Scooter Accessories Scala Rider Headset For those looking at wireless options whilst on the move the Scala Rider range gives you plenty of options.
Allen Drysdale We got our hands on the Scala Rider Headset recently and gave it a work out over the Christmas break.
What is the Scala Rider? 
The Scala Rider is a series of headsets that allow you to ride and access Bluetooth Enabled devices whilst on the road. Adapting to every helmet application whether open or closed the Scala Rider will attach easily. It comes with everything in the box so fitting the device is a quick 5-minute process.
First of all what comes with the Scala Rider?
We had the entry-level headset on trial, which still in itself gave you a multitude of functionality. Other headset configurations are available with the Q2 model allowing bike to bike communication of up to 500 metres in open areas. The standard set will still allow multiple devices to be attached including a mobile phone and a GPS unit together. Both devices need to be Bluetooth Enabled of course.
Twin earpieces come standard for stereo sound. An MP3 extension cable comes as an accessory so you can listen to your favourite music through a 3.5 mm plug in jack. The control device has a pouch, which can be used to store your Scala Rider whilst not in use, and the standard wall socket charger is there to charge the Scala Rider as required.
Two microphone foam tips allow the rider to adapt the microphone for open and full-face helmet applications. There is even a small allen key, velcro squares and even an alcohol swab to help with fitting. So everything is provided in one simple package. So all you really need to do is get the main control unit charging. This takes about 3 hours in total.
Fitting the Scala Rider.
Using the tool and the body of the noise cancelling microphone, fitting the Scala Rider to a helmet took as little as 5 minutes. I changed the device from open to full-face helmets with ease, with the style of the helmet having more of a bearing on the time that it takes to fit.
The main unit that contains the microphone slides between the inner liner of your helmet and the outside of the shell. Once in place and you have the microphone where you want it, you simply tighten the device through the use of the allen key.
If you have a pull out liner in your helmet then you can run the dual speakers behind the lining making for one tidy application. The good thing about the Scala Rider is that it can then be removed easily and fitted up elsewhere if required. You change helmets and the Scala Rider comes with you.
So what is it like to use the Scala Rider?
Easy. The Scala Rider will easily connect and pair to your Bluetooth devices. An initial pairing process of entering the 4 digit pin on your mobile device will then be replaced by an automatic pairing process when the Scala Rider is in range. On the move the use of the large answer and volume buttons make it easy to operate and answering a call is by the touch of a button or automatic. You make the choice.
- Wind-resistant microphone also works at high-speeds
- Large, easy-to-reach control button
- Super-slim speaker fits any helmet and adjusts volume automatically
- Quick-release clamp to attach or detach headset within seconds
- Redial/Reject button
The quality of the device is a stand out. Not only is the construction durable and weatherproof the sound and microphone aspects are impressive. Many of my calls were treated without the person on the other end even knowing I was on the scooter at the time. Automatically the microphone will adapt to the surrounding noise and wind, so clarity at the other end is surprisingly crisp. Dual earpieces make it easy to hear no matter how noisy the helmet is, and these are also automatically controlled as speed increases.
Unlike a few devices I’ve used the volume of the earpieces are sufficient and the ability of the microphone to cancel out surrounding noises is surprisingly exceptional. Even in motorway applications the Scala Rider performed just like around town. For motorway applications you do need a device with sufficient volume and the ability to cut out extra wind noise. The Scala has the ability to meet both expectations and this is the big difference with the Scala’s automatic volume controls. Impressive technology is at use here.
By using the multiple device connection technology I was also able to use my Bluetooth Enabled GPS unit and take calls at the same time. The unit takes care of the GPS and the mobile phone being able to function together, the GPS voice over will override any calls taken at the time. Using the additional MP3 cable is as easy as using a set of headphones. Simply plug the cable into the back of the unit and you have yourself a mobile ipod. Music played through the dual speakers sounds pretty good as well.
Battery life was also excellent and the device has up to 7 hours talk time and can stay on stand buy for as much as a week. I never had a flat battery situation on the Scala Rider and the manufacturers claims look like they will hold up in the real world. Charging the unit is as simple as using the wall-mounted charger and plugging it into the charging jack on the back of the control unit.
Storing your Scala after use in the pouch is a nice touch as taking the main control unit off is an easy slide on and off affair.
Summary
After using a few wireless headset devices, the Scala Rider is one of the best on the market when it comes to bang for buck applications. The standard solo unit is more then sufficient for day to day applications and the technology used means it’s far from a gimmick, in fact its a very useful tool that you wont want to leave home without.
The unit is solid in its construction and longevity wont be an issue.
Other units in the Scala Range include the Q2 which adds the ability to run 3 units in parallel , a 500 metre range and FM radio. Full duplex technology on the Q2 will also allow you to talk and listen freely all at once. No longer do you need to wait till a person finishes speaking.
For more information and to purchase a Scala product the Australian distributor is Strike and you will find them at www.strike.com.au
The Cardo Scala Rider range of products and accessories can be found at http://www.strike.com.au/products/Motorcycle-Products
Specifications
- Talk time: up to 7 hours
- Standby time: one week
- Weight: 1.18 oz (33.5 gr)
- Battery type: rechargeable Li-Po
- Charging time: 3 hours
- Rugged Design: Rain and snow resistant
- Certificates: FCC, IC,CE, Bluetooth
- Bluetooth® version 1.2 class 2
- Chip manufacturer: Cambridge Silicone Radio (CSR)
Audio Features
- Noise cancellation Microphone AGC technology: Automatic
- Volume Control according to speed
- VOX technology: Accept or Reject calls by voice commands
- Speaker Booster
Functions and Profiles*
- Fit to full and 3/4 Helmets Detachable headset unit from the Helmet Super Slim speaker – 4.7mm 4 big buttons control Fit to full and 3/4 Helmets
- Detachable headset unit from the Helmet
- Super Slim speaker – 4.7mm
- 4 big buttons control
Hands-Free Profiles*
- Voice dial
- Last-number redial
- Call reject
* Voice activated features must be supported by mobile device or mobile service provider
published 6/01/2010 |