Cardo’s S-800 is the company’s top of the line Bluetooth headset that enables you to conduct all your cellular phone calls handsfree. During our tests, we paired the S-800 with a Motorola KRZR K1M. The headset comes in an elaborate box with an optional ear strap, a multilingual manual and a USB power adapter that lets you charge the headset. Before setting anything up, we had to initially charge the headset for a few hours. One minor complaint we had as we started using the headset on a daily basis was the need for some kind of cradle for the unit to rest in when charging.

In a quiet setting, we were able to get excellent reception and voice clarity. We recorded a voicemail greeting with a voice that was comparable to using the actual cellular handset. The voice did not sound too distant but it was obviously not as clear and audible as using a corded landline phone. In a crowded setting, the reception continued to be clear in spite of several other Bluetooth users around us. Talk clarity was not as good as in an isolated setting but we did not find the headset picking up too much extraneous noise that the conversation could not be followed. All in all, this headset delivers when it comes to handsfree mobile calls.

The S-800 headset proudly advertises that it is able to support left and right ear function. Unfortunately, setting it up requires another trip to the manual in which you invoke a string of commands. Even after this one time setup, right ear users will have to press an additional button plus the power button to activate the headset for left ear usage. This step needs to be done upon every use of the headset. The headset is already crammed with LEDs and buttons we thought maybe there could be physical switch that would erase all of this hassle for a left ear user.

Besides sounding a chime and auto-answering your phone, the S-800 headset also allows you to funnel voice commands. The headset features eight hours of talk time and one week of standby time. We found this to be adequate for typical day to day use as a primary phone before returning the headset to the charger in the evening. The sleek design was able fit us comfortably without the feeling of being weighed down. Being an in ear design, those with shallow ear canals will be able to use a strap to secure it. Aesthetically, the S-800 is unobtrusive and professional looking befitting its top of the line status. Frequent cellular phone users who want a functional and sharp looking headset should definitely put Cardo’s S-800 on their consideration list.

Rating •••••80%•••••