BLINC M-1 Bluetooth (web1001132)
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
50%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Music (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Solid bluetooth for closed helmet system
I needed a new Bluetooth system for a new modular helmet system I just purchased and was recommended this by the salesman. I saw the reviews on here and other places and figured i'd give...Read complete review
I needed a new Bluetooth system for a new modular helmet system I just purchased and was recommended this by the salesman. I saw the reviews on here and other places and figured i'd give it a try. After the initial charge time (overnight) I paired it up with my phone and have loved it ever since. My phone (HTC Magic with Android 2.1) found and worked with it with no glitches or issues.
My only complaints are the proprietary mic/speaker connector which I would love to be able to upgrade the mic/speaker or have a unit that I can plug in and continue my conversation I had on my bike without shutting off the Bluetooth afterwords. There is no battery meter so when it goes out finally, there is no notice besides the loss of sound. There is a LONG charge time but with the generous battery life I can understand that. And I have to keep my phone in my coat check pocket or I loose/reconnect on and off all the time.
All in all, a good setup and a fun one to use.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Works perfect with music, not with calls
First off, I own an iPhone 4 (OS 4.2) that I was using with the Blinc M-1 (I do not know how other phones will work with the product).
Ini...Read complete review
First off, I own an iPhone 4 (OS 4.2) that I was using with the Blinc M-1 (I do not know how other phones will work with the product).
Initial Setup:
I installed it into a Scorpio EXO-400 helmet, everything fit just perfectly. Microphone was close to my cheek-pad, but fit none the less. Includes everything you need to install in a full, or half face helmet. They include the temporary and permanent mounting options. (For EXO-400 users the permanent works much better than temporary because of the liner thickness.
Initial Connection and Paring:
I was able to connect to the Blinc M-1 with no problems, paired up great. I tried out the Voice Commands on the iPhone, (for the Blinc M-1 you have to hold the call button for about 4 seconds to initiate the Voice Command function instead of just pressing it once), the prompt tone for the Voice Commands is very hard to hear, (I usually just wait for my iPhone to vibrate), reason for that is because of the default Bluetooth volume which is half of the iPhones volume. Trying to use the voice commands is very hard when you're going down the road, but once at a stop light works perfectly.
Calls coming in on the road:
I've had a few calls come in on my rides; bad thing is the ringtone is just as low as the Voice Command tone (because of the default Bluetooth volume). Every time I did call someone while I was riding, I had to turn the volume up to full, because of that same default volume. Once volume is up to full I could hear anyone just fine, but they had some issues hearing me after 45mph. Said it was sound very far from the phone. I do have a chin vent on my EXO-400, so no wind is going into the microphone. Mostly just use this for music. (Sounds great with the iPhone Rock Equalizer)
Listening to Music:
This is where this product excels. I LOVE listening to music on the M-1. I set the volume on my iPhone, set the equalizer to Rock, and then set my songs on shuffle. Music is sooo much better than me singing to myself (or talking to myself). I give it a 5/5 on that point.
Controls:
Now with the iPhone 4, the only controls we can use is the Volume buttons and the Multi-Function call button (round call button). The Multi-Function call button is very easy to use, even while wearing winter gloves, but the volume buttons are very small. With my summer gloves I can feel them just fine, but with my winter gloves, forget about it. (The volume buttons are only used while adjusting the audio up and down listening to music, when on a call you will turn the Multi-Function call button to turn the volume up and down)
For Future Reference:
This is just a review using the Blinc M-1 with the iPhone 4 (OS 4.2), any other phone could work very differently with this product. Also, I have tried the Scala Rider Q2, bought from the Black Friday Sale, and it was not compatible at all with the iPhone 4 (OS 4.0 at that time). Only Mono calls, mono music, and no voice control on the Q2.
Reviewed by 13 customers
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Pros
- Ease of Install
- Ease of pairing
- Easy to use controls
- Good battery time
Cons
- Long charge time
- no battery meter
- Proprietary micspeaker
- Shorter range then expect
Best Uses
- Bluetooth phone usage
- On the road music
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
I needed a new Bluetooth system for a new modular helmet system I just purchased and was recommended this by the salesman. I saw the reviews on here and other places and figured i'd give it a try. After the initial charge time (overnight) I paired it up with my phone and have loved it ever since. My phone (HTC Magic with Android 2.1) found and worked with it with no glitches or issues.
My only complaints are the proprietary mic/speaker connector which I would love to be able to upgrade the mic/speaker or have a unit that I can plug in and continue my conversation I had on my bike without shutting off the Bluetooth afterwords. There is no battery meter so when it goes out finally, there is no notice besides the loss of sound. There is a LONG charge time but with the generous battery life I can understand that. And I have to keep my phone in my coat check pocket or I loose/reconnect on and off all the time.
All in all, a good setup and a fun one to use.
