BILT Techno 2.0 Bluetooth Helmet Pairing Guide and Review
Joanne Rushton
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The BILT Techno 2.0 Bluetooth full-face helmet has it all: Simple styling, good value, and built-in Bluetooth connectivity.
So what’s the catch?
It’s outdated. On the market since 2017, there are many lids in the same price range with better features and tech.
But lucky for you, I’ll give you all the best alternatives to the BILT Techno 2.0 down below. That means a more fun ride for you, with no extra damage to your wallet.
To get you up to speed on this BILT helmet, I’ll run you through the build quality of the BILT Techno 2.0 and what the Bluetooth system can do: range, battery, and number of connected devices.
Let’s get in to it.
BILT Techno 2.0 Review
Strong Build Quality with Sun Visor
As a helmet, the BILT Techno 2.0 checks all the boxes. It’s sturdy and well-built, with a good seal around the visor and smoothly operated vents on the top and at the chin. You get a breath deflector to keep fog down, and an internal sun visor.
Want to let some wind flow through the front? The clear locking shield can sit in four positions. We all know what it’s like on a hot day with no airflow through your helmet. Adjust your face shield to get more wind going through and lock the position.
One of my favorite features is the all-red fully removable liner. Why? It doesn’t show sweat as easily as traditional black lining. Plus it just looks badass.
This lid isn’t an Arai or Shoei race helmet, but for a third of the price it will get the job done and protect your head.
Bonus: Modular Version
Don’t like the full-face style? You can also pick up a modular with the BILT Techno 2.0 Evolution model. (Or the Techno 3.0 below)
So far this lid doesn’t sound too bad.
What are the downsides? Well, for one this helmet only comes in one shell size. That means if you’re wearing a small or medium, you’re carrying a ton of excess weight and you’ll get a bobblehead look. This lid weights around 3.80 lbs, which is heavier than your average full-face helmet. However, that does include the integrated Sena Bluetooth technology and its battery.
If you’re wearing an XL, you’ll get a thinner layer of padding than other buyers.
The rest of the downsides come with the outdated integrated Bluetooth. More on that now.
Integrated Bluetooth Communication
Today, Sena and Cardo are pumping out Mesh capable units that support virtually limitless riders over intercom. That has left the BILT Techno 2.0 Sena Bluetooth helmet back in the Stone Age.
You get a Sena DWO-5 system, which uses Bluetooth 3.0. New units are past Bluetooth 5.0 now, which means those will connect faster, over longer distances, and with better reliability.
The intercom range on the BILT Techno 2.0 extends just 1,300 feet. Many Bluetooth units today can easily extend THREE TIMES that distance without a crackle.
The 8 hour talk time on the BILT Techno 2.0 system is also poor compared to newer units. Compare that to the Sena Stryker, which holds 20 hours of charge in the helmet’s battery.
The speakers on the BILT Techno 2.0 also can’t hold a candle to Cardo’s JBL speakers or Sena’s Harman Kardon partnership. Turn your Techno 2.0 all the way up: you’ll hear a lot of distortion and lose most of the bass.
However, taking calls and listening to music on your phone is supported. Voice commands work too.
Again, the BILT Techno 2.0 isn’t bad – it’s just old. If you want to pick one up in white, silver, or matte black, check the link below.
So what are your alternatives at the same price range?
Same Price but Better than BILT Techno 2.0
#1: BILT Techno 3.0
BILT upgraded the 2.0 by releasing the 3.0 a few years later. What’s improved?
For one, the style changed: The 3.0 is modular. That means the protection of a full face the the convenience of opening the chinbar using a lever in the center.
Second, the Techno 3.0 uses an upgraded Sena DWO-6 that’s on Bluetooth 4.1, for a bit more range and stability (but not as much as my next pick). Battery life is unchanged at 8 hours, with controls still on the left side of the helmet behind the chin bar opening.
We do get 2 sizes for the polycarbonate shell, but one shell size is only for 3XL and above. One size covers XS to 2XL! Not a great improvement. This helmet is also heavier at 4.11 lbs (8% heavier).
The 3.0 is not a bad lid – though my next pick blows it out of the water.
#2: Sena OutForce
The Sena OutForce came out at the end of 2022 as an integrated Bluetooth helmet packing a lot of Sena’s latest and greatest tech in its Bluetooth system.
