Uclear, a must have!
After many years of driving a motorcycle/atv/snowmobile and loads of equipment purchases/tryouts, I asked myself what I could possibly pick up that is exciting this year. So then I said: ‘‘Why not test a bluetooth communication system to talk while riding with friends!’’ I was a bit sceptical about these systems which in the past were not fine-tuned, with ‘‘scratchiness’’ or incessant wind noise preventing easy communication between users. Or even the idea of a huge microphone that seemed to be trying to get into your mouth.
Attention! The UCLEAR bluetooth communication system is here to fight against false impressions. I had the opportunity to try this wonderful little device that makes an enormous difference when you are out riding with friends on motorcycles. Why you ask? It’s simple! Remember when you are in a group and pointing from one side to the other at the scenery, an obstacle on the road, a direction to take or need to stop, etc. The UCLEAR HBC 200 allows you to communicate with all your motorcycle friends with one simple click. You can talk with up to 10 people at the same time, or individually to one driver. Using Bluetooth technology, the distance between two units can go up to 700 metres, but it adds up when you are in a group and can therefore extend up to almost 4 kilometres between the first and last driver. Thanks to Multi Hop technology!
Presentation and main functions
UCLEAR is an easy to use bluetooth communication system that adapts to all types of motorsports with a small device on the outside of the helmet to activate it. Inside, two earphones must be inserted under the linings of the helmet and affixed with velcro. For the microphone, no need to attach it at the front of the helmet, which was an annoyance to the chin in the old systems, since it is now integrated into each earphone. In addition, the microphone has a filter for ambient noise which allows you to hear only the voice while you are riding and not the noise from the engine or the wind. For the outside phone, a non-slip clip attaches to the helmet and also allows the phone to be attached quickly to charge it.
Seems like a lengthy installation? Well… not to worry! It’s not complicated and really quick to install in the helmet. You are done in 15 minutes! Installation is complete, and a short 3-button initiation on the phone outdoors.
Ease of use
Using the system is really easy, but here is a short summary for its use which will be useful for you. The system has 3 buttons: a main one, for activation or to switch it off, and the other two are to raise or lower the volume or for other options indicated below.
Who is it for?
The big question as far as I am concerned is, ‘‘For whom is the UCLEAR bluetooth communication system suitable?’’ I believe it is adapted for all types of motorcyclists. Here are a few more explanations on my viewpoints:
Between friends, it’s great, because the system lets you talk during the motorcycle trip about the scenery, the roads to take, stopping at the next gas station, or for safety reasons by mentioning to fellow riders that an obstacle is on the road. With the UCLEAR system, the motorcycle rides are much more pleasant and those great moments are appreciated even more.
For people riding more often alone, do you feel excluded? Don’t be, as there are many advantages to using this system while being alone on the road. By using the Bluetooth technology, the system allows you to connect to your smart phone. This way, it’s possible to listen to your music while riding your motorcycle without the inconvenience of earphones in your ears, or the wire that gets stuck everywhere. What a pleasure! And you can answer your calls while driving by saying out loud ‘‘Hello’’ or ‘‘Pickup’’ or simply by pressing on the big button on the unit. Could it be a friend calling wishing to join you on your motorcycle ride?
A super new feature for 2014, UCLEAR has updated its software which allows you to interact with other communication systems on the market. Wow!
Testing the UCLEAR System
With the beautiful motorcycle and ATV season we have had, I put the UCLEAR HBC 200 system to the test. Riding on Quebec’s roads and trails, I was really able to appreciate the system fully in talking with my girlfriend who also had a uclear installed in her helmet. Communication is clear, and there is no bothersome ambient noise with the filtration system.
As I am used to listening to music as I ride, the idea of not having earphones in my ears really pleased me, because after a full day, I had no pain in my ears like I had with traditional earphones. Furthermore, there is no need to ‘’fight’’ with the earphones to place them right in the helmet, or with a wire that gets caught in the coat’s zipper. All is solidly mounted in the helmet. No subsequent adjustment is required after the initial installation.
What I liked the most was clearly being able to communicate with my girlfriend or friends while riding, to give instructions or to look at a certain place. Motorcycle outings are so much more fun with it.
Moral of this test: Now that I have had a taste of a bluetooth communication system, I could not be without one!
Additional information
In order to obtain more information on UCLEAR products, go to the UCLEAR company website or go to your closest Kimpex retailer!
