2015 Bluetooth Intercom Options

Well, I am looking to embrace intercom technology again and get rid of my old wired Starcom1 for something modern.

Right now I am not happy with the choices available.  A few look decent on paper, but here's where I am at with my choices for now:

 - Sena 20S

 - Sena SMH10

 - Sena 10C (not released yet)

 - Scala G9X

 - Scala Pack Talk (not released yet, due Q1 of 2015?)

 - Interphone F5MC

The 2014 model Sena 20S should be easily my first choice (and it was), but the execution has left a lot of people pissed off with Sena and their product being rolled out with design flaws and usability issues.  Issues with base / intercom latch, or housing breaking, water resistancy, and lack of FM reception top the list of issues that firmware updates cannot fix.  I thought they would have had this thing working well by now, but it sounds like it keeps giving people problems.  It does have a decent warranty, and product support seems decent.  Do I wait for a few more usability bugs to be worked out, risk having issues and get it anyway?  If the latch breaks, people have had success keeping them together with zip ties, which sounds like it could keep things rolling until one gets home to do warranty call.  The latch issue is my single biggest concern, but I am not that familiar with the dropped pairings or audio switching problems.

The Sena SMH10 is the older tried-and-true Sena product.  It works well from all accounts, but is the older technology, soon to be eclipsed with newer products.  It does not have smartphone apps like the Scala G9X or Sena 20S to manage user settings and pairing to devices.  With today's complex systems, having the smart phone app makes device management more intuitive, instead of using VOX commands or pushing a lot of buttons.  I kind of wanted the smartphone app feature.

The unreleased 2015 model Sena 10C promises to take the Bluetooth 4.0 functionality to the next level with addition of HD camera (I have no action camera yet, so this interests me), but i can't be enthusiastic about a product that looks so similar to the 20S and might have some of the same issues.  I certainly don't want to be a guinea pig on my trip this summer, after seeing how many 20S users got left stranded with delays and broken equipment that didn't function properly (sometimes right out of the box.)

The 2014 model Scala G9X (refreshed G9) looks promising with smartphone app, but still lacks Bluetooth 4.0 and universal pairing options.  The lack of universal pairing is a major drawback, as several of my other rider friends use Sena sets.  I don't know how well it pairs to other Scala intercom equipment.

The unreleased 2015 model Scala Pack Talk offers better network performance (from what I know of R/C toy radio transmitters, this new Scala follows same newer standards of signal management) and sounds like it will be more seamless with separated riders that are paired to the group able to drop off or rejoin the group with less issues.  Bluetooth 4.0 and full backward compatibility with older Scala models, FM tuner, roller wheel interface, IP67 dust/water resistant, and smartphone app.  Again no mention of universal pairing.  Cardo has commented that there is no need for universal pairing "since other manufacturers take care of this for them", which is frustrating for an otherwise very promising product.

Interphone F5MC is the red herring.  It seems to do many things well on paper, but it doesn't have smart phone app.  I can't find a lot of information on how well the universal pairing feature works, or what other faults it might have.  Doesn't appear to be friendly towards earbuds, which is kind of important to me.

So, which of these flawed choices would you make? 

I really didn't want to settle, the 20S had everything I wanted, except dependability, but that is kind of a deal breaker for most people.  I don't take the advice "to buy something else, due to the problems they are having" lightly from vendor that distributes them and other brands.

My primary use is going to be rider / passenger converstations.  The bike to bike communication is a bonus, and as long as I can talk to one or two other people in the group, I would be happy being able to tell them to "keep going, i just need to stop for a second to fix my jacket" or something.  My wife and I have very different music tastes, and we will want to each be able to stereo stream our music via Bluetooth.  My main MP3 is integrated into the GPS, but I also wish to have my radar detector mix into there as well.

My riding friends and I still use the Chatterbox X1 and I'm very happy with that. It's bigger than most, but I don't care. It's stuck to the side of my helmet, so not tethered to the bike. I'd be interested to hear what you end up going with. My GPS is mounted in front of me, so I don't need audio for that. My radar detector is in view as well, so I rely on the visual alert for that just fine.

I have tried Scalas and never had any luck with them.  Their customer service is horrible, so bad that if they were the only communicator on the planet I would prefer not to have one than a Scala!

