Cardo Scala Rider G9 Review

The Cardo Scala Rider G9 is the latest addition to the Cardo family that includes significant updates from its predecessor the G4. One of the most innovative bluetooth communicators out there for motorcyclists, the G9 utilizes advanced technology that really packs a punch with all its great features. 

Check out our Cardo Scala Rider G9 Review:

Starting off with the construction of the device itself, you'll notice right off the bat the larger buttons on the console which provide for easier navigation while wearing gloves. This is a big advantage to those that want to have convenience while riding and don't feel like fiddling with their gloves as they try to talk to their moms or set up music. Another great thing about the design of the Cardo G9 is that it comes with two microphone options. You can use a boom microphone that wraps easily under and into the helmet or you can simply set up a wired low-profile microphone directly on your helmet if you're going to be using it over and over again. 

Now let's go into some of the technical features of the G9. The system allows for up to nine people at once to be paired together. This is great for those of you riding in larger packs, but the system only allows for up to four riders to be able to talk at once in conference mode. It comes with a solid talk time of 13 hours and a standby time of a week just like the G4. The G9 is also capable of making mobile phone conference calls that allows the caller and both the rider and passenger to talk. The pairing system is really a breeze because it uses flash technology where you simply bump or touch the devices together and they automatically sync to one another. One of the more interesting features I found was the ability to find other G9 users and set up social groups based on a location or riding group through the social networking options.  

Riders should be aware that the G9 system does come with all the great features of the G4 system, and if you currently own a G4 you can upgrade your current system to match the G9. Some of the features of the new G9 include A2DP and Mp3 connectivity for stereo music, a built in FM radio with RDS smart scan, a noise cancelling microphone for clear conversations, a weather and dust resistant design providing ultimate functionality, a range of up to 1.6km in normal terrain, and upgradeable firmware for any system updates Cardo may put out in the future. 

In the end, if you're looking for a good, large or small group bluetooth communicator the G9 will cover all your needs and deliver much more. The makers at Cardo keep updating their systems and each time we like the improvements we've seen and can honestly say you won't be disappointed with this investment.

Keep on riding,

YoungZilla

Related:
Interphone F5 Bluetooth 3.0 Intercom Review
U-Clear HBC100 Bluetooth Communicator Review 

Interphone F5 Bluetooth 3.0 Intercom Review

The Interphone F5 Bluetooth 3.0 Intercom is the latest addition to the Interphone family and delivers a powerful package in comparison to its predecessor and competitors. What you're going to get is an Intercom system that provides great coverage and compatibility with a wide range of other Bluetooth devices.



Check out our Interphone F5 Bluetooth 3.0 Intercom Review:



Designed to be used for motorcyclists who like to travel in either pairs or groups, the F5 provides excellent conference communication for over 6 users. A great selling point to the F5 is its compatibility with other devices. You'll be able to link up with other Interphone F5 users, your cell phone, a GPS Bluetooth navigator, stereo music through the FM radio, and IPods or other MP3 players thanks to the 3.5 mm jack hook up. A nice feature to the radio is that it will automatically mute when a phone call is received giving the rider the ability to listen to music, but still be in touch with the outside world while riding. You're also going to be able to save up to 8 stations in the F5's memory for easy access to all your favorite music.

The range for the intercom system is going to change depending on how many riders you have at once. With a full conference of 6 riders on 6 different motorcycles you'll have up to 1.49 miles of communication, but with only two riders in conference mode you're restricted to a little less than a mile. (At the bottom is a detailed chart that goes over the range of communication per rider.)

The F5 has Voice-Activated commands when using your mobile phone functions which enables you to call, answer, or reject without having to hassle with any buttons while on the move. This provides a lot of convenience for any rider who wants to have complete hands-free control over their communication system.

Some other key features to the F5 are the Bluetooth 3.0, it's installable on any helmet, includes software that can be updated through a computer as Interphone releases them in the future, and provides 11 hours of talk time with a standby time that lasts over 700 hours! The F5 itself only takes about three hours to charge completely and comes with a chargeable lithium battery and battery charger.

Available for sale as a Single Unit or a Twin Pack, the Interphone F5 offers a lot to riders looking for the best communication system.

Be sure to check out our comparable choices in our Motorcycle Bluetooth Communicators section!

Keep on Riding,
YoungZilla

Related:
Sena SMH10 v4.0 Communicator Upgrade
U-Clear HBC100 Bluetooth Communicator Review
Interphone F4 Review

Summer Heat!

It's that time of year again: the haze is in the air, the pools are open, you could fry an egg on the pavement. In other words, it's the perfect time to rev up your motorcycle and hit the open road. Staying in line with the heat theme, we have some smoking hot deals for the the month of July. New products, blowout savings, restock of gear that was too third-degree to stay on the shelves long; you get the point. Featured in this week's exclusive email blast (go here to sign-up) are the following products:

Forcefield Armor, out of the UK, offers protection that is almost double the safety level as its competitors. An extensive video overview of the armor is in the works, but in the meantime you can check out a brief look at it in the video. This armor is no joke.

The Arai RX-Q Helmets are fully back in stock. The inventory was spotty on this game-changing helmet from the time we got our first shipment. But now we've got a boatload of them in stock, in colors and graphics, and all sizes. This is the street riding helmet that sets the barometer for the rest.

The Klim Adventure Rally Jacket & Klim Adventure Rally Pants are also back in stock. The ultimate for bombproof ADV Touring & Offroad riding, the Klim is Gore-Tex ProShell from top to bottom, utilizing the newest technologies for weather-proofing and protection. Inspired and built for the Dakar Rally riders, the Klim Adventure Rally Outfit is a must-look-at item for any serious ADV / Off-road rider.

You've also got the Bell Photochromatic Shield which will be shipping in late July. We're currently taking pre-orders on this transitional-lens-technology shield that fits both the Bell Star Helmet & the Bell Vortex Helmet. Not having to change shields when the ambient light changes? That's money.

Ongoing, we've got our Patriotic Spectacular, our July featured deals & savings video including the Shoei TZ-R Helmet, Nolan Helmets, the Cardo Scala G4 and the Sena SMH10 Bluetooth Communicators. The video features our favorite Uncle Eli going absolutely haywire with excitement over the July specials. Check it out if you haven't already.

Finally, we've got our ongoing Moto Music Video Contest. We've already made an awesomely absurd video (in our opinion) exhibiting the things we love most: metal, bikes, chicks & Dio. This is your chance to make your own video featuring what you love for a chance to win a very expensive and exclusive jacket, cash, and other great prizes.

You can see the full email blast here. Don't let the summer heat burn you out.

-RetroZilla

BlueAnt Interphone F4 Stereo Bluetooth Kit - A New Option In Bluetooth Communications

We have always done very well with the Scala Rider line of bluetooth headsets for bike-bike communications. Now there is a new option which we are very excited about.

The new BlueAnt Interphone F4 is a bit of a game changer as it brings true stereo and AD2P into the fold.

This headset has clamps or adhesive to work with virtually any helmet (full face, open face or half). It allows you to connect your GPS, phone, as well as a MP3 player and listen to them in full stereo. Additionally, each F4 unit can connect to up to two other F4 units for bike-bike intercom communications. The range is pretty considerable at 1640ft.

The units are covered by a 2 year warranty from BlueAnt, and are 100% waterproof (up to a depth of 3ft).

WebBikeWorld just did a great writeup on the unit, but if anyone has any specific questions not answered just give us a ring at 877-792-9455. These are in stock and shipping now.