Seeking Helmet Hedset Recommendations

[GaryTheBadger]

Now that my wife and I both have our own bikes, we're looking for the ideal headset solution. It would include:

• Voice-actuated for hands-free bike-to-bike talking
• Speakers for both ears because I am hard of hearing
• Flat microphones that fit inside full-face helmets
• Bluetooth so we can each receive calls from our
  respective cell phones, hands-free
• Everything attached to the helmets...no external
  belt- or bike-mounted radios with wires running
  to the helmets

Does such a solution exist? If so, are you happy with its performance?

 

[bjt]

You need something like what Scotty has. I forget the brand (Starcom or Autocom?) but I think it meets all your requirements. We would have gone with that but we got financially locked into J&M while trying to put together a communication system on a budget and find it hard to turn away from a $300 headset investment.

 

[sabunim5]

Starcom and Autocom are wired systems. If you want no wires you have to go bluetooth. Reviews of what is out there can be found at www.webbikeworld.com Happy shopping.:2thumbs: Thanks for your economic stimulus.

 

[Director]

Now that my wife and I both have our own bikes, we're looking for the ideal headset solution. It would include:

• Voice-actuated for hands-free bike-to-bike talking
• Speakers for both ears because I am hard of hearing
• Flat microphones that fit inside full-face helmets
• Bluetooth so we can each receive calls from our
  respective cell phones, hands-free
• Everything attached to the helmets...no external
  belt- or bike-mounted radios with wires running
  to the helmets

Does such a solution exist? If so, are you happy with its performance?

Gary, check out the Cardo Scala Rider Q2:

http://www.cardowireless.com/Q2

Personally, I have an Autocom system which I really like, but it is hard wired, so it would not fit your requirements. I have heard some pretty good things about the Cardo bluetooth system.

Bruce

 

[duneside]

I went with the camos 200 paired to my zumo 550, I get phone;mp3;& xm in stereo.I did have to purchase a dongle (not a dirty word) separtely to make it all stereo.
Look up benchmark helmets they walked me through every thing
Hope this helps,
Wayne

 

[zackybilly1]

Scala Rider

I have the Scala Rider Q2 setup and like it, although pricey. Started with Scala Rider Rider/Passenger setup and it works okay for two-up riding but not very versatile and the passenger version will not sync with the Q2. The Rider tx unit has a "green" dot on it and the passenger has the "yellow" dot. Bluetooth works with Rider & passenger can be allowed into the conversation at the Rider's will.

Ended up with the Scala Rider Q2 (orange dot). Its good for bike-to-bike (1500 ft range) or two-up. Does everything you require and also, has a built in FM radio. You can buy them in pairs or individually but there is no price break for the pair ($199 for single, $399 for pair). Battery charge last, at least, 7 or 8 hours. The Q2 set cost about $100 more than the Rider/Passenger set. A maximum of three of the Q2's can be sync'd to talk to each other.

Z

 

[Jimmy Neutron]

My wife hits me on the head if she needs bathroom break 1 hit tinkle and two hits the other . What other communication could you need:cheers:

 

[NancysToy]

We have used Starcom1 for several years, and immediately outfitted the Spyder with one. The speakers and the microphone are real nice, but they are wired. We have never had trouble with the VOX (voice activated) comms in intercom mode on the BMW, but the Spyder posed a new challenge bike-to-bike. It is a windy machine with the stock windshield, and the noise level was such that the threshold for the VOX had to be turned up so high that communications was spotty. We will buy PTT switches in the Spring. Beyond that it does allow you to answer the phone (with auto answer), or listen to your MP3 player and/or GPS. The background music mutes when any of the inputs are active...voice, phone, GPS, or radio. The noise reduction on the Starcom1 is excellent! Better than Autocom to my ear. Variable as the background noise rises at speed, too. If you can't come up with a wireless solution, one of the wired comm units may suit your needs.
-Scotty

 

[Lowflyingowl]

I second both Zackbilly's and SpyderJim's replies.

I have the Scala teamset and it works fine, although limited to rider/passenger communication, which we have found that we do not really need ( see SpyderJim's reply)...

Scala connects via Bluetooth to my GPS. The new Audio link for it will provide the stereo input for my XM.

If I had to do it again, I'd have waited for the Q2, but at the time the Q2 wan't out and insurance $ was burning a whole in my pocket...

Spyderjim, where is you in NE PA? Although I'm in Sacto CA now, I'll be out in UnionDale this summer after my cross-country trip.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Thanks for the replies...the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Multiset is just what we need! http://www.cardowireless.com/MultiSet $513.73 from Cardo, $250-$300 from Amazon, other US vendors have it too.