My SMH 10 has been reliable and trouble free.  It may not be the latest and greatest, but gets the job done.  I can listen to music, answer/ make calls, and hear my GPS directions from my Zumo.  Not sure that I really need anything more, but someone will think of it.

Contrary to Delta's experience, I have had great results with my Scala units, I have the G9x and the Schuberth SRC system (made by Cardo) and can say both work very well, the extra quietness of the Schuberth helmet really helps out here, I can hear music and phone calls no problem. Note that I don't usually take calls while riding but have done it a few times when I new the call was important. The G9x also has both an Android and Apple App that allows you to change your settings from your phone. Another feature I like is the ability to easily pair the G9x with other Scala units. All you have to do is put it into the pairing mode and then bump the two units together and they are instantly paired. Member Dedofnite and I did this when we had stopped for breakfast. Literally took about 5 minutes from reading the instructions to getting them linked. You can link up to 8 other units and toggle between each user, although I have not done this so cannot speak on how easy/difficult this is to perform. You can however allow for up to 4 people to communicate at the same time. It's a little tricky but once you understand how the setup works it's pretty cool, I saw this demonstration at the IMS show last year.

One thing that Scala does not openly support is "universal" connection, BUT you can connect to it from other devices that do. The drawback to this is that the other units, regardless of make (so I'm told) use one of their Bluetooth channels to connect to other units not of the same make, so in a sense you can connect to a Scala but both users lose a Bluetooth channel to do so. What this means is that if you connect to a phone AND a GPS or Radar unit via Bluetooth, you would have to lose connection to one of those devices to connect to another makes comm unit.

That being said, all of the units you have listed are probably the same level of quality but the capability and features may need to be researched. I like watching the videos that Revzilla produces but I'm sure there are other places for reviews, webbikeworld.,com is a good one.

 Red Herring (F5MC) user here. Had the system for a few months. Previously using a GMRS system for BTB.

 Easy to setup with iPhone, and Android. Intercom range is typical for modern BT i.e 1/4 to 1/2 mile max in the canyons. Leaving the intercom open without talking eventually produces what we call the steel drum construction crew. At first it was annoying, but is now a point of humor on our rides. Music streaming has an occasional glitch. Haven't had the opportunity yet to try the universal intercom feature, but the units work as advertised so don't see a problem with that. Volume is not a problem with plugs in. Battery life is good.

 I miss the extended range of the GMRS, but not the wires. Somebody needs to make a system that can integrate the 2.

Wires on the helmet? Bahhhh...not a big deal. Route them out the back of the helmet like I do. I don't even notice them. Bluetooth I suspect is nice, but how long can your phone last with a 100% charge while running bluetooth? Add in music and it's what...3 hours?

The range (5 miles) is what I like about the X1.

Wires on the helmet? Bahhhh...not a big deal. Route them out the back of the helmet like I do. I don't even notice them. Bluetooth I suspect is nice, but how long can your phone last with a 100% charge while running bluetooth? Add in music and it's what...3 hours?

More than that. I play B/T music through my SMH-10 daily and on an hour+ ride, it uses less than 3% battery.

Depends what else you have switched on......wifi?

I have a Sena SMH-10 which has had only minor problems which firmware updates since first buying years ago mostly addressed, the one thing that has failed is the ear bud aux base as the plug connection rubber has failed twice (replaced under warranty). Sena has upgraded the connection I'm told but don't have that newer base yet as not using it so haven't bothered claiming warranty for the 2nd failed base. There very good when it comes to replacing failed parts even if years old so that's a plus.

At present I'm using the 20S & agree after purchasing it felt the clip that holds the unit on the slider looks like a weak point, but mine hasn't failed yet. It has allot of features but honestly some don't work well at all like the tap your helmet sensor to enter command menu which is very hit & miss. I don't use FM radio so can't comment on that as use a Zumo for music player & my phone also connects to the Zumo. So the only connection I use is 20S to Zumo which so far works fine. I experience with both the SMH-10 & 20S at times bad connection quality of sound but that can also be a Zumo glitch but it only takes turning off either device & back on again to correct when that happens. The speech recognition seems to work very well so can live with access menu motion sensor being hit & miss.

I'm happy enough with the Sena mainly because there warranty replacement of failed parts hasn't been a problem & it does what I require, the big bonus for me with the 20S is ambient mode being able to keep helmet on to talk to people at traffic lights etc as the SMH-10 doesn't have that feature.

