Some good points there @Col_C , I'd just assumed that they would have enough volume to work with ear plugs. It's something I'd like to confirm before investing a good amount of money. And sat nav directions, I'd nconsidered that but would be handy to link it to the system. Haven't got or likely to have a helmet with integrated system, but yes I'm guessing the expensive bit is the actual unit so spare speakers / mic could facilitate easy swap overs. Cheers @SleepyOwl
I have a Sena 20S and ride with 2 mates that also have Sena intercoms. I’ve had mine for about 2 years and the only downside of this model is the absence of Mesh but the upside is that you can swap the head unit from helmet to helmet (having bought additional mounting kits). The 30K and 50S models use the same mounting kits but the 50R is a more permanent fitting, all have Mesh and the 50R will be the next purchase for my new shiny Arai Black Friday deal. SatNav integration wise, I just use my phone on a Quadlock mount.
Thanks @Geoff Butler , could you please explain or show how the mounting kit attaches to the helmet. And what do you mean by absence of mesh or the 50 having mesh?
lol, apologies for the lack of details folks The Sena mounting kit is effectively a clamp that slots around the bottom of the helmet shell. With some helmets this is quite easy and it stays in place but others might need to use the 3M sticky pads supplied for a more secure fit (see example linked below). https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/519947 Mesh is new to me but with my 20S standard Bluetooth the range between riders is essentially line of sight and a peer to peer connection between each rider, so you lose the connection when parted. However, Mesh cleverly uses each riders intercom as a bridge. This means with say 5 riders a mile apart, the front rider can talk to the rider at the back of the pack through the other 3 riders. We tried this in North Wales a few months back and it worked much better than Bluetooth. Saying that, Bluetooth is perfect for rider to pillion if that's all you need. Sena is expensive but good quality. I have no issues connecting to my phone or BMW TFT and hopefully it will work with my new Tiger next year too! I hope this helps.
The Sena headsets come with options of a boom mic and some button ones that can be discretely placed in both full face and open face lids. I use the boom mic option and it works very well for voice (including using Siri) at all speeds that I ride (dunno what it’s like over 70 though Officer). Below forty (and with no strong side winds) the boom mic works well with the front up in open face mode. Above that speed it can get a bit ‘windy’. Some people have, on their open face lids, put the button mics inside their helmets (eg up by their foreheads) and out of direct wind. That they claim also works well, both to reduce wind noise but also pick up their voice! I have tried to find a replacement for the foam windsock muffler thing and replace it with a furry one as that would work better to stop noise. I’m tempted to cut an arm off one of my kids’ teddies and use that. Frankly you will need to experiment as helmets and bikes will cause the mic to behave differently and you will probably need to try a few different positions before hitting on the one best for you.
Thanks @Geoff Butler , I'm getting it about how to fix to helmet now. Understand the mesh but as my use would be between me and pillion it doesn't apply. Thanks for the clarification And good to know for when I've convinced Mrs FellZebra to take he bike test No open face helmets here @Cyborgbot , not since I had a Harley! And yes get that there might be a bit of trial and error to get it working to best advantage. Cheers
I have cardo packtalk, they work really well but have had a problem with the charging port and basically it had broken off inside. Cardo support want me to buy another with a discount code! I've sent it off for a repair but in the meantime I've got a magnetic fast charging lead off ebay so I will not have to continually push in and pull out the micro usb. My mate is also having issues with his. They were purchased together. Apparently we're not alone it's a common problem.
I highly recommend the Cardo PackTalk Bold system & found it works really well for comms & is reletively easy to install. The good thing is there are many YouTube tutorials to look at. Ive included one below, but there are many more.
