Fairbanks Snow Travelers

I'm looking to invest in a few communicators, I didn't see a sub-forum more appropriate so I guess it is here..

Not really interested in the short range Bluetooth based units like the Uclear, Scala, Etc.

From what I've found so far, I'm looking at the Chatterbox X1Slim or Collett.

I like that the Chatterbox X1 would also work with the FRS / GMRS portable radios, could come in handy at times. Chatterbox seems to have lots of options available if replacement cables or something are needed. VOX is a little vague on the chatterbox. Is a little cheaper. Has a lot more frequencies available.
Both seem good for range.
It seems the Collett with separate battery pack might have a lot better battery life, particularity if you keep it inside a few layers. The Collett looks a little more bulletproof. VOX looks solid.

Any personal experiences with either of these, or something else suitable?
Folks with the Colletts and Chatterbox X1, how do the cables and such hold up in severe cold?
Battery life in the real world?
Anyone know if they both have a battery pack you wear somewhere on your person, and a wire up to the radio/helmet? From what I can tell, the chatterbox does not have a separate battery pack. Collett seems to have a pack, but that may vary with model?
It seems the X1 can also be mounted on the machine instead of on the helmet. Has anyone done this? Can the Collett do similar?
It looks like one could buy extra speakers/mic and switch the radio between helmets without too much trouble. Anyone done that?
Anyone notice issues with moisture in the microphones?

Sorry for the 20 questions. All good stuff I'd like to know before investing. Thanks!!!

Hey Avalanche,

Hopefully Juan is still reading these, I know he has tried a couple of the communicators.

I once tried the Collett and had issues with the batteries life, never tried the remote battery compartment. I'm sure it would help if you can keep them warm.

Do you know if you can power them from your sled, maybe a power extension similar to a heated visor. It's been a couple years since I tried one, but if I remember right, the battery life was the biggest I had with them.

I'm sure I can figure out a way to charge them on the machine. I think both brands charge off of USB (5 volt), and I have those all over my machines already for other stuff.

I'm hearing reports that the speakers are cheap and weak on the X1 slim? Has anyone found the volume of either of these units to be adequate when wearing earplugs?