Scala Rider G9x Powerset
by Cardo

Price as tested: $499.95


Communications is what sets man above the other animals. With the G9x power-set mans evolution continues to leave the other animals in the dust. As man evolves so does the newest in the G9 line with the G9x. With it's great features the G9x power-set communications system we received to test and evaluate has changed the way we ride.



For the first time we can have a real conversation while on our bikes without having to scream at the top of our lungs to TRY to be heard over all the noise. It has also been a big advantage in our safety by being able to warn a rider about road hazards. Another important feature is the blue tooth connectivity, giving the ability to make and receive calls and take advantage of all the different apps. What to do in between calls and intercom conversations? How about a built in FM Radio with 6 channel pre-sets for your musical and news entertainment... no? Well I guess you can always connect your MP3 player or other device that has a 3MM audio out plug via the supplied double ended cable that plugs into the input socket for the headset.

It takes some patience to do the installation into the helmet - this has nothing to do with the G9x, working inside a helmet and trying to see what you're doing can be a little frustrating - just take your time - it's worth it. If you can enlist an assistant to hold the helmet and a light while you work, life is much easier.

Once you have the audio kit installed in the helmet the fun starts. I suggest you practice in a quiet place at first to learn how the whole system works. I familiarized myself with the buttons and functions for a while with my riding gloves on to learn how to feel the different buttons. Why feel, cause you can't see what you are pushing. The controls are located on the side of the helmet, over your left shoulder and you cant see them.



I followed all the instructions in the owners manual for customizing the settings to my preferences such as the radio station presets and the different features. Once the first helmet was fitted and configured the second one was much easier to make the installations and configurations.



With the 2 helmets ready for testing we hit the road. Good thing I practiced with the buttons, trying to remember which did what was the only problem I encountered. Once we got the two helmets paired up they worked flawlessly. It makes a big difference what helmet you mount the system in. The newer modular with extra thick padding is much quieter than the full face carbon fiber helmet the other system is mounted in. The modular helmet uses the boom mike while the full face uses the flat surface mount mike, both work well. The speakers are clear and sound very good. Our conversations were natural - no screaming - easy to hear. Stop lights all the way up to about 65-70mph you can talk and hear everything. Over 70 the noise level of the wind and engine start to make it hard to hear but the sound is still clear.

Our results were a little bit disappointing on the 1 mile distance claim but we did get an honest 1/2 mile on flat level line of sight straight road way. Once we got separated by large traffic that blocked line of sight distance dropped considerably. It does make a difference if the antenna is up and line of sight is maintained.

The sound of the speakers is really good, music and voice communications are very clear. Using the FM radio, blue tooth device or plugged in device sound quality is very good and the AGC (Auto Gain Control) increases the volume as the noise levels increase. Makes it nice - no blaring at the red light - ability to hear it over the ambient noise while riding at speed, all hands free.

The functions of the unit are easy to access, usually a tap on a button or a combination of buttons, this is a memory process so practice helps. Once you get the hang of the unit and have a feel for the buttons the unit is a pleasure to use. I had some issues with feeling the buttons with gloves on but practice and time solved them.



Cardo Community online registration and system interface.
Cardo community website has a registration process that once completed grants access to the G9x's added functions. Using the online system interface to customize the settings and features, it was super easy to dial in the G9x in and even add a "hot dial" phone number. The hot dial number is accessed by a double tap on a button - works great - now I have no excuse for not calling and letting them know I'll be late for diner. All the features and setting can be adjusted and set in a couple minutes then sync'd up to the unit. The Cardo community also has some neat services like tours and contacts in case you have a friend that also has Cardo.



When I registered my unit, there was a software upgrade to version 1.1. It stated that it addressed the issue with volume of announcements from the system. I did the upgrade and after using the unit with the upgrade I was much happier with the results. The problem was not being able to hear the voice prompts from the system at speed, now they are easier to hear.

Fit and function the G9x is a solid unit and the audio kit is made well and the systems seems to be rugged and durable. It is weather resistant and all the plugs and buttons seal well.

This is a high quality and reliable product that we give a high approval rating.

We are hoping to conduct a follow up review with a 4 rider set. This will give you a idea on how the system will work with multiple riders.