Card0’s Scala Rider Initial Impression (very impressed)
May 2nd, 2006 | by amarfresh |
This weekend I finally dusted off my motorcycle and hit the open road. Saturday was perfect riding weather. This ride would be different though: I rode equipped with my new Sprint A920 and a Cardo’s Scala Rider Bluetooth Headset. I received it last year, but the winter was already upon us, else I would have reviewed it sooner. Nonetheless, riding season is here and we can always use new gadgets.
Installation was rather simple. Cardo provided any tools and adjusters needed to fit any full face or open face helmet. There is a boom mic with a windscreen and a velcro speaker which is low profile enough so that you don’t feel it in your headset. The “brains” of the unit clips to a mount on the outside of your helmet (where the mic and speaker connect to.) It is rubberized and seems quite durable. The unit removes easily for charging.
Pairing was relatively easy, but could have been easier with a better quick start guide and diagram. There are several buttons on the unit for easy answering and volume adjustment. I was able to manipulate them with my summer riding gloves. The unit was loud and clear, even with my V-twin and its unsilenced pipes. In fact, the friend who accompanied me on the ride (via cell) could not even tell I was riding. (Trust me, my bike is loud, all my neighbors know when Amar is going for a ride.) Speaker position is key, velcroed properly you’d think you were holding a handset to your head. While moving I thought the clarity would be worse from my callers perspective; with the wind and 90mph. The simple foam windscreen works great combined with the way the microphone tucks just inside the helmet. (I ride with a full face Shoei.)
Overall I was very impressed. While at first is seemed a bit strange talking and riding, it seemed as natural as talking and driving. If all your riding buddies had one of these, you’d never need to stop. Cell phone in jacket, and one of these makes a great rider-to-passenger or rider-to-rider communication device. No wires, and more practical than a Chatterbox (cheaper too.)