Scala Rider G4 and moulded earplugs?

[Monstaman]

Good afternoon all

We are looking at helmet comms for our round the blocker and want to couple it with moulded style earplugs etc.

This is it http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4

Anyone had any experience with the Scala 4 and want to throw an opinion into the arena?, also anyone had experience with moulded earplugs that incorporate the speakers from the the likes of the Scala or similar, we can also use the unit to listen to Mrs Garmin.

I am sure I am not reinventing the wheel but info seems hard top come by.

[Blackbird]

One of my riding partners in the Institute of Advanced Motorists has a set and I can't believe how clear they are compared with the older type which have an audio tube fitting into a single earpiece. They fit easily onto any helmet and are compact units. Volume is easily adjustable on the move with gloves on, but I haven't used any of the attachments such as MP3 or phone. The Sena units are similar and also have a similarly good reputation. There are comparisons on both YouTube and other parts of the 'net and they're pretty close. They come standard with a boom mic and these are difficult to fit into some full face helmets. However, flat mics held in with velcro are available as an extra. Can't help with the moulded earplug possibility I'm afraid.

The main issue is price. There are NZ agents for both Sena and Scala. Both charge over NZ$800 for paired units. If you buy them from the USA, you can land them for about half the price or thereabouts. Many suppliers won't send them direct to NZ because of market pricing and the option is to get them sent to a US contact and then on to NZ. However, fellow KB'er kusaj has found a direct route for the Sena brand and this is probably the route I'll take. See: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/146831-Motorcycle-intercom.

Hopes that helps, even if it's from the perspective of another newbie doing research.

Geoff

[Monstaman]

Thanks for your reply Blackbird

After some study and research we have gone to Bay Audiology to get the custom fitted/moulded plugs which knock out the noise but allow clear voice sound transmission so fello riders talking to you or using a helmet comms set becomes very easy.

There is a cool we filter that doe the bizz apparently, technology working well for us.

They are not cheap but well worth it for the long run.

[Blackbird]

No worries and hope it all works well for you. Both the Scala and Sena units will accept either moulded ear plugs or iPod-type ear buds provided they have a 3.5mm jack so I might well look at these options if there's any issue with the supplied speakers. I normally ride with moulded plugs so I'm perfectly comfortable with them.

I ordered the Sena SMH 10 paired unit at the weekend and it cost just under NZ$400 delivered.

Enjoy!

Geoff

[Devil]

Does the scala have a 2.5/3.5mm jack to plug headphones into? I hate speakers, and want to be able to run ear plugs instead which is why I was interested in the Sena because you can just buy the different clamp kit that'll let you plug in any headphones...

Edit: Well that was two seconds after the last post. So does that confirm that the scala has a 3.5mm jack as well? Is it standard?

[Blackbird]

Edit: Well that was two seconds after the last post. So does that confirm that the scala has a 3.5mm jack as well? Is it standard?

Pretty certain it does. Here's a link to the quick start manual: http://www.cardosystems.com/user_files/Manuals/scala_G4/scalarider_G4_manual_english.pdf. If that doesn't cover it, there are other links which will confirm it. Can't remember for the life of me where I read it. The downside of getting older :(

[Devil]

Ahh, it has a 3.5mm input for external audio devices. Not an output for headphones unfortunately.
So I know you can get the different clamp kit for the sena that lets you use headphones, but doesn't look like the scala will.

[kusaj]

what put me off scala is the little buttons, can't really imagine pressing them in thick winter gloves. sena has only two an they are really accessible and easy to push even with a hand in a cast :)

[SPman]

Both charge over NZ$800 for paired units.Ye gods - they are only around $400 for the Scala and Sena in the bike shops over here! You can get them cheaper still - $250 au
http://www.ryda.com.au/Cardo-Scala-Rider-Q2-MultiSet-Pro-p/riderq2multipro.htm&Click=21519