intercoms opinions

Since I've oriented my GRiSO toward a GT sports tourer, an intercom to hear directions from my Garmin and to talk with others touring
is something I'm going for.
I don't listen to music or make phone calls while riding so those options are not an issue for me.

One thing I really don't like is that most of them look like a wart on the side of the helmet

I've just come across the AGV ark units and they look the dogs bollicks. A neat looking unit that conforms to the helmet profile.
Since I have a Nexx carbon helmet I'll have to find the mount that is closest in shape but I think I'll find one that's close.

I like that there is a handlebar option to work the thing rather than groping around on the side of your helmet while riding
and that there is the option to stick a mike to the helmet.
The old intercom that I have has the mike on a stalk from the intercom and it's a pain.

Wondering what others out there are using and how they get on with them

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I've tried various solutions. I found that in-helmet speakers would make my ears ache on a long ride. Weird shaped head.

I tried SlimBuds on a whim, and was a instant convert. It looked a bit odd when I flipped my modular helmet open. The battery/Bluetooth module sitting on my chin raised eyebrows, but they were comfortable and worked brilliantly with the bar mounted Scoche remote. They died recently, and I'm now using Plugfones Liberate earphones.

I do listen to music, but also utilise them with Apple or Google maps.

You don't look that odd, Mark. Just like Mark...

I have a sena SF4 and use the guardian plugfones which plug directly into the sena unit. I just got a deal on amazon for the plugfones ranger headphones which work best for my ears
I don't have the in helmet speakers installed.
although there is the cord to deal with, the sound is spectacular even at low volume with high speed ( high wind noise)
the fact that earbuds can connect to the SENA unit was the main factor in my choosing that set up

I had a pair of Sena SMH5's that I got for my wife and I to use when touring. Worked ok for pillion, though poor at speed. When she passed her test and got her own bike, I switched to a pair of Cardo Packtalk Slims. No large wart issues on the side of the helmet and sound quality is a massive improvement over the cheaper Senas, even at speed. Distance is far better too, we can still communicate even if I've lost sight of her and that's just bluetooth - haven't tried Mesh yet with a larger group.

I've got the Ncom system and it works well. Of course it takes a Nolan helmet to use it, but any of the newer 4.1 and above systems seem to work well and are universal to other brands.

I've been using the Uclear Digital units for years. They are very compact and simple to operate, all without the annoying mic booms. The only thing I've done is upgrade to the Pulse Pro speakers (my com units are about 10 years old)

Also a big for Cardo Packtalk
Great for any kind of audio experience while riding. Can do music with directions over the top.
Take phone calls , comms on Mesh or Bluetooth etc.
Change radio station or from radio to Spotify all with verbal commands.