So many opinions online. Figured I'd ask.
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What Comm System?
- Thread starter Dimitri
- Start date
I have CARDO but I bought it simply so I can listen to Disco Polo while riding. No need for connecting to others as 99% of my rides are solo.
No. Just adds more noise in form of music.
I wear ear plugs with the music blaring. Still hear some noise from the wind, but I can focus more on the ride and music.
Relax
Well-known member
Start with a list of the things you realistically want out of the device before buying, so you don't spend on unnecessary features. I'm on my second device and haven't regretted either:
1. Started with a Sens 3S for the following reasons:
- wanted something entry level (cheap), but also a name brand
- only needed Bluetooth connectivity to my phone to hear GPS, music and answer calls
- didn't think I needed intercom, but was nice to have and it supported "universal" bluetooth connectivity, but was only able to connect to another Sena (only tried one Sena and one Cardo)
2. Upgraded to a Cardo Freecom 4+ for the following reasons:
- got tired of having to take my hand off the bar to control the device (volume, answer, modes, etc.)
- the killer was having to hold the track skip/repeat button for 2 seconds, which doesn't sound like much, but try it in stop and go traffic
- Cardo Freecom 4+ was the cheapest unit with completely hands free operation
- Intercom was still a nice to have, but didn't feel the need to connect to more than just one other device, so no need to go to a higher model with mesh. Although this device supports 4-way, it's a bit finicky in how you set it up - you basically pair in a daisy chain, so you really only pair with one or two devices, and so on with the others.
1. Started with a Sens 3S for the following reasons:
- wanted something entry level (cheap), but also a name brand
- only needed Bluetooth connectivity to my phone to hear GPS, music and answer calls
- didn't think I needed intercom, but was nice to have and it supported "universal" bluetooth connectivity, but was only able to connect to another Sena (only tried one Sena and one Cardo)
2. Upgraded to a Cardo Freecom 4+ for the following reasons:
- got tired of having to take my hand off the bar to control the device (volume, answer, modes, etc.)
- the killer was having to hold the track skip/repeat button for 2 seconds, which doesn't sound like much, but try it in stop and go traffic
- Cardo Freecom 4+ was the cheapest unit with completely hands free operation
- Intercom was still a nice to have, but didn't feel the need to connect to more than just one other device, so no need to go to a higher model with mesh. Although this device supports 4-way, it's a bit finicky in how you set it up - you basically pair in a daisy chain, so you really only pair with one or two devices, and so on with the others.
I had great experience with Sena. Bought a used 20S without a receipt and the locking pin on the mount broke which was a common failure with the early models. They sent me a complete new mounting kit without any hassle.
Still using that same 20S many years later.
Pactalk Bold here with the bigger JBL speakers. I love it and use it every single time I ride.
I stream RMF FM while riding.
Allows me to listen to a variety of music and always brings back good memories.
Back on Topic.
I was a Sena SRL2 user but switch to Cardo Packtalk Bold as that is the more popular choice amongst riders and I wanted a simple way to connect with other riders.
Once group I often ride with , all have a Cardo. I was tired of them $hit talking about me so I also got a Cardo.
Some of the differences I found between the two system:
-Cardo app seems to be better in design.
-You can switch out the speakers on a Cardo system should one break or you want an upgrade.(my Sena unit was integrated into my helmet and speakers were not swappable)
-Cardo Packtalk Bold unit can be charged OFF the helmet (again my Sena unit was integrated to I always needed to "charge my helmet")
-Cardo unit can be used while charging while riding.
-I found the sound quality to be similar.
Apparently there is a way to pair a Sena unit with a Cardo but the process seems to complicated and time consuming to me.
I may look into the JBL speakers for mine.
Ideally buy a second mount + speaker so I am not limited to a single helmet.
Yes, they want you to buy SRL-Mesh instead (I got SRL2 myself).
There are 45mm speakers and 40mm ones that came stock with my unit when I bought it in 2020. Both are great. I upgraded to the 45mm ones for a slightly louder experience and some adjustability with the sound profiles.
