| Author | Message | ||
     Corporatemonkey |
I was so excited earlier today, my new bluetooth helmet headset arrived. I have been wanting one of these Parrot SK4000's since they were announced. http://www.parrot.com/usa/plug-n-play-auto-moto On paper it has everything. A2DP (stereo BT), FM radio w/ RDS, a cool handle bar remote, built in voice control, etc... When the new iPhone was released I ordered one of these headsets. I was all prepared tonight to do a lengthy write up. I am too miffed to even bother. This crap is going back to amazon tomorrow.  Basically the headset had three glaring problems. 1) Low volume - I don't know if the designers have ever been near a motorcycle before, but you need solid volume to hear anything. It was barely adequate for phone calls, but music was basically inaudible. My earplugs didn't help, but I have had no trouble with my Cardo Scala in this area. 2) Poorly designed helmet speakers - because of the low volume issue, you have to position the ear pieces right up against your ears. My Arai has space helmet speakers, but they are about a 1/2 inch too far back. I went for a ride today to test out the headset, and now my ears are tender from the pressure.  3) Lack of any windtunnel testing - My Cardo Scala was designed to minimize any airflow issues. I have never noticed attached to my helmet. This Parrot POS is the size of a hockey puck. It sticks out in such a way that the wind howls past it at freeway speed. So I am back to square one looking for a A2DP capable BT headset. Maybe when the Cardo G4 comes out later this year I will look at it. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I'm also waiting on the G4. With A2DP, and supposedly being able to have a conversation with up to 4 people simultaneously. | ||
| Doerman |
I dislike getting a phone call from somebody using a Bluetooth. Noisy, scratchy, and skips. Bluetooth technology has not been perfected yet. Until it is, I will stick with wired solutions. | ||
| Jb2 |
+1 Doerman. I have a friend that calls me on his Bluetooth. There's always a ton of background noise and I can never understand him. I always tell him call me back when he can talk on his phone. I'm sure it's just me but when I hop on my bike I want to disconnect from all this technology. The last thing I want is music or phone calls interrupting my solitude. JB2 | ||
| Brinnutz |
If you're worried about size, guess you shouldn't try the chatterbox, LOL | ||
| Ochoa0042 |
this is cool, got a promotional email from em and saw this http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/17570/ ITEM/Element-Fastrack-Bluetooth-Helmet.aspx | ||
| Ulyscol |
I got the chatterbox XBI2 and it works as advertised up to about 75mph. After that wind noise makes it hard to hear. So far so good for me. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
If you're worried about size, guess you shouldn't try the chatterbox, LOL It wasn't the size, but the aerodynamic shape. I have played with chatterboxes, and yes they are large, but the shape cuts through the air with minimal disturbance. Ochoa, that helmet is similar to the Nolan N-com system. The problem with it is it is BT 1.2, not 2.0 My next headset must have A2DP profile. Ulysol, do you mind writing a little more about your xbi2? They have only been on the market a short while, and I have never read an online review of it. Steve, I am a little concerned about the Cardo G4. First off Cardo doesn't make (or design) anything, they relabel chinese private products. The existing Scalas (scala, FM, Teamset, G2) all came from the same supplier. I have not heard of anyone that likes the teamset/g2, the bike to bike feature seems to be a hit and miss. If you have seen the G4 photos, it is a new type of device, and frankly it looks really cheap... | ||
| Steve_mackay |
We have the Q2-teamsets. And they work flawlessly. They only time they haven't, I just removed the device from the mount, and remounted itm and it worked perfectly. Has a REALLY long life battery. Today, I went to work at 6:00AM, and forgot to turn off the FM radio. It was still playing when I left work at 3:30PM. The wife, and my son use these on every ride. And I use mine every day to either listen to a morning show on my commute to work, or my ipod hooked to it on the way home. It's always worked hooked to my Garmin GPS, which is synced to my iPhone. I love the fact that I can see who is calling me. And I can answer the call for work, or just reject the call. My only complaint with the Q2, is playing my ipod thru it, is a bit on the quiet side, even with the volume cranked all the way up. Besides that, it's been PERFECT. | ||
| Glitch |
I'm sure it's just me but when I hop on my bike I want to disconnect from all this technology. You're not alone Jim. Not only am I disconnected from all the technology, I'm escaping damn near everything. I hate to have to have a cell phone even. | ||
| Dfbutler |
I've had a Scala Rider for years. It works, period. I can carry on a conversation at up to 80 mph or so with earplugs and people are amazed that I'm talking to from my bike. I'd really like to have the stereo version so I can use the music features of my phone. Come on Cardo, let's have a stereo version! |
