Rider/Passenger Communication Headsets : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

PWCKid · 08-16-2008, 01:02 PM

Looking to finally purchase some communication for the wife and I to use while riding. Been searching the web and have found a lot. The one that really seems to get good reviews is the starcom1 system. Just wondering if anyone knows of any others that do what they're supposed to. Seems like most of them don't deal with the wind interference. We both wear full face helmets so a slim profile is a must.

JBearSVT · 08-16-2008, 01:06 PM

I've been thinking about this myself, ever since I almost lost her off the back once...

PWCKid · 08-16-2008, 03:01 PM

Exactly...

JBearSVT · 08-16-2008, 03:09 PM

She actually thought it was pretty funny. Well, the next day she did.

Scabbs · 08-17-2008, 01:14 AM

my girlfriend and i ride with the Cardo Q2.

LOVE IT, honestly think its one of the best headsets out there.

185EZ · 08-21-2008, 07:21 AM

We use the chatterbox. You can also plug in i-pod, radar detector, etc. It's nice not having cables attached to each other especially when stopping for a minute to refuel.
The one bad thing is the VOX. Depending on road noise, you have to adjust the sensitivity all the time and keep talking or else it shuts off and then you need to start talking again. Slow speeds, it works great but who goes slow?

the_gunslinger · 08-21-2008, 11:41 AM

i use hand signals. then, we conversate at stops.

makes me happy...

need to come up with a better signal for 'i need to pee'...

ajtmex · 08-22-2008, 12:32 AM

Scabbs · 08-22-2008, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 185EZ

We use the chatterbox. You can also plug in i-pod, radar detector, etc. It's nice not having cables attached to each other especially when stopping for a minute to refuel.
The one bad thing is the VOX. Depending on road noise, you have to adjust the sensitivity all the time and keep talking or else it shuts off and then you need to start talking again. Slow speeds, it works great but who goes slow?

Cardo Q2 doesnt have that problem.

its bluetooth has FM radio and a plug in for a MP3 player.
plus bluetooth GPS.
works about 1/2 mile rider to rider.

and its 199.99 for one.
chatterbox is alot more.

id go with the Q2

185EZ · 08-22-2008, 02:53 AM

I bought the chatterbox frsX2 from motoemporium for $206. The bluetooth model is alot more.

JBearSVT · 08-22-2008, 04:44 AM

Frantic pounding on my ribs usually means anything from "I have to pee" to "I'm falling off". Free, and it works.

185EZ · 08-23-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scabbs

Cardo Q2 doesnt have that problem.

its bluetooth has FM radio and a plug in for a MP3 player.
plus bluetooth GPS.
works about 1/2 mile rider to rider.

and its 199.99 for one.
chatterbox is alot more.

id go with the Q2

Hey scabbs, not to start a war by any means. I'm not perfectly happy with the chatterbox and you got me into looking at the cardo.
I see some negatives on the cardo, too. I don't understand why chatterbox wants so much more money for the bluetooth model.
My VOX works OK and my helmet may be suspect for the extra noise at higher speeds.
The multiple channels are good for city areas and the stereo sound.
Are you happy with your cardo? obviously, but what don't you like?
Is there a 30 second delay when you stop talking? that would drive me nuts
Wanna buy a chatterbox?

BULLDOG · 08-23-2008, 10:50 PM

great invention, but to be honest I ride to get away from the chit chat, I would hate a 500mile ride with a natterbox making my ears bleed for the trip.

185EZ · 08-25-2008, 05:12 PM

Today, I just wrote Chatterbox off my list. I wanted to post a new thread but wasn't sure if I could slam them so I'll start here.
I noticed the brackets on BOTH helmets were cracked where the entire unit could fall off. 5 months old and not covered under warranty. They told me they were designed to break. WTF? Yes, that's what they told me because of a lawsuit where an atv rider got the unit caught on a tree and it must have damaged the riders neck instead of breaking the unit off the helmet so the judge told chatterbox to make the brackets breakable.
What's so silly about all this, it's a $5 part that I now have to order and of all things, they're on backorder. aaahhhggg!!!

Scabbs · 08-26-2008, 12:34 AM

ya, the chatterbox's are nice.
its kinda dumb when your riding through the hills and you have acouple kids playing with the hand held radios in the woods and you pick them up.

the Cardo is real nice.
i have two complaints with mine.
first is, i cant plug a MP3 player into it (they just made one where you can, out now)
and second, if the battery gets pretty low, it starts to sound like your under water.

thats it.

jadel · 08-28-2008, 06:23 PM

My choice is the Cardo. I have some complaints, but overall, I am good with it.