Communicators: Scala v. Chatterbox

[LoneStar]

I'm looking at purchasing one of these two popular rider communications systems by Chatterbox and Scala.  The models differ in technology, but offer about the same features.  So, I thought I would see what the rest of the world was using or thinking about using for a rider communicator.

Hopefully this poll will help you to choose the solution that would offer greater compatibility with more users.  We could even arrange for a group buy to get a discounted price if enough people are interested (post here if interested).

Also post any experience that you have had with a rider communication system.

Thx!

Some useful links:

Scala G4:  http://www.cardosystems.com/us/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4
Scala G4 Review: 
Scala comparisons:  http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4

Chatterbox Slim:  http://chatterboxusa.com/?page_id=37
Chatterbox Slim Intro: 
Chatterbox comparisons: http://chatterboxusa.com/?page_id=37

[zooom]

hand signals don't work for ya?

[LoneStar]

hand signals don't work for ya?

i got a hand signal for you ...

[ducatiz]

hand signals don't work for ya?

hand signals are great, but how do you do moto-sexting?

[LoneStar]

hand signals are great, but how do you do moto-sexting?

i think with the iOS 5's voice recognition capabilities, you might actually be able to accomplish that via bluetooth!

[Slide Panda]

You'll probably get a lot more action in Accessories & Mods section - unless you just want to hear from the locals.

[LoneStar]

You'll probably get a lot more action in Accessories & Mods section - unless you just want to hear from the locals.

Thx.  Intent was from the locals who I would be more likely to ride with.  I'm in no rush...

[FatguyRacer]

As a USA Cycling Motor Referee, me and my fellow refs use what amounts to low watt portable ham radios. I use a Yeasu  VX-7R. Its a very popular rig. No Ham license needed. The more geek oriented of my referee brethren use their radios connected to an AutoComm system. We use these systems to communicate with each other and with ground crew during races while on the move. Helmet speakers, boom mics and handle bar mount PTT buttons are what we use to connect to our radios. The systems are great unless there is any distances beyond a couple of miles.

One cool bonus of the VX is that i can tune into the local (BWI in my case) air traffic control and listen to the back and forth between pilots and the the tower.

[Autohag]

Hand signals are great for day trips, but the longer gigs require something more interactive.

For example, there are no hand signals for:

- "Did you see that guy standing in his front yard with a shotgun? And a Confederate flag?"
- "Your license plate blew off about 35 miles ago."
- "That girl is naked in there..."
- "Your rain gear flew off your pack about 65 miles ago; we ran over it, too."
- "Out here, a 20 MPH turn is exactly the same as a 15 MPH turn [back home]."

[twolanefun]

Do yourself a favor buy the one that got the best rating in a runoff, the SENA http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/sena-smh10-intercom/. I have 3 headsets and a number of riding buddies have purchased the same set. I also bought an extra barcket kit which allows you to move the module to another helmet easily. Before a ride takes less than a minute to pair/re-pair the sets. Even on the backroads I travel we do not lose com, the big knob works great, and the speaker quality is good, tunes from the iPhone or XM through a wired device such as a GPS also works great, not me I don't need GPS I have my own - Gene's Positionng System. - Gene