Help me choose a helmet intercom/bluetooth system

[IDisposable]

I just purchased a 2011 BMW R1200RT. It came with the awesome radio system which can pair with two helmets. My wife wants an intercom system and wants to be able to hear music and take cell calls.  She uses a full-face helmet and I use a flip-face (Nolan N102 w/o the radio stuff).  Prior to this bike, I used my Rio Karma and some Shure E4Cs for music, so bonus for being able to use those earphones too..

I've done a bunch of research and have narrowed it down to these three products. I would really like some opinion, especially from people with any of these systems and if anyone has a 2010+ R1200RT with that sirius radio, how do they pair?

The units I'm looking at are:

• Sena SMD10D-01B http://www.senabluetooth.com/products/smh10.php?tab_menu=overview (dual units, new version).  For my helmet, also would get the optional base SMH-A0304 http://www.senabluetooth.com/products/acc_SMH-A0304.php so I could use my earbuds. I would probably prefer the thin-mike (not the boom mike).  Advantages seem to be easier controls for gloved hands and optional earbud-compatible base.
  
• Cardo Scala Rider G4 Powerset http://www.cardosystems.com/us/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4-powerset-for-snowmobiles (snowmobile version). I would do the earbud mofication to my unit (installing a jack per these http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=628028&highlight=intercom instructions). I am getting the "snowmobile" version because it has the thin-mikes (not booms) which would be better for me.
  
• I have also found the UCLEAR HBC 100 http://www.uclear-digital.com/products.html which is brand new and some people claim to have really good sound.  I have not heard of anyone using these on the BMW rider forums, but seems like a very nice unit with no mike issues to worry about. Sadly, it would not be reasonable to do any ear-bud modifications that I can find... though I might talk to the folks at UCLEAR about that as a "sanctioned modification" as they've been really responsive to questions so far.
  

So, opinions?

My needs: Great intercom on-bike. must play well with BMW radio, must pair with a Samsung Vibrant (android). Would be nice to have earbud jacks, would be GREAT to have no boom-mike.

[cognosticator]

So, opinions?

My needs: Great intercom on-bike. must play well with BMW radio, must pair with a Samsung Vibrant (android). Would be nice to have earbud jacks, would be GREAT to have no boom-mike.

I had the G4 first and to me it was a PITA to operate.  I went with Sena and just got their upgrade unit.. The Sena has a earbud option and also an option if you have a regular full face helmet there is a wired button mic that you velcro inside the helmet thus no boom.   I don't know about the BMW radio or the Samsung.

[RBEmerson]

Er, you need to be very sure your choice will pair and connect with the BMW system.  In the MCN review of the K1600GT/L, they pointed out that the Schuberth BT system will not work with it, even though Schuberth is BMW's favored helmet source.  

I've been using the Sena SMH-10 system for a while and liked it until the SMH-10B release in June.  The idea is to make a user-updatable unit (good idea).  The current firmware in the SMH-10B is proving to be, to be blunt, buggy (problems with connections to various GPS's and various phones).  I spoke with Dan Kim (tech support guy) at Sena on Thursday, and he said a firmware upgrade is due "in a week or two".  While I generally like the Sena gear (good mounting system with lots of options, good price), I'd wait until the firmware upgrade hits the field and results come in before pulling the trigger.

Also, if the Sena gear checks out OK (and I think it will), be very, very sure you're buying the new, upgradable units.  Sena has a trade-in plan ($49/unit) but that won't last forever and there's no reason to pay for an upgrade when the shrinkwrap hasn't even come off the box.  

The way to identify a new unit is simple: the power connector is a micro-USB connector (commonly seen with newer phones, MP3 players, etc.) and not a round power plug.  

[jetnc1]

Ive got a Sena and love it. Paired right ip to my Droid, decent sound, and easy to operate with gloves. Havent tried my earbuds yet, maybe this weekend. Ive got the latest firmware and havent seen any issues yet with my setup.

[pcrdude]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/motorcyclecom-best-of-2011-awards-91111.html

Scroll down to the end.

I concur since I have one.

 

[MidLifeMike]

Sena user here, paired to a HTC Desire Z - Android. The units reconnect themselves in seconds every time I power up the Sena, ie. no initialization needed for each ride.
Intercom has been OK. Sometimes it goes silent after a chat and neither I or my passenger can get it going again. Could be me.
Mine got soaked on the ground by accident and the phone button went mushy and non-functional. Once it dried out fully it recovered and I didn't have to send it back in though I had the RMA and ready to ship that day.
Phone conversations/voice commands to the smartphone are reliable and the other person didn't have a clue I was riding. I have yet to do bike to bike. I got it for my passenger.

Any issues I've had may be with the way my smartphone is taking Bluetooth commands, especially on music player controls (track forward/reverse, a second player running in the background). There's a learning curve to all the toys in the Android while the Sena is very simple.
Doesn't hurt that I like the looks of it too. My local dealer for this stuff is sticking with Cardo but a large influence is the brand recognition they already have. They really liked testing my Sena sets. Hope this helps.