Pros
- Easy Install
- Music
Cons
- Calls at high speed
Best Uses
- Music
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
I bought this product back in November 2010, had it for almost a year now and I use it every time I go out for a ride. At first it was just on the temporary install and because of that the plug in for the head phones and mic hung down and sometime would come loose causing me to loose sound in one ear, that was fixed by adjusting it.
Recently I permenetly mounted it and that problem has since never come back.
Before I added a slip-on to my bike calls were pretty decent at higher speeds, everyone I talked to said they could hear me clearly. It's just I would have a hard time hearing them, now with a slip-on added my bike is too loud for me to hear anyone calling me at speeds above 30mph, but the person calling can still hear me very well.
So my take on this head set is that you probably have to have a decent helmet to help keep the noise out and the person on the other side can hear you very well, I have a Scorpion EXO 1000.
And don't expect the best blue tooth head set for the cheapest price, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
Pros
- Great sound
Cons
- speakers cut out
Best Uses
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
Installed in a HJC Flip helmet, install was very easy. Bought it specifically to listen to music off my IPOD Touch, pairing instructions were not the best but I eventually figured it out. Once paired works perfectly. Sound levels and quality were good although there is a background hum when volume is low or between songs. Can't comment on phone useage as I didn't buy it for that reason and haven't used it in that manner. For the money a good unit. Now the bad. The speaker connection to the control unit is terrible. It consistently loosens and the speakers cut out. There is no way to "lock" the connection in. Extreemly poor design for a item that is to be used on a M/C in an outside enviroment. Will be returning it to local store.
Pros
- stereo sound
- Very easy to use
- Worth it when working
Cons
- Reliabilty issues
Best Uses
- Music
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
I picked the headset up in January 2011 (now April 2011)and was real pleased with the ease of use and decent sound for MP3 right outta the box.
I got to use the headset 10 maybe 15 times(average 45 minutes each way to work) and was real happy with it and looking forward to a summer of GPS and music on the bike, then a few weeks ago I had it on for an extended period of time and drained the battery. NOW I can't get the thing to charge I plug it in and the charging light comes on for 10-20 seconds and goes out like its fully charged ,but, in reality itss only enough of a charge for me to get to the end of the driveway or around the block
Not sure what my next move on this is
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
Purchased this to be able to hear my GPS (Garmin Nuvi 265WT) while riding. Got the item home and did not have an A/C charger in the box. A/C charger is specific to unit and not supported by any one but Blinc. [...] Got the item home again. It will pair to my phone but not my GPS. Contacted Blinc for compatibility issues. Blinc was of little help. Felt they were rushing to get me off the phone. I would not recommend this item and will be returning it.
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
It comes with the wrong type of velcro for the inside since there are recesses in my helmet without any material for this units velcro to attach to.
I have a RF1100.
Fits well though, I tucked everything away pretty good.
Constant annoying static when bluetooth is engaged.
Speakers are quieter than other headsets I've used.
Controls are easier than other units though.
Can't hear the voice command with Iphone.
It's getting returned.
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
Not a bad piece of equipment but the wires are way too short.Blinctech needs to rectify that! the sound quality is impressive. forget about talking on the phone at over 40mph.(I took the microphone padding(noise reducer) off and it actually helped the sound quality on the other end(they say it sounds like you are talking with your car window down)I think it needs to be PERMANENTLY mounted high enough on the helmet so that the wire does not touch your jacket, I keep loosing sound in one or both ears due to loss of contact between the wire and the unit. The speakers eventually hurt my ears on longer runs. I woulnd not have bought one on my own, it was a gift...I like to hear what is going on around me when riding(I think its safer anyway) but this is a nice GADGET. I have it installed on a shoei RF1000
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy to use
- Sounds good
Cons
Best Uses
- Maybe for music
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
Wanted to use for music mainly. The microphone could not pick up what I was saying when I wanted a play list or make a call. It was very irritating. The prompting is too low to hear when it is asking for a command.
Service and delivery comments:
Cycle Gear has been great to work with and will always be a customer. You need a store closer to New Orleans!!
Pros
- Easy Install
- Easy use
- Sound
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- GPS
- Music
- Phone calls
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
I looked at many different products before buying this one. What a waste of time... I should have bought the BLINC from the beginning. It is GREAT! The sound is really good quality and is plenty loud. If you can't hear it, then I suggest getting your ears checked. I have it mounted to a full face Scorpion EXO 750. I use it with my Mytouch 4g cell phone and can listen to Pandora while the GPS and phone calls temporarily over-ride the music. It is very easy to use and has decent battery life. The speakers mount with velcro to your exisitng ear pockets, making them easy to remove if need be. I am not easy to please with audio products, but I really like this unit. Oh, and I got it on sale!!!
Pros
- None
Cons
- Bad quality
Best Uses
Comments about BLINC M-1 Bluetooth:
I tried using it and it didn't function very well. Would not purchase this. It is made very cheap and bad quality.
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Merchant response: We're sorry to hear that you're not happy with the Bluetooth. Please feel free to take it to your local store or send it to us and we'll do what we can for you with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.