Also worth noting that 22 months after I bought my dual headsets, one of them crapped out because the charging port on the unit dislodged form the circuit board and fell out. I called Cardo Support and they sent me a new one.
I had a similar issue with a Sena 20S. One in my dual pack developed an issue around the 2yr mark. Sena asked for the problem unit to be sent back on their dime and they sent me a whole new single unit kit. Worked out well for me as I now had all the kit from the first one as well as the replacement kit so I can now leave stuff in my snow-helme my and just swap the unit over quickly in the Fall.
Relax
Well-known member
Awesome that they paid for the shipping to them - that's not the norm. This is why I sometimes pay more to buy from GP Bikes, because they take everything back and deal with the warranty on your behalf. Usually it ends up being a store credit for what you paid, which you can then use to re-purchase or buy something else.
No complaints with this one from Amazon: LEXIN 2pcs LX-B4FM Motorcycle... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07DGX2DTK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Longtime Sena user, started with the SMH10, then the 20S and I got a chance to play with the 50S for a weekend ride.
When evaluating comms unit, be realistic about what you are going to be using it for. The newer units these days are all about universal intercom pairing and mesh communications. If you are riding solo or just with one or two other riders with the same unit, then these features are basically useless. In my experience, the universal intercom pairing still needs a lot of work.
The only headache-free setup is if *everyone* is using the same unit. Even different models within the same brand have problems. We just spent a week riding with a buddy, he had a Sena 50S and we had Sena 20S... problems every day with volume and range issues cropping up, since the "mesh" networking requires the 50S to be the hub/server. Not good if the "hub" drops behind and the rest of the users are close to each other but out of range with the "hub".
Very frustrating.
Also IMO, more than 3 people on the comms just leads to a lot of talking over each other and "Missed that, can you repeat?" Makes me just want to drop out of the conversation.
Other cutting edge tech includes better speakers (fatter bass sound so it doesn't get drowned out by road and wind noise) as well as longer battery life. I use earphones plugged into my comms, so this isn't important. My comms still gets me through a 10-hour riding day with the intercom on nearly the entire time without needing to recharge, and this is good enough for me.
If you're riding solo and just want music and to answer a phone call once in a while, an older and cheaper unit will do exactly what you want without paying for the latest and greatest.
I have a helmet without a comms attached to it. I use it mainly for solo riding and if I want to listen to music, I'll just plug in my earphones wired directly to the phone and pair it to a $30 Bluetooth remote control attached to the handlebars.
And if you really hate wires, just use BT earbuds...
When evaluating comms unit, be realistic about what you are going to be using it for. The newer units these days are all about universal intercom pairing and mesh communications. If you are riding solo or just with one or two other riders with the same unit, then these features are basically useless. In my experience, the universal intercom pairing still needs a lot of work.
The only headache-free setup is if *everyone* is using the same unit. Even different models within the same brand have problems. We just spent a week riding with a buddy, he had a Sena 50S and we had Sena 20S... problems every day with volume and range issues cropping up, since the "mesh" networking requires the 50S to be the hub/server. Not good if the "hub" drops behind and the rest of the users are close to each other but out of range with the "hub".
Very frustrating.
Also IMO, more than 3 people on the comms just leads to a lot of talking over each other and "Missed that, can you repeat?" Makes me just want to drop out of the conversation.
Other cutting edge tech includes better speakers (fatter bass sound so it doesn't get drowned out by road and wind noise) as well as longer battery life. I use earphones plugged into my comms, so this isn't important. My comms still gets me through a 10-hour riding day with the intercom on nearly the entire time without needing to recharge, and this is good enough for me.
If you're riding solo and just want music and to answer a phone call once in a while, an older and cheaper unit will do exactly what you want without paying for the latest and greatest.
I have a helmet without a comms attached to it. I use it mainly for solo riding and if I want to listen to music, I'll just plug in my earphones wired directly to the phone and pair it to a $30 Bluetooth remote control attached to the handlebars.
And if you really hate wires, just use BT earbuds...
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