Bluetooth Headset

I am curious about what people use for bluetooth headsets. I am looking to pick up either something from Sena or from Cardo as they seem to be the highest profile sets out there at this time. I don't want to get a helmet with the gear already in the helmet as I have a new helmet and have no interest in spending the money on a second one. I want a set that allows me to play my music from my phone and to be able to use my phone while riding if the need arises. I don't spend a lot of time riding in groups but of course the intercom is important as well. Thanks for anyones input in advance.

 

Cardo Packtalk or Sena S20.

I have the Cardo and love it. I got to see AM's Sena S20 and it's very nice too.

Get the brand that your friends are using.

 

Packtalk and Schuberth SRC-Pro user here. The Schuberth is actually made by Cardo and is the equivalent to the Scala G9x. Both do great as a link to your phone and/or Radar Detector (via Bluetooth adapter) but the PackTalk is great when riding with other riders. I use the Schuberth in my commuter helmet and mostly to be able to keep in contact when people call, as I use my motorcycle when I commute and sometimes have to take a business call.

When I ride with my friends, three of us have the PackTalk and when set to DMC mode, they connect instantaneously and when one rider falls out of range and then back in, the reconnection is seamless. One other benefit of the PackTalk, you can keep your COMM open while maintaining a connection to your phone or radar detector, which allows you to either listen to music or get alerts. The latter comes in handy as you can then warn your buddies of radar detection. This came in handy a few times BTW.

So far I have owned 4 different Cardo/Schuberth (2 each) systems and have had good luck with all of them. Prior to my PackTalk, I had the Scala G9x as my group communicator, and the Schuberth SRC as my commuter COMM system. I have to say I am very pleased with the PackTalk and have been trying to get a few other riders to pick them up so we can extend our group communications. Alas, they are not cheap, but IMO, worth it if doing group rides.

If you buy the Cardo today (6/30/2016) you should be able to get the 15% off. Today is the last day of the sale I believe. This is held by Cardo and is available from all resellers, at least here in the states.

 

Currently both the Packtalk and the Sena are on sale at Canadas Mototrcycle, a Canadian online retailer. Both systems are about the same price for a dual pack. I don't commute on my bike and generally it doesn't see rain either. However the Sena is water resistant and the Cardo is waterproof. So if a person were to be caught out on a trip in the rain the Cardo wouldn't have to be put away to be on the safe side.

 

I went halves on the DUO pack with fellow VFRW member OC_Landspeeder. Turned out much cheaper that way, that and I got a show special at last years MC show (a few dollars less than current discounted price). Maybe find someone else who might be interested and split the cost with them.

 

I use a Uclear to answer the phone and listen to music. Since I have been losing my hearing I have been using the communicator less and less. I just can't turn it up loud enough. I use ear plugs to protect what is left of my hearing.

 

My Cardo Packtalk has taken a shit kicking in the rain.

Just ask Randy if I'm scared to ride a thunderstorm out.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

I prefer to wear earplugs and can actually hear the comms or music really well with them in. Without them both the wind noise and comms level are actually a little too loud.

 

I also wear ear plugs on the highway with my PackTalk. Can hear my music and comms just fine.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. You guys are even answering my questions before I post them. I was wondering about the use of ear plugs. Does anyone use actual earbuds connected to their comm system or do you use the ones that come with? Also what mic do you use?

 

I sent my blue tooth back due to noise-how can I hear the thing with a 2bos carbon single-I can see it-GPS ,however. some things are just junk.

 

I was wondering how your Sena held up in the rain. If I do get a Cardo dual pack I suspect that I will be sharing the other unit with my son.

 

I use the actual speakers

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

My sena s20 has survived a lot of very hard rain at high speeds.

 

I have a UClear Bluetooth system. Mine is not the quality of some of the systems already mentioned, but it does phone, music, GPS, and intercom. Below are a few things I learned for those thinking about going the Bluetooth route:

• Intercom and phone works ok at speeds 50 mph and below; above that threshold, words can be heard but not very recognizable
• I love the ability to listen to music while I ride; again clarity diminishes as ambient noise goes up
• The ability to filter wind noise can be hit and miss at times, but generally works. The better systems may be better at this than the UClear.
• I've tried using it with and without earplugs; I agree that earplugs are the way to go and you can still hear the speakers. I actually use Alpine earplugs (which has a small hole) to attenuate noise and still hear the speakers pretty well. You may get near the same result with regular earplugs.
• Wireless earbuds that would interface with these systems would be the bomb, but they just don't exist to my knowledge. UClear makes an wired earbud that interfaces with the comm unit that I might try, but it still a hardwired setup, (Love to hear any alternatives from the peanut gallery)

Bottom line, I like the system and would definitely get one again. The ability to listen to music and talk with the pillion is worth it. Making phone calls is a nice to have. I use it all the time.

Scott

 

I use a Cardo Scala Rider Q1 with these "ear buds" from CEP. They're not the cheapest option available but I have experience using their products in other applications and like them. If you don't like the foam plugs you can also get triple flange silicone plugs that work with them. "In-the-ear" speakers make all the difference. I've used the Cardo external speakers and between wind noise and limited volume, I've found them marginal at best.

 

Sena S20 has been great for me - does everything you'd want and firmware updates are a snap. I wear foam earplugs and the sound is great.

 

That's about all I want also. If you want to save money check out the Sena SMH5 http://www.sena.com/product/smh5/

 

Be sure to check out your local classified sections as well when you're looking at purchasing. I recently picked up a Cardo Scala Rider G9x off Kijiji for $400 for the pair, so there are deals to be had if the timing is right. The first couple times I rode with a friend that had the same set took a little getting used to since that little voice in the back of my head belonged to someone else. LOL

The voice commands work very well, the sound quality is good and the noise cancelation on the microphones is amazing. When talking with my buddy the first time he called me while riding his bike, I would have sworn that he was sitting in his office talking on a cordless handset. Then he tells me, "Nope and I'm riding with the flip face of my helmet in the up position."

I have ridden with the Scala G9x while wearing regular foam ear plugs and they do decrease the overall volume of the sound from the speakers but if you play around with the placement of the speakers a bit to the point where they are right over your ears, the speakers are very good. No, they're not the same quality sound as a high end sound system, but overall, I was and still am very pleased.