Scala Q2

[NCDave]

Between raindrops over the weekend my friend and I finally got a chance to test our our Scala Q2 headsets. each of us bought one for about $170 each.

I have been using it for the radio, but this was the first chance at communications with it. He had his installed on his 3/4 helmet which has a face shield on it. He was riding a Vulcan 800 with a F&S winshield on it. I was riding my 650 with my Bell FF helmet.

He said he was able to hear me well, once he figured out how to use the volume. I had a bit of trouble hearing him. I believe it's due to the wind noise of the helmet, and him having a wind screen in front of him.

In both directions, wind noise from each other's devices didn't seem to be a problem. I didn't hear any static or noise from him, just that his voice was faint due to my helmet noise drowning him out. I was able to hear his V&H pipes just fine coming through the mic!

We determined that above 45 MPH the surrounding noise is too much to make them usable. The radio portion functioned fine at speed though. Below 45, voices were good enough to talk.

We got up to about 1/4 mile apart with only minor static between us. I would say if you are riding with a staggered group of about 6 bikes and the people in the front and back had them, communication would be fine. One thing we determined is that their communication is pretty much line of sight. if he went around a curve, I lost him.

My son has also tested out the cell phone function with the headset while riding. He experienced similar results that I did. he said the wind noise affected him being able to hear someone else talking, but the person on the other end said his voice was coming in fine. I guess you just have to tell the person on the other end to YELL for you!

So....would I spend the money again? The jury is out. I want to talk to some others who have used devices in similar circumstances before I decide. Overall though, I am reasonably satisfied with it's performance. I'll probably try it on my vulcan behind a screen before I cast a final vote.

[BikerBeagle]

Sounds like the Q2s have a volume problem ...well, not necessarily a problem, perhaps just a shortcoming.

One thing you might try - as I'm not sure what the headset speakers look like or how you were instructed to install - if you simply velcroed them to the inside of the helmet pocket back against the inside shell, you might consider getting some foam spacers to move them closer to your ears. (Autocom sells some, although you could probably make your own easily enough). It really helps.

[NCDave]

Sounds like the Q2s have a volume problem ...well, not necessarily a problem, perhaps just a shortcoming.

One thing you might try - as I'm not sure what the headset speakers look like or how you were instructed to install - if you simply velcroed them to the inside of the helmet pocket back against the inside shell, you might consider getting some foam spacers to move them closer to your ears. (Autocom sells some, although you could probably make your own easily enough). It really helps.

Good idea. I'll have to give that a try. I think the problem is wind noise effecting the ear pieces, because the friend on the other end said the sound was good. he was behind a windshield though.

[de002e2277@blue]

I have the Scala Teamset and find that to get the vox to operate, I have to talk quite loudly to initiate it and over 45mph, I find that cupping my hand over the front of the mike makes the reception better when wearing my 1/2 helmet - so your theory about the shield could be correct as my wife wears an 1/4 helmet with a shield & experiences no problems.

[BikerBeagle]

There's probably an audio engineering reason for it, but those 'pockets' don't act like accoustic chambers at 70 ...they act like what they are, wind tunnels.

[ZeroDown!]

I just got mine today, and just had to set it up over lunch....

Setup was a breeze, and I got it to work with the Zumo 550 and my V365 Motorola phone on the first try (don't ask me how in the heck that happened, but I'm not arguing.....).

Called my voicemail from the Zumo, and left a rambling message while running through the gears up to road speed at around 75MPH. I'm pretty impressed with the sound quality, actually. I don't think anyone will have a hard time understanding me on it while moving.

Now I do have a Shoei full face RF-1000 and the windshield - don't know how it'll work without the windshield for someone else. Based on the quick trip home, and talking to a friend while running down an otherwise boring interstate, I'm fairly impressed. Time will tell, but if it works that well with those conditions, it's gonna be pretty neat!

And for those that might be looking for one, the absolute cheapest I found it was at Abes of Maine for just $139 shipped w/free shipping - at least $40 bucks cheaper than anywhere else. I ordered it yesterday around 2:00pm, and it was at my desk at 10:30am this morning via the Big Brown Truck. I'm a happy camper!

[NCDave]

that is cheaper. that's a good deal!

[sbg8r]

Dave try it with ear plugs.. if you haven't already