You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a headset that can easily handle life on the road. This model may not be as flashy as some higher-priced models, but it comes with all the basics, offers a reliable performance, and features the type of fast and easy setup that all riders will appreciate.
The Scala Rider Freecom duo by Cardo offers an improved range and intercom quality. It’s one of the latest intercoms to hit the market and features top of the line motorcycle Bluetooth communication technology that you and your riding buddies will love. It will not only make communicating with your fellow riders easier, but it also offers excellent sound quality, so you can enjoy sharing your music with the entire group.
Our Verdict: This Bluetooth headset by Cardo comes loaded with all the right features including hands-free operation, a built-in FM radio, the ability to share streamed music with riders in your group and the group intercom system which works with up to four riders. It also offers an excellent range, easy setup, built-in speakers, a fast charging time, and it’s waterproof and dustproof.
If you’re looking for a headset communication system that you can rely on during your next cross country adventure with your riding buddies, then this Cardo headset delivers. It’s ergonomic, lightweight design makes it comfortable for long use on the road, in inclement weather conditions, dust storms, and more. This is one headset that can handle it all.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
Just like other models by Cardo, this headset is light, sleek, and compact. It weighs in at just under one and a half ounces and measures in at half an inch thick, just under three inches long, and around one and a half inches wide. It also comes with a mounting kit, so installing it is a breeze.
It also comes with a wired microphone and an interchangeable hybrid boom, both of which are considered top of the line. If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly model, then this is one of the best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets currently on the market. It features a better range than even some higher-priced sets and comes loaded with some great extras, while giving buyers access to the online Cardo community for riding safety tips and headset support and usage information.
Our Rating:
- Lightweight design
- Easy setup
- Hands-free controls
- Built-in FM radio
- Group communication
- Waterproof and dustproof
Speakers
The included forty-millimeter speakers are upgradable, so if you want to replace them, you can use any type of speakers you want. Unfortunately, for many riders, these speakers simply weren’t loud enough when it came to listening to music out on the road.
Battery
The built-in rechargeable battery will only take approximately four hours to charge and can last several days on the road per charge, if you don’t drain the battery using the GPS. If you do want to take advantage of all the features including music streaming, intercom chat, and GPS use, then you can expect the battery to last twelve to thirteen hours, which is better than average.
Voice Controls
Now, you can answer phone calls, switch to the radio, speak with your riding buddies, or make a call using the voice control feature. This hands-free control option ensures you remain safe on the road, allowing you to keep both of your hands on the handlebars as you answer calls or listen to GPS navigation, or ride along to your favorite music.
Extras
The dual-purpose USB cable allows you to download music and charge your headset at the same time. It also comes with a standard universal wall charger, a 3M adhesive plate, and Velcro spacers for the speakers.
For routine maintenance, this package includes microphone sponges and pre-moistened towelettes.
The pocket guide will walk you through the setup process and discuss how to use the different features. Since this is the duo pack, you’ll get two of everything.
Group Communication
This system can communicate with up to a total of four riders with a range of 0.75 miles. This system is perfect for smaller groups and allows you to stay in close contact with your riding buddies.
The Cardo Gateway feature allows you to communicate with other types of intercom devices, so you can stay in contact with friends on the road who are using headsets made by a different manufacturer. This type of versatility is a huge selling point for most riders.
The intercom toggling feature allows you to easily switch between conversations with three other riders.
Click to Link
The click to link feature enables riders to have conversations with Cardo devices in use in the general area.
Radio
The built-in FM radio can be used to keep up with local news reports, traffic reports, general road conditions, and weather reports. Or, you can tune into your favorite radio station to listen to music or a radio talk show. You can also share your music with other members of your group.
Phone Use
When you pair your phone with this Bluetooth device you can answer calls, reject calls, or make calls, hands-free thanks to VOX technology. You can even access your contacts.
GPS Compatible
This model is also GPS compatible, so you can receive GPS instruction, which will definitely come in handy if you’re traveling through a new city or state. Instead of pulling over to the side of the road, you can listen to the GPS instructions, right in your helmet. You can also share them with the other members of your group, ensuring everyone knows how to get to the destination spot.
App
The phone is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. To use the headset, you’ll download the app in the appropriate app store and set it up to download music or access important features.
You can also join in discussions on the app in the Cardo online community, where you can also learn how to get the most out of your new device, in addition to helpful riding tips such as how to lock your helmet to your motorcycle, or what you can do to improve headset communication in urban environments. This is also a great resource if you need some troubleshooting advice.
IP67 Certification
This model has IP67 certification, which means it’s both dustproof and waterproof so you won’t have to worry about damaging the headset if you’re heading out for a joy ride in the desert, traveling on a windy day, or riding in rainy weather conditions.
Use
Setting up the device is fast and simple, once you’ve downloaded the Cardo app. The app will walk you through the pairing process, followed by a brief tutorial that will discuss the different features and how to use them.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Works with up to three other riders
- Easy to use
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
- IP67 certification
- Hands-free phone use
- GPS compatible
- Excellent range
Cons
- Can only be used for a total of four riders
- Speakers aren’t very loud and can sound flat
- Price
Cardo Scala Versus Fodsports M1S Pro 2000m 8 Riders Group Motorbike Helmet Communication System
Reasonably priced and very reliable, the competing Bluetooth headset by Fodsports allows you to use your headset with up to eight riders total, unlike the Scala, which can only be used with up to four riders.
It also offers a max range of two thousand meters for the group intercom features, and a max communication distance between two bikes up to five hundred meters. This model also offers voice controls, GPS navigation compatibility, and top of the line sound quality.
Just like the Cardo Scala, the competing model is both dustproof and waterproof, so you can use it during high wind conditions and in rainy weather. It features a longer battery life, offering twenty hours of use compared to the Scala’s twelve, even if you use the group intercom feature and GPS navigation.
The fact that it’s available for a fraction of the price will also give riders every reason to buy, however, in terms of versatility, it cannot be used to communicate with riders who are using a headset made by another manufacturer, which can be a huge drawback.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
This easy way to communicate with your group will allow you to stay in close contact during your trip, listen to upcoming weather reports, traffic conditions, and enjoy your favorite music as you fly down the highway. I gave this system a rating of four and a half stars out of five.
