MEBusa
Registered
I also had a chatterbox hbi2-h unit, until about 6 months ago. I loved it at first, but ecountered a problem with the charging connection. This is funny, because I chose chatterbox over other units, because it was low profile. I didn't want a bulky unit that stuck too far off the side of my helmet. The chatterbox did well for the first few years that I had it, until I started to get some weird interruptions in the audio, as I streamed music from my Android phone. And then the charging connection failed.
I bought a Sena SMH-10 after that. It is 100% better than the chatterbox IMO. This until is flawless. Super easy to use & control. I also was caught in a heavy down pour, & noooo issues at all. I love the hands free answering of an incoming call (all I say is HELLO into the mic, when a call comes through & it connects the call). Another selling point for me was that the unit can simultaneously connect more than 1 bluetooth devices at once (chatterbox can't). What that means for me, is that I can leave my older Android phone, that I've upgraded from, on the bike all the time (as a music player), and keep my cuurent phone on my side or pocket, & receive phone calls as they come through. Another selling point, is that the charging connector for the SMH-10 is the same as my Android phone (mini USB), so I could use any Android charger for the unit, anywhere available. The chatterbox have a small 2.5mm end, that is exclusive. Also battery life for my Sena is excellent. Much, much better, by experience than the chatterbox I had. I also like the volume knob; rotate it forward or backward to control volume, oppose to buttons to press, like the chatterbox have.
On the note of low profile, I considered getting the SMH-10r, but didn't like the idea of mounting the unit, & the battery separate via a wire to the outside of the helmet. My concern with the SMH-10 was that it would be too bulky looking/feeling, but not so, after using it.
I highly recommend the Sena SMH-10.
Side Note: I use earbuds, as someone mentioned too. With the chatterbox I had the older Etymotic ER6i (which are no longer available). The fit was excellent. Sound Q good, but lacked bass. Well they failed me too. I starting getting sound out of one earbud. I know sometimes the filters get plugged, & they are easily changed with a tool. But I just opted to get new ones, with the Sena I bought.
After researching I got Klipsch x10. As far as fit (I mean with putting the helmet on & them staying in place), the Etymotics were much better, hands down. The Klipsch are not that bad though, just have to place them further into the ear canal, & position the curved end of the stem just right (google to see a pic of them). As far as sound quality, the Klipsch are better than the Etymo's by a mile, IMO. Very clear, crisp sound & BASS which I love. I'm still looking into retrofitting some headphone pods in my helmets cavities, & get away from the buds. Only problem is, the setup has to able to seal completely around my ears, with the helmet on.
Sorry so much, but I hope this helps someone else that's searches, like I do.
