Any Experience With Helmet Headsets (bluetooth)?

I've been considering getting a headset but can't dedicate to the purchase. I'm eyeing the Scala Q2 pro.

Does anybody have a headset?
Do you use it regularly or only with other people?
How's the sound quality? Can you answer your phone on the highway? Can you appreciate your music? Can you communicate with another rider @120 km/h?
Does it work flawlessly or do you have to adjust/pair it often?

Any other general feedback?

I would use it mostly for music, phone, and when I ride with my girlfriend. I presently use headphones but that is obviously illegal and uncomfortable (sound quality and noise isolation is perfect however).

Thanks.

lorida said:

I presently use headphones but that is obviously illegal and uncomfortable (sound quality and noise isolation is perfect however).

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unless my french is mistaken,

from DA CSR

440. Le conducteur d'un véhicule routier ou d'une bicyclette ne peut porter un baladeur ou des écouteurs.


Exception.
Le présent article ne s'applique cependant pas à un appareil servant à l'échange de conversations entre ses usagers dans la mesure où celui-ci permet de capter les bruits de la circulation environnante.


1986, c. 91, a. 440.

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an iphone for example is a communication device. so aslong as your headphones are attached to a cell phone, you're good.

I know Redline used an external one but now I think he has one built into the headset.

In my experience an external bluetooth it'll work fine, if you're only doing 80-90kmh, any higher and it's all windnoise.

fromage said:

unless my french is mistaken,



an iphone for example is a communication device. so aslong as your headphones are attached to a cell phone, you're good.

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I think they are fairly liberal about it...I have been pulled over twice while wearing both headphones and they didn't give me any trouble. I was still able to hear/talk to them over the music so I think they're USUALLY okay with it.

A headseat would be more of a luxury so I don't have to deal with a tangle of wires all the time. The headphone buds fall out of place a lot when I put my helmet on.

Another thing I'm hesitant about is the main benefit of the headset: communicating while driving. Part of the pleasure of riding a bike seems to be that you're in your own little world. A headset would obviously ruin that.

Legally speaking ur only allowed one earphone for wtv (blue tooth, music, ect) but most cops have no idea of this law anyway.
Those communication devices are getting more and more advanced / smaller with each coming year.. I just dont like the look of that rectangular bulk on the side of your helmet.. Gonna wait till something uber small comes out.

En bike: j'écoute le moteur de mon bike et je veut pas entendre ma blonde sauf quand on arrete au stop/lumiere...héhé

I have owned several generations of the Scala.
Had the Scala Rider, the Scala Rider Q2, the Scala G4, and now my Schuberth has an integrated system made by Scala with the same capabilities of the G4.

The buttons on the Scala rider and Q2 are a pain in the ass. Hard to push, especially when changing modes.
The G4 is a large improvement on that end.

If you get the Q2, make sure it is the Q2 Pro, as it is A2DP and will allow for stereo music from your phone/mp3 player if it supports it.
The standard Q2 does not allow for A2DP music.

There are other brands, however understand that most people have the scala brand, so it's great to not be the odd man out when riding with other buddies.

They are not 100% waterproof. It's fine in a light rain, but a heavy rain storm WILL kill it. They have a great warranty, but you will need to ship it at your expense to them in the US.

The G4 units are very easy to configure via USB tethered to your computer. Firmware updates and fixes are available as well.

Redline said:

I have owned several generations of the Scala.
.

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Thanks man, I appreciate the input! I'll definitely look into the G4. Also, it's a shame it's not completely water proof...

Do you have any feedback on the sound quality? That is my biggest concern. As I mentioned, my headphones are decent and have great sound quality.


I'm ready for a sound quality downgrade if it's reasonable, but if the sound quality is terrible then I'll stick with what I have!

lorida said:

Thanks man, I appreciate the input! I'll definitely look into the G4. Also, it's a shame it's not completely water proof...

Do you have any feedback on the sound quality? That is my biggest concern. As I mentioned, my headphones are decent and have great sound quality.


I'm ready for a sound quality downgrade if it's reasonable, but if the sound quality is terrible then I'll stick with what I have!

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Not completely waterproof, but still quite good. Like I said, in a severe storm, just pop the unit off your helmet and into your pocket.

Sound quality is not bad. Not nearly as good as earphones as you are now dealing with ambient sounds, wind, etc, but still quite good.
As your speed increases, the sound quality will drop due to wind noise. Depending on your helmet, at speeds over 120-130 you may still be able to hear music, but definitely not as well as you would at say 80kmh... What's great is that you can still hear ambient sounds (ie: traffic), not the same with earbuds. So what you lose with sound quality you gain in safety.