Sena Bluetooth headset

[scooterwuf]

Hey,

I’m considering getting this Sena Bluetooth headset. Does anyone have any experience with this model, or would suggest something else?

- Wolf

https://www.amazon.com/Sena-SMH10-11-Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Microphone/dp/B0087NB088/ref=asc_df_B0087NB088/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312034016842&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9526592698584779254&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1022082&hvtargid=pla-455523781853&psc=1&fbclid=IwAR3cuKFgxalJ4__o7J5WPZjUYOud3c3Z9iCuIHLvD2K9V1EsykHcm7rEjL8

 

[Drakhen99]

Hey,

I’m considering getting this Sena Bluetooth headset. Does anyone have any experience with this model, or would suggest something else?

- Wolf

https://www.amazon.com/Sena-SMH10-11-Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Microphone/dp/B0087NB088/ref=asc_df_B0087NB088/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312034016842&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9526592698584779254&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1022082&hvtargid=pla-455523781853&psc=1&fbclid=IwAR3cuKFgxalJ4__o7J5WPZjUYOud3c3Z9iCuIHLvD2K9V1EsykHcm7rEjL8

I have the 10-FM, which is meant for half helmets, but I've had no issues with it, other than phone calls dropping - but that could be my Harley screwing it up too.

FWIW, I usually leave my SENA off when I'm riding by myself, but turn it on if a call comes through [and I only know THAT because my Harley says so], and then when the SENA unit connects to my phone, it picks up the call and runs with it.

-John

 

[lonerockz]

This is the original old-school Sena—totally bulletproof. They might not have the new units' range and fancy mesh features, but I had more than 50,000 miles on mine before the batteries stopped holding much charge.

I had one on the side of my helmet when I hit a deer in Texas. Ground off a few millimeters of rubber, and yet the thing kept on ticking.

 

[PhilTonic]

Very happy with my Cardo Spirit HD. Very small and waterproof! The Sena models are not waterproof.

 

[scooterwuf]

Thanks everyone. I think I’m going to pull the trigger and get the Sena. From some of the research I’ve done I can’t find any specs that officially says it’s waterproof, but based on the customer reviews I’ve read it seems either water resistant, or durable in rainy weather.

- Wolf

 

[Drakhen99]

Thanks everyone. I think I’m going to pull the trigger and get the Sena. From some of the research I’ve done I can’t find any specs that officially says it’s waterproof, but based on the customer reviews I’ve read it seems either water resistant, or durable in rainy weather.

- Wolf

I've ridden through moderate rains with my SENA on my helmet... not realizing that nowhere does it say "waterproof" ... and it hasn't fried yet. So yeah, I think you made a good choice

-John

 

[lonerockz]

It's almost waterproof. You must ensure the charging port is fully sealed when you're done charging. Then you need to ensure that the contacts on the baseplate are clean, as are those on the unit itself. If you clip it on wrong, water can get in between the contacts and baseplate. But I never had my unit fail due to water, it just did not work and needed the contacts cleaned.

 

[MotoWolfUK]

Don’t want to hijack the thread, but instead of making a new one - what do you peeps think about this budget headset, worth it or get a name brand one?

https://amzn.to/3BzKkfd

Thanks

 

[TallADVer]

Don’t want to hijack the thread, but instead of making a new one - what do you peeps think about this budget headset, worth it or get a name brand one?

I have no experience with that or any other comm unit, but since I'm in the market for one I took a look. One main concern I have is compatibility: whether I fet a Sena or a Cardo or something else, I'm almost certainly going to want to connect with someone who uses another brand. On the one you linked, the manufacturer themselves state:

Hello，We do not recommend connecting to other brands of intercom. If you connect to other brands of products, we cannot guarantee the quality of the connection.

That suggests to me that they don't really care about interoperability. I could be wrong, though - are there YT or other reviews showing how well it pairs with other brands?

 

[MotoWolfUK]

I have no experience with that or any other comm unit, but since I'm in the market for one I took a look. One main concern I have is compatibility: whether I fet a Sena or a Cardo or something else, I'm almost certainly going to want to connect with someone who uses another brand. On the one you linked, the manufacturer themselves state:


That suggests to me that they don't really care about interoperability. I could be wrong, though - are there YT or other reviews showing how well it pairs with other brands?

Oh, good spot! Yeah that would be a bit off putting tbh. Thanks

 

[lonerockz]

Most headsets will allow Bluetooth connections, but they are super short-range. Go with the brand your riding buddies have. Most of the time that will be Cardo or Sena.

 

[MotoWolfUK]

Most headsets will allow Bluetooth connections, but they are super short-range. Go with the brand your riding buddies have. Most of the time that will be Cardo or Sena.

Will do, thanks for the advice!

 

[R-Rated]

Thanks everyone. I think I’m going to pull the trigger and get the Sena. From some of the research I’ve done I can’t find any specs that officially says it’s waterproof, but based on the customer reviews I’ve read it seems either water resistant, or durable in rainy weather.

- Wolf

Are you planning for another storm like we hit last year? What was the number of hydroplane crashes we rolled on by - 4?

 

[scooterwuf]

At least that. I’m hoping lightning won’t strike twice, but I realize that it’s actually raining now as I’m writing this.

- Wolf

 

[TallADVer]

Most headsets will allow Bluetooth connections, but they are super short-range. Go with the brand your riding buddies have. Most of the time that will be Cardo or Sena.

That is probably great advice for the typical buyer of intercom gear. Unfortunately, it doesn't really apply to those of us who are primarily "lone wolf" riders, who don't have an established circle we ride with. In my case, I don't even ride 2-up, so for day to day riding I'm fine without any headset at all. But I am likely to participate in various meetups and group rides, and I assume these will be with a mix of Sena and Cardo owners. My understanding from reading some comparison reviews is that Cardo claims a compatibility advantage when it comes to mesh interoperability. But that, in reality, mesh works best when everyone has the same brand. And when some of the top videos about interconnecting Cardo and Sena just say "use Discord", it really doesn't give me confidence that there are any better answers out there.

For now, I expect I'm going to be buying based on price and features, and will take cross-compatibility as "nice to have if it works, but don't hold your breath"