And it’s the same price as the BILT Techno 2.0 and 3.0.
For that price you get Bluetooth 5.0 with over 3,000 feet of range (3x that of the Techno 2.0) and a 12 hour battery life (50% more than Techno 2.0).
The universal intercom is 4-way, with sleek controls built in to the left side of the helmet.
The built quality is top-notch, with included drop-down sun visor, locking face shield and large vents at the top and chin. Finish is nice with a chin curtain and quick release ratchet strap that’s easy to open even with a gloved hand. And look at those sleek stripes on the side!
But the real winner on this helmet is the price. To get a similar setup in any other full face helmet you’d have to spend TWICE AS MUCH. Do away with the hassle of installing your own Bluetooth unit and pick up the Sena OutForce at Amazon or Revzilla.
And get back to riding.
BILT Helmets FAQs
Who makes and manufactures BILT helmets?
BILT is a brand owned by Cycle Gear (3), an American retailer specializing in motorcycle helmets, riding gear, parts, and more.
Do BILT helmets run small?
Riders disagree about the sizing of these helmets, particularly the BILT Techno 2.0 Bluetooth. Reviews suggest the sizing runs small; it may be worth upsizing if you’re at the top end of the size chart.
How do I update the firmware on a BILT Techno 2.0 Evolution?
To update the firmware of your Sena Bluetooth device in your BILT helmet you must:
- Download Cycle Gear Bluetooth Device Manager to your computer (4)
- Download the firmware update and connect your device to the computer
- Reset the headset to the factory default setting – check your User’s Guide
- Pair your devices to the helmet again
How to pair BILT Techno 2.0 helmets?
To pair two Sena DWO-5 helmets, you must:
- Press the center button on both helmets for five seconds, until you hear “intercom pairing” and the red light on both blinks rapidly
- Tap the center button on one of the headsets and wait for the light to flash blue on both
At this point, the intercom connection is created.
How to fix BILT Techno 2.0’s wind noise?
You can reduce wind noise in your helmet by using the chin curtain provided. Also, closing the air vents may help, but this also reduces airflow. Wind noise is, unfortunately, a known issue with this helmet. Earplugs can help cut out some of the drone, improving your ability to hear traffic.
Why is my BILT Techno 2.0 flashing red when trying to charge?
Your Bluetooth system has a flashing center ring when trying to charge if the unit is overheating. It won’t charge in this state. Remove the charging cable and give the helmet time to cool down and try again.
How do I play music on my BILT Techno 2.0 helmet, and how do I change songs?
You can pair your helmet with your cell or MP3 player – if you’ve still got one!! Select your music source on your device and it’ll play in the helmet’s speakers. You can skip forward or back through your playlist with the + and – button on the helmet controls.
How to pair a BILT Techno 2.0 Bluetooth helmet to a phone?
You only need to pair a device once with your helmet’s Sena DWO-5 Bluetooth, like so:
- Hold down the center button on the controls for 12 seconds; wait to hear “configuration menu”
- Tap the “+” button and listen for “phone pairing”
- Search for BILT DWO-5 on your handset’s Bluetooth search option
- If asked for a PIN, enter 0000
- Your handset confirms the pairing and there’s a message “Your headset is paired” from the helmet.
Now, you can begin streaming audio and GPS navigation directions or make phone calls.
What is the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmet?
There are lots of Bluetooth helmets available. We believe the best is the Sena Stryker, followed closely by many other options from Sena. Check out our rundown on the best Bluetooth helmets to find the right one for you.
References
- Polycarbonate Injection Molding: The Complete Guide. (2021, March 11). Wee Tect. https://www.weetect.com/polycarbonate-injection-molding/
- Bluetooth 1.0 vs 2.0 vs 3.0 vs 4.0 vs 5.0 – How They Compare | Symmetry Blog. (2018). Symmetry Electronics. https://www.semiconductorstore.com/blog/2018/Bluetooth-1-0-vs-2-0-vs-3-0-vs-4-0-vs-5-0-How-They-Differ-Symmetry-Blog/3147/
- Cycle Gear. (n.d.). Brands. Retrieved August 8, 2021, from https://www.cyclegear.com/all-brands
- CycleGear OEM. (n.d.). SENA. Retrieved August 8, 2021, from https://oem.sena.com/cyclegear/