Check out the Dell Store on CNETCardo Scala Rider
Manufacturer: Cardo Systems, Inc. Part number: 28831000187
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Cardo Scala Rider Bluetooth headset offers motorcyclists clear audio quality, but the tiny controls hamper its usability.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/01/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Cardo Scala Rider price range: $69.99
- Reviewed by: Morty Okin
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 10/27/2005
The good: Clear audio quality; solid battery life.
The bad: Tiny controls; volume can be too loud.
The bottom line: The Cardo Scala Rider Bluetooth headset offers motorcyclists clear audio quality, but the tiny controls hamper its usability.
Though it shares part of its name with Cardo's Scala 500 Bluetooth headset, the Cardo Scala Rider looks nothing like its sibling. In fact, it resembles no other Bluetooth headset we've seen before. Its most prominent feature is a compact (1.18 ounces), wedge-shaped battery pack that fastens to the outside of our helmet. To attach it, we had only to slide a strong clamp between the helmet's inner padding and exterior shell, then secure it with the included Allen wrench. The whole process took just a few minutes, and though the fit was extremely secure, the clamp left no marks on the helmet and did not damage it in any way. The battery pack is also weather resistant for rain and snow.
Extending out from the battery pack are a speaker that wraps up to the right ear and a short boom mic that extends out toward the mouth. Both the mic and the speaker fit comfortably inside the helmet but only after we tinkered with the placement for some time. While it's best to have the speaker as close to your ear as possible, there is such a thing as too close. After long periods, it began to rub against our ear until it was quite painful. The same was true for the microphone. If we didn't put it close enough to our mouth, no one could hear us, but if we put it too close, it was uncomfortable as well.
The Scala Rider's controls consist of volume rockers and a multifunction button that turns the headset on and off, manages calls, and readies it for pairing. While the controls are conveniently located on the exterior battery pack, they were much too small to be user-friendly. Finding and using the buttons while riding was very difficult and even potentially dangerous. Since we could use only one hand while trying to keep our eyes on the road, we found ourselves fumbling with the volume buttons for much too long. Additionally, thick motorcycle gloves exacerbated the problem.
We tested the Cardo Scala Rider with the Motorola V551. The pairing process took just a few seconds, and we were ready to hop on our bike in no time. Audio quality was clear and very loud. Even with loud engine and wind noise, we could hear our callers plainly. That said, finding the correct volume can be tricky. If turned up too high, the audio is nearly deafening, and it can be quite a jolt (not a good thing while riding) when you first answer a call. It's best to start off low, then turn up the sound level to your liking. Yet considering the volume controls are so difficult to manipulate, we struggled with the overall usability. On their end, callers could hear us clearly. The Scala Rider includes a wind-resistant microphone cover that performs admirably. The headset wisely supports voice dialing, but it registers the correct voice-dial name only about half the time--not convenient when you can't stop to dial manually. It also supports call reject and last-number redial. On the upside, battery life is solid. The Scala Rider has a rated talk time of seven hours and a promised standby time of one week. In our tests, we came away with six days of standby time.
User reviews
-
-
Cardo not upto par with Motorola HS830
by techwizo on October 31, 2005
Pros: Thin earpeice design
Cons: NO intercom, No alternative wearing style for BT headset, bad ergonomic and style
Summary: I have purchased and used both the Cardo and Motorola Bluetooth headsets (HS830)for motorcycle helmets. The HS830 is a superior solution, for all the reasons that the review above ...
Summary: I have purchased and used both the Cardo and Motorola Bluetooth headsets (HS830)for motorcycle helmets. The HS830 is a superior solution, for all the reasons that the review above says about the Cardo and more. Key features missing from the Cardo and available with the HS830 include Intercom (driver passenger two-way communication), modular construction which allows for charging off helmet & alternative wearing style for non-motorolcycle use of the headset, and great ergonmic and tactile design that allows for easy use with gloves, etc.
