Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

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Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
Dentges

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

13th pictures

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

1/13
Nolan N-Com.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

2/13
Probiker KX4 Z-Link.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

3/13
Schuberth SRC system.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

4/13
Shark Sharktooth.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

5/13
AKE stealth intercom set 201.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

6/13
Caberg Just Speak D2-HSAI BT-KIT.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

7/13
Cardo Scala Rider Q2 PRO.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

8/13
Cardo Scala Rider G4.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

9/13
HJC Chatterbox XBI2.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

10/13
Interphone F4 Plus Stereo.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

11/13
Midland BT City.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

12/13
Midland BT Next.

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists
MPS studio

13/13
BMW motorcycle communication system.

accesories

Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

Traffic reports, MP3 songs and conversations with the passenger
Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists

Gone are the days when motorcyclists were alone in their helmets, motorway stretches mutated into meditative exercises that were only accompanied onomatopoeically by the engine mantra. Nowadays you can hear traffic reports, MP3 songs and the chatter of the passengers in your ears. Via bluetooth.

Jorg Lohse, Thorsten Dentges

09/29/2011

The Porsche driver wants to know. Big sunglasses on your nose, lots of gel in your hair and the blinker on the left lane on the left. Colleague Lohse lets him pass, a short time “Aha, so so”, then he gives the 200-horsepower BMW the spurs. The BMW on the right, the Porsche on the left, both disappear towards the horizon on the A 81. “Stay tuned… I’m still there… I can still see you in the rear-view mirror… not now… huh, Porsche is weak… where are you actually?” clear and clear, sounding not like a radio message, but like a telephone chat in the living room. Craziness. Because Lohse escaped the second test driver, who was able to follow the car-motorcycle duel acoustically, by more than a kilometer. Please remember: Bluetooth only came into the helmet a few years ago. The technology, which was new at the time, made people sit up and take notice; after all, speaking, telephoning and listening to music while riding a motorcycle should be possible from now on. That was (and is) also possible with special radio systems, but Bluetooth was supposed to make digital communication more convenient and thus appeal to a broader mass of motorcyclists.

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But in the beginning, Bluetooth systems with mediocre acoustics and very short ranges could hardly convince. Dialogues between driver and passenger were not a problem, but the voice transmission between two motorcyclists usually began to crackle, crack and rustle after more than the length of a bowling alley. It is better to have additional devices such as telephones, MP3 players or navigation systems connected to a cable instead of a wireless connection, because this is the only way to get the information safely to its destination. If, on the other hand, you look at (and listen to) current top products, digital communication has made huge strides. The greatest plug-and-play experience is provided by complete helmet systems, i.e. fully equipped helmets in which you can (theoretically) immediately peel off. The Probiker offer offers that, but the fun on the highway already stops (see test results).

And the disadvantage of complete systems is that you are bound to certain helmet models. This is an advantage at BMW, because the compatible System 6 test helmet has first-class insulation and, together with the good communication system (from supplier Cardo), ensures excellent sound quality.

The retrofit systems are also extremely interesting. Midland and Cardo for example, they offer great systems at fair prices. Everyone can use it to make the obligatory headgear fit for chatting in the city, on the country road or the motorway. On the other hand, drivers who are lazy with their mouths enjoy clean navigation announcements, full music enjoyment while driving or can be informed about traffic jams via radio. Practical. But there are many pitfalls, especially when it comes to retrofitting, because the microphone and headphones, mostly thin pads to stick in and Velcro, do not always harmonize well with the inside of the helmet. And if they are not optimally positioned, there is a risk of severe sound loss. Or it pinches and pinches the ears. Instead of messing around with your helmet haphazardly, it is better to get specialist advice and help from the dealer before installing the system. Incidentally, all of the Bluetooth products presented here are suitable for city traffic and passenger communication. The MOTORRAD testers (Caberg, Probiker, HJC) were astonished at how quickly some systems buckled even when driving on a moderate motorway. If the transmission resembles a half-broken public receiver during an air raid or a radio message in distress, this actually modern form of digital transmission makes little sense. There is a general need for improvement in terms of range. The best sets cover around a kilometer: enough to announce a refueling stop or the next departure in good time.
100 meters are simply not enough and hardly up-to-date.

For absolute motorcycle minimalists, Bluetooth may be a bit too much of a good thing. Because it distracts from the actual driving experience. For everyone else, however, it means a real gain in the quality of life for motorcyclists. Provided you choose the right system.

BMW motorcycle communication system


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

BMW motorcycle communication system.

plus
Excellent, clear voice transmission (up to 200 meters); maximum volume absolutely practical, extensive conversations possible up to a tempo of 130; Buttons on the control unit can be operated easily with gloves, good feedback when pressing the buttons.

minus
Control panel glued improperly to one of the test helmets, came off after a short time; From a distance of 300 meters between the dialogue partners, frequent disruptions and interruptions in the voice transmission.

