can i get longterm report on scala Q2s?

[sfalexi]

Now that the Q4s are out, and the Q2's are dropping in price for a new pair, I'm interested. I figure it be good wireless communication for rider to passenger, I can play MY music through my phone, her HER music through her phone, and answer calls.

Main thing I'm wondering is battery life. Both per charge and if people have had the units die too soon or something. Thanks.

Alexi

[1000lbs]

I just sold off my pair of Q2's.  For intercom use they were ok, but I'm still looking for a better solution. The charge time was fine, but mine were not A2DP bluetooth.  Which meant no music from the phone without plugging it in, and the speakers were just not loud enough for quality music (I wear ear plugs).  Without the ear plugs, I got too much wind noise and the music sound was of very low quality.

Just my  $.02

[FJRmgm]

I've been using a Q2 for five years now and battery life is very good.  No bluetooth but all I wanted was an intercom and it does that very well.

[Wockman]

I used the Q2 for about three years and really liked them.  I would estimate the battery life was a good 10 hours or so, mostly listening to the FM radio maybe 90% of the time and talking the remaining 10%.  I didn't really use them to talk on the cell.

About a year ago I bought a G4, and so far I like it even more than the Q2.  Battery life is decent (maybe 8-9 hours), BUT it uses the same 12v charger micro-USB as my cell phone, so charging on the go is easy.  The bluetooth audio is much better than the FM tuner on the Q2. My Q2 didn't have the line in input so I can't comment on the sound quality.  

Remember the Q2 is water resisitant not waterproof.  Guess how I figured this out...

[MK96xj]

I have been using the Q2 for 3-4 years now.

As Wockman said they are NOT waterproof. Scala replaced 2 units for me due to water issues. A lite rain is no big issue but riding for long periods in a downpour will take its toll. If I know I will be riding in the rain I cover it with plastic and a rubberband. This seems to work fine.

Intercom: I only use the intercom when riding with my daughter or wife. It works just fine.

Bluetooth to cell phone: Excellent! Used with my Scorpion 400 helmet with chin skirt I am told the sound is crystal clear.

I have the wired base for use with my GPS and XM radio and find this extends the battery life. A little back ground on things now and in the past.

- I cut the speakers off and wired in a set of Etymotic ER4i earplug style ear-buds. This provides very good sound quality as well as doubles as ear plugs. Previously while using earplugs I moved the speakers closer to my ears with stacked Velcro strips. This also improved but still required the volume to be set high reducing the battery life.

- In the past before I had the wired base (stereo), I used an FM transmitter (mono) and tuned the Q2’s FM radio accordingly. This works in a pinch but there was too much interference at times.

- Battery life: While using the FM at full volume (original speakers) I would get about 5 full hours. Using the wired base and I have not been able to max out the battery and that is with over 10 hours in the saddle.

I will continue to use the Q2 until they completely die on me.  I have seemed to work all the bugs out of my set up at this time. I am still wired and this somewhat defeats the purpose but I get my GPS, XM radio, radar detector and cell phone all in one package. Since my gadgets are not A2DP I would need to use an A2DP transmitter (which I have). This would allow me to use all these with the newer Q4 BUT also adds another device to charge. I have never tested the battery life of the A2DP transmitter. I guess this could be wired as well.

To bring this long story home,,, I am pretty happy with the Q2

[FJRmgm]

Remember the Q2 is water resisitant not waterproof.  Guess how I figured this out...

I guess I have just been lucky (insert jinx) then because I have ridden in some frog-strangler downpours all day long with no issues.

People are always amazed that I am on the motorcycle and answer a phone call to them.  

[sfalexi]

Hmmm....the waterproof worries me a little bit.  Right now I use a J&M Integratr system.  It's fully wired except for some reason, the 12v adapter keeps blowing its fuse when I wire it into the bike or even the car.  But off of rechargeable batteries it works fine.  I am looking to replace mainly cause my wife might be getting into riding her OWN bike.  And she likes music OTHER than what I like.  

Well, otherwise it may not be bad.  I know the A2DP would probably drain the battery a lot, so I'll keep that in mind.  Thanks for the reports.

Alexi

[Bryan217]

Remember the Q2 is water resisitant not waterproof.  Guess how I figured this out...

  It's nice to know I have company. I should contact Scala and see if they'll replace my rained out unit.

[tigertom1965]

I have had a Q2 for over a year now. I connect my Zumo 550 by bluetooth and then connect my phone to the GPS bluetooth. I can use my phone or my gps without issues except I have to press the GPS screen to dial out which I don't. I listen to my directions and my MP3 all the time through the GPS. I haven't had any issues with the noise being too low even at 50% (sometimes less) music volume set on my GPS. Usually I can get enough volume for even a highway ride with my earplugs (foamies) in and music on. Actually it sounds better with them in because they cut out the wind noise. I know my ZUMO doesn't have stereo bluetooth but I still find the sound quality fine. I am not expecting it to be as good as my stereo at home anyway. It was a cheap system. I did set my MP3 quality up before I transferred the songs over to the GPS and I don't have any complaints. I do not usually ride in the rain so water has not been a problem. I have only gone 4 hours long on my bike before recharging but that is because I haven't ridden more than 4 hours long yet. I would replace them with a G4 when I get a new GPS or I damage this one as long as the speakers fit. My biggest hurdle was the Q2 was the only system that fit inside my Shoei X11 helmet without pressing on my ears and causing pain. Earphones do not stay in when I put my helmet on so they do not work for me.