Miguel Lombana

Now and then when I’m on the bike I’ll take a call with my Scala Rider Bluetooth Helmet System and everyone that I talk to is usually amazed when I tell them that I’m on the bike riding down the road at highway speed. I’ve heard comments that it sounds like I”m in the next room, that it’s better than the integrated system in peoples cars and that  it sounds amazing!

When I was looking for my Scala, I had to purchase sight and sound unseen, so I decided to create this post for anyone that is looking for an honest review and some audio samples of an actual call.

First, I chose the Scala Q2, I wasn’t so interested in the FM radio capability but it’s there, to date I have never used it, besides in my truck I have satellite radio for a huge reason, terrestrial radio sucks, I digressed again, one feature I  did want was the stereo speakers and MP3 interface, the Bluetooth was really the plus since I now have a helmet system that I can listen to my iPod when I’m riding and take phone calls when necessary.

The setup is super easy, clip the bracket to the left side of your helmet, adjust the position so the boom mic sits in front of your mouth and screw it down so it won’t move. Next, take the Velcro pads supplied in the kit and attach them to the inside of your helmet where your ears come to rest when the helmet is on and press them in place. Finally place the speaker cables in the shell and install the speakers on the Velcro, charge the base unit for the recommended time and when it’s ready follow the instructions in the manual to pair the unit to your phone and you’re set.

For MP3, the unit comes with a supplied cable the plugs right in to the 1/8″ stereo jack on your player, the plug that fits the Scala is slightly smaller so there is only one way to connect the unit, pay attention to this or you will be scratching your head wondering what is going on.

Now I have a full face Shoei helmet, but from my testing, since the microphone has an opening on the other side (not the mouth side) it’s capable of superb wind noise cancellation, so even someone with an open helmet will greatly benefit from this unit, again you can play your iPod!

Taking calls is easy, when the phone rings just say anything into the microphone like “Answer” and the Scala will tell your phone to go off hook. To hangup just let the caller hangup and the Scala will disconnect your phone or you can use your left hand and touch the large button (see pics it’s the one with the light) and the system will disconnect. To make calls just reach up and touch the large side button and your phone will go into voice command mode and you can dial the person you desire.

When listening to MP3 or FM, the phone has priority on the system, the only thing that I find annoying is that since my phone is also my email device, when a message comes in and the phone beeps, I get that beep in my ear and the MP3 or FM drops for a second. It’s not bad but it is annoying especially when you’re running some great twisties with something like Kid Rock blaring in your ears and you suddenly hear beeps and not music, but again, I’m sure there is a way to turn the notification off in my phone but why bother.

Another great feature about the Q2 is the ability to pair it to 3 other Scala units, so if I’m riding with friends and they have Scala systems, we can all intercom each other for up to 1000′. I also seem to think that you can share your music with a passenger if they are paired to your unit, but I’m not 100% on that one.

So here are some pics and audio files in case your thinking about making the purchase of a bluetooth helmet audio system, I highly recommend the Scala and I got mine from Revzilla.com they are a great online store with just about anything for a rider at great prices.

Scala Company Site: http://www.cardowireless.com/home

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 12:33 and is filed under Site News & Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.