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
The best headset solution for motorcycles I can think of
by A.Mark on November 9, 2005
Pros: Easy to use, I use it also when it's wet out side, excellent quality of sound and the volume increases automatically! (according to my speed).
Cons: With open helmet and high speed (more then 100kph) the voice dial feature doesn?t work perfect (no such problem with closed helmet).
Summary: I have been using the Cardo scala-500 headset (not for motorcycles) with my Nokia 6230 for the past few months and I am very happy with it. When I heard ...
Summary: I have been using the Cardo scala-500 headset (not for motorcycles) with my Nokia 6230 for the past few months and I am very happy with it. When I heard about the scala-rider coming out I immediately perched one.
Before I got it, I did try my friend's Motorola HS830 for couple of minutes and realized he was correct with his complaint regarding the size of the speaker and its effect on the ear, after 10 minutes it was unbearable. .
I can use the scala-rider for many hours with out any problems or discomfort because of the speaker being very thin.
The sound quality is amazing and the volume changes according to the speed (I can also change the volume manually if I want).
I use two helmets (open and close) and I can easily move the scala-rider between both of them.
The Motorola headset is glued to the helmet so you can't change helmets when you want to.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Amazing device. Safe, easy installation & really handfree operation.
by pogrix on November 5, 2005
Pros: Truly handsfree, fits all helmets, water-proof, voice control and automatic volume adjustment.
Cons: Still too expensive for average users and relatively unknown brand.
Summary: This is an amazing product, which I warmly recommend. For my biker buddies who are undecided whether to buy the Motorola HS 830, here is my take: The scala-rider doesn?...
Summary: This is an amazing product, which I warmly recommend. For my biker buddies who are undecided whether to buy the Motorola HS 830, here is my take: The scala-rider doesn?t have an intercom (which is regrettable) but it beats the HS 830 in every aspect that really counts. Unlike the Motorola piece, this one doesn't need to be glued to the helmet (which is also unsafe and illegal in many states), and its speaker is so flat that it even fits into my very tight Arai helmet without causing irritation. Unlike the Motorola HS 830, you can operate this headset in a safe way: For the HS 830 you need to manually adjust the speaker volume and the same goes for making and taking a call. Goes without saying that leaving your handle-bar while riding isn?t the smartest thing to do. When using the scala-rider I can leave my hands on the handle bar for all these tasks. It has built-in volume auto-adjustment and I initiate, receive or even reject incoming calls by voice control. That is a real killer-app because it puts safety first.
I am a motorcycle enthusiast and have tested all available alternatives: Dainese, BMW (both of which cost a fortune and come preinstalled in their own helmet), the Motorola piece and now the scala-rider from an unknown US company (Cardo Systems). Conclusion: The scala-rider beats them all hands down. Most bang for the buck, safe operation and superb functionality.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Excellent motorcycle headset
by Bozhed on May 23, 2006
Pros: Loud, clear and wind resistant
Cons: The boom mic can be a little too close to chin
Summary: I ride a Honda ST1300 and while it does have very good wind protection, the Napa, CA area does have high winds due to being right near the ocean. I ...
Summary: I ride a Honda ST1300 and while it does have very good wind protection, the Napa, CA area does have high winds due to being right near the ocean. I have gone through many different bluetooth headsets. I even tried the Jabra BT500 inside my helmet but with no success. So when I decided to try the Scala Rider, I was a little skeptical that it would actually work.
Wow, was I surprised. Mounting the unit on my helmet (full face Arai) was extremely easy. I did have a concern that I would be constantly hitting or rubbing against the mic boom and bending, when putting the helmet on. Not so.
For testing the headset I called my wife and drove with my windshield down, wind fully in my face up to about 50 miles an hour. My wife indicated that while she could hear some wind noise, it was just in the background and she could hear me very clearly. From my end I had no problem hearing her. The speaker volume goes to levels that can be deafening and downright painful. I then called a friend who always complains about the quality of my headsets. That person also said that this was extremely clear and that there was no problems hearing me.
