Burton and Motorola intro Audex helmet
By Darren Murph 
posted Aug 3rd 2006 1:40AM
posted Aug 3rd 2006 1:40AM
While it's the dead of summer here in the States, it's probably snowing somewhere, and Burton has teamed up with Motorola to drop the feature-packed Audex Helmet to keep your skull intact while carving that powder. At the 2006 Burton New Zealand Open Snowboarding Championships, this Bluetooth-enabled brain protector was unveiled to give riders the ability to manage a cellphone and audio player without the hassle of wires. While the helmet looks fairly standard, it rocks detachable stereo headphones -- optimized to handle the wind and noise -- that avid boarders will likely appreciate. Integrated Bluetooth, a 3.5mm line-in jack, Bluetooth audio controls, and a built-in microphone round out the technology crammed inside the Audex. Riders can pair up their cellphone for hands-free operation, and although Burton would need a mighty windscreen on the mic if anyone expects to hear you while busting a 720, at least you can brag with ease when back on the lift. Thanks to the line-in port, users without Bluetooth-enabled DAPs are still taken care of, though you won't be able to utilize the glove-friendly volume / track selectors that control functionality in Bluetooth equipped units. Available in a myriad of colors, the headgear will be shipping this month, so if you're not already rocking the Audex jacket, or just want a snazzy way to protect your neck (and cranium), you can pick this up for around $250.
Who gets serivce in the mountains? All I know is this ain't gonna work in Big Bear or any other place 3000 feet above elevation in Cali.
great if your resort has decent cellphone signal...otherwise it's only good for music.
I don't remember having problems with cell phone reception at most mountain resorts I've been to.
I always thought it was illegal to wear headphones on the slopes because you couldn't hear if someone was barreling down behind you. As much as I'd love to have tunes while snowboarding, I think I'd rather know when the guy out of control is screaming "look out" is coming up fast on me.
most resorts have a cell phone tower at the peak. two for sure: northstar and park city.
maybe i trust too easily: on the slopes, ppl in front of you have the right of way.
Ezekielthirty5, I get good reception at both Heavenly and Mt. High in California.
true spyboy true... if i would listen to music when i am snowboarding i would just use my own headphones and my own helmet.. ha waste of money.
I don't think its illegal, and as any snowboarder should know and remember ;) you shouldn't have to worry about people "plowing" down behind you. You have to be cautious of the people in front of you since they have the right of way.
Either way, I've used my Ipod on the slopes and I have to say that I can't stand it. Personally, I always fear breaking my Ipod, and also i just feel too secluded
Zach Marshall - You should try out the ipod otterbox thing is unreal, waterproof headphones could be a little better.
http://www.otterbox.com/products/ipod_cases/ipod_20gb_case/
I won one of these jackets this march at the US Open of Snowbarding. It's excellent! I got it in black and listen to my ipod and use my hpone on it alot when snowbarding
any similar gadgets for riding motorcycles?
This helmet/headphone works fabulously. The sound is great, all of the controls work with both iPods and my Blackberry, and the helmet is light, warm, and comfortable. The phones aren't directly against your ears, so it's easy to hear ambient noise, including oncoming 'boarders ruining the line and putting you in their crosshairs. Also, it's so easy to pause or turn the volume way, way down, you can "reconnect" with your ski buddies on the lift, and then resume your musical inspiration as you recommence your turns. This is a fantastic product. Also, there's a fairly strong cellphone signal in both Big and Little Cottonwood. Who really wants to talk on the phone while skiing, though? This is worth it for the music.