After purchasing modular helmets for my GF and myself, the next order of business was to select a communications system so we could, well.....communicate.

Having never owned any sort of bike to bike set up, I started researching what was available on today's market. I looked at all the top brands like Scala, Interphone, SENA, and the new UClear. My main desire was a good intercom with decent range. All the bluetooth stuff with phones and GPS was not important to me (and still isnt I dont think). What "sold" me on the UClear was they are the only current product that does not use a boom microphone. Their speakers have tiny little "microphone" pickups and they claim a technology that creates a "space" in front of your mouth that is picked up by those tiny little microphones. Okay, we'll see.

Anyways, back in mid-March I ordered a set from Revzilla with delivery expected by mid-April. I was recently informed by Revzilla that the manufacturer had pushed delivery now up to mid-May with no real ETA promised. This is for the new model, the HBC200 at $450 for the pair.

Becoming concerned about delays from the manufacturer, feeling that perhaps they were having trouble with getting their new product out the door (and not wanting to be a test pilot for them), I contacted Revzilla about changing my order to the currently available model, the HBC100.
The main difference as far as I can tell is the newer HBC200 has a longer range for the intercom and the ability to communicate with more than one other UClear unit (up to 8 they claim). Revzilla responded that they could certainly ship me the older model immediately at a cost of $458 for the pair.

Thinking that I could at least get a set of UClear to actually try and not really concerned about needing to communicate with multiple units beyond my GF, I was about to ask them to make the change. It was then that I asked about returning the units if I was not satisfied with the performance or whatever. My original order clearly states on the order that the UClear product qualified for Revzilla's "30 Day No Hassle Exchange". I asked about having the option to return for exchange for the newer HBC200 or for another setup like Scala G9 or SENA.

The Revzilla rep then informed me that NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES can be returned for any reason, period. I pointed out that my order clearly stated the "30 Day No Hassle Exchange" policy. He politely then informed me that this meant ONLY IF THE BOX WAS UNOPENED. I asked him how I was supposed to determine if I was satisfied with the product if I never opened the box. His response was, "Good point, but that is our policy."

I cancelled the order.

I know its pretty common in most industries that electrical "parts" are not returnable,.....and I understand why. On the other hand I am quite displeased with Revzilla's return policy. I really dont know if this would be the case if I ordered a comm set from some other source or not. I really dont want to gamble $450 bucks just to see if what is advertized is true or not.

What do you guys (and gals) think? Maybe I am just whinning.

Anybody out there using UClear HBC100 and are happy?

 

Tap on the shoulder - I need to pee.

Slap on the head - I need to pee NOW!!!

 

LOL! Forgot to mention that the GF is on her own Harley Softail Deluxe.
Hard to hit when moving!

 

Go to each manufacturer's website & locate the nearest dealer to you. Go to that dealer & ask for a demo. It the unit does what you want, & the dealer's price is good, buy it. If the dealer's price is high buy the same unit online.

 

Just got the HBC200D set on E-bay. I haven't installed them yet. The undisputed head techie in our riding group had the HBC100 series and liked it so well he upgraded to the 200 series when it came out because of the added range among other things. On his advice and because he and his Mrs already have em (someone to communicate with = the point), I bought a set too. Thought it might be interesting to resurrect this thread to see what experiences forum members have had to date.

 

They also just pushed a firmware update a few weeks ago to make them cross communicate with other brands. Hopefully this is a push most of the brands are going with.

 

Thats good news. Now that its started, brands that don't standardize will risk falling by the wayside. X-brand communication would be a deciding feature for most buyers I would think. No-one need pay 400 bux just to talk on the phone and listen to music these days.