One note: For me, the helmet piece that goes around the mouth area is fairly close to my mouth, so with the boom mic I do end up with the foam wind guard resting against my chin. It isn't bad, just something to be aware of.
Bottom line....I am extremely pleased with the headset. Highly recommended.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Works well, but!
by wil69ly on September 2, 2008
Pros: It does all what it says on the box
Cons: Stupid mistake has scrapped it and no answer from scala website.
Summary: If you charge your Scala rider whilst its still on the helmet don't forget to unplug it before moving your helmet. I did and it pulled the charger plug ...
Summary: If you charge your Scala rider whilst its still on the helmet don't forget to unplug it before moving your helmet. I did and it pulled the charger plug from the main unit and broke the very, very small + pin that goes up inside the charger plug and the whole thing is scrap.
Also when you try to contact Scala direct from the web site you cannot do it by phone (no number) and they don't answer emails. -
Very nice unit !
by bmorgan9119 on March 23, 2008
Pros: Very good audio quality in and out
Cons: Controls are too small
Summary: This unit works as advertised. Audio quality is superb - you can hear callers fine up to 65+. Everyone i call says they can hear me perfectly fine and they ...
Summary: This unit works as advertised. Audio quality is superb - you can hear callers fine up to 65+. Everyone i call says they can hear me perfectly fine and they dont believe i am on my motorcycle - it weeds-out road and wind noice very well.
The passenger intercom works well too (something not offered by the Motorola unit noted above BTW).
I have only had it for one week so i cant say anything about the durability, however, it seems to be a very solid and well constructed unit.
I previously used a Collett communication system which was very high quality but too bulky and too many wires - no bluetooth either.
I did quite a bit of research into this purchase and it seems that the Cardo system is the best value available for now (Spring 08). I think the market will really start exploding with this type of technology now and thats a good thing. -
Works great
by accpilot on May 27, 2007
Pros: great sound
Cons: control button could be bigger.
Summary: I have been using the Cardo Scala Rider for almost a year. I am able to communicate while riding with no problem. I wanted to upgrade to the FM model, ...
Summary: I have been using the Cardo Scala Rider for almost a year. I am able to communicate while riding with no problem. I wanted to upgrade to the FM model, and Cardo did that for free. they we so easy to deal with. I would recommend them over anyone else.
-
Awsome product must have for the business rider
by mottomanic on March 21, 2007
Pros: sound, instalation, ease of use, great sound
Cons: mic length, ear piece length, phone cues, in ear ring vol
Summary: I do not know this this will be the bane of my riding enjoyment, but it sure is neat.
Bluetooth works flawlessly with my sony phone. paring was fast and ...Summary: I do not know this this will be the bane of my riding enjoyment, but it sure is neat.
Bluetooth works flawlessly with my sony phone. paring was fast and easy. no hastle at all.
The reason that i got the scala rather than the motorola was the fact that i do not have to use sticky tape to attach it to my helmet. infact i can chang from my winter helmet to my summer one with just a few turns of an allen wrench.
Communication with the scala rider is great. my friends do not know i am riding unless i tell them. after experimenting with varring speeds with my wife who was at home said that with increasing speeds the volume on her end was increasing too and that htere was some wind noise (this at 70mph) and at 70mph it was getting difficult to talk, not because of the lack of volume comming out of the ear peice but just the concentration needed while riding (living in houston, you have to look out for everyone). i have had issues with motorola products not being loud enough and decided not to even try the bluetooth hlemet version of their product, that is not the case with the scala. everything comes in loud and clead and i could not tell any distoration when at high speeds.
The voice control is a great function, but can get annoying at times. with my phone there is a cue "beep" to when to say the name of who you are trying to call. and unlike when talking on the phone the scala does not amp the sound so i have to guess when to talk.
