Shipping Weight (lbs):0.7 Dimensions (in):9.5 x 8 x 2.5
MPN:TR 21-0136 ASIN:B000WJARES
Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Features:
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Listen to FM Radio
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Receive, initiate and reject calls by voice
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Compatible with all Bluetooth phones
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Fits virtually any motorcycle helmet
Editorial Reviews:
Product Description Scala Rider Cardo-Rider FM
Customer Reviews:
Good, not great, product.September 10, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I ordered this headset after trying everything else in trying to communicate while riding, including a wired headset.
Attaching the headset to the helmet (I have a full-face helmet) took about 7 minutes with the enclosed tools. The speakers that attach in the helmet via their Velcro back are flat, so they don't interfere at all with the comfort or protection of the helmet.
Once the helmet portion is attached, you have to charge the unit for about 3-4 hours. After the initial charge, you attach it to the helmet and begin the pairing procedure, which is just like any other blue-tooth device.
The unit is divided into two portions: phone and FM radio. To turn the unit on, you hold down on the phone half for 10-12 seconds until you see the blue LED light up. Very odd way to turn the power on, especially for such a long time. It helps if the cell phone has voice dialing, at least according to the instructions. The phone I use is a T-Mobile Wing which has voice dialing.
The FM radio portion is the only reason this headset received 4 stars instead of 5. To turn the radio on, you depress on the radio half for 3 seconds. You then have basically three buttons to work with to 1) Tune the station 2) Add the station to pre-set (6 total) 3) Raise and lower the volume 4) Turn the radio on and off. It's best to be next to another radio that displays the station while tuning the unit so you know what station you're tuning in (no radio display exists on the headset). It's also good to be near a strong reception point when tuning the stations, as there is no antenna for the FM radio. Getting the FM radio to function the way I wanted took the longest time.
Once you have your radio tuned and the blue-tooth paired, it's time to go riding. This is the really cool part. You turn the headset on (best done while the helmet is off since you have to wait for the flashing blue LED), put on the helmet and then turn on the radio (hold the radio button in for 3 seconds until you hear the radio). The volume is OK, and is self adjusting based on speed. As mentioned before, I have a full-face helmet and I can hear the speakers pretty well on non-highway riding, under 60 mph.
If there is an incoming phone call, the radio mutes automatically. This is your cue to say "Hello". My phone wants a distinct HELLO, which I normally have to say twice. If your phone is voice activated, your hands never leave the handlebars. The conversation (non-highway) is clear on both sides. The microphone is placed right by the mouth, but can be moved (but then you can't be heard). Over 60 mph I just tell the people I'll have to call them back, as it is hard for them to be heard.
Outgoing phone calls are also easy. Depress the phone portion of the headset one time and the radio mutes. I say "Dial 555-1212" and the phone repeats "Dial five five five one two one two?" I say "yes" and it dials. I've tried dialing by name and it has not worked very well, so know the phone number.
There is no hanging up. Once the call ends and the other party hangs up, the cell call is over with and the radio unmutes.
I ride about an hour a day. I talk under 10 minutes a day on the headset, so I have to charge it once a week. You know it needs to be charged because you get a red blinking LED instead of a blue one when you turn it on.
The unit is water resistant, but not water proof, and it states so in the manual, so don't take it SCUBA diving. In the rain it's OK.
I'm impressed with the unit, considering it was a little pricey.
Rating the Scala RiderJune 17, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is my second Cardo Rider for motorcycle helmets. It is vastly improved over the first edition that had only one ear speaker. This version has much better sound quality. Both speakers make for hearing the radio, cell phone or GPS units much easier. Automatic volume controls work well when slowing to a stop or accelerating up to speed. The unit is easy to use even with riding gloves on. The radio reception is improved as well. If I have any druthers, it would be that the sound quality could be improved by having better quality speakers, but considering that I don't have to stop to answer phone calls and also have the benefit of FM radio while riding.......I'm very satisfied. David B. skooch1007@gmail.com
