Bluetooth Headset Recommendations

[GypsyCliff]

Does anybody have any recommendations as to what Bluetooth cell phone headset will work good in the relatively noisy environment of a diesel pusher motor home? We're leaving on a trip in a couple of weeks and with so many states demanding "hands free" vehicle cell phone use, I thought it would be a good time to buy a headset.

Cliff

[The Newell]

Hi Cliff,

We use Jawbone Icons and they work very well. They're noise cancelling Also very small and work great by the way.

[MrE]

For the price of a bluetooth headset, you could probably update your radio to a bluetooth model. I went with the JVC X50BT digital media receiver (car radio) with built in hands free bluetooth. A Google shopping search found several sources for under $90 with free shipping. It also does streaming bluetooth. I'm able to stream the music from my Android smart phone to the receiver w/o wires. I use the AUX in for XM, TV and my laptop, I use the USB for thumb drives. The other nice feature, it mutes your music when you accept a phone call. One less manual function for the driver.

There are other units that actually do more, this one only has 4 audio channels out, no separate sub out.

What I would really like is one that has a digital audio input and does Dolby 7.1 surround sound for when I use it for the TV...maybe next years model.


Features
Equalizer Modes Loudness
Audio Formats WMA/MP3
Audio Channels 4
Equalizer Bands Parametric
RMS Output Power 80 W
Detachable Front Panel Yes
USB Yes
Number of Pre-amplifier Outputs 2
Auxiliary Input Yes
Screen Type LCD
Product Type Car Flash Audio Player
Product Name KD-X50BT Car Flash Audio Player
Memory Card Supported Secure Digital (SD) Card microSD Card
Compatibility
iPod nano - 2nd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod nano - 3rd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod nano - 4th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod nano - 5th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod nano - 6th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod touch - 1st Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod nano - 1st Generation (1, 2, & 4GB)
iPod touch - 2nd Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod touch - 3rd Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPod touch - 4th Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPod classic - (80GB, 120GB and 160GB)
iPhone - (3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S)
iPod - 5G iPod Video (30, 60, & 80GB)
iPod/iPhone Compatible Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Weight (Approximate) 2.90 lb
DIN Size Single DIN
Features Electronic Shock Protection (ESP)
Preamp Output Voltage 2.5 V
Limited Warranty 1 Year
Tuner AM FM
Station Presets 18 - FM 12 - AM
HD Radio No
Satellite Radio No

[NewellCrazy]

Jon is correct, That might be the more efficient way to go.

I find the little guys that clip over/in one ear are OK - and can be had for about $30 or so from Motorola or Plantronics. My Droid has a great speaker built in so really doesn't need a headset setup.

If you want the pro models, suggest going to a truck stop and look at the over the head type with boom that the truckers wear. That would give you the best cab noise deadening.

Do keep in mind that in some states (such as CA) headsets that cover both ears are illegal. Also, in CA the phone or GPS docking station cannot be connected to the windshield.

[MrE]

Leave it to CA to go that extra step I've used a bluetooth radio in my Mercedes convertible w/o any problem. The speaker volume for the phone call adjusts separately than your listening volume and stays set where you adjust it. The microphones have pretty good noise canceling built in also.

[GringoPhil]

I use a Blue Parrot B250-XT noise cancelling headset. I use it all day, every day, and it is super. I take conference calls in the rig, on the road in the rig, in the car, and no one hears any background.

I have seen them as high as $125 but I paid $75 for mine online form a headset vendor.

I would have two if I could carry on two calls at the same time.

Phil

[GypsyCliff]

Thanks for all your input so far. I was looking at the Plantronics Voyager Pro. That's a good idea looking at truck stops. I have a Motorola Bluetooth headset but it seems to pick up too much noise.

Cliff