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Helmet communications system choice

6K views 28 replies 25 participants last post by  rickrock 
#1 ·
After spending many hours doing research online for a helmet communications/entertainment system, I have nearly settled on the Sena SMH10 for the base rider/passenger to rider system and using an ipod Nano gen 7 for an FM radio and loaded music via Bluetooth. The Nano is 4.0 and is backwards compatible with the Sena's 3.0 Bluetooth. Is this worthwhile?
 
#3 ·
I use autocomm with, XM radio, GPS (garmin 376c), CB radio, radar detector (which has voltage warning) for bike to bike, bike to passenger, plus I can communicate with truckers ref road conditions radar/laser traps etc when I am on the open hiway. I have used the same unit on 4 different bikes for last 15 years or so.
 
#4 ·
For a simple non-expensive unit I would do the smh10. Me and my wife have used it for years with no issues except once and sena replaced the unit immediately. All 4 of my neighbors use it too. I'm able to pair with my gps and phone and my friends at the same time with no problems. I've used mine in pouring rain, dirt, heat, and everything in between for miles on end. Good battery life as well. I used the chatterbox in the past and was disappointed leading me to this product.

If you do decide to buy the sena, rocketmoto vendor on the advrider forum has a group buy going that is by far the cheapest price you will find and excellent customer service.



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#7 ·
Sena SMH10, Canada or US

Hey everyone. The wife and I have settled on the Sena as the best choice for our comms system for between our bikes, now the next choice is where to order from.
I have checked several retailers in Canada and the US, and of course the States seems to beat us on price by quite a lot of $.
I have seen posts from people saying they have ordered from the States and that shipping was only $10 or so, but they are not mentioning any sort of duty pr taxes they had to pay.

Does anyone have this information?

I am all for buying through a Canadian distributor, but if I can save almost $100, I will go through the States.


Cheers, and thanks for any help you can provide.

Dave
 
#8 ·
Hey everyone. The wife and I have settled on the Sena as the best choice for our comms system for between our bikes, now the next choice is where to order from.
I have checked several retailers in Canada and the US, and of course the States seems to beat us on price by quite a lot of $.
I have seen posts from people saying they have ordered from the States and that shipping was only $10 or so, but they are not mentioning any sort of duty pr taxes they had to pay.

Does anyone have this information?

I am all for buying through a Canadian distributor, but if I can save almost $100, I will go through the States.


Cheers, and thanks for any help you can provide.

Dave
Not sure what the best price you have found from a Canadian retailer so far - I just got one from A Vicious Cycle in Ontario for $196.00 - they wil ship anywhere in Canada
 
#18 ·
I'd like to know from others here whether you prefer helmet speakers or earbuds with your SMH-10.
I made ear buds and I love them...

I bought moldable ear plugs THESE and a $15 pair of Skull Candy ear buds.

I simply inserted the ear bud during the curing process (while in ear), then once cured, I trimmed around the ear bud to expose the sound port and presto! Custom ear bud for $30!

I can give more detailed instructions with pictures if requested. I just don't have the pictures available here at work.

But I love them, they are quiet, even pressure distributed across the ear, easy to get my helmet on and off. I made one set with ear buds and another without for when I'm not running with my Sena
 
#12 ·
My son and I have been using the SMH 10 for a couple of years. True half mile range line of sight. Hills can cut that down to nothing. Foliage can significantly cut it down also. I have the helmet speakers and use earplugs also. Plenty of volume. We only use it for intercom. We've used no other features. Battery life constantly on is 8 hours or more.
 
#15 ·
I have the Cardio Scala G4. It works. I have only paired it once with another unit but it was fun as I had the GPS and when following I got to direct. :mrgreen:

The FM radio is really bad on the open road. It works well with my Motorola Droid Bionic. Like all the options the buttons take learning. I have nto used the Sena so don't know the difference.
 
#17 ·
I have the Sena SMH5 which works great for my puposes. I mostly use it to stream music into my helmet. Even with earplugs in, the speakers are more than loud enough to hear at 80 mph. I've called my wife while riding (just to test the feature) and she couldn't even tell i was on the motorcycle travelling at 70mph.
 
#21 ·
Scala G4

My wife and I have the Scala G4 when they are working they are great. I think the build quality is poor they are not totally waterproof. I have sent one unit back replaced no hassles and know my wifes is playing up slightly from heavy rain. When it is heavy rain that is when you need them the most. Also no ability to replace the battery which is poor on such an expensive unit.
Communication is fantastic adds fun and safety. Also works well with phone.
 
#23 ·
Will different man'f bluetooth systems pair with each other? I have a riding friend that has a Cardo Scala Rider Q2 that he and his wife use. Now I'm shopping for a system.
I have yet to find 2 different brands to pair with each other. Just don't think they have standardized the Bluetooth and wireless technology quite yet. Wish they did though. Would be nice to have ability to communicate with anyone.


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#24 ·
My Sweetheart bought the SMH10 for Xmas. She ordered it direct from Sena after their warning about buying it from an unauthorized reseller which they would not honor the warranty so we would be stuck with relying on whomever she bought it from if there was a warranty issue. First thing I did was register the unit with Sena so we're protected. I haven't used the unit yet because my Sweetheart lives 220 miles away in south Louisiana and the weather hasn't cooperated when she's here to go for a ride. I HAVE been using the Nano with Sony earbuds and am VERY pleased with how this works. The earbud unit comes with the volume adjustment on the wire which is placed just right where I can get to it with my left hand easily.
 
#27 ·
+1 on the Sena. I've been using mine for two years and have had no complaints. I have 3 other rider friends that have them, so it's nice to be able to link up. Plus, my ipod is amplified through it so now I have phone, tunes, and intercom when I ride. I had a Scala Q2 before that and it was fine for phone calls, but but not much else.
 
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