturer.
Sound Quality
Not all riders will purchase a set of helmet speakers so they can listen to music. In fact, many people purchase these speakers so they can hear directions clearly, listen to traffic and weather reports, or catch their favorite podcast. In these instances, the sound quality won’t be a major issue, not like it will when you’re listening to music.
In terms of sound quality, these speakers earned an average rating. The bass and mids sound clear, but once you crank of the volume, you’re going to run into some issues with distortion. This can be a major drawback for some potential buyers. The volume level is definitely much higher than what you’ll get from competing speaker sets, however, the manufacturer should’ve focused more on the sound quality than the volume level.
If you’re looking for a system that offers the type of volume level that will allow you to easily listen to podcasts, your favorite music, and GPS navigation, then these speakers deliver, however, sound quality was definitely sacrificed.
Performance
Considering the low price, these speakers performed better than what I was expecting. But for some, these speakers will be a major disappointment, whether it’s due to the limited functionality, or the fact that the speakers are simply too big to comfortably fit in many styles of helmets.
In terms of size, these speakers are easily twice the size of competing models, which will significantly limit you concerning which types of helmets you can use. The fact that it lacks a mic also means that you cannot use voice commands to control your phone, answer a call, skip a track, or use Google Voice or Siri.
These are simply motorcycle speakers in their basic form. This set shines in terms of the volume level, making these speakers some of the loudest on the market. However, if you listen to bass-heavy tracks you’ll notice distortion right away.
Basically, when you listen to any genre of music with the level cranked all the way up, you’ll notice a dip in the sound quality. However, this may not even be an issue if you don’t normally turn the volume up all the way.
Click here if you want to check out my full guide on some of the best helmet speakers on today’s market. Now, let’s check out the pros and cons of the Tork X-Pro Speakers…
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Higher than average volume level
- Lightweight
- Can be used for multiple helmets
- Low price
- Beginner-friendly
- Compatible with all types of smartphones and MP3 players
Cons
- Distortion is noticeable when the volume is turned all the way up
- The speakers may be too thick for certain types of helmets
Tork Versus iASUS XSound 2.1 Helmet Speakers
These speakers are offered at a more affordable price compared to the competing model. The competing speakers by iASUS, are compatible with all types of smartphones, MP3 players, and helmet communication systems.
They also offer a better sound quality and a thinner, sleeker design that allows you to use them for a variety of different types and styles of helmets. The included Velcro mounting kit will not wear out over time, like the mounting tabs that come with the Tork speakers.
However, the Tork speakers do offer a higher volume level, which is a must for some riders. Yet, if you’re looking for a speaker system that’s very versatile and designed with sound quality in mind, then you’ll appreciate what the iASUS system has to offer.
While it does come with a higher price tag in comparison, hands down it offers a better bass response, clear, rich mids, and just a better sound in general. So, if you’re an audiophile, then I recommend going with the competition. If louder than average speakers are exactly what you’re looking for, then the Tork speakers deliver, and for a price that won’t hit your wallet too hard.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
While it’s true that these speakers are significantly louder than competing models, which can make it much easier to listen to music when you’re riding on a busy city street, you’ll definitely run into issues with poor sound quality and some distortion if you crank the speakers up to full volume. Another major problem is the thickness of the padding.
These speakers are twice as thick as competing models, which can make it very limiting in terms of which types of motorcycle helmet brands you can use these speakers with. This will be a major drawback for some potential buyers.
Aside from those issues, the speakers do offer a solid, reliable performance, for a price that’s right. If you’re not planning on cranking up the volume to full blast, or you’ll be using these speakers in order to clearly hear your GPS, or to listen to weather and news reports, then they can allow you to easily catch every detail, with no worries of distortion, but bass-heavy tracks will definitely suffer. I gave these headphones a rating of four out of five stars.