Conclusion
With a range of around 300 meters, the range is not a hit (but irrelevant for the phone, sat nav and MP3). Nevertheless, the excellent voice transmission invites you to chat, not least because of the well-insulated helmet.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Nolan N-Com


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Nolan N-Com.

plus
Very well made, communication system with extra jack plug connection options for additional devices first-class and discreetly integrated into the helmet; great feedback through well-contoured control buttons; pleasant, natural speech transmission; good range up to around 600 meters.

minus
In the long run very annoying transmission of airflow, engine and rolling noises from the other motorcycle, so no shutdown during long breaks in speech.

Conclusion
Background noises gamble away a top ranking. They hardly interfere with short navigation announcements, but prevent longer dialogues between the driver and touring buddies. Otherwise a great complete system that shows where things should go in the future.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Probiker KX4 Z-Link.

plus
Neatly equipped, control unit nicely integrated on the helmet; Coupling with other Bluetooth partners is quick and easy.

minus
Poor sound during voice announcements, only a brief dialogue between drivers / passengers possible at most at country road speed, annoying background noises (airflow, engine, etc.) are transmitted unfiltered; The control unit can be used imprecisely while driving (the switch-off button instead of the volume button was accidentally pressed several times); Color on switches is peeling off quickly, overall workmanship is mediocre.

Conclusion
At first glance, the very attractively priced system is attractive, especially since it can be used to establish a Bluetooth connection immediately. But because of the lousy sound and poor operation when driving, the offer is very disappointing.

MOTORRAD verdict
sufficient

Schuberth SRC system


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Schuberth SRC system.

plus
Background noises are filtered out well, hardly any interference; automatic volume adjustment as well as switching off during longer breaks in conversation work perfectly; Communication up to 120 km / h good, up to 150 km / h possible, usable range up to around 300 meters.

minus
Gooseneck microphone presses chin under helmet; Control unit difficult to access, buttons positioned unfavorably and with too little feedback; Overall sounded a bit hollow and with little depth.

Conclusion
The Schuberth system scores with exemplary workmanship, a decent, usable range and great functions such as an automatic volume control. The unhappily positioned, not very functional control unit is not very enjoyable.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Shark Sharktooth


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Shark Sharktooth.

plus
Very good operation of the volume control; good acoustic quality of the voice output (natural sound) up to a tempo of 150; first-class range, clear and clear announcements from driver to driver are possible up to a distance of around 750 meters; Listening to music pleasant.

minus
Central multi-function button (membrane key under rubber) reacts extremely unpredictably and thwarts some settings; automatic pairing did not always work; Indicator lights difficult to see in daylight.

Conclusion
Small flaw, big effect: of all things, the central control button caused stress on the test helmets and could not be operated properly. The complete helmet system is otherwise a real favorite with its excellent acoustics.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

AKE stealth intercom set 201


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

AKE stealth intercom set 201.

plus
Clean, clearly understandable voice output; simple networking with navigation system and telephone, intercom function already preset for partner devices; clearly structured, understandable instructions; can be expanded as required by the manufacturer through integration into communication systems; Range up to 500 meters.

minus
Plug connections with open contacts are not water-protected; large loudspeakers with hard housing, can press quickly depending on the type of helmet; Keys difficult to find while driving and difficult to use with gloves.

Conclusion
Technically, the slim Bluetooth set from LFS convince with clean acoustics and can be upgraded to a mobile communication center on request. In practice, however, there is a lack of optimal usability and comprehensive weather protection.

MOTORRAD verdict
satisfying

Caberg Just Speak D2-HSAI BT-KIT


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Caberg Just Speak D2-HSAI BT-KIT.

plus
Compact, extremely slim design; cheapest offer in the test comparison

minus
Lousy, partly chopped up voice transmission with strong noise; – Two-way talk from motorcycle to motorcycle hardly usable due to the short range (ten meters) Mini control button on the gooseneck cannot be reached while driving, difficult to feel with gloves; no auto switch-off during breaks in calls; no automatic re-establishment after the connection of two coupled devices is interrupted.

Conclusion
You can’t get a Bluetooth set for less money. It fulfills the basic functions, and a helmet installation kit could hardly be more compact. In practice, poor acoustics and the tiny, barely accessible control button on the gooseneck are annoying.

