The UClear Digital Plus wired drop-in high-def speakers offer top of the line sound quality, pure bass tones, and crystal clear high tones. This is a great system if you’re looking to upgrade your existing system or you’re totally new to speaker use while riding.
The price indicates this is an entry-level system, but the sound quality will definitely surprise you. Versatile, beginner-friendly, and offering the type of reliable performance you need when you’re on the road, it comes as no surprise that this speaker set is killing the competition.
Our Verdict: This speaker set is compatible with any type of motorcycle helmet communication system, smartphone, or MP3 player. It offers a top of the line performance in terms of sound quality and clarity, but you may begin to notice a dip in performance if you crank up the speakers all the way.
However, if you listen to your music reasonably loud, the speakers offer a consistently clear performance and one that makes them one of the best-selling speaker sets on the market.
The included Velcro adhesive tabs allow you to easily reposition the speakers if they begin to slide down in your helmet. The speakers feature a thick foam padding, providing excellent user comfort, while the slim fit allows you to use it with any type or style of helmet, which is a huge plus for any rider who likes to switch up the type of helmet they used based on the weather or where they’re riding that day.
Overall, these speakers scored well for their versatility, compatibility, the short and simple mounting process, and sound quality and clarity. While these speakers do have their limits, they’re able to provide the type of reliable performance that every rider is looking for in a system they can use for rides around town or long cross country adventures.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
You can use these speakers for most models of intercom systems, that’s how versatile they are. When you’re riding around on your bike, you need speakers that are powerful enough to block out road noise, while providing crystal clear clarity and deep bass.
These speakers are also able to offer top of the line audio reproduction of your favorite tunes, further enhancing your riding experience. However, it’s important to keep in mind that when used at the highest volume setting for an extended period of time, this can cause damage to your hearing. While these speakers are a little on the pricey side, considering their versatility and reliable performance, they’re definitely worth the price.
Our Rating:
- Thick padding
- Easy to install
- Long cord
- Crystal clear listening experience
- Beginner-friendly
- Versatile
- Compatible with existing headsets, all smartphones, and MP3 players
Design
This speaker kit can be used to upgrade any music system that relies on a basic 3.5 millimeter input for speakers. This system doesn’t come with a mic, unfortunately. This set adds an inline audio/volume controller and is compatible with most models of communication systems. These lightweight speakers weigh just thirty-two grams.
Driver
Like most speaker systems by this manufacturer, this set uses the standard forty-millimeter driver that’s encased in thick protective foam that’s bonded to a loop and hook mounting plate. Unfortunately, you cannot replace the foam, so if it becomes damaged, you’ll need to replace the speaker system.
Sound Quality
The speakers come in at eight Ohms impedance and 1130 decibel sensitivity with a frequency response of twenty Hz.
Mounting
This kit comes with extension pieces and mounting hardware, so it can easily be installed in a variety of helmet styles.
Use
These speakers can be used to listen to music on an MP3 player or smartphone, or any other type of device. The gold-plated 3.5 millimeter stereo jack and universal fitment can be easily installed in basically any type of helmet, then connected to a communication or audio system that’s wireless or wired.
The sound quality is outstanding. You won’t have to deal with distortion, static, or a spotty performance. Instead, it offers a pure, high definition listening experience.
In terms of fit, they will work well for most of the leading motorcycle helmet brands, but tend to do the best with your standard full-face helmets or modular helmets. These helmets often have extra space around the ears that are designed to accommodate speaker systems.
To learn more about helmet style options, click here to read my guide on the type of motorcycle helmets you should use.
Installation
Installing these speakers is a breeze. They can easily be positioned at any time, with the use of very sticky Velcro pads that you can use to mount the speakers in the perfect spot or reposition them if the speakers begin to slide out of place. With other brands of helmet speaker systems, you’ll have to be very careful with installation, since their adhesive tabs will lose their effectiveness over time, especially if you have to constantly reposition them.
These Velcro tab mounts are different, allowing you to reposition the tabs each time you ride if needed, and all without impacting the power of the adhesive. This will allow you to use the speakers in a variety of helmets, not just one. This is another big selling point for riders who like to switch helmet types based on the weather or where they’re riding.
Cord
The included cord is just long enough to reach your electronic device, even if you have it mounted directly to your handlebars. Additionally, the closer the speakers are placed to your ears, the better the sound quality and the higher the volume.
Performance
These speakers earned top marks from users, due to their simple controls, easy installation, and the slim fit design that will allow you to mount the speakers in a tight-fitting helmet, without the snug fit impacting the sound quality or causing user discomfort. However, there have been some reports that the speakers tend to stop working after six to eight months of use. Fortunately, this isn’t a common issue, so if you run into this problem, be sure to contact the manufacturer immediately for troubleshooting advice or a replacement.
Another problem is a crackling sound, in addition to the distortion that you may experience from time to time if you crank the speakers up to full volume. This is a common issue you’ll run into with most sets of helmet speakers. Overall, these speakers offered the type of stellar performance that landed them the top spot on my best-of list.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Easy mounting
- Compatible with any motorcycle communication system
- Long cord
- Can be used with smartphones and MP3 players
- Thick padding
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Sound quality dips slightly at full volume
- Defective speakers can fail after six to eight months of use
UClear Speakers Versus Cardo Motorcycle 45mm Audio Set
The competing set by Cardo offers some stiff competition, especially considering this is one of the leading brands in the industry. Like the UClear speakers, this set is compatible with other types of motorcycle headset communication systems, so you can use it for any brand.
Additionally, the speakers will also work with smartphones and MP3 players. If you currently own a Cardo headset, these speakers are an excellent upgrade and can provide the type of volume boost and bass upgrade that some riders are looking for.
In fact, these JBL brand speakers have been offering the type of high sound quality the audiophiles have loved for years. Since Cardo decided to partner with JBL, its product line has seen a significant boost in sales.
Comparably, the UClear speakers simply can’t compete with the JBLs, so if you’re looking for speakers that can offer a crystal clear listening experience with no limits, then you may want to go with the Cardo speakers, especially if you prefer listening to your favorite music at full volume. Unlike the UClear speakers, the Cardo’s will not experience static or any type of dip in performance even when they’re cranked up all the way.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
These speakers also earned top marks for their easy mounting Velcro adhesive tabs and their slim fit design that will allow you to use them in any type of helmet. The slim fit also promotes user comfort and comes equipped with plenty of cushioning. The cord is more than long enough to allow you to ride and enjoy listening to your music in total comfort. The system’s versatility is another huge selling point, since it can be used for an existing headset communication system, or you can directly connect it to your smartphone or MP3 player. In the end, these speakers earned a rating of five out of five stars, so it’s no surprise they’re crushing the competition.
