Hi SB,
I really like reading your posts, because as a general rule, it occurs to me if your writing something it's because either you've experienced it, or have researched the facts / numbers....
In light of that spirit I'll add some info / pics for anyone who might find them useful;
According to stamps.com an LH0250 Gallet with HSI ANR comes in at 2pounds 8 ounces +/-
And the same make helmet with Lightspeeds bluetooth helmet zulu kit ; :-? 5 ounces more
Both of these are set up with bail out plugs at the nape, so no 'battery / comm' boxes that don't rest on your head to add confusion to the mix. And although my passive helmet is at the shop, I know from past excursions down this road it is a full 8 ounces less than the HSI.
You are correct in that the receiver for the bluetooth resides in the 'box' but BT still adds an additional speaker (I don't know why they can't plumb that sound through the comm speakers?) and wiring throughout. Does the extra few ounces bother me? Not in the least... But I imagine there is a limit to how far I'd go with that thought. Is it worth consideration for others?... hell I don't know why anyone would listen to
anything I was babbling about
As a side note, I would urge anyone contemplating a helmet to practice two rules I adhere to when flying in a helmet;
1) use a bail out plug. If you think the cord is not going to keep you in the plane in an emergency when you forget to unplug... you are mostly right... it's just going to cost you a neck injury on the way out... and...
2) Never put your helmet on until you'r fired up and the engine is happy. The first time you experience an engine fire or similar, you will get a chance to evaluate wether or not rule #1 made sense....
Take care. Rob