I miss the extended range of the GMRS, but not the wires. Somebody needs to make a system that can integrate the 2.

I've had an SMH10 for over 3 years now and it's still going strong.  With the current firmware, it now has universal pairing just like the 20s.  One feature I really like is the fairly cheap helmet clamp kits.  Each time I get a new helmet, I can just spend an extra $30 on a new clamp kit and continue to use the Sena on every helmet I own.  I've also found it has much better battery life than my friend's Scala.  I can get close to 10 hours of music on an all day ride.  If I were recommending one, I'd have to still go with the SMH10 over the 20s.  Between the higher cost and continued problems, I think it's the better buy.

Man, it seems like this category is ripe for some company (perhaps a new one?) to come along with a better design that has their sh*t together and run away with it.

I've already PM'd Qdawg with comments.

I use a Scala, integrated into a Shoie GT Air.  Audio is great at low/ in town speeds.  Acceptable at higher/ back road & highway speeds.

Using a Ampli-rider with 3 inputs to take in the GPS (built in MP3) and radar detector, then have a bluetooth transmitter on the output.

This set up works very nicely, getting audio warning from the radar detector over top music and/ or GPS turn notification.

I don't use my phone for music or calls when riding.

The charge on the scala and the BT transmitter both last for a full day (8-10 hrs) of riding easily.

When I'm not using the radar, the scala connects directly to my GPS unit via Bluetooth quickly and easily.

The only caveat, is when another rider calls me via intercom, it overrides everything so if the radar goes off while chatting, I won't hear it.

Not a problem, as typically not chatting whilst moving at non-compliant speeds.

I've had a Sena SMH10 for nearly as long as DriverDave, and use it every time I ride the bike (so that's at least twice every weekday, plus whatever weekend rides I do). I really like it, and hav e no intentions of changing or upgrading it. The only wee niggles I have with it is it very occasionally cuts out for a second, and I don't know why; don't think it's a fault or glitch, just reacting to a strong nearby Bluetooth signal (such as a pairing request) then rejecting it (?). Even though my ShoeiXR1100's not particularly noisy, I've found that wearing Howard Leight earplugs pulled out very slightly works well to block out most ambient noise such as wind, while allowing me to hear traffic, the engine, and clear music streamed from my cellphone.

I miss the extended range of the GMRS, but not the wires. Somebody needs to make a system that can integrate the 2.

Sena make the SR10 which a 2-way radio plugs into, then bluetooths to your headset (put the SR10 and radio in your tank bag or under the seat). They make adapter cables for the different radios, but I'm not sure if any are GMRS or all are FRS.

 The problem with the adaptors is they cost more than both radios, and you need 2. Pushes the cost up to where it's not really worth it.

I miss the extended range of the GMRS, but not the wires. Somebody needs to make a system that can integrate the 2.

Sena make the SR10 which a 2-way radio plugs into, then bluetooths to your headset (put the SR10 and radio in your tank bag or under the seat). They make adapter cables for the different radios, but I'm not sure if any are GMRS or all are FRS.
 

 The problem with the adaptors is they cost more than both radios, and you need 2. Pushes the cost up to where it's not really worth it.

I had long been an Autocom user (since the Pro-M1) until I decided last year to go Bluetooth.  After much research, I decided to give the Sena 20S a miss (it had been my first choice) and bought a pair of SMH-10s.  Reading these comments, I'm glad I did!  Priorities of the various inputs is a big issue with BT headsets, and AFAIK wired intercom systems are much more flexible in that regard.  But BT does work fairly well, based on my limited usage so far.  I won't be going back to wired systems, but I expect I will upgrade to another BT system once the features they have are sorted and maybe a few more features are added.  Until then, I'm happy with the SMH-10.

Ciao,

http://www.sena.com/product/intercoms/10u/

Sena just sent this to me...

I have had my sena set since the first run of the SMH10 dual first came out (the first run of them didnt have a option to do an firmware upgrade)... And it has run great... We ride 2 up lots so lots of helmet to helmet bluetooth.. 

And some limited 3rd set mixed... with mixed results... As i think my helmet is too loud as other riders always say we are clear and loud. Maybe im going def.

Will be sticking with sena for the next set. But helmet upgrade first ... Love the GT Air but i hear its still a loud lid....

... Love the GT Air but i hear its still a loud lid....

