Two riders. 1,000 meters (open) of open-range distance between. Bluetooth 5.3. Noise control via CVC chip. Around 40 dollars for two units, less than many single-use headsets. This is the sales pitch for the SCSETC S-8X 2-rider bluetooth intercom 2-pk, a simple specs-based argument that will likely resonate with riders who travel two-up or regularly ride with a partner. Whether the performance of these units regarding sound, microphones and durability will hold true after clipping the units to real helmets and hitting the highway is something else entirely.
The SCSETC S-8X targets the budget aspect of the intercom marketplace. With two completely separate units included in each pack (a single headset would cost similar amounts from name brands), the numbers become interesting. Each of the units contain a 650mAh battery (approximately ten hours of talk and music playback) along with waterproof and dust-proofing. Volume and music controls are located on a knob.
The product holds a 3.9 out of five-star rating with eighty-one total ratings from amazon customers. The combination of positive and negative feedback within those ratings provides much more insight than the average rating itself. While some customers appear to be extremely pleased with their purchases, others express frustration with certain characteristics of their products. As such, the truth probably lies somewhere in between. Below is a summary of what the SCSETC S-8X really offers.
Specs and Build Quality
While the main specification is the 1,000-meter operating range, this should be thought of as an open area with both riders having a clear line-of-sight between them. In reality, if you're traveling at highway speeds on flat land, such as farm fields or desert highways, you'll likely achieve connectivity nearly equivalent to that range. However, as you encounter various forms of urban obstacles (trees, elevation changes, and similar), you'll likely lose connectivity much sooner, and anticipate losing connectivity in hundreds of feet, depending on your environment. This is normal behavior for intercoms within this particular category and isn't exclusive to scsetc, however. Understanding this is important prior to making your purchase decision.
Bluetooth 5.3 represents the latest version of the bluetooth standard. It pairs and connects the two units in addition to connecting to a mobile device for music playback, calls and gps voice commands. The newer version is able to establish a stronger connection and consume less power compared to previous generations.
Both units include a 650mAh battery and according to scsetc, approximately ten hours of music playback and talk time (or approximately 200 songs). Both units support charging while using them on extended tour days. Waterproof and dustproof seals allow for continued use during rainy conditions and wind noise resistant microphones are intended to minimize the effects of wind noise that normally disrupts helmet communications.
Volume and music control utilizes a single knob for adjusting volume, mute and music playback.
Some riders prefer large buttons to locate by feel with gloves on and consider the knob a suitable compromise. However, it will require some time spent becoming accustomed to the knob at high speeds.
Gps routing through the headset allows users to hear gps directions hands-free. Hands-free calling allows users to accept incoming calls by pressing a single button instead of needing to reach for their cell phones. Although priced similarly to a single-unit headset from name-brand manufacturers, the construction appears to meet expectations for functionality and quality, but not necessarily premium-quality construction.
Audio and Microphone Performance
Audio is perhaps the biggest factor in determining success or failure for budget intercoms, and scsetc has employed CSR CVC technology utilizing 30 db of noise control to combat wind and road noise. In practical terms, audio is good enough for casual commuting and mild-speed riding. Wind-noise suppression on the microphone is effective enough at lower and moderate speeds for allowing callers to hear your voice clearly.
Although the wind-noise suppression is effective for combating wind noise, don't anticipate premium speaker clarity at sustained highway speeds (above 60 mph).
One reviewer succinctly stated calls were crystal-clear without tin-can effect. The reviewer described themselves as extremely happy with the product. Another reviewer complimented on the long-lasting batteries and excellent sound quality. These are experiences you can reasonably expect to have with your SCSETC S-8X headset, considering the expectation that the lowest point in the bundle will likely be the microphone quality.
