Like
For all the noise that comes on the open road, the G4′s microphone was good at picking up my voice from within my helmet. I didn’t sound amazing, but those I spoke with could understand me just fine, even up to highways speeds. The buttons are easy to push, even with gloves on. Battery life, charged from USB, was reasonable — hours of use, days of standby.
No Like
Because the G4 clips on to the outside of my helmet, its relatively large control pod catches the wind. I definitely felt it pull my head slight to the side on my motorcycle with little wind protection. It’s sometimes difficult to remember which button presses do what — frustrating and potentially dangerous while cruising. Occasionally music from my iPhone would cut out, then come back at random — typically Bluetooth quirks. The hook-and-loop speakers don’t sound amazing for music, although they’re loud and clear for voice.
Should I Buy It?
For riders who need to talk to pillion passengers, other rides, or use their phone, the modular Scale Cardo G4 is a better option than even helmets with Bluetooth built-in. Just don’t expect it to sound as good as earbuds.
Nytrojen
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 9:23 AMRiders don’t need any more distractions – it’s dangerous enough as it is on the road because even the smallest mistake can have horrible repercussions.
Matt L
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 9:50 AMMy biggest mistake was not going to the bathroom before my hour long drive to work… Was a very uncomfortable journey… For my passenger.
Timmahh
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 10:20 AMAs a rider myself I like listening to my music and talking to my pillion partner. However, ‘Bloody Apple’ there are better products out there and they integrate into the helmet better. You can even get them for open face helmets. Personally I don’t like using them on poorly insulated helmets though, too hard to get past the road noise. I use scala rider, they are excellent, if a little exy.
Craig W.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 10:38 AMI use the Sena SMH10 very good design, the controls are so simple one big jog wheel… It sticks out a bit but i haven’t noticed wind drag. Never had problems with bluetooth audio connected to my SGS2, WinAmp works well as the audio player.
Terry
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 4:53 PMAs a very seasoned motorcyclist.. (30 odd years, every single day, rain hail or shine) I still say anyone silly enough to be paying anything less than 100% attention to the road is just asking for it all to end.
Sorry guys, but if you wanna have a conversation, wait ’till the ride’s over.
As for listening to music.. Seriously.. I doubt you’ll live very much longer, but hey, it’s a free world and the less of your type on the road not paying attention, the better as far as I’m concerned.
Let the howling begin, but I aint changing MY tune for you.
James
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 3:23 PMI’m an interphone user. After trying out the G4 (and having some serious software issues) I went back to Interphone and I am pretty happy. They are not perfect but still pretty good.