Chatterbox GMRS-X1

[Sven]

Even after reading the review in the new (all color, all different!) issue of MCN, and looking at the Chatterbox corporate site, I can't quite figure out how it all works.  They don't provide basic information, you have to already know what it does and what you want.  So a basic question here:  The GMRS-X1 has a bluetooth version and a non-bluetooth version.  But it the pictures of the two kits look the same, so does the headset for the bluetooth version still need to be plugged into the unit?  I would think the point of having the bluetooth unit would be to avoid that...but in the picture there's a connector.  Anyone know the answer, or have general advice they want to give?

[Sven]

Oh, and another question:  If I had the bluetooth version and someone else had the non bluetooth version, would they work together?   For that matter, if someone else had a entirely different brand, would that work with mine?

[Red01]

They are compatible with any other FRS/GMRS radio.

All the Bluetooth gets you is the ability for you to comm with up to two other Bluetooth devices on your bike - like a cell phone, GPS, audio equipment, etc.

[Lurch]

I have the GMRS-X1 nonBT (Bluetooth) unit and have a couple of friends that have the BT one. They are both nice and they do make an aftermarket headset that doesn't need to be plugged in for the BT unit but you can only have two BT devices being used at once. Most of my friends use the wired headset and use BT to link their iPod and phone.

[Sven]

I have the GMRS-X1 nonBT (Bluetooth) unit and have a couple of friends that have the BT one. They are both nice and they do make an aftermarket headset that doesn't need to be plugged in for the BT unit but you can only have two BT devices being used at once. Most of my friends use the wired headset and use BT to link their iPod and phone.

Thanks for that.  I did go ahead and get that same model, and am trying to puzzle thru getting is installed.  I never thought about the fact that it's basically permanently installed on one helmet, so choose which helmet with all due consideration.  Yeah, I know, I can get additional headsets and use the same unit, but damn, this gets expensive quickly!