A lot quieter than my old RF-1100 but still louder than my Schuberth. Good lid and I can still use it with my Scala no problem, although when going at high speeds, the wind noise does cause a bit of interference, but street/cruising speeds it's fine. Have to say overall it's a good lid.

Now this is a bit timely, don't you think?

http://www.revzilla.com/2015-best-motorcycle-bluetooth-communicators-buyers-guide

MOTORCYCLIST mag had a comparison a bit ago as well.

Still using the SMH10R.  Great little unit, minimal design.  Until they have something that is a clear step better no desire to change anything.  I would love an app on the phone to control it and better speakers but I'm sure both will come in time.

http://www.sena.com/product/intercoms/10u/

Sena just sent this to me...

I have had my sena set since the first run of the SMH10 dual first came out (the first run of them didnt have a option to do an firmware upgrade)... And it has run great... We ride 2 up lots so lots of helmet to helmet bluetooth.. 

And some limited 3rd set mixed... with mixed results... As i think my helmet is too loud as other riders always say we are clear and loud. Maybe im going def.

Will be sticking with sena for the next set. But helmet upgrade first ... Love the GT Air but i hear its still a loud lid....

This looks really cool! Not "buy a new helmet" cool, but cool nonetheless

I've been running the SMH10 for three years now and have fixed my two gripes:

1. Audio volume. Simply put: the only person I know who is satisfied with the base system's speaker volume is my wife. And she positions the speaker perfectly on top of her hearing aid! This is fixed by buying the helmet clamp kit for earbuds. Plenty of volume and I combined that with a set of S Plug earbuds to make a really effective noise-isolating solution. But this introduces...
2. As several people have mentioned, the plug for your earbuds is flimsy and terribly designed. The issue is that any tension on the earbud cable pulls on moves the unsupported plug around. At least once a year (with six month, two hour daily commuting use) this resulted in failure of the wires running to the plug. Sena swore that they were fixing the issue, but I eventually worked around it by using the supplied 3.5mm extension cable. I've thrown away a few of these in the two years since I started using them, but the jack on the clamp has survived! I have also considered using Sugru to bond the jack on the clamp to the body of the clamp itself. One day...

[image: Helmet-Clamp-Kit-For-Earbuds-500x362.jpg]

After watching the Revzilla video im not thinking of the 20   love the idea of the app to control pairing :)

Still using the SMH10R.  Great little unit, minimal design.  Until they have something that is a clear step better no desire to change anything.  I would love an app on the phone to control it and better speakers but I'm sure both will come in time.

Well the Upcoming Sena 10C looks promising with the built in camera integration, but I think I will go for the 20S for a couple reasons:

 - talked to some dealers selling the Sena and there have been some recent updates again.  Might be too early to say, but the latch issue might have improved.

 - other folks we ride with use the Sena sets and like them.  As with anything, there are exceptions, but most reports tend to favor Sena as having the better customer service when things go wrong. (important)

 - that nifty handlebar remote Axel_7 posted up with the 10U will apparently work with the 20S also.

 - camera feature of the upcoming 10C was not something i wanted to wait for.  The 10C will have less range.  I am into R/C quads also, so standalone action cam can pull double duty for aerial photo / video.

 - it simply has the features I was looking for.  But every product I considered had SOMETHING I didn't like.  In the end, it was about picking the "best of the worst" 

 - Because of some of the bad experiences since roll-out, and hitting a good winter sale, the Sena 20S was priced considerably better than some of its competition

I would have thought by 2014 and 2015 we would have slightly better products.  My prediction: Whoever makes the first flawless "do everything, talk to everyone" comm system will make a boat load of cash.  There is a need.

Found the best deal anywhere I looked at Kanata Honda

Still using the SMH10R.  Great little unit, minimal design.  Until they have something that is a clear step better no desire to change anything.  I would love an app on the phone to control it and better speakers but I'm sure both will come in time.

There are aftermarket helmet speakers available that would improve quality and volume...provided you can fit them. I've considered them, as well as earbuds, as a solution to the 20S volume issue. No perfect answer.

Some of the best reviews of helmet Comm systems and accessories, including speakers is here: http://www.webbikewo...ycle-intercoms/

I have heard good success with a couple approaches.  Some guys on other forums are gutting over-the ear headphones and using the speakers with a little bit of work, or buying replacement part speakers for these types of headphones.  It is cheap and works well, but you need to find something with good sound quality which has a low enough profile inside the helmet.

