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Places 2 Ride is a guide to places to go and things to do on a motorcycle. Our blog features motorcycling news, notable riding gear, opinionated rants and the occasional tech article. We also include notices for upcoming events and places to ride that have been added to our website.
August 2, 2007
Liberate Yourself with the Cardo Scala Rider
Can You Hear Me Now?
Usually not.
At a Glance
Pro: no wires, easy to use, phone integration is cool
Con: passenger set is gimped, mounting to helmet can be tricky
Shouting at your passenger through a full-face helmet while on a motorcycle isn't a very effective means of communicating. And motorcycle intercom systems are notorious for creating more perspiration than communication. Wind noise, tangled cables, distracting controls– they can all add up to an exercise in frustration. But one product promises to eliminate some of those nuisances. Namely, the tangled cords.
Using something called Bluetooth technology, the Cardo Scala Rider Bluetooth Helmet Team Head Set offers cordless communication between rider and passenger. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that is common on those cell phone earbuds people wear. You know the thing– it makes them look like Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek (or more like crazy people wandering around in Target talking to themselves). I digress.
Most of Scala's Bluetooth communicators are aimed at using your cell phone while riding. I question the wisdom of such antics, but I'm happy to see this technology finally being applied to motorcycle communicators. This system also lets you yak on the phone, hands-free no less, but also comes with a second headset and provides the intercom feature.
The box comes with everything you'll need. Two headsets, chargers, adapter for thicker interior helmets and velcro pads. The manual is wimpy, but the more complete version can be downloaded from the Cardo web site. Installation is pretty easy because of the clever helmet attachment and ample wiring supplied. No holes are required.
On the road the intercom is very usable at lower speeds. At 70 mph and above it becomes difficult to manage anything close to a conversation. But on the road we usually aren't looking for deep philosophical discussions. An occasional "Check that out!" is more the norm, and for this type of chatter the Scala Rider is more than adequate.
Available online from Motorcycle Superstore
Shop eBay for Cardo Scala Rider
Usually not.
At a Glance
Pro: no wires, easy to use, phone integration is cool
Con: passenger set is gimped, mounting to helmet can be tricky
Shouting at your passenger through a full-face helmet while on a motorcycle isn't a very effective means of communicating. And motorcycle intercom systems are notorious for creating more perspiration than communication. Wind noise, tangled cables, distracting controls– they can all add up to an exercise in frustration. But one product promises to eliminate some of those nuisances. Namely, the tangled cords.
Using something called Bluetooth technology, the Cardo Scala Rider Bluetooth Helmet Team Head Set offers cordless communication between rider and passenger. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that is common on those cell phone earbuds people wear. You know the thing– it makes them look like Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek (or more like crazy people wandering around in Target talking to themselves). I digress.
Most of Scala's Bluetooth communicators are aimed at using your cell phone while riding. I question the wisdom of such antics, but I'm happy to see this technology finally being applied to motorcycle communicators. This system also lets you yak on the phone, hands-free no less, but also comes with a second headset and provides the intercom feature.
The box comes with everything you'll need. Two headsets, chargers, adapter for thicker interior helmets and velcro pads. The manual is wimpy, but the more complete version can be downloaded from the Cardo web site. Installation is pretty easy because of the clever helmet attachment and ample wiring supplied. No holes are required.
On the road the intercom is very usable at lower speeds. At 70 mph and above it becomes difficult to manage anything close to a conversation. But on the road we usually aren't looking for deep philosophical discussions. An occasional "Check that out!" is more the norm, and for this type of chatter the Scala Rider is more than adequate.
Available online from Motorcycle Superstore
Shop eBay for Cardo Scala Rider
Labels: review
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