The ringing volume could be amped as well, i hear my phone in my pocket long before i hear it in the ear peice.
the ear peice and the boom mic could be a little longer, and it would be nice if there were 2 ear peices so that i could pair it to an audio device.
all in all i love it. -
Great device
by davidupton on July 14, 2006
Pros: Fits easily even to full face helmet, clever design, robust
Cons: Slightly awkward controls
Summary: I have mine fitted to an Arai Quantum II and it fits perfectly. You can't see the mike from outside the helment. I have a Garmin 2820, a Treo ...
Summary: I have mine fitted to an Arai Quantum II and it fits perfectly. You can't see the mike from outside the helment. I have a Garmin 2820, a Treo 650 and the Scala Rider and they all integrate like magic. The Scala's big plus is that it is loud enough, and clear enough. You have to adjust the earpiece positioning quite a bit at first. Once that's done, you can take the helmet on and off as normal.
I'm not too worried about the fiddly controls. When you're stopped, they're easy to deal with, and I'm not going to be having long phone calls with all the distracted SUV idiots in Boston. And it's *great* for listening to the directions from the Garmin. It rocks. -
The scala Q2 is a fantastic headset
by jtkirb on May 15, 2008
Pros: multiple devices, long range, flexible
Cons: audio quality average, too many functions with not enough buttons
Summary: The scala Q2 was exactly what I was looking for in a motorcycle headset- passenger to passenger, FM radio, stereo, bluetooth to at least one other device. The added benefit ...
Summary: The scala Q2 was exactly what I was looking for in a motorcycle headset- passenger to passenger, FM radio, stereo, bluetooth to at least one other device. The added benefit was the ability to talk to a second headset and a very long range (up to 1600 feet).
The headset to headset pairing was easy, works well, and does this function as intended. Couldn't be happier with the noise rejection, background noise adjustment, or the overall quality of the sound. The only problem was the voice activation- the delay of a few seconds for connection didn't quite work well. You had to say something loud, wait for the beep, and then wait for it to connect (3-4 seconds). My passenger could talk but the set would cut out due to the soft spoken individual (I could still hear them). The best use of the intercom is to hit the button to talk and then hit it again to shut it off. I turn off the voice activation (thanks for that option).
The FM radio option allows me to hear the FM modulator in my XM radio. This works very well with a few pre-programmed stations. The setup is less than fun due to the limited buttons. To start the FM, you hold a function button down for a few seconds, the FM radio turns on to the last FM freq. To search up or down the FM dial, you have to hold down the volume buttons (small) for 3 seconds to search for the next FM signal. You can program (6) FM stations. For me, I programmed 3 different FM frequencies that I can tune my XM radio to.
I don't use a cell phone when on the bike, so the only bluetooth device I needed to hear from was my Garmin Zumo 550. The pairing of the 550 was easy and works well. The audio quality out of the zumo is very poor (MP3 or directions), but still useful. I was unable to determine to the bluetooth quality of the headset with a good bluetooth source.
The overall system is exactly what I needed as the bluetooth motorcycle headsets were lacking. The cardo is a good system that has a few problems that are not enough to regret purchase.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cardo Systems, Inc.
- Part number: 28831000187
- Description: Unlike competing products, you don't have to glue the headset to your helmet. Just attach the clamp to the bottom of the helmet, and slide the scala-rider onto the holding reel. Attaching and releasing happens in a matter of seconds. The scala-rider kit offers not only superb features, ease of use and assembly but also great looks and is universally compatible with Bluetooth cell phones or PDA phones. The wind-resistant microphone provides clear communication even at relatively high-speed driving conditions. The super slim speaker fits even into tight helmets while advanced electronic components lets users initiate, receive or reject calls by voice-control. No other such product offers that many features and functions.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Volume control
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Sound Output Mode Mono
Microphone
- Type Built-in
Remote Control
- Type None
Power
- Power Device Battery charger
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 7 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Cardo Systems, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Cardo Systems, Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://cardosystems.com/
- Address:
100 High Tower Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 - Phone: 1-412 788-4533
- Email: info@cardosystems.com
- Fax: 1-412 788-0270