Another option I have heard offers pretty good sound quality is to upgrade to speakers from these guys:

http://www.torkworld...CFYQ8aQodc4gABg

I have tried Scalas and never had any luck with them.  Their customer service is horrible, so bad that if they were the only communicator on the planet I would prefer not to have one than a Scala!

I totally agree with the Scala customer service. Friggin horrible.

Well the Upcoming Sena 10C looks promising with the built in camera integration, but I think I will go for the 20S for a couple reasons:

 - talked to some dealers selling the Sena and there have been some recent updates again.  Might be too early to say, but the latch issue might have improved.

 - other folks we ride with use the Sena sets and like them.  As with anything, there are exceptions, but most reports tend to favor Sena as having the better customer service when things go wrong. (important)

 - that nifty handlebar remote Axel_7 posted up with the 10U will apparently work with the 20S also.

 - camera feature of the upcoming 10C was not something i wanted to wait for.  The 10C will have less range.  I am into R/C quads also, so standalone action cam can pull double duty for aerial photo / video.

 - it simply has the features I was looking for.  But every product I considered had SOMETHING I didn't like.  In the end, it was about picking the "best of the worst" 

 - Because of some of the bad experiences since roll-out, and hitting a good winter sale, the Sena 20S was priced considerably better than some of its competition

I would have thought by 2014 and 2015 we would have slightly better products.  My prediction: Whoever makes the first flawless "do everything, talk to everyone" comm system will make a boat load of cash.  There is a need.

Found the best deal anywhere I looked at Kanata Honda

Still using the SMH10R.  Great little unit, minimal design.  Until they have something that is a clear step better no desire to change anything.  I would love an app on the phone to control it and better speakers but I'm sure both will come in time.

There are aftermarket helmet speakers available that would improve quality and volume...provided you can fit them. I've considered them, as well as earbuds, as a solution to the 20S volume issue. No perfect answer.

Some of the best reviews of helmet Comm systems and accessories, including speakers is here: http://www.webbikewo...ycle-intercoms/

I have heard good success with a couple approaches.  Some guys on other forums are gutting over-the ear headphones and using the speakers with a little bit of work, or buying replacement part speakers for these types of headphones.  It is cheap and works well, but you need to find something with good sound quality which has a low enough profile inside the helmet.

Another option I have heard offers pretty good sound quality is to upgrade to speakers from these guys:

http://www.torkworld...CFYQ8aQodc4gABg

These are not loud enough for me.

Helmet speakers have never worked for me.  They're either too quiet, are uncomfortable or don't fit right (with the same results).  I've been tackling the helmet/tunes problem almost as long as I've owned VFRs, and I have a box full of sorry attempts to show for it.  Now I use sound isolating earbuds.  They work well as earplugs (which are essential to protect your hearing anyway) and because they are earphones you never have to blast the volume to get past your earplugs.  The only problem is that they can make it a hassle to don/remove the helmet.  But you get used to it...

Ciao,

Still using a chatterbox.  I upgraded to the x1 slims after using a couple of the x1bt's.  The music is a little quiet, but I ride w/ earplugs in and can rock along at freeway speeds with a noisy helmet shape (Icon Variant) and the stock speakers it came with.  Usually 9/10 is best as the sound gets distorted at 10/10.  I've actually run bone conduction speakers with one as well, just because I wanted too.  They're still installed in my spare helmet (used to be primary).   Weird experience in some ways, they definitely work better while wearing earplugs. 

Chatterbox seems to have the easiest time working in larger groups, though, I don't really ride in groups, so. . . might be interested in somethind different if it ever died.  Oh yeah, battery life is great, no issues with the tropical Florida rain.

I figured I would  chime in on this, in my experience helmet speakers are horrible by themselves, if you have an amplifier to drive them they can sound ok. I have tried many different types and have come to the conclusion that if I want to hear the music/talking then earbuds are the way to go. Sticking to the topic I just ordered the Scala Rider Q3 multi-set a co-worker has this unit and I trust his judgement more than mine in these matters.... I work for a Sound Company and work with "Audio Geeks" The pluses that work for me with this unit are that I am told it sounds great on both ends using the phone interface, easy to work with the voice prompts, and good battery life, able to plug my iPod in, my passenger can hear what I am listening to (so when I am dancing on the seat She will have a better understanding :unsure: , waterproof and price point. My main use will be passenger communication The other units I have used ave been less then adequate, although it is hilarious when the intercom was live and you are telling the person on the other end what to say when he is talking to a nice looking Oregon gas station attendant is priceless..... I will update after I get the new units and run them through there paces

Totally agreed.  I only shopped com systems that had the option of using external earbud option. 