SpyderJim - Banging on the helmet won't work, we're on separate bikes.

 

[Director]

My wife hits me on the head if she needs bathroom break 1 hit tinkle and two hits the other . What other communication could you need:cheers:

Hmm, how about "Deer on the right!"? My wife Gail sometimes spots the wood rats before I do, and when she does, calls out a warning. :2thumbs:

I also really enjoy being able to chat with her about some of the interesting sights on our trips. Just helps pass the time, and makes our journeys that much more enjoyable. :thumbup:

Bruce

 

[NancysToy]

Hmm, how about "Deer on the right!"? My wife Gail sometimes spots the wood rats before I do, and when she does, calls out a warning. :2thumbs:

I also really enjoy being able to chat with her about some of the interesting sights on our trips. Just helps pass the time, and makes our journeys that much more enjoyable. :thumbup:

Bruce

Bruce, I feel this way, too. When we were riding two-up, the intercom was one of the best things we ever bought. Very enjoyable trips that way. I'm hoping if we get the PTT switches to make our bike-to-bike more reliable, that will go well, too. Unfortunately, communications is not as "instant" with the radios added to the system, no matter what.
-Scotty

 

[Director]

You can buy them in pairs or individually but there is no price break for the pair ($199 for single, $399 for pair).

Z

It's actually sort of a reverse price break, isn't it? It will actually cost you one dollar more to order a pair than two singles! :dontknow:

But then, as the great Yogi Berra once said, "A nickel isn't worth a dime today."

Bruce

 

[Country Spyder]

Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Question...

all, pardon my ignorance, but will the q2 fit in the Can-am (or should i say scorpion) GSX-2 Helmet or do is there a better option?

My requirements:

Wireless
Bluetooth (want to talk on the phone if needed)
FM radio


as always thanks for the help!!!

 

[zzneonzz]

all, pardon my ignorance, but will the q2 fit in the Can-am (or should i say scorpion) GSX-2 Helmet or do is there a better option?

My requirements:

Wireless
Bluetooth (want to talk on the phone if needed)
FM radio


as always thanks for the help!!!

its not helmet specific so i'm sure it will. I have a scorpion helmet and use the Chatterbox XBI for this purpose but possibly changing to the Q2 and try it out.

 

[wyliec]

I have the Scala Rider Q2 setup and like it, although pricey. Started with Scala Rider Rider/Passenger setup and it works okay for two-up riding but not very versatile and the passenger version will not sync with the Q2. The Rider tx unit has a "green" dot on it and the passenger has the "yellow" dot. Bluetooth works with Rider & passenger can be allowed into the conversation at the Rider's will.

Ended up with the Scala Rider Q2 (orange dot). Its good for bike-to-bike (1500 ft range) or two-up. Does everything you require and also, has a built in FM radio. You can buy them in pairs or individually but there is no price break for the pair ($199 for single, $399 for pair). Battery charge last, at least, 7 or 8 hours. The Q2 set cost about $100 more than the Rider/Passenger set. A maximum of three of the Q2's can be sync'd to talk to each other.

Z

On the spyder general discussion thread it gives the website to purchase Scala Rider Q2 two pack for $240.
http://www.jcmotors.com/p-13470-car...uetooth-motorcycle-intercom-communicator.aspx

 

[mike3069]

all, pardon my ignorance, but will the q2 fit in the Can-am (or should i say scorpion) GSX-2 Helmet or do is there a better option?

My requirements:

Wireless
Bluetooth (want to talk on the phone if needed)
FM radio


as always thanks for the help!!!

Yes. I have it on my GSX-2.

 

[patches]

I have the Multi Set and it works like a charm. They will fit any helmet that I have with exception to my skull cap of course. Half or full. Had a few issues with the half and the wind noise would activate it. We covered the front part and it was good to go. Full helmets, even my customers have no idea I am on a bike when they call.

 

[650flutterby]

We currently use the BlueAnt Interphone. They're blue tooth and work great for bike to bike or driver to passenger. You can also talk on your cell phone. :2thumbs:

They mount to any helmet and with additional mounts they are easily switched between different helmets.

You can find them for around $119.00 each.

 

[skeet]

seeking helmet headset recommendations

The Vemar Jiano bluetooth helmet meets all of your wishes. It pairs with GPS, Cell Phone, and you and your passanger (or a nearby rider) with the same helmet can talk. It also will work with MP3 player. I just bought one and they are expensive ($500), but very high tech.
It comes ready to use-just charge the bluetooth battery.