I'm not sure where to find reliable information, so I'm going to turn to my VFR Bretheren and see what's working for those who ride what I ride. As background, I bought the bike to tour with my wife. Our first major tour was last summer when we took the black beauty to Bend, OR from Seattle, WA. It was a test in patience was we learned a lot about long distance riding. One thing that I did learn, however, was that although it's nice to ride in peace alone, I would like to communitcate with my wife when the road just drones on.
I've done my research and have found no consensus as to one leader in this market. I've tried the string in the cup method, but the styrofoam just gets crushed in my helmet. I've heard good things about Chatterbox, Scala, Sena, Shark, and Interphone. I can compare apples to apples, and the top line models for most of these products generally offer the same features. I'm willing to shell out around $300 for a pair and I don't really care about size, but the new Chatterbox Slims really *are* small compared to the previous versions.
I've just discovered the Sena SMH10D, and the reviews on Amazon make it their #2 top list in motorcycle electronic accessories. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.co...bs_3248690011_2
At the very least, I want to communicate with my wife. Additionally, having it be connected to my phone through bluetooth would be great as well as connecting to other devices.
the guys I ride with are going with FRS radios, with a push-to-talk setup...longer distance, cheaper to add on if you ride in a group.
I use helmet to helmet bluetooth push to talk. Got me and my boy same helmets. Havnt invested in the FRS like everyone else in my group as I ride solo MOST of the time.
I just got the Sena setup from ebay, new it was 260 for a pair. The bluetooth intercom is really nice to have, works well at 70, less well but still effective at 80+. I have yet to make a call with it yet, so I can't comment on that. Having music (at a relatively low volumn) is such a treat. I am really happy with the purchase in general. I bought a different set from a different company that shall rename nameless, I brought it back after a 1000 mile weekend because it was just terrible.
One last thing, the 900m in my experience is VERY "optimistic". Maybe not signicant for what your doing, but figured you might wanna know.
[image: View Post]mk2davis, on 11 June 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:
I just got the Sena setup from ebay, new it was 260 for a pair. The bluetooth intercom is really nice to have, works well at 70, less well but still effective at 80+. I have yet to make a call with it yet, so I can't comment on that. Having music (at a relatively low volumn) is such a treat. I am really happy with the purchase in general. I bought a different set from a different company that shall rename nameless, I brought it back after a 1000 mile weekend because it was just terrible.
One last thing, the 900m in my experience is VERY "optimistic". Maybe not signicant for what your doing, but figured you might wanna know.
Which Sena set did you buy, and from which seller, please?
I picked up a set of the Sena's last year and they are fantastic. I would recommend them to anyone.
The Bluetooth connectivity is excellent, it allows me to use voice commands for playing music and making phone calls. So far I am happy with the factory speakers and the volume is great. I where earpugs and can still hear everything crystal clear. However if you want to they offer different base plates for $40.00 that you can use with whatever speakers or earbuds that you want.
I also like the "Jog Dial" it is easy to use even with gloves on. There is no fumbling for little buttons like some of the others.
The firmware is upgradeable online. The current version allows for four riders to talk simultaneously.
i use the scala g4, lot of features which i have yet to use. The conversation with my wife is awesome, no complaints even at 80+ (closed helmet and helmet plays a role in it too) voice calibration works well, and controls easy on good gloves
blue tooth connectivity is good, can attend calls and its easy and clear.
the FM feature is a waste unless you are in good area and riding slow. must be awesome if you are a big city commuter.
and they say the connectivity for g4 is about 1 mile in straight clear view and less if on twisty mountains etc
I made a phone call on my way home from work today. Dialing proved to be a bit difficult, but that is probably more due to my ancient phone . The sound quality with the Sena was excellent.
I'm using the Sena's too and have been happy with them. A few issues right out of the box, but Sena replaced my unit under warranty without any issues. I'm running custom molded stereo plugs with them and BT to an iPhone 4s. With Siri, I can make calls verbally without an issue.
I have the Sena smh10 and couldn't be happier. Hooks up to my iPhone and I can voice command on rides, listen to music, get calls or chat with the girlfriend. We can even 3 way conference with my dad when we are all riding together. Speakers are nice and loud and I can hear fine with plugs in at speed. The battery life is awesome too. I would not hesitate to buy it again.
End of thread · 16 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 22 Jun 2012