The SCS ETC S9 helmet intercom motorcycle communication system is incredibly easy to use and pair with other Bluetooth enabled devices, is reasonably priced, and it comes with all the basic features you need when you’re traveling across the country on your bike. The user-friendly design allows you to seamlessly switch from one feature to the next, while the voice conferencing feature allows you to communicate with more riders compared to competing models in this price range.
The durable design further adds to this headset’s versatility, so you can use it in windy conditions, rain, and more. While this model doesn’t come loaded with any fancy extra features it easily out performs competing headsets in this price bracket.
Our Verdict: The latest headset from SCS is turning heads, thanks not only to the low price, but the high voice conferencing range and its ability to connect you with up to six other riders. The sleek design allows it to fit inside most styles of helmets, while the basic controls make it easy to switch from one feature to the next, seamlessly.
The headset is waterproof and dustproof, so you can use it in rainy, dusty, and windy conditions. Additionally, it’s priced affordably, so it will work for most budgets. This model offers hands-free operation, so you can use basic voice command prompts to reject a call, answer a call, access your contacts, listen to music, activate the voice conferencing feature, and more.
The biggest issue is the drop in audio quality once you’re riding at fifty miles per hour and higher, however, this issue is common with most models of headsets, so it’s definitely not a dealbreaker.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
SCS isn’t a major company. But they are slowly building a reputation for producing some of the best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets on the market.
If you’re on a tight budget and searching for a headset that’s affordable, easy to use, and includes some of the same features that you’ll commonly find on higher priced models, then hit that buy now button. This model is easy to use, so it’s perfect for riders who are not very tech-savvy, and anyone in need of a headset that allows you to seamlessly switch from one feature to the next.
Compact, lightweight, yet durable, the headset comes with some great accessories that are designed to improve user experience. This model comes with top of the line HD speakers, for enhanced audio quality and clarity, even when you’re traveling at higher speeds.
The hands-free communication feature, voice conferencing, and the waterproof design offer you everything you need in order to stay in touch with your loved ones.
Our Rating:
- Slim design
- HD speakers
- Low price
- Supports up to six voice conferencing users
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Durable
Voice Conferencing
This headset easily outperforms higher priced models, and it’s more than evident with the system’s innovative voice conferencing system that allows you to stay in contact with up to six other riders. Other models that are available at a higher price, such as the LEXIN B4FM Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom system will only allow you to speak to up to four riders.
For those riders who travel in larger groups, this can be very limiting. This model also has a communication range of one mile when using the intercom, which is better than average.
Additionally, if you end up riding out of range, the system is designed to automatically reconnect you with your group within five minutes. If you notice you’re still not connected after five minutes, simply hit the connect button in order to rejoin your group.
Sound Quality
With lower-priced headsets, poor audio quality is common. In most cases, you can’t expect great audio quality, but that’s where this headset surprised me.
If you want a headset to listen to your music, then you’ll appreciate the included forty-millimeter high definition speakers that come complete with CVC technology. This voice-canceling technology is applied to both incoming and outgoing calls, so you can easily carry a conversation on the phone when you’re traveling at higher speeds. The system allows you to easily switch from talking on the phone to answering a call, smoothly and with crystal clear clarity.
Hands-Free Communication
When you’re on your bike, you need to stay focused on the road and the surrounding traffic. Taking your hands off your handlebars to answer the phone or switch a radio station is dangerous. That’s where this headset comes in.
Now, you can answer, reject, or make a calling using voice prompts. You can also use voice commands to control GPS directions and listen to music. This model is compatible with all smartphones including Android, iPhone, and Samsung.
Durability
The headset is dustproof and waterproof, so you can continue to wear it in windy, dusty, and rainy conditions. The plastic housing is thick and durable, so you won’t have to worry about the casing cracking if you accidentally drop it.
Despite the durable housing, this model is surprisingly light, which is a plus for any rider traveling across the country and in search of a headset that’s comfortable to use all day long.
Battery Life
This model has a short battery life of fifteen hours. The manufacturer doesn’t break down how the battery life is impacted by voice conferencing, music streaming, or phone use.
Typically, a manufacturer will list the standby time as well, which will tell you how long the battery life lasts without using the other features and simply keeping the headset on. The headset runs on a 900 mAh lithium polymer battery, which offers a faster charging time of a couple of hours.
The headset is equipped with a bright blue LED light battery life indicator, so you can easily keep an eye on how much juice your headset has and charge it when needed.
Accessories
Inside this package, you’ll find:
- A user manual
- One headphone
- One microphone
- One speaker
The included user manual is well written and will walk you through the setup process, discuss how to easily pair your device with other riders who are using the same headset, and also includes a troubleshooting section that allows you to easily solve any connection issues.
The slim speaker will fit inside most helmet styles, without taking up much space. This is definitely a plus for riders who wear full-face helmets.
Aux
The aux port allows you to plug in any compatible Bluetooth devices, whether it’s an iPad, tablet, or an MP3 player. This adds more versatility to this headset and allows you to get more use out of it.
Performance
Using this headset is simple and easy. It offers fast pairing capabilities, excellent audio quality, and comes with an external aux input that you can use to connect to any type of Bluetooth enabled device, such as an Mp3 player.
The controls are pretty basic, which is exactly what you need on a device you can safely handle when you’re riding at high speeds. On the headset, you’ll find volume control buttons that you can adjust easily, without taking your gloves off.
You may notice a drop in audio quality once you’re traveling at speeds of fifty miles per hour or more. However, at lower speeds, you’ll enjoy crystal clear audio quality, whether you’re listening to GPS directions, the radio, or using the voice conferencing feature.
The compact design of the headset is perfect for most styles of helmets, however, I do recommend checking your helmet size to determine if you have enough recessed space in the interior to accommodate the headset without feeling cramped.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Dustproof and waterproof
- HD speakers
- Supports up to six riders for voice conferencing
- Hands-free operation
- Affordable
- Sleek design
Cons
- Audio quality will be negatively impacted when traveling over fifty miles per hour
- Short battery life
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
It’s compatible with most Bluetooth enabled devices and is available at a price that’s affordable. While the included HD speaker does offer excellent sound quality, you’ll run into issues when you’re traveling at speeds of fifty miles an hour or more.
This issue with sound quality at higher speeds is very common with headsets, especially when riding in traffic or with other motorcyclists. Aside from offering all the essential features you’ll need when you’re on the road, the headset is both water and dustproof, features a slim design that should work with most major motorcycle helmet brands, and comes with simple controls that allow you to easily switch from one feature to the next. I gave this headset a rating of four and a half out of five stars.