As previously mentioned, if you generally ride casually with passengers and buddies at city and suburban speeds, the scsetc performs adequately as far as providing adequate voice, music and navigation.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Amazon customer reviews collectively provide a picture of a product that thrills value-conscious consumers and exasperates anyone who expects perfection. Reviews from Spanish-speaking customers tend to skew overwhelmingly positively as well, given that there is significantly greater scsetc distribution throughout latin america.
A single 5-star rated customer summarized his feelings toward the value offered by the product stating he had found an excellent product that provided an excellent quality-to-price ratio, although he pointed out two legitimate issues with his unit, lack of saved volume levels and no radio function. He also added that he felt that the microphone quality was somewhat poor.
Recurring praise was directed toward battery life. Several reviewers referred to battery life as super or very good, and expressed happiness with their units being comfortable. A couple of reviewers complimented on both very good performance and very good battery life. Praise related to battery life is significant since a dead headset mid-ride is essentially unusable regardless of how good your audio is.
However, not all reviewers were delighted. A 2-star review indicated music-sharing failed despite his com being clear, and based upon his observations believed that one of the two units may have been faulty. Music-sharing is a primary benefit of purchasing a 2-pack versus individual headsets. Furthermore, this highlights that occasionally low-cost electronic goods arrive containing bad parts, therefore make sure you purchase from listings offering acceptable returns.
Overall, this represents a product with a 3.9 star average rating based upon eighty-one customer reviews where most reviewers believe they received their money's worth, with recurring benefits being battery life, comfort, clear calls, and recurring drawbacks being microphone quality, missing volume memory function, and occasionally receiving a bad unit. Based upon reviews none of the concerns indicate that the entire product is defective, however, they do advocate for establishing realistic expectations when purchasing.
Who Is This Intercom For?
The best candidates for purchasing this 2-pack will be riders looking for two functioning intercoms without breaking the bank purchasing a single-name brand model. This is particularly beneficial for couples riding two-up, parents carrying children while riding, or friends riding weekends and primarily want voice, music and gps direction clarity.
view current pricing and availability on amazon
This 2-pack won't be ideal for riders seeking top-shelf audio at continuous highway speeds, riders requiring long-distance music sharing as a necessary feature, or riders seeking a unit that retains their desired volume settings each time they turn it off and on. If you are obsessive about speaker fidelity and wind noise at 80mph and above, look elsewhere.
If you are merely a commuter and weekend-touring rider wanting to communicate with your riding partner without stopping frequently, then SCSETC S-8X 2-pack satisfies an incredibly difficult-to-beat value proposition at this price-point. The s-8x 2-pack deserves a position on our intercom comparison table, along with other budget intercom models and we invite you to view our full list of intercom reviews to compare with competing headsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SCSETC S-8X a single unit or a 2-pack?
You will receive two fully functional units in each packaging shipment (one unit per rider), each containing its own speaker set, microphone and mounting hardware. Both riders can begin operating immediately.
What is the real range of an SCSETC S-8X intercom?
In theory, scsetc advertises up to 1000 meters range in open areas with clear lines-of-sight between both riders. In actuality, due to urban obstacles (buildings, trees, hills and similar) you can expect reduced connectivity ranges (hundreds of feet) under various environmental circumstances. Connectivity ranges are typical for budget-priced headsets.
How long will my battery last?
Each unit contains a 650mAh battery capable of delivering approximately ten hours of talk and music playback (approximately 200 songs). Additionally, you can recharge your units from an external power source while actively using them during longer touring rides.
Can I share music between units?
Music sharing is possible between paired units, however results vary widely among reviewers. Some reviewers have successfully shared music between their paired units while others have experienced failure in spite of clear communication between riders. Enter your expectations with caution.
Are your units waterproof?
Yes, both units are waterproof and dustproof sealed, thus enabling continued usage during rain events and other harsher environmental conditions commonly encountered while riding.
Do you remember my last volume level setting?
No, unfortunately the unit will not retain your last volume level setting (although several reviewers complained about this issue). Thus, you will likely need to reset the volume control knob each time you activate your units.