The following evaluation is by Helmet Harbor (www.helmetharbor.com).

We were introduced to Clearercom after visiting their booth at the Laguna Seca WSB in July. We bought two units after arriving home, and set out the next day to test them at local Test & Tune. We focused on the track environment, which is typically a difficult environment for "anything" to work well. Experience has taught us that if a gadget works well at the track, it will work ANYWHERE.

Our first impressions were positive. The throat microphones worked OUTSTANDING at speed. However, the supplied speakers had a difficult time broadcasting over the helmet noise. More on that later...

PTT - We opted to use the optional Push To Talk (PTT) button, and found it worked excellent. It's designed to work on the inside, or outside of your glove with the use of a small neoprene band. The directions show to run the wire down your sleeve, and put the PTT button on the end of you bare finger. We found sliding your finder into the glove with the band in place can be accomplished, but if you gloves are tight fitting, can be a challenge. We opted to zip tie the cabling to bike, and duct tape the button to the bikes bars. This way the button would not shift, or fall off, and we always knew where was... We could also place the button in the ideal location, based on the rider. We found everyone has a different opinion on where "ideal" was, so this was a nice option. The button is super compact, so it doesn't take up much place. Just make sure you don't put tape "over" the PTT button. Just on the sides, and just enough to do the job.

RADIO - We used some cheap FRS Motorola radios. It should be pointed out, this is the exact opposite recommendation given to us by the distributor. They recommended a more expensive unit, and advised that low power radios typically don't give the best performance. This could have been part of the blame for poor speaker output. However, we wanted to use what we felt everyone had, or could buy cheap. Our radios were $39.95 a pair from Walmart. They worked fine when not used with this unit, so we felt they should work fine with it. Who wants to go out and buy another radio? Not us, thus our madness behind our logic. Besides, these radios were going to be on a race motorcycle. If you've read our race page, you know we crash on occasion. Nothing like damaging a bike, and a expensive radio.

The radio was placed inside our leather suit, but could have gone anywhere. Since you don't need to mess with the PTT button on the radio, you don't need to give it a ton of thought. Inside the leathers worked best since the cabling was centered around the throat microphones. keeping everything close to the riders head made things simple. Simple is good, but even better when at the track.

MICROPHONES/SPEAKERS - As the speeds climbed, the unit started to show it's weaknesses. Reception started to fall off, due once again to the poor speak quality. After several laps we decided to use some other helmet speakers we had lying around. We even used a set of custom ear plugs, with speakers installed. This made a HUGE difference, and reception was outstanding. The throat microphones NEVER had a problem transmitting a clear signal. Amazing since we were on the track. Wind noise for the first time WASN'T an issue...!

ADVANTAGES - The main advantage we can see, in a race environment, is using the unit with a buddy off track. We were able to relay information about track times, and track position. A big advantage over pit boards. On the other hand, it was great to hear from the rider, and conversations could take place about strategy. Our riders got into a habit of asking for lap times, and those of the riders ahead. During practice the rider could also point out issues with the bikes setup, and notes could be taken. Once in the pit, the riders points could be reviewed.

Rider to rider was also fun, and could be very useful in a race. Team members can relay information about lines, and point out on-track issues. We found ourselves coaching each other around the track, and pointing out weaknesses. There were even times we would plan a pass in a corner. "You take him on the outside, and I'll follow just to the inside." Or if our team member was "road blocking" we could tell him to get out of the way, or pick up the pace. Typically, the rider would opt. to pick up the pace...

OFF-TRACK - We have used everything from J&M to ChatterBox and nothing has come close to this units ability to transmit without background noise. It's light, easy to put on, and the microphones actually work. At slower speeds the supplied speakers work fine. These speakers only fall short when you're at high speed, and "lots" of air is swirling around inside your helmet. On a cruiser, or sport bike on the road, we fully expect this product to excel.

FINAL THOUGHTS - Walking away from the weekend we had a very positive feeling. Granted, the speakers are weak, but that was easy to remedy. Most of our test riders already had speakers installed in their helmets, or knew exactly what speakers worked in the past. The throat microphones were incredible, and in our opinion, is the real reason to buy this unit..! And at $99.95 (including shipping) it's a great deal. This system will change how we look at our current "boom" type microphones. No more "Wind Socks" for this crew.

Good Points

• Outstanding transmission quality using the Throat Microphones.
• Throat microphones stayed put, even when at speed.
• No "Boom" type microphone to deal with.
• No wind noise, even at high speed.
• (Optional) PTT button easy to attach to bars, and very compact.
• Comfortable.
• Short installation time.

Down Side

Supplied speakers of very poor quality.
PTT button can be a challenge to use with supplied Neoprene band.
In the heat, you will sweat where the throat microphones contact your skin.

"I 've been able to use your headset in high noise environments and on my motorcycle with the voice activation feature of the phone. It works well!"

                           - Brian Huse