Headset Overload!! What to chose? Autocom? J&M? Other?

[Aftershock]

So... I've got a VTX1300S and I'm going across the states. I hope to do this next summer with a buddy of mine. We're trying to figure out what to do about communication. I've got a Zumo 550 and he'll have an MP3 player & Radar Detector. We'll both want a way for Bike-to-Bike communications... we're leaning towards CB instead of 2-way radios.

J&M Seems good, and their higher end headsets have noise canceling for greater mic clairity, which is good. The J&M also seems fairly modular.

Autocom also seems good. I've heard of some issues with Zumo and Autocom (but apparently a blue tooth adapter solves it). The headseats also have noise canceling for the mics to help with voice quality.

Our desires are:

Noise Canceling for good quality sound on mics. (I've got samson long cannons w/ no baffles, this is an important feature!)[/*:m:15jbak06]
Easy to fit in a full face helmet[/*:m:15jbak06]
Not bluetooth from Unit to Helmet (recharging BT units when camping can prove difficult:roll:)[/*:m:15jbak06]
In-Ear Noise Reducing microphones available as an option (i.e. Shure or other)[/*:m:15jbak06]
If not using in-ear mics then be able to hear headphones with ear-plugs in[/*:m:15jbak06]

I've read a lot about Autocom and know what unit I'd get if I went that direction (Active-Plus with powered Aux 1 jack with BT adapter on Aux 1 for BT <> Zumo <> Phone).

If we went for the J&M, I'd probably get the more expensive headset and the J&M CB Radio.


I'd love to hear from someone who has experience with both Autocom and J&M.

Right now.. I'm just torn... both seem good. Autocom is a bit cheaper than J&M, but J&M has the nice CB. With autocom I'd still need to purchase a bike-to-bike communication device.


Thanks for your feedback.

[Vragor]

That question assumes that there are people who have tried all of the headsets, and I'd bet that only a handful of people have.

For myself, all I can do is tell you my experience with Autocom. I bough an Autocom 300 (pro). It wired up pretty easily (I posted a thread on this board showing my install).

I had some fun getting the headsets mounted "the best" in my helmets, but I really like the overall features and performance of the Autocom. There were a few times I thought I might regret having spent so much, but in the end, it's paying off.

I took my friend's wife for a ride. He has a top end Harley Electraglide, previousy had a Goldwing. She said that the intercom and bike to bike quality of my Autocom was every bit as good as those other built in systems.

BTW, she liked the ride ok, but said she'll keep her armrests, full back, and floorboards.

[retro-x0813]

http://www.collettcommunicators.com/

i have the older version about 3 years old now but it still works great voice activated and sounds good too and real easy to install takes about 10 mins. to install it.
thought you mite have a look

[coxjj]

I tried a Starcom. It was a disaster. I had so many problems the vendor I purchased it from bought it back. I bought the J&M system and can attest it was a snap to install, and worked great. I would not have anything else. My next bike will have one.

[Rib-Bone]

I am a firm believer in the J&M and it works really well and a real good product an easy install

[Cruz'N]

I have the Motocomm ST-1, it came with all the hardward for rider and passenger. It had both open and close faced helmets. All cables necessary for hooking up
FRS or CB radio ( most FRS radios )
Cellphone ( but limited to those with univeral hands free adapters)
Build in FM radio
MP3 cable
GPS/Radar detector cable

All for $190

The sound quality is good. I use it with my Ipod and a Motorola FRS radio.
But don't skip on cheat FRS radios. Get a good one.
The MP3 or FM radio mutes when you talk or when you get a call on the Cell or FRS radio.

I would have added this one to your list.

[x rated]

I have had the starcom and it was junk. I went to the J&M and its is the best thing for rider to rider, music is great through either my Ipod or sirus radio. The CB is good and 80 I can still turn up the volume and jam on. My buddy and I were on 80 west bound in our cross country trip in may and at 110 mph we could talk with out any issues. He has harley with built in cb and J&M in helemt. You wont be sorry you went with J&m.