I ride with Shure 215 (have 425 also - crazy clear vocals but not balanced with enough bass) and couldnt be happier.  The over the ear pull that these and Westone use are super comfortable and are tougher to pull out when putting your helmet on.  And they have large body but it is flat and sits perfectly in the center of the ear.  Comfortable to sleep in, so all day in the helmet doesnt bother me with these.

I ride with earplugs 100% of the time to protect my hearing, so sound isolating earbuds were really the only decent option to have some quality audio.  This allows me to listen at moderate volume, which is plenty clear to hear what is around me.  No different than listening to the radio in my car.

Did you already pull the plug on ordering the 20S? 

Yes.  Just unboxed yesterday but have not pulled packaging apart or used it yet.  Why do you ask?

Anyone use the SMH5?  A lot cheaper than the SM10, and it comes setup for full faced helmets.  Wondering if the price difference is worth it?

I have the Uclear boomless bluetooth HBC 100:

http://www.webbikewo...uclear-hbc-100/

Works very well to me...the new one should work with other Blue -tooth intercoms...

I figured I would  chime in on this, in my experience helmet speakers are horrible by themselves, if you have an amplifier to drive them they can sound ok. I have tried many different types and have come to the conclusion that if I want to hear the music/talking then earbuds are the way to go. Sticking to the topic I just ordered the Scala Rider Q3 multi-set a co-worker has this unit and I trust his judgement more than mine in these matters.... I work for a Sound Company and work with "Audio Geeks" The pluses that work for me with this unit are that I am told it sounds great on both ends using the phone interface, easy to work with the voice prompts, and good battery life, able to plug my iPod in, my passenger can hear what I am listening to (so when I am dancing on the seat She will have a better understanding :unsure: , waterproof and price point. My main use will be passenger communication The other units I have used ave been less then adequate, although it is hilarious when the intercom was live and you are telling the person on the other end what to say when he is talking to a nice looking Oregon gas station attendant is priceless..... I will update after I get the new units and run them through there paces

Totally agreed.  I only shopped com systems that had the option of using external earbud option. 

I ride with Shure 215 (have 425 also - crazy clear vocals but not balanced with enough bass) and couldnt be happier.  The over the ear pull that these and Westone use are super comfortable and are tougher to pull out when putting your helmet on.  And they have large body but it is flat and sits perfectly in the center of the ear.  Comfortable to sleep in, so all day in the helmet doesnt bother me with these.

I ride with earplugs 100% of the time to protect my hearing, so sound isolating earbuds were really the only decent option to have some quality audio.  This allows me to listen at moderate volume, which is plenty clear to hear what is around me.  No different than listening to the radio in my car.

Did you already pull the plug on ordering the 20S? 

Yes.  Just unboxed yesterday but have not pulled packaging apart or used it yet.  Why do you ask?

Just curious if any of the opinions had swayed you. I'm considering a set, so I'd be interested to know if your new purchase shows improved hardware/software. 

I received my Q3's and I am impressed with the units quality! In the little tests I have done it works well playing music through it and using the phone through it. I have not had a chance to play with the intercom yet. I have a feeling that it will sound as good as the phone due to being the same procedure.

I have been researching those things as well. I am looking at Sena 20s, F5MC, Scala rider G9x or Q3

From a functionality perspective, all the current sets have a similar set (in no particular order) of basic features:

- intercom

- FM

- music streaming

- GPS directions

- phone calls

The differences I can see are about range, number of people you can talk to at the same time, inter-operability with other brands, and ease of use.

From my personal set of requirements, I want to be able to listen to radio or music, while listening to GPS directions (from my phone app like Waze), answering the occasional phone call and talking to my passenger if I have one on-board.

All the communicators I listed can do this, but it seems that in both the F5MC and Scala Rider units, if my radio or music stream is interrupted by a intercom discussion or phone call, or maybe even GPS directions, I will have to re-establish the music stream once I'm done talking. This may involve multiple voice commands, or multiple button presses.

It appears (from reading the user guides) that only Sena supports auto-resume of previous music stream, or even having the music in background.

Is that correct, or do the other units have a similar function, but maybe not well documented?

I was leaning heavily towards F5MC due to quality concerns with Sena and customer service concerns with Cardo - but this one usability difference could very well change my decision. And frankly, I'd rather be sure of what I buy before plunking down ~$400 for a 2-pack of communicators that are not returnable once you've opened them.

Edit: forgot to add that another big plus for the F5MC was that they offer a speaker upgrade that was very tempting and got good reviews.

Any experiences from current users?

TIA

I have tried Scalas and never had any luck with them.  Their customer service is horrible, so bad that if they were the only communicator on the planet I would prefer not to have one than a Scala!
 
 

I totally agree with the Scala customer service. Friggin horrible.

I have been researching those things as well. I am looking at Sena 20s, F5MC, Scala rider G9x or Q3
From a functionality perspective, all the current sets have a similar set (in no particular order) of basic features:
- intercom
- FM
- music streaming
- GPS directions
- phone calls
 
The differences I can see are about range, number of people you can talk to at the same time, inter-operability with other brands, and ease of use.
 
From my personal set of requirements, I want to be able to listen to radio or music, while listening to GPS directions (from my phone app like Waze), answering the occasional phone call and talking to my passenger if I have one on-board.
 
All the communicators I listed can do this, but it seems that in both the F5MC and Scala Rider units, if my radio or music stream is interrupted by a intercom discussion or phone call, or maybe even GPS directions, I will have to re-establish the music stream once I'm done talking. This may involve multiple voice commands, or multiple button presses.
It appears (from reading the user guides) that only Sena supports auto-resume of previous music stream, or even having the music in background.
 
Is that correct, or do the other units have a similar function, but maybe not well documented?
 
I was leaning heavily towards F5MC due to quality concerns with Sena and customer service concerns with Cardo - but this one usability difference could very well change my decision. And frankly, I'd rather be sure of what I buy before plunking down ~$400 for a 2-pack of communicators that are not returnable once you've opened them.
 
Edit: forgot to add that another big plus for the F5MC was that they offer a speaker upgrade that was very tempting and got good reviews.
 
Any experiences from current users?
 
TIA

I have been researching those things as well. I am looking at Sena 20s, F5MC, Scala rider G9x or Q3
From a functionality perspective, all the current sets have a similar set (in no particular order) of basic features:
- intercom
- FM
- music streaming
- GPS directions
- phone calls
 
The differences I can see are about range, number of people you can talk to at the same time, inter-operability with other brands, and ease of use.
 
From my personal set of requirements, I want to be able to listen to radio or music, while listening to GPS directions (from my phone app like Waze), answering the occasional phone call and talking to my passenger if I have one on-board.
 
All the communicators I listed can do this, but it seems that in both the F5MC and Scala Rider units, if my radio or music stream is interrupted by a intercom discussion or phone call, or maybe even GPS directions, I will have to re-establish the music stream once I'm done talking. This may involve multiple voice commands, or multiple button presses.
It appears (from reading the user guides) that only Sena supports auto-resume of previous music stream, or even having the music in background.
 
Is that correct, or do the other units have a similar function, but maybe not well documented?
 
I was leaning heavily towards F5MC due to quality concerns with Sena and customer service concerns with Cardo - but this one usability difference could very well change my decision. And frankly, I'd rather be sure of what I buy before plunking down ~$400 for a 2-pack of communicators that are not returnable once you've opened them.
 
Edit: forgot to add that another big plus for the F5MC was that they offer a speaker upgrade that was very tempting and got good reviews.
 
Any experiences from current users?
 
TIA

I don't use a GPS, but I can confirm that if I receive a call on my F5MC while streaming music from my iPhone the music resumes right where it left off after the call. Pretty sweet. Also the person I'm talking to has no idea I'm on a bike I.e. no background noise at all.

Same with my Scala and Schuberth (made by Cardo) units. The Schuberth system is a bit quieter with the C3 Helmet. Although I think the stop and starting of the music is a feature of the iPhone. It'll do the same thing if playing it via a USB connection in a car, or for that matter even the analog headphone output.

I use the standard SMH5. Use for rider to passenger and backroad music/phone calls/texts.

It works fine all the time. No hiccups.

The speakers suck for music low end. Pretty sure they all will suck but some may suck less then others. I think quality ear buds would be a monster help but there is no connection for them. I have some shure isolating buds for stage monitors. Shame I cant try them.

SMH5 dual set is cheap to buy.

I bought a 3s-w, fits OK in my shoei, because I've got small ears :). The 10u looks good, but 3x the price. I had a wired intercom before, that had a few issues. The 3s talks to my Zumo fine, which talks to my iphone. Sounds OK. No FM radio, but zumo controls the pandora app on my phone.

One simple solution to wind/bike noise making sound difficult is earplugs. Sound wrong, but it sometimes cuts out the crap noise and leaves the music/intercom sounding better.

Man you guys are all high rollers!!

I've wanted to get something like this for a while now but could never justify spending anything over $100 on a system.  

Has anybody had any luck with something less than $100 or is it not even worth it at that pricepoint?   Don't think I would use it for calls very much, maybe occasional bike to bike and GPS from phone use.  

Here's your answer...http://www.cabelas.c...ucts&Ntt=uclear

The Uclear HBC-100 is an intercom with boomless mic so I use it with a flip up...works great, has paired with all my cell phones, has good battery life, plays music loud...see thereviews at webbikeworld: HERE

It is not a Sena, but I like it and it was affordable, rugged, waterproof, easy to charge and use with gloves (relatively).

Matt

AVOID the F5MC !!!!

Bought this 1 week ago. Intercom can't be heard, at full volume, at 25 MPH. Contacted tech support. Here is my Email... Intercom volume low. Can NOT be heard while riding. Auto Volume disabled. Music, and internal voice can be heard loud and clear. Full face helmets with boom mics. Did I receive a defective product, or are they all like this, and need to be returned ? Here is their response...

"On Mar 7, 2016, at 8:29 AM, Support Interphone <support.interphone@cellularline.com> wrote:

Oh, come on, please! I DO NOT CARE A **** about your ridiculous complaints!!! ( Had to redact due to profanity ) No one needs customers like YOU, so go and buy where you want! Enjoy!

Mirco Grassilli

International Customer Service Interphone BUSINESS UNIT INTERPHONE

mirco.grassilli@cellularline.com

Skype: mirco.grassilli

Cellular Italia S.p.A. con socio unico Via Lambrakis 1/a

42122 Reggio Emilia (Italy)

Tel. +39 0522 33 40 02

Direct: +39 059 89 58 46

www.interphone.com

www.cellularline.com

Great Customer Service ! Item returned for refund.

Man you guys are all high rollers!!

I've wanted to get something like this for a while now but could never justify spending anything over $100 on a system.  

Has anybody had any luck with something less than $100 or is it not even worth it at that pricepoint?   Don't think I would use it for calls very much, maybe occasional bike to bike and GPS from phone use.  

Here's your answer...http://www.cabelas.c...ucts&Ntt=uclear

The Uclear HBC-100 is an intercom with boomless mic so I use it with a flip up...works great, has paired with all my cell phones, has good battery life, plays music loud...see thereviews at webbikeworld: HERE

It is not a Sena, but I like it and it was affordable, rugged, waterproof, easy to charge and use with gloves (relatively).

Matt

I have a Uclear as well and am really happy with it.

I know, a little late to the conversation............

I bought the 20S on black friday for just under $200 and it has served me well. The voice commands don't work so well, but I don't really use them. If a phone call comes in, and I answer, it will pause my music until the call is over, then continue. Everyone I talk to says it sounds like I'm in my living room, when I'm going down the freeway! Never had a bluetooth problem, or any glitches. The only thing I don't like is the sound quality is not as good as a phone or Ipod by itself. The really deep low notes are missing. 

I always rode with earplugs, so now I use my Klipsch in-ear headphones, but I took off the silicone plugs and poke a hole in a set of earplugs and slip them over the tip of the Klipsch in-ear headphones. The silicone would make my inside ear sweat, and it sounded weird. The modified earplugs last a few rides as long as you keep them clean. I buy the 100 pack at home depot, but someday will get the custom molded versions if they have a material that won't make my ear sweat. The low frequencies are insane on the headphones, but with the Sena, the low end is lacking..........not horrible, but brings them to around good earbud level. The volume on full is almost too much to handle, so no issue there, and I can just hear my bike enough to know if there may be something wrong. Also, the ambient mode button is great when talking to people without taking off your helmet/earplugs/headphones.........hope this helps.........