Bluetooth comm system - useful?

I've been using a Sena SMH10R for about a year and a half now and I love it! I had a Chatterbox XBi for several years before that.

I mainly use mine for listening to music while street riding by myself and to hear my radar detector audio alerts. I don't use it for calls very much but its nice to know I can in an emergency. I've also used it on the track while instructing a student and it worked very well for that too.

I ride a lot with @elsueco and it helps a lot when riding close or changing lanes across a busy highway. We don't have to rely on our mirrors so much to see where each other is at and we can warn each other if one of us sees a problem ahead or behind.

 

I like mine for music mostly and the very rare incoming phone call.

 

I've been using a Scala G4 for 5 years and miss it when I don't have it. I use it mostly for music, and occasionally for texts. I was able to use it to call 911 when a pickup was actively trying to run me off of the road, but I've only wanted it for that once or twice.
Depending on what you use for GPS on the phone, some apps make it possible to download and save a map to your phone, which means you won't be downloading as you ride.

 

What about the ability to have multiple devices to connected....A local store has a few that have like one, four, and then I believe the wolf pack. Does that make a difference? And should I keep that in mind if one is to buy one?

 

That all depends on how many friends you have that ride with you a lot. The range between headsets isn't great. Sena has a device that will let you use a two way radio. That gives you better range, more people to talk to and not everyone has to have the same brand of device.

 

1. Navigation (Check) Google maps off your phone turn by turn
2. Music (check) yah yah I can hear traffic just fine with my BT and ear plugs
3. Rider communication (check) very handy when the wife is two up.
4. Emergency phone call ( check) I wont ride in conversation but my wife only calls if its important otherwise I get a text. If the call comes in I take it and pull over, its nice not having to take your helmet off

I find it very useful (SENA FTW)

 

^^ This

In fact, we just bought a 3rd Sena for our guest helmet. Our daughter came up for a visit and she was two up with me while my wife was on her bike, and we were all three chatting on rides.

 

I have the Sena smh10 and so does everyone in my family. Its great for long road trips so you can have gps and music going at the same time and with a tap of a button switch to communication, or just around town for music. I charge mine about every 2 weeks and I might be wrong but I think on a full charge it will get 12 hours of use.

 

+1 Sena SMH10R. Pretty great range between devices (easily several hundred yards), decent battery life and always pairs to my phone automatically w/o issue. It's also the only device IMO that looks proper on a full face, sport bike helmet.

 

Sena is very affordable compared to those "others"....

 

What is the rectangle box behind the SMH10R?

 

So...side question, but how are you guys texting through the Bluetooth communicator? Do you have an app for that? (I'm talking about Android, not Apple/Siri.)

And OP, I have the Scala G9. It has its quirks, but overall, I'm happy with it and ride with it regularly, aside from track days. I use it mainly for voice GPS directions and music. I'm in the process of setting up radar detector notifications to run through it as well...and that's been a learning experience - lol.

 

I don't text I just hear the chime and ignore it until I'm pulled over. The general rule is we (family) text but if its important CALL...

 

Its the battery. You can pretty much place it anywhere. I have mine on the right side of my helmet. A lot of people put it on the back. Its easily removable and is connected to the system by a plug so you can replace it easily. I have a fully charged spare one in case I kill mine on a long ride.

 

Thanks. I figured that out after I posted, but wanted to hear the insight from users. I wasn't sure how I felt about an external battery, except for the ability to swap for long/multi-day rides.

 

I been using the 20S..I only notice reception problems when next to lots of power lines or electrical fields. Other than that..been a solid unit.

 

I ride with a Sena, bought the pair and gave the other one to my son. Great device. I would highly recommend you download Nokia Here GPS app. It is free and so are the maps so you do not need to use your data like Google. I just found about it when my son and I took our 4 day ride last week. He had it on his phone and it was great. It was his first time over Lolo Pass and he had his phone on the mount so he could see what was coming.

 

Depends how you feel about distraction. I had integrated bluetooth in my old Nolan helmet but wanted a cheaper option and less disturbance when riding so I went with UClear corded helmet speakers. Comes with an extension to plug into the phone. You can get it at Revzilla or Amazon.

I hear music, I hear the phone ring (but can't answer it), I get the ding of a text message but I decide if I want to stop and listen to the voicemail or look at the text.

All part of my evil plan to give the middle finger to the world that expects me to instantly available but not be so disconnected that I miss something important.