Headset Scala Rider G9x: description and photo

Usually motorists do not feel the need for a Bluetooth headset, as they drive mostly alone. Riding a motorcycle is often a rare opportunity to remain silent. But traveling in a group is a completely different case. You can, of course, make a long trip, without uttering a word all the time, but it's not so safe and not so fun when there is an opportunity to chat. For example, it will help to warn about the threatening danger, protect each other from the wrong turn and collectively discuss local attractions. The only problem is that good quality Bluetooth headsets are not cheap. Limited in the means of a motorcyclist can not afford the pleasure to attach to the helmet device, which is 3 times more expensive than the helmet itself. But there are more affordable models of communicators. One of these is the Cardo Scala Rider G9x headset.

The system provides communication while traveling with 8 interlocutors at a distance of up to 1.6 km or a 4-party conference call. The installation of the connection is very simple - a fairly easy collision between the two headsets. In addition, the model allows you to listen to music from your smartphone or built-in FM radio, broadcast it to your passenger, and make phone calls. Voice control eliminates the need to use hands.

Ambiguous reviews

According to motorcyclists, who used the device for many thousands of kilometers in different terrains and with different interlocutors, it performs some functions excellently, while others - with many shortcomings. The differences Scala Rider G9 and G9x, according to the owners, are that the latter model is more expensive than the first and less reliable. In the rest they look like two drops of water. The Scala Rider G9x Powerset headset includes two sets of G9x paired devices.

Installation

The installation of the device is simple. It is enough to take out the balaclava and mount the microphone and speakers Scala Rider G9x. This procedure takes no more than 15 minutes. If desired, the speakers can be replaced with headphones, which will provide a better sound. The device has a detachable removable electronic component, which can be removed for recharging or when the helmet has to be left with the motorcycle. Wireless connection of the headset to a smartphone or GPS system allows you to make phone calls, listen to music or receive instructions from the navigator. In addition, the headset can pair with two other models of Scala Rider, making a chain of 9 bikers. Communication is established and with a simple collision of two devices.

Ease of use

Working with Scala Rider G9x is not that simple, but not too complicated. If the helmet is on your knees, then changing songs and connecting to different interlocutors is quite easy. The picture changes somewhat when the driver puts on leather gloves, and his cruising speed becomes three-digit. The placement of the buttons is not the most intuitive: 3 of them are on top and 3 are on the side. Without visual control of which one is being pressed, it is quite easy to make a mistake. According to the feedback of users, they often up to the limit increased the volume level when trying to simply skip to the next song and repeatedly contacted, trying to listen to music. And the intention to talk with the passenger sometimes ended up by accidentally turning on the radio.

Voice control

Scala Rider G9x comes with VOX voice control system, which is designed to ensure the execution of all commands without having to do hand manipulations. There is support for the Russian language. But voice recognition does not work well. After a short use of the VOX system, it manages to get bored with the fact that it is constantly activated when an audio signal is given, a cough or a cry, for a few seconds interrupting the playing of the music and current conversations, then to say Not Available. When trying to configure the Scala Rider G9x by reducing the sensitivity, the headset begins to completely ignore the user's commands. Such a reaction to the beeps is unacceptable and indicates a low level of the voice recognition system.

Limited compatibility

It should be borne in mind that the Scala headset does not pair with any other Bluetooth system, while, for example, Sena and Midland can do it. Users perceive this as a sign of arrogance, since Cardo is the leading manufacturer in the market of motor-communicators. In general, the headset is not very convenient, because in high-risk conditions it forces the user to operate the motorcycle with one hand.

Battery life

This is one of the areas where the Scala Rider G9x has a better performance, since the battery life time easily exceeds 10 hours of continuous use in one form or another. Charging does not take too much time. On a full recovery of the battery will take 3-4 hours, and 1 hour is enough for half a day of work. During long journeys lasting more than 20 hours, you have to charge the device on the road, but this is not the biggest problem. What really makes you angry is the inability to use the headset while it is charging. Why is that? The funny thing is that the previous models were capable of this. After all, it is impossible to imagine that something like this could happen with a cell phone.

Working distance

Another task with which the device copes surprisingly well is the distance of maintaining a clear connection. According to feedback from users, in many cases, even after losing visual contact, you can still continue the conversation. If the road is relatively straight, then, regardless of traffic, you can safely talk to a partner while he is within a radius of 1.5 km. And it's great. However, the hilly terrain somewhat worsens the functioning of the Scala Rider G9x, which, however, is quite expected. The working distance of the headset sharply decreases on winding areas, so you should plan your formation well if you want to keep in touch with more than 4 motorcyclists. The device has a small antenna that can be turned upwards to provide the maximum communication distance, although users note the absence of dependence of the reception range on its position. In general, the owners are very satisfied with this characteristic of the model.

Reliability

According to users, the motor-car is strikingly unreliable. It can work at one time and not work in another without any reason to be explained. In many ways, this can be attributed to an unsuccessful version of the software, since before this device worked perfectly and without errors, which makes sense, if you recall the story with iOS 8.

Motorists trying to maintain a constant 6-way communication, for 20 days of the trip could achieve only less than 20 minutes of conversation. As soon as one interlocutor joined, the other immediately left. This happened until two separate groups were organized.

The connection of the two sets seems very simple, but in practice it presents great problems. Music played from the phone, on some days is constantly interrupted for a few seconds, although at other times it can continuously play for hours on end. Sometimes when the power button is pressed for a long time, the Scala Rider G9x does not turn on, and sometimes it works flawlessly.

In general, you can not rely on G9x. The motocross always has its own opinion, which does not always coincide with the opinion of its owner.

Build quality

There is nothing special about the design of the motor-car kit. It's done well, but the buttons are really very strange, especially the top ones. They cause a feeling of unreliable indecision, in contrast to the expected clear and concise actions from them. Installing and removing the device is not difficult, although it takes some time to get used to.

According to the manufacturer, the product is dustproof and waterproof, and many owners tested it in practice using a headset during the rain. Unfortunately, users complain a lot about the fact that their Scala Rider G9x went down even during small precipitations. The manufacturer, of course, replaces the damaged devices. Although the headset seems solid and light, users are not entirely satisfied with the quality of its build.

Conclusion

Owners of motorcycles who are thinking about buying a Bluetooth-based intercom system must weigh the pros and cons. Cardo Scala belongs to Touratech, a giant conglomerate that produces insanely popular accessories for bikers. But the G9x was not very successful. One of the reasons for this, perhaps, was the complete dominance of the company in the market, which negatively affected the quality of its products.