Motorcycle Helmet Intercoms - help

[stefcialina]

Hi!

I've embarked on quite a mission and I am fully out of my depth, so after literally typing "motorcycle experts" into Google, I am now here I'd like to buy my boyfriend a motorcycle helmet intercom (to my own advantage really), but I am struggling with all the technical jargon. I know that he already has a device mounted on his helmet called a Freecom 1, but the goal is for me to buy one for my helmet, so we can talk to each other while we are out and about. Now, how do I go about doing that? Do I need to purchase a Freecom 1 myself, so they are compatible? They are quite expensive and slightly over my Christmas budget, so if possible I'd like to get a cheaper one that's compatible with his. I don't need many functions, as I am just the backseat warmer. I am looking to spend roughly 50 pounds (or less!), so I would appreciate any advice or help you could give me. Let me know if you need any more information and I will try to find it out on the sly.

Thank you so much in advance for any help.

Stef

[TimR]

If its freecom 1 i don't think they are suitable for intercom 

( Freecom1+ wouldbe required )

 

https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/news-and-events/bluetooth-motorcycle-intercoms-everything-you-need-to-know

 

May be useful

Edited December 2, 2020 by TimR

[Stu]

Hi stef and welcome to the forum 

I use the packtalk bold it's the top model from the same manufacturer you are looking at 

While they are pretty expensive they are well worth the money in my opinion 

Me and the wife find the intercom a great addition to our travels 

They can connect to cheaper versions but cheaper versions can be unstable and unreliable! 

I think @oneseamay have used cheaper ones so may well be able to comment on that

I am a fan of keeping the same brands for compatibility etc 

[raesewell]

From looking at the Cardo website there doesn't seem to be a Freecom 1 but there is a Freecom 1+ so as a pillion another Freecom 1+ is the way to go. I doubt that cheap Chinese intercoms will be compatible. You need to up your budget and get the Cardo Freecom 1+. Hope that helps.

[Shepherd]

Are you sure it's  a Cardo Freecom, and not a 'FreedConn'?

Check this Ebay item number... 283793722943

Edited December 3, 2020 by Shepherd

[onesea]

Much depends on which unit he has as to  what you should buy,  if you have picture of his "Freecom" the "motorbike experts"  on here might be able to identify.

People on here will rave about Senna or Cardo units,  they are the best known brands and generally good units.  I Have a Cardo Packtalk and a £20 E-bay special (it was cheaper than a new mount set for my Cardo for my short commute to work and I would not cry if it gets bust or stolen) that's probably why @Stu included me.

I have used Lidl's best intercom: That actually was not bad, the worst thing was it was a wired connection to Pillion (when I bought it my misses would not go Pillion) the wire flapping was bloody annoying....

Look at what you want, how often you want to use, how you plan to use it and how much you can afford.

Key Functions to me are:
SatNav? on phone or dedicated (not relevant for Pillion but make sure rider unit can do what it needs),
Talking Only,
Music Only,
Choice between Music and talking,
Music and talking simultaneously (dual audio streaming, biggest reason to buy good set),
Talking with more than 2 people and how many,
Do friends have intercom? Do you want to speak to them? What brand have they got? How often do you realistically ride with them?

All these affect which unit you can by.

After that it comes down to Quality which sadly is closely linked with price:
Volume of music / talk in helmet,  Position of speakers can make a big difference,
Clarity of voice, Position of mic can make big difference,
Range of headset, Not so much an issue with Pillion/ Rider.

Another Random (Cheap) choice could be:
Buy yourself any cheap set that pairs with your phone it can play music and accept that you can call him when you want as long as you have phone range and are not going to fast for quality reasons.

Come back and ask more and we will see how we can help.

I don't know how often you go Pillion but do ask about other points, lots of tips out there that can make it better experience... Mine is get your CBT and your own bike
Soon you will be hooked and wnat a "bigger" bike.

 

Edited December 3, 2020 by onesea

[stefcialina]

Thank you all so much for the replies so far, you are truly all legends. 
 

For those asking if it is a Freecom 1+, it doesnt seem to be. This is the one that is on his helmet: https://www.cardosystems.com/support/freecom-1/

 

As someone suggested, this may not be compatible with another device, I’d need to upgrade to the Freecom 1+. Is that right?

Thank you all so much.

[raesewell]

Email Cardo for their advice.

[onesea]

12 minutes ago, raesewell said:

Email Cardo for their advice.

They are quite responsive.

One thought for you do some costings, it does depend on your budget. 

For me whatever is recommended I would price up I would consider Packtalk Duo system Bold or Slim as well if in budget.  The Music and talk function of it is a BIG plus.

I ride with friends without and they routinely go quite as they are enjoying ride with music. Not a problem but always leaves decision chat or music.

Edit to add its like mobile phones you do get what you pay for, however do you really need ALL the whistles and bells that's the hard cost implication.

Last years model notcertain whats been added but its what I have £328
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cardo-Scala-Rider-PackTalk-Communication/dp/B010DHJL5O/ref=asc_df_B010DHJL5O/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311059984004&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11275336778383198088&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045694&hvtargid=pla-562354226780&psc=1

Be aware Cardo warranty is only if bought through shop or something..

Edited December 3, 2020 by onesea

[TimR]

They are genuine .. they are just discontinued

https://www.cardosystems.com/support/freecom-1/

 

For you and you partner to communicate you would both need to buy new headsets .

So to keep it within your desired budget then you will either need to find a second hand set , buy a cheap generic set 

Or Sell the headset partner already has and  add to budget and find a suitable set 

 

[bonio]

@stefcialina

There are a load of Cardo units on sale at Infinity here: https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/store/12-days-of-christmas. But you need to be quick - it's TODAY only! Tomorrow the link will point to something else.

It's a good deal; these things aren't usually discounted as much.