MOTORRAD verdict
inadequate

Cardo Scala Rider Q2 PRO


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Cardo Scala Rider Q2 PRO.

plus
Clear, clean voice transmission over a long range (up to 500 meters) and at high speeds (up to 160 km / h); ultra stable docking station; easily accessible control buttons suitable for gloves; environment-controlled volume adjustment; integrated FM radio; Coupling of three partner devices possible.

minus
Volume controls placed at the back difficult to feel; no auto-shutdown during breaks in conversation; no conclusive identification of the key assignment.

Conclusion
The basic Cardo impresses with its clean acoustics. The stable docking station can be quickly screwed or glued to various helmets, and the device itself can be quickly networked with the partner device, a cell phone, navigation system or MP3 player.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Cardo Scala Rider G4


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Cardo Scala Rider G4.

plus
Clearly understandable voice transmission at high speeds (over 160 km / h) and with a very long range (over 1000 meters); automatic volume adjustment; Auto switch-off in pauses in conversation; pleasant fading in / out of conversations or with interrupted music transmission; stress-free coupling of partner and additional devices (cell phone, sat nav, MP3 player); integrated radio; easy-to-use buttons with clearly recognizable assignment; solid clamp bracket.

minus
Contacts of the docking station without control unit unprotected.

Conclusion
The multitasking communication center for cyclists who want to network. Up to four participants can lead their curve discussion over long distances, there is no shortage of extra features (radio, navigation system, music). Great made, great to use.

MOTORRAD verdict
very good

HJC Chatterbox XBI2


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

HJC Chatterbox XBI2.

plus
Networking of three devices in intercom mode; decent, usable range; stable helmet holder, many connection options via bluetooth or cable.

minus
Barely understandable, distorted voice output with strong background noise and reverberation (particularly annoying at city and country road speeds); Coupling of partner devices is made more difficult by misleading instructions; Keys difficult to hit when wearing gloves, incorrect operation due to incorrect key press is not uncommon; no automatic shutdown during breaks in calls.

Conclusion
The Schnatterbox does little to create a relaxed atmosphere for conversation. Already when setting up two devices
problems occur with the coupling, while driving the lousy acoustics with strong echoes rob the last nerves.

MOTORRAD verdict
sufficient

Interphone F4 Plus Stereo


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Interphone F4 Plus Stereo.

plus
Clean voice transmission with pleasantly full sound up to around 200 meters; very good noise suppression, hardly any background noise audible; extensive installation options; practical quick guide in credit card format.

minus
If the range is exceeded, high interference rate with a lot of background noises; Coupled devices remain disconnected after the connection is lost; filigree audio plug; Keys difficult to operate with gloves; no auto shutdown during breaks in calls.

Conclusion
Interphonie from motorcycle to motorcycle is fun up to 200 meters thanks to excellent acoustics, above that there is digital kackophonie. To compensate for the sometimes stiff keys, there is an automatic volume adjustment.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Midland BT City


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Midland BT City.

plus
Crystal clear voice transmission with pleasantly full sound up to a speed of 160 and a range of over 400 meters; Function keys are easy to find and can be used safely when wearing gloves; Auto switch-off in pauses in conversation; Partner devices pair automatically after the connection is lost; quick and easy connection to mobile phone, sat nav, audio or partner devices.

minus
Clamp bracket designed too weakly for some types of helmets.

Conclusion
The minimal solution from Midland can convince in practice as a solid communicator on the motorcycle. Long range, great acoustics, many connection options (cell phone, navigation system, MP3) and hardly more expensive in a partner set than some standalone devices.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Midland BT Next


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


MPS studio

Midland BT Next.

plus
Clean, clear voice transmission with a rich, full sound image from city to high motorway speed (180 km / h); Range in intercom mode well over 1000 meters; Auto switch-off in pauses in conversation; meaningful control tones provide information about the device status (e.g. intercom connection establishment, auto-coupling after disconnection), coupling of four partner devices possible; Integrated radio.

minus
Key assignment not clearly marked; Clamp bracket designed too weakly for some types of helmets.

Conclusion
Language miracle in a compact design. The BT Next combines perfect acoustics and high practical benefits. After the problem-free connection with mobile phone, MP3, GPS or partner devices, nothing stands in the way of communication, even at high speeds.

MOTORRAD verdict
very good

Final evaluation / conclusion


Testing Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists


archive

The final score.

In 2005, BMW was one of the first manufacturers to combine Bluetooth and a helmet. This first system, which cost around 1000 euros – at the time almost unrivaled – would probably have gone under in this comparison test. But the Bavarians have further developed and currently the most coherent complete helmet system on offer. The podium places, however, are occupied by sophisticated and affordable retrofit systems from Midland and Cardo, which with top ranges and the best acoustics make speaking, telephoning, listening to music and listening to the radio a pleasure. However, if it sounds like a radio transmitter (Caberg, Chatterbox, Probiker) that has been blocked, every euro invested is too much.
 

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