What is the best-bang-for-the-buck intercom system?

[dandanbikerman]

I'm ready to buy a helmet-to-helmet intercom system. I want my wife and me to be able to talk at normal conversational levels while at speed, and be able to use the cell phone. We don't care about music or the radio, etc., just conversation and phone.

G. has room for speakers in her 3/4 helmet (HJC), but I don't really have much room in my full-face clamshell HJC. Any speakers would have to be very thin to fit the ear space.

Anyone got a suggestion for a reliable intercom system that might be adaptable to our helmets? I don't mind spending up to $200 on it. Any more than that, I'll have to reconsider how much I really want a system--or if we need to upgrade to helmets with integrated sound.

[Daddyo Vulcan]

My wife and I have HJC CL Max helmets. We bought the Chatterbox system for a couple of reasons. First we could use it as an intercom system when riding tandem and then they can be used as a bike to bike radio with a range of about 2 miles. We get about 8 or so hours hang time on our FRSX2 units. I do wish they were a little more affordable though. Check out Value-Accessories - Chatterbox Comm. Kits, Intercom / Alarms & Acc. for good info. There are others that work well also. BTW the speakers are quite thin but I dont understand why HJC, who is affilated with Chatterbox doesnt make pockets for the headset speakers. I guess the Chatterbox is more than you want to pay but I found a nice used one on E-bay cheap. Look at Scalia and MotoCom too.

[dandanbikerman]

Thanks for the response. I'll check out your links.

[NCDave]

if you don't mind the wires, you should be able to find some inexpensive options. My buddy and I have Scala Q2 systems. they are very effective and fit under my FF helmet just fine. The ear pieces are about the thickness of 3 quarters together. They are pricy though. We fould them for 179 a piece. But they integrate with phone and GPS.

[sbg8r]

I have the chatter box,I like the system , but the wires do become a hassle... but love the bike to bike communication...

[Daddyo Vulcan]

Originally Posted by sbg8r

I have the chatter box,I like the system , but the wires do become a hassle... but love the bike to bike communication...

My wife and I prefer the Push to talk button so you are right, the wire for that runs out to the bars and if you hook up an Ipod another wire but it is kind of compact and all in one being on the helmet, some guys mount the Chatterbox unit on the bike and run an extension to the helmet, I might do this someday myself. I guess they all have their shortcomings... too bad there isnt an all in the ear unit or something very tiny available.

[sbg8r]

Originally Posted by Daddyo Vulcan

My wife and I prefer the Push to talk button so you are right, the wire for that runs out to the bars and if you hook up an Ipod another wire but it is kind of compact and all in one being on the helmet, some guys mount the Chatterbox unit on the bike and run an extension to the helmet, I might do this someday myself. I guess they all have their shortcomings... too bad there isnt an all in the ear unit or something very tiny available.

I too use the push to talk, and have my mp3 player on it... They have bluetooth set ups, but I don't have anything bluetooth... you can aslo set it up to talk rider to passenger only so with a group no one can hear you , then whe you neeed to talk bike to bike you just pressa button...

[hbgregg]

Have heard good things about BlueAnt.

[pat0021]

I have the blue ant set up for my daughter and I. You can get a pair off ebay for about 200 bucks. Its a good system, but not great. I ordered new wind protectors for the mics. The stock ones will let wind noise affect it, which reduces battery life.

They will connect thru blue tooth to gps or cell phone. I have mine set up to talk to my gps. My phone talks to my gps. So if I need to be able to take a call while I am out I can thru my gps.

I also just had the mic on my unit go bad. So I emailed and sent it back to them. They sent me an entire new unit. They come with a 2 year warrenty.

The con side of them. At 60 to 70 mph. If your helmet has a lot of wind noise it can be hard to hear. But I just tell my daughter to talk louder...LOL

[BikerBeagle]

The IMC-MIT-100U would be your best bang-for-the-buck.

Products

[dandanbikerman]

Great feedback from all--thanks!

Not having ever had any riding acquaintences that have sound systems, I'm thinking that I should probably first go to a few of the many bike dealers in the KC metro and look at a what they might have.

My helmet fits exactly right--actually quite snug--and I'd hate to get a pair of speakers that put pressure on my ears. I don't think my wife's helmet is going to be a problem that way because of the cavities where the speakers will go.

Now, if I can just find the time to get to a dealer...

[sbg8r]

Originally Posted by pat0021

I have the blue ant set up for my daughter and I. You can get a pair off ebay for about 200 bucks. Its a good system, but not great. I ordered new wind protectors for the mics. The stock ones will let wind noise affect it, which reduces battery life.

They will connect thru blue tooth to gps or cell phone. I have mine set up to talk to my gps. My phone talks to my gps. So if I need to be able to take a call while I am out I can thru my gps.

I also just had the mic on my unit go bad. So I emailed and sent it back to them. They sent me an entire new unit. They come with a 2 year warrenty.

The con side of them. At 60 to 70 mph. If your helmet has a lot of wind noise it can be hard to hear. But I just tell my daughter to talk louder...LOL

Try using ear plugs, its amazing that the wind noise disappears, but you can still hear everthing...

[ZeroDown!]

Originally Posted by NCDave

if you don't mind the wires, you should be able to find some inexpensive options. My buddy and I have Scala Q2 systems. they are very effective and fit under my FF helmet just fine. The ear pieces are about the thickness of 3 quarters together. They are pricy though. We fould them for 179 a piece. But they integrate with phone and GPS.

Not to jack the thread, but how do you like the Scala Q2, Dave? I just got the shipping notice that mine's on the way - should be here hopefully tomorrow. Got a good deal on it at Abe's of Maine - $138 shipped.

EDITED TO ADD: Never mind... :b Found anothe thread: http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...ml#post1077399

[:::]

Blue ant is great for the price. Fits into the little ear pocket on full face helmets with out a problem. Chatterbox is just a little to much for the ocational rider, got blue ant for $115 ea off amazon.

[AH-64D636]

check out newegg.com for blueant. I have it and we love it. I think it was around 110 on tht website