INTERCOM-What should I be looking for?

[ChiefK]

I want to start doing my homework for a communication system. There are so many options, I don't know where to begin.
A majority of the time my wife will be on the back of my ride, but there will be times she'll be on her own.
I want the ability to talk to her, or listen to my iPod, or use my cell phone. I don't want to have to use the phone as a way to contact her.
Where should I start? What are the pros and cons of the systems you use?

[rickyboy]

I have the SENA and like it a lot. The distance you can get out of them is about a mile I think. Works great with my GPS, phone, streams my iPod when I have a "dongle" plugged into the iPod. Easy pairing with other SENA's .

[schoeney]

Sena MH 10 here. Works well. Everything (MP3, GPS, phone) all come through my phone-Droid Bionic, simple to use w/gloves on, upgradeable firmware, wife likes it, can pair w/total of 4 Sena units. Have also made and accepted calls using voice command(but don't like the distraction).

Easy to snap on/off the "CPU" if you want to leave helmet on bike but want the spendy part secure.

I haven't owned any other type so I can't say it is better or worse. But the reviews are good.

Check out the demo video at Revzilla.

[ChiefK]

I've got a "dumb" phone...call and text only. (Yes, I'm a dinosaur) But it does have bluetooth. Will the Sena work with that, a separate ipod, and other Senas?

[elvis]

My wife and I have been using the Cardo G4 PowerSet Intercom Kit. Paid $299 at http://cyclebots.com/bluetooth-helmet-headsets/cardo-systems/cardo-g4-powerset-headset.html

Cardo introduced another model, the G9: http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider

We've been quite satisfied with the G4 kit, if you can demo it, see it for yourself, I think it's pretty good.

Also, try cyclebots.com (http://cyclebots.com/) for other products, they seem to offer the best deals.

Good luck.

[BudMan]

We have the Sena SMH10 headsets as well.
It will do the things you are wanting.
They don't like rain, but overall I'm happy with them.

[jlreeves]

We use the Scala Rider Q2 TeamSet (http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider which inlude 2 headsets ($225) and then added 2 of the half hat kits ($50 ea) all of which work great.

They BT attach to my Garmin Zumo 665 GPS just fine. They last about 3 days on a charge. .75 mi range on open road, a little less in the mountains. Allows 3.5 mm jack (good) or BT (not so good) audio. Also has FM (useless to me) and BT phone (again, useless to me) capability. They are limited to 2 headset pairings.

They are superseded by the G4 and G9s which do the same thing but are supposed to have better range and allow you to gang 4 or 8 other headsets resectively.

[jd01]

My wife and I use the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Multiset Pro. She uses her's when riding her bike, but although she's never used it while riding 2-up on mine (which is hardly ever), it would most likely work fine as a 2-up communication also.
http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-q2-multiset

[Top Cat]

My wife and I use the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Multiset Pro. She uses her's when riding her bike, but although she's never used it while riding 2-up on mine (which is hardly ever), it would most likely work fine as a 2-up communication also.
http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-q2-multiset

That is what Cindy and I have and yes they work just fine as 2-up communication also.

[yoda]

My wife and I got the Sena 10BT this summer and now use them all the time. I have a dumb phone, she has a smarter one. They both are bluetooth enabled so can take emergency calls. She uses her phone for for music and toggles back and forth to talk or jam to the tunes. The range is about 1/2 mile and the sound quality is great, even with me using a half helmet. Super user friendly for us.

[rickyboy]

I've got a "dumb" phone...call and text only. (Yes, I'm a dinosaur) But it does have bluetooth. Will the Sena work with that, a separate ipod, and other Senas?

It should pair up with your "dumb" phone just fine. As far as an iPod goes,.... I don't believe there is a Bluetooth iPod.I get my iPod to stream to the headset by attaching what they call a dongle. It plugs into the iPod and pairs with the SENA. I believe anything with the A2DP ? config will work.
If Ponch sees/reads this he'll be better at explaining this. :yep:

[Peg]

Another endorsement for the Sena here... I have a pair of SMH10's, and they work extremely well (except in heavier rain, as I discovered this afternoon).

Here's a good site to begin your research... WebBikeWorld (http://tinyurl.com/36tr26)has up to date reviews of most equipment as it arrives on the market.

[ChiefK]

Great advice from all. I'll start my comparison shopping now! Thank you all.
:cheers: