Helmet headsets

[Rosie]

Has anyone tried any of the cheaper ones? I have a old Scala rider that served me well but quit working. I know you usually get what you pay for but since I only use it a few times a year when the wife goes along not really looking on spending 500 for 2. I also would want it to bluetooth to my telephone for Traveling like Google maps since you cant see phone screen in sunlight. Thanks.

[The emperor has no clothes]

They aren't cheap, but they can be found for less than $500.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/SENA-20S-EVO-Dual-Pack-Motorcycle-Communication-System-Black/612413179?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18599

You will likely use it a lot just by yourself. Music, navigation, phone, comms with fellow riders.

[3W-lonerider]

check out cardo. they make a top of the line packtalk bold which i have and like. they also make cheaper versions called freecom 4. that from what iv'e heard are very good. there is also utube videos on their different systems explaining the differences.

[Gondul#408]

Cardo/Scala makes a very good unit...mine worked unit the battery would no longer hold a charge.

Go here and select 'Help me Choose'...
https://www.cardosystems.com/products/

[gordonv]

Was it Serk who posted earlier this year that he replaced his battery? Just don't throw them away.

[Fazer]

Check out U Clear.  Not as expensive and work OK for communication.  blue tooth enabled so you can use your phone.  I upgraded the speakers and they work pretty well.

[F6Dave]

I got the Sena SMH5.  They may be discontinuing or replacing it with another model, but they're still available for about $100.  I paid only $94 last year for my second one.  The price was low enough that I bought one for both helmets.

The SMH5 is an absolute bargain.  It has nearly all the features of their more expensive models like multi-brand intercom pairing and the ability to connect with 2 devices simultaneously.  The base SMH5 model has no FM radio (there is an FM version), but I wouldn't use that anyway.  The unit is slightly smaller than the other Sena models, which I like.  It holds a charge for days.  Search for a review and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[jnicks01]

I got the Sena SMH5.  They may be discontinuing or replacing it with another model, but they're still available for about $100.  I paid only $94 last year for my second one.  The price was low enough that I bought one for both helmets.

The SMH5 is an absolute bargain.  It has nearly all the features of their more expensive models like multi-brand intercom pairing and the ability to connect with 2 devices simultaneously.  The base SMH5 model has no FM radio (there is an FM version), but I wouldn't use that anyway.  The unit is slightly smaller than the other Sena models, which I like.  It holds a charge for days.  Search for a review and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I have the Sena SMH5FM.  I will never again buy their product.  The product works just fine, but it is the software when trying to sync it and update it that is the issue.  Newer operating systems don't recognize the product.  There is a loophole to get it to work, but I don't think you should be required to be a computer programmer to bypass this.  Sena is no help.  Go Cardo.  They sound great.  I'm about to try one of those $50 ones on Amazon for my ATV helmet. 

[F6Dave]

I got the Sena SMH5.  They may be discontinuing or replacing it with another model, but they're still available for about $100.  I paid only $94 last year for my second one.  The price was low enough that I bought one for both helmets.

The SMH5 is an absolute bargain.  It has nearly all the features of their more expensive models like multi-brand intercom pairing and the ability to connect with 2 devices simultaneously.  The base SMH5 model has no FM radio (there is an FM version), but I wouldn't use that anyway.  The unit is slightly smaller than the other Sena models, which I like.  It holds a charge for days.  Search for a review and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I have the Sena SMH5FM.  I will never again buy their product.  The product works just fine, but it is the software when trying to sync it and update it that is the issue.  Newer operating systems don't recognize the product.  There is a loophole to get it to work, but I don't think you should be required to be a computer programmer to bypass this.  Sena is no help.  Go Cardo.  They sound great.  I'm about to try one of those $50 ones on Amazon for my ATV helmet.  

I've paired mine to 3 different phones with no problem.  It even paired to 2 phones (with different OS) at the same time, and would take calls from either.

However, I looked at their website and it seemed pretty dated.  I was thinking about updating the software but the website quality made me nervous, so I left everything as is.  After your experience I'm glad I did!

[Doug1952]

Rosie - I bought a pair of the inexpensive "Freed-com" units two years ago and am reasonably satisfied with my purchase.  My use is currently limited to talking with my back passenger, so range isn't a factor.  I have connected with another rider who had the same unit and found the range to be less than as advertised, but still the units meets my basic needs.  Battery life is very good, usually getting 8+ hours of "on" time; audio quality is ok, but degrades with distance between units,  I usually Bluetooth connect to my phone for the reason you cited and have good success with that.  Audio quality for phone call functions is good both outgoing and incoming.  Last comment - my GF sits on the back listing to the built in FM radio and that, being a man of few words, spares me the chore of keeping the chatter going.   

[-mike-]

Usually I ride single seat and no other sound allowed. Then my 8yr son decided to hop up too sometimes, so two years ago I bought a pair of Vimoto V8 Motorcycle Helmet BT Intercoms.

I didn't expect much, Chinese company and so on, but was impressed about the features this thing has. One to one connection is flawless.

I still use it - now even  when traveling alone.

What it does NOT have: No intercom long distance, no group talking, no FM radio. Not the smallest gadget you may want on a helmet.

What it DOES have works exceptiomally well:
Superb sound filtering/processing even crystal clear phone calls at 60mph just wearing a open face helmet....
Excellent BT connection for voice commands, audio and navigation via cell phone.
Long run time.
Connectivity to cb radio (not tested myself, though)

You may get a pair for 80 bucks - at least that's what I paid for it.

-mike-

[CoreyP]

I've used these for maybe 18 months now. Cheap and work well. I can talk to wife on the back, connect to my phone for calls and GPS. Music doesn't sound great but I think it's distracting to ride with music playing. Sound quality of my wife and I talking is good. Coms have been in the rain more then once and seem water tight.  

For the money these are great. https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Communication-FreedConn-T-COMVB-Range-800meters/dp/B00PKECGJ4/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=motorcycle+com+system&qid=1597283381&sr=8-2


BTW I always ride with mine turned in case someone calls me. Most of the time my wife is with me so we always used them two up. I'm well into hundreds of hours on these coms. Battery last a long time in use or not being used.

[F6Dave]

I was on the F6B board and read another complaint about Sena updates.  Their updates apparently have a tendency to cause serious problems, like the loss of basic features.  Not in all cases, but often enough to avoid updating unless there's a compelling reason.

[Valkorado]

Cardo/Scala makes a very good unit...mine worked unit the battery would no longer hold a charge.

Go here and select 'Help me Choose'...
https://www.cardosystems.com/products/

+1.  We're using older model Cardo Freedom 4's.   I got a Duo (two pack) new a few years back for less than half the going price, and I have no complaints with them.